Page 60 of XOXO

“You just said it,” I point out.

“Because I’m sure you’re bound to know him way more intimately than I’ve ever known him...”

Oh. My. God.

“But his life hasn’t been the easiest. Not that wealth necessarily makes things easier.”

Spoken like a true chaebol.

“But Nathaniel’s always been vocal about what he wants, while Jaewoo’s more reserved, thinking of the group first before himself. Honestly, I’m surprised he even confessed to you, assuming that he has. It must have been hard for him, going after something he wants, rather than what’s best for the group.”

“Aww.”

“Though I don’t know why. It’s not like you’re worth it.”

“Wow, Sori. I thought we were complimenting me.”

“Oh, were we?” She grins.

“You don’t have to worry about Jaewoo,” I say. “I’ll be sure to take care of his gentle artist soul.”

“Yes, be sure to take care of his soul,” she says, then adds, “and his body.”

“Oh my God!” I throw my pillow at her. She sprints to her bed and grabs a stuffed animal. She has like a hundred. After we “became friends,” they all started appearing out of seemingly nowhere. I think she’d hidden them beneath her bed.

I’m pelted with a Pikachu.

“Not fair!” I throw my arms up over my head, taking cover.

Then she’s on my bed, pillow in hand. She goes for a headshot, but I tackle her and she collapses backward, with me on top. I can’t breathe, I’m laughing so hard.

“You’re heavy!” she complains, and I make myself like a log. “I hate this,” she says, though she’s laughing as hard as I am. And her laugh is louder than mine; plus she snorts. Our neighbors bang on the wall for us to be quiet, which only causes us to laugh more.

It takes another five minutes for us to catch our breaths, laying with our shoulders touching.

“Would you do it again?” I ask her.

I don’t have to explain myself. She knows what I’m asking. If she turned back time and she had the choice of whether or not she’d date Nathaniel, would she do it all over again?

“In a heartbeat. Even after the scandal, even after the accusations and the heartbreak and the pain. He was my first love. I wouldn’t give that up for the world.”

Twenty-Five

Spring means cherry blossom season and SAA’s annual school camping trip to one of South Korea’s national parks, which apparently was on the official academic calendar on the website. I hadn’t known because no one mentioned it until a few days before we’re supposed to leave.

“It happens every year,” Gi Taek explained. “You’re just”—he shrugged—“supposed to know.”

“I’m a transfer student!”

“The school sent out an email.”

“If it was in Korean, then I didn’t read it.”

“You really should work on your reading skills.”

The night before we’re scheduled to leave, Sori and I pack for the trip. It’s a two day, one night trip, and each student is allowed to pack one small duffel bag.

“Are you going to be okay?” I ask Sori, who isn’t exactly a minimalist.

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