Eden after Dark

Going to the one and only daycare in town to pick up my little sister, Sohee is basically my chore.

My little sister is one of those kids. Full of curiosity and who knows how much creativity of their minds. We all been through the same phase. Having childhood friends and create childhood memories that will last for a lifetime.

I remember when I was a kid, I used to hunt bugs likely beetles to battle each other. Also I remember that I was lovestucked at my teacher, even imagined the whole marriage thing.

3 pm. Almost time for these kids to come home with their parents. My mother actually can pick up Sohee but I insisted to do it because of one person.

Jeong Haseul.

She’s one of two female teachers. I was lovestucked once again, after long time. She’s smaller than me. Her smile never fails to make me fall deeper to her.

Her voice? Calm and easy to listen for. Her laugh and giggles are ASMR worthy. The way she sing children songs, makes me think if she isn’t a teacher; she would become a singer. And I’m definitely the first one to buy her album.

Haseul takes care of every kid like it was hers. She will always listen to whatever they say, she will play along with them. If a kid was hurt, she’s faster than anyone else. Treating their booboos with gentle care plus a song to calm a kid down.

When it comes to break time. Haseul had to make sure every kid has enough food. Filling up their plate and encourages them to eat healthy and make sure these kids will eat their food to the brim. No single rice left.

These kids loved their teachers. In fact, Sohee drew Haseul in pink crayon then gave her ‘art piece’ to her favorite teacher.

Usually, I volunteered to help the teachers to clean up the whole room. They told me that I do not need to help them but I insisted. All because I wanted to interact to Haseul more.

It took me days to gain courage to ask her out. It wasn’t easy especially when It was my first time asking a girl for a date.

When I was going to pick up a toy on the floor, I didn’t realized that Haseul was also going to pick that toy too. Our fingers brushed. She gasped. I let her pick that toy up.

We finished cleaning up the whole room. And I don’t even know why but I suddenly hold her arm when she was going to exit the room.

She looked at me with those wide curious eyes. “Yes? Jaehyun? Do you need something?”

“I… Uhh.. A-Are you free today, miss Haseul? There’s a.. beef restaurant nearby, I thought.. you know.. we can-” Damn. Why I couldn’t speak straight now?

“Relax, Jaehyun.” She giggled. She placed her hand on my arm. “If you’re asking me out. I would like to go out with you but.. I have something to do today. Maybe next time?”

“Y-Yeah! Sure! No worries. Next time it is.” Haseul smiled and lightly pats my arm.

“I’m gonna go now. You and your sister, be careful you two going home. Okay?” I nodded and we parted ways.

I just couldn’t believe I finally did it. Next time… I hope that day comes. I can’t wait to share a meal with Haseul. To get to know more about her. Atleast she didn’t rejected me, that’s what matters the most.

9:29 pm

I put my sister to bed. Tucked in her favorite blanket and hugging her bear toy. I left the bedroom door open just incase.

You free tonight bro?
Why?
Y’all going to that club again?
Obviously
Join with us!
Jisung and others are coming
Do I really need to go there?
Free drinks
Fuck it
I’m in
You’re too easy dawg
Fuck you

Jhun keeps bugging me to join with them at the club named ‘Eden after dark’, that was located at the downtown area. Thirty minutes away from the town.

I grabbed my jacket and wallet then I was surprised to see my mother at the kitchen. “You’re going out at this hour, dear?”

“Yeah… Just me and my friends.”

“Alright. Just… don’t cause trouble. Understand?” I nodded and left the house.