"You seem awfully down today. What happened?" San asks.
I just shrug because I don't have any answer to give him. I can't tell him about what happened to Yeonjun and that is the only thing that is going through my mind right now.
It is the only thing that has been going through my mind all afternoon and evening. Even during my tutoring session, I kept getting the same thing wrong because I couldn't focus properly.
"Did uncle aunty not like your report card?" he asks concerned. I shake my head.
"No. They are proud of it. My mother congratulated me, got me a large bowl of noodles with etra meat, and then went ahead counseling me about how to keep up this good work and focus on clearing a civil service exam" I look at him and he winces.
"Are you ever going to tell them that you plan to pursue writing?" he asks and I snort. We were walking back from my tutoring to Hive. I had yet another closing shift.
"You act like you don't know how many times I have tried to tell them that I like writing and I want to go ahead in that. I want to be an author. But they never listen" I shrug dejected.
I am partially thankful for having this conversation with San because at least it takes my mind off Yeonjun for at least a while.
"No. I mean really sit them down and tell them that you're passionate about writing and you're a very good writer at that and you want to give it a shot" he suggests and I just give him a shriveled look.
"Give it a shot? You really want me to be hit by my mother, don't you?" he half laughs half embarrassed.
"Hey, Woojin pursued what he loved and now he got an apprenticeship at one of the most renowned universities and early entrance" he shrugs as if this is his case.
"Yeah, but his passion was something of value. My mother and father think that writing is only for the rich who do not have to worry about putting food on the table or do not have any responsibilities. It is tough to explain to them that this is a viable source of income"
San nods sympathetically, understanding the uphill battle I face when it comes to pursuing my passion for writing.
He knows all too well the weight of parental expectations and the struggle to break free from the confines of societal norms.
"I get it," he says, his voice tinged with empathy.
"But sometimes, you have to fight for what you believe in, even if it means going against the grain."
"And, am I really a good writer? I have not written a single thing ever since I joined Royals High" I shrug. It is the honest answer. I have not picked up my pen and diary to write ever since I joined the school.
The drama at school, the drama with Royals and then my family, the part-time jobs, all of this drains me out too much to even want to write something.
"Hey, I have read your pieces. You are a great writer. You even aced your literature exam. And besides you're Park Yuri. You can do everything and anything that you put your mind to" he bumps my shoulder with his and I smile at him.
His words strike a chord within me, stirring a sense of determination that had been lying dormant beneath the surface.
Perhaps it's time for me to stop hiding in the shadows of others' expectations and start carving out my own path, no matter how daunting it may seem.
"You're right," I say, a newfound resolve infusing my words.
"I can't keep living my life according to someone else's script. It's time for me to take control and pursue my dreams, no matter the obstacles."
San smiles, a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes. "That's the spirit. And hey, you're not alone in this. I'll be right there beside you every step of the way."
"I know I always have you to count on" I return his smile.
"I'm serious, you know," San says, his tone earnest as he locks eyes with me.
"You've got talent, real talent. And it's about time you started believing in yourself," he reassures me.
I chuckle, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. "Thanks, San. I really appreciate that."
He grins, reaching across the table to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Anytime, buddy. We're in this together, remember?"
His phone buzzes in his pocket and he pulls it out and then puts it on vibrate and shoves it inside his pocket again.
He is quick but I am quicker.
I see the name Bahiyiy flash on the screen before he puts it aside.
He looks at me innocently and I raise an eyebrow at him in curiosity. With my own drama, I forgot to ask him about what is the deal with him and Bahiyiy.
"Want to explain something to me?" I ask and he shrugs.
"There is nothing to tell"
"Are you serious? You will really make me spell it out for you? Okay sure. What is the deal with you and Bahiyiy?" I interrogate. This further drives me away from my thought of Yeonjun and as long as I am not thinking about him, I am sane.
As soon as I start thinking about him, everything spirals around me to make him the center of all my thoughts.
I need to get my head away from the encounter in the afternoon or else my mind will keep replaying the words the principal said and I will play my mental puzzles of putting the mysteries of Royals.
San's expression shifts slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features before he quickly masks it with a casual shrug. "Bahiyiy? Oh, she's just a friend."
I raise an eyebrow skeptically, not convinced by his nonchalant demeanor.
"Just a friend, huh? That's funny, cause from any outsider's perspective it looks like she is smitten with you" I shrug.
San's cheeks flush slightly, betraying his attempt to appear unaffected. "It's nothing, really. We just... hang out sometimes."
I lean forward, my curiosity piqued. "And by 'hang out,' you mean?"
He hesitates, fumbling for words as he searches for an explanation. "Well, you know... we talk, grab coffee, stuff like that. It's no big deal."
I narrow my eyes, sensing there's more to the story than he's letting on.
"San, come on. You can't expect me to believe that you're just 'hanging out' with her. What's really going on?"
He sighs, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Okay, fine. I... may have developed a bit of a crush on her. But it's not like anything's going to happen. She's way out of my league."
I scoff, rolling my eyes at his self-deprecation. "Are you kidding me? San, you're one of the most genuine, caring guys I know. Any girl would be lucky to have you."
He chuckles nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. "Thanks, Yuri. But I don't know... She is a Royal after all".
An uncomfortable silence sits between us. I understand what he means. Bahiyiy is Kai's sister. She is part of the Royal's legacy.
"I tried to keep her at a distance but she was persistent. At first, I thought she would get tired of me and move onto someone else but she... cares" he shrugs and tries to not let on his true feelings.
I place a comforting hand on his shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile.
"Well, you'll never know unless you try, right? Maybe it's time to take a chance and see where things go. At the ma, you date and see you guys don't fit together and then break up. It is not the end of the world" I try to reassure him.
San is much better at pep talk than I am.
"You really think so?" San looks at me, a mix of uncertainty and hope shining in his eyes.
I nod emphatically.
"Absolutely. Life's too short to wonder 'what if.' You owe it to yourself to go after what makes you happy, whether that's pursuing your passion for writing or taking a chance on someone you care about."
"Thanks, Yuri. I needed to hear that." He gives me a grateful smile, the weight of his insecurities lifting ever so slightly.
I squeeze his shoulder reassuringly. "Anytime, San. We've got each other's backs, remember?"
He nods, a newfound determination shining in his gaze. "Yeah, we do. And hey, if you're willing to take a chance on your dreams, then I guess I can do the same."
"And I don't just mean for your writing. I also mean the black-haired boy that is standing in front of Hive staring at you"
I whip my head so fast, that I think I pull a muscle in my neck.
There he is. Leaning against his bike, in his leather jacket, staring at me with a frown on his face.
"You want to tell me something?" San whispers as we near Yeonjun and I shake my head.
"There is nothing to tell. We're just friends" I defend. And it is true.
"Kind of feels like a repeat of the conversation we just had" San chuckles and I punch his arm. He says his goodbyes and leaves, leaving me alone as I approach Yeonjun.
"Hi?" Yeonjun frames a question when I close enough to him.
"Hi"
A/n: Hello lovely people ð. Update is here. What do you think of San and bahiyiy??
This was a long time coming honestly. And also 5.8k reads. Welcome new readers. Hope you're enjoying this story and I love reading your comments so let me know what's your thoughts. Happy weekend.