Sweet Escape

Chapter 2

It was almost lunch break, every student was waiting for the clock to hit 12nn. Then a phone rings, disturbing the lecture. Suddenly, a man stood up and said, “I’m sorry, I have to take this call”. The professor tries to stop him saying, “Mr. John Lee, we are not done yet!” but he already left. 

“Dad?” John asked. “Hi, son. How are your studies?” his father asked. 

“I’m doing fine. They’ve told me that I’m running for c*m laude,” he replied. 

“Wow! Congrats my son! I’m sure that your mother would be so proud of you.” his father praised him, but then he stuttered— “About your graduation, I just… I-I can’t make it. I have a business meeting abroad, and I have to be there. I’ll just send someone over.” his father said.

“Yeah, sure”, John replied in a cold voice, then he hung up the phone. He thought— ”Why did I even get my hopes up? I know he’ll always prioritize his business over our family.” 

He was disappointed. Upset. He went to the smoking area near the convenience store and reached into his pockets to grab a stick. He lights it up, inhales, then exhales. This was one of the ways he thought that would cool off his anger, along with the fumes he breathes out. He was about to finish up when a few other students walked by. 

“Do you think John deserves to be a c*m laude?” he heard one of the girls say. “I think so, he looks smart,” another girl replied. “Nah. I think it’s because of his father’s wealth.” the other girl disagreed. 

John closed his eyes and clenched his fist. He wanted to turn around and confront the girls, but what good would that do? It would only damage his reputation. So he decided to just walk away down the street. He then saw a woman running towards the convenience store. She had fair skin, her curly hair bounces at every step. He didn’t get to see her face clearly since she quickly ran past him, but he kinda knew that she looked more or less his type. He looked back to see if she would turn, so he could see her face, but he only saw her back, along with her curly hair bouncing.

”John! There you are!” his classmate shouted. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. What were you doing here?” 

“Nothing! I’m just...” he was lost in his thoughts, still trying to check if the girl would turn back. 

Migs asked, “Have you finished our homework in programming?”

“Of course,” he replied. “What kind of student would not do their homework before coming to school?” Migs got stunned. John quickly understood that the kind of student he was talking about was his friend.

“C’mon Migs! I’m not gonna let you just copy my hard work!” he shouted as he tried to scold his friend, while still trying to look over his friend’s shoulders to see the girl at the store.

“But— “ Migs paused as he tried to think of a way to finish his homework. “Can you just teach me instead? Please?” he insisted, pulling John’s arm, forcing him to focus his eyes on Migs.

“Ugh. Alright. Let’s hurry to the store. We only have 2 hours left before the class,” John agreed, hoping to see the bouncing curly lady at the store.

They quickly went inside, but it seemed like she already left. John was disappointed, he didn’t get to see the girl, and now he has to teach his friend. Migs quickly took a seat and brought out his pen and notes, ready to receive John’s teachings. But John has already left the store and is headed to the school.

Migs got confused, “Hey where are you going? I thought you’re gonna teach me the homework?” he shouted, while he tried to pack all his things back into his bag again. “Hey! Wait for me!”

Migs tried to persuade him again while they headed to the school’s cafeteria. He kept pulling John’s arm, begging to help him with his homework. Until they heard a loud bang from a distance. Everyone looked to where the sound came from, then they all saw a student on his knees, begging someone, “I’m sorry Lance! I didn’t mean to—” the student cried, but before he could even finish his sentence, Lance’s goons slapped his face.

“Hey! Do you know how much these shoes cost?!” Lance shouted out of anger. Before he could hurt the student again, John blocked his arm and said, “He already said sorry. Isn’t that enough?” 

Lance glares at John, then he smirks. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked John.

John copied his smirk, teasing Lance. “Is that important to you? How much is it? I’ll pay. Leave him alone.” The scene got crowded as they saw John, the c*m laude, fighting with this infamous gang leader. Lance got pissed. He got so annoyed and turned to face John. As he raised his fist to punch John, they suddenly heard a whistle. A professor who was passing by, butted in. Lance put his hand behind as he saw the teacher walking towards them. 

“What’s going on here Mr. Choi?” the teacher asked as he looked around. “Nothing sir, we were just talking here,” Lance explained. 

“Come with me Mr. Choi, I have something to discuss with you and the team,” the professor said. “And you, Mr. Lee. I don’t want to see you in these kinds of scenes.” the professor added. Lance glared at John mouthing words “You are such a lucky jerk!”. John ignored him and helped up the student who was hurt. 

“Thank you. I’m sorry for causing you trouble.” The student thanked John.

“Just be careful next time,” he said, then he walked toward Migs.

Migs teased him excitedly, “Ooh! You look cool out there man! Suzy’s looking at you.”

“How many times will I tell you? I’m not interested in girls, especially Suzy.” John strongly pointed out.

“Okay. Oops! We only have thirty minutes! I have to focus.” said Migs, as he realized he was doing his homework.

The sky was turning dark as John and Migs walked through the bus stop. It was 6:30 in the evening. The street was too crowded. It was rush hour, so they decided to stay a little while and eat street foods nearby. While Migs take their order, John thought he saw something. So he looks around. By then, he saw this beautiful lady in the convenience store earlier with a woman. He was so surprised. He thought—Is she a transfer student? I’d never seen her before. Who’s with her? I’d never seen her in school either. His thoughts cut off when Migs suddenly talks, “Here’s your fried squid. What are you looking at?” he faced Migs and said, “Nothing, I thought I saw something.” While they were eating, someone called their name from a distance.

“Migs! John!” A girl said.

“Oh! Claire, how are you? I thought you were sick?” said Migs.

“C’mon Migs! That was just an excuse. You know how much I hate Ms.Elle’s class!” she replied.

“And you’re dragging our precious Suzy in your misbehavior?” Migs replied.

“Anyway, do you want to join us? We’re going to a game place near the mall. It's just a kilometer from here,” Suzy pinch Claire as she said those words. She was so shy that John might notice her blushing. Suzy had a crush on John since they were in 3rd year. She hasn't confessed to him since then because she was so afraid that he might reject her.

“I’m sorry, I can't make it tonight. I have tons of activities to complete.” Migs glared at John as he spoke those words. “I was just about to say yes, dude!” said Migs. “You can join them.” John replied as he raised his hand and said, “Bye guys, enjoy your night!”

As John was on his way home, he thought about the beautiful lady he saw at the store. He was intrigued by her.  He can’t seem to forget her. The moment he saw her face, he felt like everything was in slow motion. He felt butterflies in his stomach and couldn't explain why. He was so excited to see her again. When will that be?