Kkangpae and I

Chapter 12

Yandy: 12.7.15

I stretched my arms over my head as I exited my last class of the day, well review class of the day. It’s that time of the semester where people don’t sleep or bathe but overeat and study. Yes people, it’s finals week and I’ve been studying my a*s off like late-night-what-is-sleep-one-meal-a-day studying. Don’t get me wrong, I take showers ‘cause y’know I was raised to. Shade. Anyway, I’ve been confused lately, and when I say confused I mean Joon confused. But that’s a given right. Ever since that come to Jesus moment we had on his couch he’s been hanging around me more often and staring at everyone like a predator. I don’t know if he took it the wrong way or not but I’ll have to talk to him about it eventually. Thinking of Joon, I should start my research on him after the week of finals. It’s nothing too stalkerish, I just want to know who the f**k I’m dealing with for the next couple of months and I know it’s wrong but it’s not, he’s willing to tell me anything so I have to find out for myself. Yeah, I can do it in my own home without him breathing down my back.

I smiled as I thought about going home and being with my family for the winter break, then I caught a headache because I remember that momma said all of my family is making it down to Tuskegee for Christmas and that’s gonna be hell for two weeks. I popped my knuckles as I walked into the bathroom, I did my business then went to the sink to wash my hands. Seeing my reflection in the mirror almost scared me, I had deep bags under my eyes and my skin was pale, I looked sick. I grimaced, Maybe I should take a break from studying, I thought to myself before fixing my hair and outfit. When I thought everything was in place, I walked out of the bathroom and took a deep sigh before finding the exit to the building. I was walking down the hallway when I heard yelling, I furrowed my eyebrows but kept walking.

“Yandy!” Some yelled my name from behind, usually I’ll ignore it but it sounds too familiar. I turned around and saw Janice speed walking towards me.

She stopped in front of me “Where are you headed?” She asked.

I yawned behind my hand before answering “I was going back to my dorm to start packing for the winter break.”

“Oh,” She glanced at her phone “I was going to ask if you wanted to study with the group.” She trailed off.

I mulled it over before agreeing, “I could use a little extra studying.” I smiled.

She smiled “You want to head to the library now or get something to eat?” She asked as she adjusted her bag.

I shrugged “I’m not really hungry so we can head to the library if you’re ready.” I said.

She gave me a nod and walked off, I trailed behind her then caught up. Janice and I aren’t really friends but we’ve helped each other over the semesters with classes so we have a classmate relationship. She’s really smart and kind and I really do hope for the best for her when we graduate. We carried on a casual conversation and I was half paying attention until she mentioned Joon.

My head snapped to her “What?” I asked.

She sent me a shy smile “I said” She started loudly “how does it feel dating the smartest person in class?” She asked with a teasing smile.

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at my shoes “Annoying.” I grumbled.

She giggled “How so?” She questioned as she moved closer to me to let people by.

I rolled my eyes “When it comes to school all he does is brag about how smart he is and how he should be the one teaching the class because he learned this when he was in grade school in Korea.” I ranted “And when it’s not about school, he just tries to tell me what to do and shift my focus away from him when it’s about him.” I finished with a frown.

She frowned “Then why are you dating him?” She asked with concern.

I paused, forgetting that I was supposedly madly in love with Joon “Because I love him.” I beamed “And when you’re in love, it makes you stupid for one another, Janice.” I sighed thoughtfully “And that's the only thing he's stupid at, is me.” What kind of bull am I saying?? That didn’t even sound right to me.

She gave me a weird look before nodding “I guess so…” She trailed off as she tapped her chin “I’ve never been in love so I’ll take your word for it.” She said then side eyed me “Just don’t let the stupid interfere with your studies, you made it to far to let something stupid lead you astray.” I nodded at her words “No matter how sexy he is, ok?” She teased as she grabbed the door handle.

I scoffed, “Whatever,” I shooed her into the Library building “let’s go.” I demanded.

She rolled her eyes “Pushy pushy, does Joon know you’re this pushy?” She asked, I sent her a look that read ‘Duh’ “I don’t know how he can be with someone so pushy.” She grumbled.

I mocked her and gestured for her to lead the way. She led me to the corner of the library where we saw a group of people. I saw a few faces I recognized, some I wish not to see, I followed Janice to our seats and sat my bag down on the ground.

“You gettin thick like a bowl of grits, Yandy.” James commented after I took my coat off.

James’ fine and all but he's a bit of a playboy which was one of the reasons we couldn't work out, I thought he would figure that out but nope. He steadily tries each time he sees me.

I sat down and gave him a flat look before smiling at everyone, “Hey y’all.” I greeted as I pulled my books out.

They either responded verbally, orally, or not at all. I looked at Jasmine as she started writing on the board, I waited for her to move out of the way so I could see what she wrote. Accounting. They were going over accounting. That's easy, I thought to myself but thirty-seven minutes in and I started to get a headache. I didn’t know if it was because of the lights or was it because I was tired, I sat my pencil down as I closed my eyes and started to massage my forehead.

I opened my eyes at the sound of my name, I glanced to my right and saw Janice looking down at my in light concern.

“Are you okay?” She asked with a frown.

I gave her a weak smile “I just have a little headache.” I brushed off as I sat up straight.

“We’re taking a break now.” She straightened her things “We can go into the lobby and sit if you want.” She suggested. 

I gave out a relieved sigh “That would be great.” I smiled as I slowly put my stuff away.

She stood up and waited for me, I grabbed my bag and followed her into the lobby.

She frowned “How long have you had your headache?” She asked as she sat down in an armchair.

I sat next to her “Since my last class but it comes and goes now.” I rubbed my forehead then stopped “I’m thinking about leaving and just going to sleep it off.” I said as I closed my eyes and laid my head on the back of the chair.

“That's a good idea.” She agreed and I caught her nodding when I opened my eyes, she looked at her phone and frowned “Let me take this call and I’ll be back.” She turned and quickly walked through the doors. I stared at the door for at least a minute before closing my eyes, I really should leave and go to sleep, I groaned as I rubbed my temples. It was getting better until I smelled a certain scent.