river of blood.

first bud

that day i asked him about his findings. he took a particular interest in the history of our country, and went to a book club daily after school.

"did you know they invented something called the 'telephone' but the english scrapped it because they thought it was an annoyance? they still have prototypes in the american university-- what is it called again?"

i laughed and nibbled on my chopstick; acting coy, exactly how he likes it.

"wow! you're so smart, hyung."

he blushed to his eyebrows and looked away. "i'm in no position to be called hyung."

"why not? you're smart and loyal, and look so handsome!" i exclaimed, then lowered my lashes and looked away. cute and coy. simple enough.

he blushed darker, and looked at me. properly. like he was drinking me in for the first time. and he smiled.

"thank you." he whispered, and i blushed. properly. because i think he meant it.