Chapter 29
As the test came to a close, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer pace of the school's assessment schedule.
As I stood up and submitted my test papers, I felt a sudden craving for coffee. "Ah, the coffee machine," I approached the machine. But as I reached for the disposable cup, I realized the machine wasn't cooperating. I tried pressing the buttons, but nothing was coming out. Frustrated, I hit the machine and tried again. Still, nothing.
Just as I was about to give up, I heard a voice behind me. "Can you ever be calm in a situation?" I turned to see Jo standing there, a hint of amusement on his face. He walked up to the machine, pressed a few buttons, and suddenly it sprang to life.
As Jo brought the machine to life, I expected to take over and craft my coffee, but instead, he gently pushed me aside. "Wait, I'm going to do it," he said, his hands moving with a practiced ease that was almost mesmerizing. He expertly brewed two cups of coffee, the aroma wafting through the air like a promise of comfort. He handed me one, his fingers brushing against mine as I took it. The warmth of the cup seeped into my hands, and I felt a sense of gratitude.
"Jo, like how are you always finding me?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. "Always knowing the right spot I'm in." Jo's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered my question. "Well, it's not my fault," he said, his voice low and smooth. "It happens that I always end up seeing you around, and I just have to approach you" His words were laced with a hint of amusement, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I looked at him, my eyes meeting his, and felt a spark of connection. "Well, thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Jo's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I'm tired of hearing that," he said, his voice teasing. "Yesterday, you probably said it almost a hundred times." I laughed, feeling a little embarrassed, but also grateful for his lighthearted jab.
"Jo, if I don't say thank you, how will you know I'm grateful?" I asked, my voice sincere. Jo's expression softened, and he looked at me with a gaze that felt almost intimate. "That reminds me... I have something to say to you tonight," he said, his voice low and mysterious. His words trailed off, leaving me wondering what he might have in mind, and my heart skipped a beat in anticipation.
"Well, what is that?" I asked Jo, curiosity getting the better of me as I sipped my coffee. "Mm, you just have to wait," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'm not going to reveal anything to you. You have to wait till tonight. Besides, I'm going to make you dinner. I'm going to cook for you."
I suddenly laughed, my eyes widening in surprise. "Jo, wait, you can cook?" I asked, my tone incredulous. Jo's expression turned mock-offended. "Wait, I don't understand. Do I look like I can't?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I laughed again, my shoulders shaking. "No, I just find it... I find it absurd," I said, still chuckling. Jo's face softened, and he said, "Come on, then." I looked at him, my curiosity piqued. "Okay, fine. I'm going to be there when you start cooking. Probably, I can... I can just learn how to cook a few Korean meals," I said, my eyes sparkling with interest.
Jo nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's fine, then." I looked at him, my brow furrowed in question. "Wait, you can cook... like, which kitchen will cook?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity. Jo's smile grew wider. "You don't have to worry about that. There's a student kitchen where students are allowed to prepare their own meals if they don't want to eat the cafeteria food."
I stared at him, my eyes wide with surprise. "What? How come I didn't know about this?" I asked, my voice filled with wonder. Joes expression turned amused. "Well, maybe because you really had no idea..." he said, his voice trailing off.
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The sudden boom of the speaker's voice shattered the tranquility of our conversation, like a crack of thunder on a summer day. "Attention, attention, students!" the voice announced, its tone firm and commanding. "Meet at the hall now. All students should meet at the school hall.
The words echoed through the air, leaving us no choice but to obey. Jo's expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto mine with a hint of curiosity. "I guess we should go," he said, his low voice barely audible over the murmurs of the other students. I nodded in agreement, and we fell into step with the sea of students streaming towards the hall.
As we stepped into the hall, my gaze drifted to Jo, his chiseled features illuminated by the soft light. The hall itself was a masterpiece, with chairs scattered in a seemingly organized charming arrangement. Jo's eyes met mine, and he nodded towards the middle section, suggesting we take our seats.
The room began to fill with students, their chatter and laughter creating a gentle hum. I leaned in close to Jo, my voice barely above a whisper. "This place is gorgeous." His smile was my reward, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he whispered back, "I know, right? The school is stunning from top to bottom."
I nodded in agreement, taking in the spotless hall and the sweet scent of cleanliness that lingered in the air. But as we sat there, a shiver ran down my spine. The air conditioner was blasting, and I could feel the chill seeping into my bones. Jo's eyes locked onto mine, and without a word, he slipped off his uniform jacket and draped it over my lap.
I looked up at him, surprised, and he smiled. "You're cold," he said, his voice low and gentle. I opened my mouth to thank him, but before I could utter a word, he placed a gentle finger over my lips. "Don't," he whispered, his voice teasing. "I'm tired of hearing that." The touch sent shivers down my spine, but this time, it was a different kind of chill – one that had nothing to do with the cold and everything to do with the boy sitting beside me.