Stuck in Between

21. Distracted

Tao's POV

It wasn't my intention to be cruel. I just don't wanna be involved with anyone in school or act like a knight in a shinning armor to anyone?

If I did save that girl named Namjoo, will the time I saved you from Kris be worthless?

Is it my fault if I wanted to make you feel special?

Why can't you see that?

Or are you just pretending you don't know what I wanted you to feel?

"Haist!"

I pulled my hair out of frustration.

Chorong, stop being so dumb!

I walked fast back to the school gym for Basketball practice.

Minseok Hyung and Baekhyun Hyung were left playing.

"Hyung, where are the others?" I asked.

Baekhyun Hyung threw me the ball. "Yah! You are super late and you are asking us where are the others? Jinjja!"

I put down my bag on the bench and shoot from the 3-point lane.

"Shoot!" Baekhyun Hyung exclaimed.

They both clapped their hands.

"So you're telling us you're already THAT good so it's okay to be late for practice huh?" Baekhyun said jokingly.

I sat down the bench. "Mianhae, Hyung. I had to finish some homework that I forgot to pass so Mr. Kim called me to the faculty."

Of course, that isn't true. I was so engrosed with martial arts practice at the school dance studio that I didn't notice the time then I saw Chorong passed by and I followed her.

Minseok Hyung sat beside me."Chorong was here a while ago."

I automatically faced him in curiousity.

"Yah!" Baekhyun Hyung suddenly hit me with the ball.

"Hyung!" I exclaimed, shocked.

He looked at me with a serious face. "I thought you went after her because you think Kris is after her. Why do we think that you are being serious about her now?"

I couldn't answer for a couple of seconds. "Hyung, aniyo. I am not serious."

"Really?" Baekhyun Hyung gave that sarcastic tone again.

"Ne." I answered immediately.

"Okay." Then he got his bag. "Let's go Minseok Hyung!" and left.

Minseok Hyung also got his bag and tapped me in the shoulder. "Dongsaeng-ah. It's okay if you really like her. Just tell us." He smiled and waved goodbye.

What are they trying to say?

Why do they think I'm serious?

Yes, you are getting serious.The small voice in my head echoed.

Am I getting serious?

But I don't like her.

Then the scene in the classroom this afternoon flashed back.

I only wanted to distract Kris by pretending to go after the girl he likes but now..

Why?

I felt like I wanted to get slapped instead of her at that particular moment.

My body stood up to cover her without thinking.

I felt irritated when Kris and Chorong talked to each other.

That strange feeling seeing them standing close to each other.

And a while ago... why did I act that way?

why do I feel like I really wanna win her over him?

Damn it! I don't wanna think about it. Hwang Zi Tao, concentrate with your goal. Concentrate.

I got the ball and started shooting for free throw to clear my mind.

This is nothing. We shall beat EXO in any means.

----------