100 Days of Jinyoung

Day 1: I didn't really see her, just the pile of books she was carrying

When I first saw her, I didn't really see her. Just the pile of books she was carrying.

She looked so small against the huge bookshelf of the library where she works as an assistant and I couldn't help but love watching her. I find her so cute, specially sometimes when she gets engrossed in what she's reading. I adore how her mouth pouts as she reads the dialogues while her eyebrows crease as she gets lost in the world of books.

I usually hang out here to be alone in my thoughts, to pass the time reading. But nowadays, I look forward to seeing her the most.

We're both on the same year at school and we share some classes together, but there really wasn't a chance for us to talk. I never had the courage to approach her and now it's just a few days away before summer break.

One day, soccer practice went longer than scheduled and I arrived at the library late. I checked her booth and she wasn't there. Afraid she's already gone home, I checked every corner of the library, hoping she would still be here. Hoping I could still see her face.

And as if someone heard my prayer, there she was. On one of the reading desks just beside the large window of this old building. The brightness from outside just washed over her and turned her dark locks golden. I was at awe. She's a divinity.

Now pleased to know that she's still here, I finally relaxed and continued to go around what I usually do. Browse for books to pass the time, sitting somewhere where I can take a glimpse of her.

While reading, somehow the exhaustion from the game earlier caught up with me and I fell asleep.

I was soon awakened by a small nudge on my arm and a soft voice that called my name.

I opened my eyes to see her big doe eyes looking at me. I got flustered and was about to drop the book I was holding but thankfully quickly caught it and tried to put it back on the shelf I was leaning on.

Seeing it was already dark outside, I was embarrassed. I bowed down and uttered my first words to her, "Sorry, I'll go now."

I was about to flee away from embarrassment when she called out, "Wait..."

I slowly looked back to face her, and she suggested, "We can walk out together."

I was speechless with joy that I was only able to nod in reply. I silently waited as she locked the doors of the library and now we're outside, walking on the street towards the bus stop.

While walking she suddenly introduced herself, telling me her name.

"Yes, I know.", I confessed. How could I not know the person I was stalking for the past year. But somehow she was surprised that I know her name. She raised her eyebrows as she twirled around to look at me. I barely held the grin from my face at how endearing she looked, but she quickly turned away again.

Walking together alone that evening, I couldn't hold it back anymore. I stopped walking. Trying to build up the strength to tell her.

She was already a few paces away from me when she stopped, too. She glanced back. The dim lights from these street lamps illuminated her. Just as her expression stilled, the chilly wind from this night blew through her hair as a few stray strands danced around her face.

Before she can step forward, I blurted it out.

"I like you."