Page 77 of Bookworm

He shook his head.

"I couldn't leave my cranky, socially challenged BFF behind."

Bo lifted a brow. "Who said we were best friends, Shin?"

The guy, Shin, smirked andpointed a finger at Bo. "Don't play,man. I know you still have that friendship bracelet I gave you back in the day."

I swallowed a laugh, picturing Bo and Shin wearing matching friendship bracelets. That was so cute and unexpected. But Bo's face looked pained.Shin's eyes landed on me a moment later.

"Hey," he said, "you look familiar, but I don't think we've met. I'm Shin."

"Charlotte, but most people call me Lottie," I said back."It's nice to meet you. I didn't realize Bo had a BFF."

"Because I don't," Bo said.

"He says these thingsjust to hurt me," Shin said cheerfully. "But I know he loves me in his own way."

"I'm sure he does," I said.

Bo grunted his displeasure.

"Did you two grow up together?"

"Oh yeah," Shin said with asmile."We've known each other since we were in diapers.Bo used to beat my butt—and everyone else's—in youth soccer. Karate too. Oh yeah, and Taekwondo, Krav Maga...He basically whooped us in everything.But I could tell you some very embarrassing stories, Lottie."

"Really?" I asked with interest.

Before he could say more or Bo could protest, Mrs. Lee stepped into the room. Her eyeszeroed in onShin. "You're late," she said.

"I know,Halmeoni," he coaxed, "but I've been deathly ill.The flu, remember?"

"You look fine to me."

"Yes, now. But—"

Her eyes narrowed. "Youtalking back?"

"I would never—"

"You sweep floors for being late, Shin," she said. Then hergazemoved to Bo and me. "You two, work together andcutthe flowers. We need to be ready for tomorrow."

"Yes, Mrs. Lee," I said, and Bo nodded.

Once she was gone, Shin turned back to us.

"She missed me," he said.

"Obviously," Bo said sarcastically.

Shin waved him off, his eyes settling back on my face. "Irecognize you,"he said, looking deep in thought. "But I just don't know from where."

I swallowed, having a hunch but hoping he wouldn't get there.

But a second later, Shin snapped his fingers.

"Oh shoot," he said, his smile growing, "it's you! You're that girl from the video."

"No, I—"

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