Innocence // STRAY KIDS' Han Jisung

forty one

"That's because the teacher's strict."

"No, it's because you're you. He grades by name, you know."

"He doesn't, you're just envious."

"Look, there was one time when I copied everything that was on Hyunjin's exam," he hushed, pointing his finger up to prove his argument. "He got a ninety-five while I got an eighty."

"That happens all the time," she shrugged, trying to keep her laughter in.

"It's the same thing with Nora and Dayeon, just that Nora's the one who has the higher grade."

"She told you, huh."

Felix stammered and his eyes moved nervously, "Um—well—yeah."

"How's it going everything with her, though? You said you were going to tell me, yet I still don't know a single thing."

"Later, don't worry," he whispered, nodding along. "It's just that everything's just starting and I still don't know if she wants this—us—to be something serious or not."

"Why? She still thinks on a not-serious relationship?"

"I don't know. That's the thing, I don't know. And every time I try to speak about it with her she avoids the topic or simply just finds an excuse to walk away."

Mirae pursed her lips, not really knowing what to say. "Do you want me to talk it out with her?"

"No, you're not supposed to know that we're even a thing," he panicked, looking around to see if anyone was listening. "Look, I'll explain it all to you later, I promise, but please don't talk about this with Nora. It'd scare her away."

"But this is something that's bothering you, right?"

Felix nodded slowly.

"If you two don't talk it out, I'll do it—"

"Don't!"

"I have to if you don't do it yourself, Felix." She said, looking right into his eyes. "You don't have to restrain your feelings just because she doesn't want something serious and you do. As much as I love Nora, as her friend and as your friend I don't think this is right for the both of you. You deserve someone who isn't afraid to feel the same way you feel about them."

"She isn't, it's just—ugh," he stumbled on his words, tapping his hands nervously on the table. "I'll explain it all to you, I swear, but this isn't as easy as you might think."

"How hard can it really be? You're both just nineteen, barely knowing anything about life. You don't know what life is yet."

"Oh, but you do?"

She widened her eyes at his sass, feeling somehow attacked. "I know nothing. I'm just trying to figure out how to live without stumbling on the way, and that includes helping friends that need it."

Felix nodded his head, letting out a deep breath. "You're right, yeah, sorry."

Mirae nodded as well, looking back to her conference; she held it up, trying to remember where she had given up before, when she felt a tap on her forearm.

"Did you hear about what Jeno's friends are planning to do today at rehearsal?"

She frowned, shaking her head. "No. I haven't returned since Monday."

"Oh, right. Why though?"

"That bitch of a teacher basically wanted me to kiss someone I do not want to kiss in front of the whole school. Is there any more reason to be upset with that witch?"