Walking Home (1/1)

I walked home side by side with Chaerin and Minji in silence. I was exhausted with the drama I had today at school, I just wanted to go home and buried myself under the covers. Chaerin and Minji knew about the happenings between Junhyung, Joon and I, and they knew that I needed the calm silence, after going through such chaotic, crazy and confusing day. And thanks to Junhyung, the school ended in a peaceful note without his fangirls screaming foul words at me.“I’ll see you guys tomorrow?”We were at the intersection, we would go our own way from that point of the road.“Yeah, and rest well, Hani. You look like a panda right now.”Chaerin gave me a tight squeeze, and Minji just pat my shoulders, before they turned around heading to their homes. I let out a sigh, already feeling tired although I had a block more to go before I could arrive home. “That was a long sigh.”Huh?“Joon?” What was he doing here?“Let’s go, I’ll walk you to your front door.” He said, taking my backpack from me like a true gentleman. “This is not your way home, Joon.”He looked at me, smiling.“I want to make sure you arrive safely. And I want to make sure you are okay.”I was touched, but to tell you the truth, as much as I appreciated his courtesy towards me, I was more tired having him beside me like this. Everything that happened back at the school reappeared in my mind, and that was the last thing I needed right now.“That is totally unnecessary, Joon. I’m fine by myself.”  I tried to take my bag back from him, but he held the heavy bag high above my head, unreachable for me.“I’m walking you home, and that’s that. Let’s go.”He walked ahead of me, his back looked so handsome, but surprisingly, all I had in my head was Junhyung. What if Junhyung was the one that wanted to make sure I was alright?What if Junhyung was the one waiting to walk me home?What if Junhyung was the one that held my bag? What if Junhyung was the one? “Hani?”Joon stopped from walking, he was waiting for me with his signature smile.“Come, what are you waiting for?”What was I waiting for?“Nothing. Let’s go, Joon.”And to my delight, we walked home without a word. “Here we are. Rest, and forget everything. Your name has cleared from all the accusations, so don’t worry, okay?”Joon waited for me to open my front door before he put my bag inside.“Thanks, Joon, for walking me home.”I tried to smile as sincerely as I could, but I knew the smile I gave him was not as bright as his.“Nah, it’s okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye!”He waved his hands before he walked away. I waved back, vaguely.  “Hani? You’re home?”My mom peeked her head from the kitchen and I could smell roast beef from the room.“Yeah mom.”I was fast reaching for her, I wanted to give her a quick hug actually, but my mom felt so comforting, I ended up snuggling in her embrace for a bit too long. Her motherly instinct kicked in, and she just let me stayed in her arms for as long as I wanted.“Are you okay dear?” She asked, looking at me tenderly after we ended our hug.“Yeah, I’m okay now. I’ll be in my room, yeah?”“Go rest. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”I just nodded, and I went up to my room, but not before I put Junhyung’s chocolate bar in the fridge.