Chapter 8 : What's wrong with me?

Six more months have passed.

Tests were near. Jihwan started spending more time with me, studying and preparing for the tests. But somehow I couldn't focus. Everytime I tried to focus on my studies, my eyes moved on to Jihwan.

I couldn't help but admire his sharp jawline and his thin lips, which were stuck to each other tightly, for he was taking his studies seriously, unlike me.

Naomi, can you explain this part to me?; he said all out of a sudden.

Huh? Which one?; I covered up immediately.

Are you thinking about something else?; he asked.

Huh... N-no; I said.

How could I tell him what I was thinking about?

He made a doubtful face but soon swiped it off and continued.

After explaining, I told him; Um, Jihwan if you don't mind, can I say something?

Yeah, what is it?;

I wanted to tell him to study on his own and not with me, at least till the tests. Or else I'm sure to fail.

Can you please study on your own? I'm not saying that I get disturbed--;

Well, of course I was getting disturbed because of your face; said my mind, but I tried not to blurt it out.

--It's just that, that, studying on your own is, is, helpful, you know? Then, I also need some, some, space. You know what I mean, right?; I ended my stuttering show finally. I looked at him with curious eyes, wondering what he will say. I wished he didn't feel offended.

Um, okay then; he said with a somewhat confused face. He might think I was being weird and awkward, but I had no option.

He left soon enough. I felt relieved, as if his presence made me stop breathing.

But the question is, what's wrong with me? I never felt like this before.

Why did Jihwan's eye contact gave me shivers? Why I can't focus on studies when he's around? Why do I feel lonely when he's not around and yet feel flushed when he actually is?

This indeed was a strange feeling. Was I falling for him? No, it can't be. But it feels so...