Chapter 73
** Sarah POV**
The bus was a whirlwind of noise, the air thick with the cacophony of chatter and laughter that filled every corner of the vehicle. The teacher, seemingly resigned to the chaos, didn't even attempt to silence the rowdy students. It was as if they had collectively decided to shed their inhibitions and let their voices ring out without restraint. The din was almost deafening, a relentless barrage of sound that threatened to overwhelm me.
I slipped my headset back onto my ears, the familiar beat of the music a welcome respite from the chaos around me. As I checked my phone for the time, my eyes landed on the digital display: almost 2 pm. The hours had ticked by with surprising speed, lost in the haze of noise and distraction.
Before I knew it, the bus finally pulled into the school parking lot, the time on my phone now reading well past 4 pm. The students around me stirred to life, their excitement palpable as they began to disembark. I stood up, patiently waiting for the crowd to thin out before I made my move. My eyes scanned the sea of faces, but one person was noticeably absent: Hyun Min. He had been on the other bus, and I hadn't caught a glimpse of him since I saw him talking to that chu chu girl.
As I prepared to exit the bus, a sudden tug on my waist caught me off guard. I spun around, my heart skipping a beat, and that's when I saw him – Jo. A flutter of surprise ran through me, followed by a wave of guilt. I had all but forgotten about him, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Had I even seen him at the camp? I couldn't recall, but one thing was certain: he looked different. His hairstyle was new, and it suited him.
"What's the meaning of this?" I asked, my voice laced with a mix of curiosity and amusement. My tone was neither rude nor cold; I was genuinely perplexed.
Jo's response was immediate. "There is a stain at your back," he said, his voice low and smooth. I felt like sinking into the ground as I looked down, and my eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't a random gesture; he had wrapped his jacket around my waist.
I was about to thank him when he turned and walked away, leaving me staring after him in wonder. When had he gotten on the bus? Why hadn't I noticed him? The questions swirled in my mind as I watched him disappear into the crowd. I looked down at his jacket, still wrapped around my waist, and felt a strange sense of gratitude toward him.
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As I stepped into my hostel room, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I nearly leaped onto my bed, sinking into the familiar comfort of my sanctuary. Oh, how I missed this place! It was my little haven, soft and inviting, just as I remembered.
The thought of sharing this intimate space with anyone else made me shudder. I had had enough of friendship for a lifetime—this was my retreat, a refuge where I could be completely myself.
I made my way to the bathroom. As I washed my face, my thoughts drifted to Hyun Min. A smile crept onto my lips unbidden. The anticipation of seeing him again thrilled me; it was exhilarating yet terrifying. Then, the memory of our kiss flooded my mind, causing my heart to race.
He was good at it. Oh, how could I have allowed him to pull me into that moment? A rush of warmth spread across my cheeks, and I could almost hear my inner voice, chiding me playfully, "Oh, Sarah!" I felt a mix of exhilaration and shyness, the simple joy of that kiss lingering sweetly in my thoughts as I turned back to the mirror, a blush painting my cheeks. My heart danced with excitement, mingled with uncertainty, and I couldn't help but feel hopeful for what was to come.
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As I lay on my bed, the glow of my laptop cast an eerie light on my face, illuminating the discomfort that had taken over my body. The fantasy K-drama playing on the screen seemed to fade into the background as my waist throbbed in protest. I shifted positions, seeking relief, but the ache persisted, like someone was slowly tearing me apart from the inside out.
The pain became unbearable, and I knew I had to take action. I flicked on the light, the sudden brightness making me squint. I slipped on my flip-flops and headed out into the hallway, the cool air a welcome respite from the tension building in my body. A quick glance at my phone told me it was only 7 pm - still plenty of time to make it to the school clinic before curfew which was 9pm.
The clinic was my destination, and painkillers my goal. I had enjoyed a quiet dinner in my room, savoring the takeaway and stockpiling snacks for any midnight cravings. But now, all I wanted was relief from this relentless pain. I picked up my pace, my footsteps echoing through the empty hallways as I made my way to find some solace.
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As I stepped into the school clinic, familiarity washed over me. I navigated the empty corridors with ease, only to find the doctor's office vacant. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to explore the clinic's nooks and crannies. The sound of approaching footsteps prompted me to slip into the shadows, hiding behind a nearby curtain. Why was I hiding, anyway? I had come for painkillers, not to play hide-and-seek.
The voices grew louder, and I hesitated, wondering if I should reveal myself. But something about the conversation caught my attention. "I'm afraid a thorough examination is necessary" the doctor said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of concern.
"I've told you before, I just need something to help me sleep," a voice replied, his tone tinged with frustration and a touch of desperation. "These sleepless nights are taking a toll on me."
My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the tone, the cadence, the timbre. It couldn't be. Yet, I had to be sure. I cautiously poked my head out from behind the curtain, my eyes scanning the room until they landed on him. What was he doing here complaining about sleep,the doctor's stern expression suggested she wasn't buying his act. I froze, unsure whether to step forward or remain hidden, as the situation unfolded before me like a private drama.
"Let's take a look at your chart," the doctor said, her eyes scanning the papers in front of her. "It seems you've been experiencing insomnia for weeks now. We need to find the underlying cause." Hyun Min's expression turned guarded, and I wondered what secrets he might be hiding. What was really going on with him?