𝐖𝐀𝐁𝐈-𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐈 ━━ 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗦𝗠

《 二 》

As I got up, I scribbled a little question mark next to their research title(?) and approached them.

"I suggest using mangosteen or any fruit or fruit rind that stains heavily. Plants have other parts besides their leaves after all." I gave them a small smile before approaching another group.

My smile quickly faded as the watch on my wrist beeped. I didn't have to look to know that it was almost past my curfew already, about fifteen minutes left before I must be back at the estate.

A small bit of guilt swelled in my heart as the words the group had said entered one ear of mine then out the other. They must have prepared so much that I didn't even have to ask them what I needed to know to help them with their research. I was so focused on typing a quick message to my mother and father that I won't be home on time to notice that the group was waiting for some kind of feedback from me.

"Oh, uhm," I gulped but remained calm, "I suggest not making two separate apps or including both subjects at the same time since we only have limited time. You'll end up doing twice as much research if you do both physics and chemistry. Instead make a survey or find out the statistics of how many students struggle with either subject, then you'll know which one to make an app for."

An inaudible sigh of relief left my mouth as I stepped away from the group. My feedback may have been well received but I could still feel my hands shaking as I waited for either of my parents to reply or react to my messages. It was terrifying enough that I'm going home past curfew even with a message about it but for them to still be upset regardless of my notice? It means my reason for staying outside still isn't good or important enough.

Then I found myself standing in front of Yoojin. He was smiling at me and when I finally snapped out of my brief rumination he chuckled. That same light chuckle that sounded like wind chimes clinking together from a gentle breeze. Somehow, it made me feel at ease, even when my father sent a thumbs up emoji through text.

"Do I still need to tell you my group's research or do you want to just sit with me for a while?" He asked casually, pulling another seat closer to him and gesturing to it with another one of his cheeky grins.

"Who am I to say no to the luxury of a break?" I replied just as coolly. I placed my iPad and pen on the desk before sitting down, letting Yoojin see what I've written down for each group's research.

"You can place my and my brother's name beside Mandeok Bang. Yoojin and Yoosung," he said, moving his laptop closer to me so I can see their whole name on their Google docs. I quickly erased Mandeok's last name to fit in their names

"How come he isn't here today?" I asked, still scrolling through the list of groups and their research but more than half of my attention was with Yoojin. It felt almost just like when we were talking back in the library a few days ago.

He sighed softly, causing me to look up from my iPad. He wore a knitted brow and a small frown that hardly suited him. His face was made for smiling and having light expressions, I'm certain of it. It was distinctly the opposite of mine with how many people have told me that having hard expressions made me look more charismatic. He sat in a more relaxed manner and looked at me.

"He's a bit busy with work but he'll be in school for regular classes of course." Then his hand went up to my face. At first, I didn't know what he was going to do. Was he attempting to take my glasses? To poke the lenses? Or to touch my face? None of those, apparently.