The day started like any normal day. I woke up too early (again), threw on my uniform, and headed to school, trying to stay awake long enough to make it through my first class. As usual, I arrived at school ridiculously early, so I decided to sit in the back of the classroom to avoid bumping into anyone.
But then, just as I was about to sit down, someone walked in.
Min-jun.
Park Min-jun, the one person who seems to have it all together. His messy hair always looks perfect, like he just rolled out of bed and walked into a photoshoot. He's quiet and mysterious, but what makes him stand out is that hidden charm. It's not like he tries to be charming. He doesn't need to. But when he does flash that smile, even if it's just for a second, you can't help but feel your heart flutter.
So, of course, I wasn't prepared for what happened next.
I was just about to sit down in my usual spot when he walked past me, his jacket brushing against mine. And that's when it happened. I dropped my books.
It felt like everything went in slow motion. The books hit the floor with a thud, and it was like the entire class went silent.
"Oh no," I muttered, scrambling to pick them up.
And that's when Min-jun, being the gentleman he is, crouched down to help me. And, of course, in my flustered state, I knocked over his water bottle in the process. The water spilled everywhere, and the awkwardness was so thick I could almost touch it.
I froze for a moment, staring at the puddle of water on the floor, and thought, Great. I just ruined my life. Why can't I be normal for one day?
But then... then he smiled at me.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice calm, but with a hint of concern. His gaze made my heart race, and I probably looked like a complete dork. "Yeah! I mean, no... yes, I'm totally fine," I stammered, trying to save face.
He chuckled, and I could feel my cheeks heat up. "You're cute when you're flustered," he said.
CUTE. ME. FLUSTERED.
I swear, I've never felt more embarrassed in my life. But that smile... I could barely focus on anything else. It was like my brain stopped working entirely.
The teacher arrived just in time to save me from the awkwardness, and Min-jun sat down, but not before flashing me one last smile. That smile was the kind that made me think maybe, just maybe, I didn't completely ruin my chance to talk to him.
Later that day, during lunch, Hye-jin caught me staring into space. I didn't even realize I was doing it. My mind was still replaying the whole morning over and over, especially the part where Min-jun smiled at me.
"Are you okay?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You've been staring into space like that for ten minutes."
I shrugged, trying to act casual. "I'm just... thinking."
"About Min-jun?" she teased, poking me in the side. "You totally crashed into him this morning. Admit it, you like him."
My cheeks turned bright red. "I don't! I mean... maybe, but... I don't even know how to talk to him. What if he thinks I'm weird?"
"Girl," Hye-jin said, rolling her eyes, "he already noticed you. Trust me."
Then came the real kicker. After school, I had to meet Min-jun for a class project. Yep. Me, Min-jun, alone, in the library. Working on a project. Alone.
He sat down across from me, and for a second, I couldn't breathe. His soft, serious expression was enough to make my heart do flips.
"So, what's the plan for this project? Got any ideas?" he asked, looking at me with those piercing eyes.
My stomach did this weird fluttering thing, and I almost forgot what I was supposed to say. "Uh, well... I was thinking we could—"
And then, it happened.
He reached across the table to hand me a piece of paper, and when our fingers brushed, everything stopped. I froze. My heart sped up so fast that I thought I might pass out. Min-jun didn't seem phased, though. In fact, he smiled. A real, genuine smile.
"I've always noticed you, Eun-ji," he said quietly, but the weight of his words hit me like a ton of bricks.
I couldn't believe it. "You've... you've noticed me?" I whispered.
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yeah, I've always thought you were different. In a good way."
Then, something completely unexpected happened. He leaned in, just enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath, and kissed me. It was gentle, soft, and for a moment, I thought my whole world was spinning. My mind went blank, but my heart was full.
When we pulled away, I couldn't say a word. I was too busy replaying the kiss in my mind. It was like something out of a movie, and I was too stunned to know what to do next.
Min-jun smiled again, this time a little more nervously. "I... I really like you, Eun-ji. A lot."
I almost couldn't believe what I was hearing. He liked me.
I finally found my voice, but all I could manage was, "I like you too."
And just like that, my school life—no, my life—just got a lot more complicated. But in the best possible way.
---
Later that night, as I sat at my desk, trying to wrap my head around everything that had happened, I finally grabbed my diary. I had to write it all down.
Dear Diary,
I think I just died a little bit today.
So, here's the deal: there's this guy. His name is Park Min-jun (aka Matthew Park in English, but honestly, I'm still calling him Min-jun because that's what feels right). He's in my history class, and let me tell you, he is perfect. His hair always looks like he just rolled out of bed, and yet it somehow looks amazing. He's quiet, mysterious, and super smart, but don't let that fool you—he's got this hidden charm that just makes my heart do flips.
Anyway, I wasn't planning on making a fool of myself today... but of course, that's exactly what happened...