Page 38 of XOXO

I look over to see Jaewoo’s head turn toward a girl who’s approaching him. Though I listen carefully, I can’t make out his response from across the room.

After class, everyone packs up and leaves quickly, presumably to get in the lunch line. When I look over, Jaewoo’s moving as fast as the rest of them, though for a different reason. According to Gi Taek’s recounting of XOXO’s schedule, he has a recording session to get to.

“See you later, Jenny,” Nathaniel calls as he rushes out.

I pack my things at a much slower pace. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed.

After separating to opposite sides of the room, Jaewoo and I spent the entire class apart. I know I said I’d “think” about being his friend, but seeing as he ignored me all class today, and I pretended to, what would that even mean?

It sucks watching him talk to other people when he won’t talk to me. I know it can’t be the same as it was in LA, but I miss how it felt that night, to have all his attention on me.

I resolve to talk to my counselor about switching out of dance class sooner rather than later.

Outside the studio, the hall is empty, all of the students having gone to lunch. As I make my way toward the elevator, a door to my left shifts slightly open.

“Psst,” a voice calls out.

I approach the door slowly. “Jaewoo?” I ask in surprise. It’s definitely him, though his hood is up and his face is in shadows. “What are you doing?”

“Is there anyone in the hall?” he asks.

I glance around. “No.”

“Good.” He grabs my hand and pulls me in.

Sixteen

“First a stairwell, now a broom closet.”

“If you’re thinking of small places we’ve been in,” Jaewoo says, a hint of mischief in his voice, “the stairwell wasn’t the first.”

His reference to the picture booth, and that moment inside, makes my stomach do all kinds of twists and turns.

“I still have that sticker photo,” I say.

“Oh, yeah?” He leans back, not quite touching the rack of cleaning supplies behind him. The closet is so small that if I were to spread my arms, I could touch the door and the back wall. “Do you have it with you? Right now?” His eyes drop, then slowly move upward. It’s obvious that if I had that picture, it would be in my backpack, not on my person. Is this an excuse to check me out?

Normally I would be thrilled if it were, except that I’m wearing my decidedly uncute PE clothes.

Not like him. Dressed to impress, even in sweats. Speaking of which...

“Don’t you have a recording to go to?” I ask.

He frowns, clearly confused, then says, “Oh, Nathaniel told you.”

Sure.

“I have some time. Our performance isn’t until the end of the show, so technically we don’t have to be there until then.”

“I see.”

“Still, it’s polite to get there early and stay the whole time.”

Meaning, he reallyshouldbe there, but chose to stayherelonger, with me.

My heart swells in my chest, which is not exactly helpful when I’m trying to keep a level head. Concentrate, Jenny. Don’t let the cute boy’s words distract you from the times he’s brushed you off in the past.

Outside in the hall, voices approach. We both listen carefully until the voices grow distant, disappearing altogether.

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