Learn To Be Real | KTH

Chapter 4

"I'm nothing exciting, Miyeon. You'll just be wasting your time." I say softly, looking away out the window as I mildly try to hide the dejection from my voice.

"Oh, come now. I don't believe that, Tae. You're just feeling a bit down from whatever's bothering you right now. I'd like to help, if you'd let me." She responds, reaching out and placing a delicate hand on my forearm. I look down at it emotionlessly for a moment. Sighing in frustration, I shake her hand off as I pull my arm away.

"There's no helping it when nearly everyone fucking hates you. Considering I've tried just about everything to try and fix it and it's still going on since it started months ago? Yeah, sorry, but I doubt it's that easy of a fix." I mutter, my pain coming off more as anger whilst I glare down at the untouched cup. She stays silent for a good minute, probably surprised by my sudden outburst as she looks over at me with pursed lips.

"What about your friends? I doubt they hate you, Tae." Miyeon suggests quietly. I scoff though, tears beginning to fill my eyes as I roll them.

"Fuck no. They're half the problem. Hell, they're why I'm here right now instead of spending the whole day with them as planned." I snap softly. Though, I'm surprised when she offers me a small smile.

"Hey, you're not alone. Okay? You've got me now. I'll be your friend." Miyeon informs me with a gentle tone. My head snaps up to look at the beautiful girl in front of me with wide eyes. It hurts to hear her say that we'll only be friends, but I guess it's better than nothing. Right? And the fact that someone actually wants to be around me? That's painfully fucking new.

"But why? You don't even know me. Besides, I hardly have time in my schedule. I'm stupidly fucking busy with work and the assholes I've got to call friends." I question, hating it when my voice cracks.

"Because I don't want you to be so alone. I know what it's like and it fucking sucks, and I don't want to just leave you to be your own destruction because of that. Besides, you seem like you'd be a fun person to be around if we can get you back out of your shell. And, don't worry about the schedule thing. Firstly, I'd fit my schedule around yours if I have to. Secondly, you can just text me whenever you're free so that we can hang. I'll more than likely be free anyways. All I've ever got going on anymore is work." Miyeon answers with a beautiful smile.

Sighing quietly to myself, I bite my lip as I look down at the poor drink I've ordered and still not begun to enjoy. I'm completely caught off guard by how much she's really wanting to spend time with me. It's definitely a surprise that someone as kind and sweet and pretty as her would have any idea what it's like to feel just fucking alone, but I guess we've all got our secrets to bear.

"Thank you." I tell her softly, finally growing the courage to look back up at her. She simply smiles once more, nodding her head.

"Of course. Oh, here. Put your number in my phone and I'll send you a text so you've got mine." She says happily as she pulls her phone out of her pocket, handing it over to me. Biting my lip once again, I take the device from her and type in my name and number. Thought of her already knowing who I am doesn't bother me much, still honestly surprised that she's got any interest in talking to me, let alone hanging around with me. Once my information is in her phone, I hand it back to her, soon feeling my phone buzz on the table afterwards.

"So, Tae. Tell me about yourself?" Miyeon asks with a hopeful tone and a cheeky smile. I chuckle quietly at her cuteness.

"Umm... Okay. I'm twenty one years old, got six best friends who have seriously distances themselves from me. Work a shit ton of hours throughout each day. I don't really get to get out much anymore, to be honest. And, if I'm being completely honest, I probably don't do so well with emotions anymore. What about you? Tell me a bit about yourself?" I answer shyly, rubbing the back of my neck shyly. She grins over at me.

"I guess we'll have to change that too. Got it, get you back outta that shell of yours to show more emotion and get you out more." She says with a wink.

"Okay, so... I'm twenty, got a younger sister. I just finished my business degree in college a few months ago. I spend most of my time working here, mainly because I've not bothered going out to look for a better one right now. My sister is my best friend. And, uh, that's kinda me in a nutshell." Miyeon answers with her beautiful smile gracing her lips every second, tucking a strand of her dark brunette hair behind her ear.

"Now, you see. You're so much more interesting and cooler than me already." I tease lightly with a small smile, finally deciding to take a sip from my drink. Once again, the beautiful girl sat across the table from me giggles softly, caramel eyes lighting up as her nose crinkles up ever so lightly.

"Well I'm glad you think I'm interesting and cool, Tae. I would definitely say the same about yourself. Unfortunately, though, my break is ending and I gotta get back to work. See you later?" Miyeon says lightly as she stands up. Trying to keep my already small smile from shrinking, I nod my head.

"Of course. Have a good rest of your shift. I should probably get going anyways."