Smile For Me| P.c X L.m

[Chapter 2]

|Can I Be Your Friend?|

I was heading towards my next class—History. While I was walking in the hallway, I was called out by one of our teachers—Ms. Lee.

"Chaeyoung-ah, can I borrow you for a second?", she asked.

"Um, what for?"

"Sorry to bother you, Rosé but I have plenty of other things to do in my office and the files have been messed up all over the place. I was wondering if you could help me after your class?", she pleads.

I nod, "Sure thing, Ms. Lee".

She smiled at me. "Thank you so much, Rose. Just go directly to my office, don't bother to knock because I think I won't be there at that time—I have to go now, I still have a meeting to attend to. Here's a spare key to my office".

She handed me her keys then she went off. I put in the key inside my bag then proceed to my History class.
•••

Right after, class, I went to Ms. Lee's office as she said so. I opened her office door—only to see papers scattered everywhere. Flies and other school documents were a mess. A total mess.

This will take a lot of work. Luckily History was my last class today which is cool. I started fixing the papers by date. It was hard, like really. It doesn't mean I'm the nerd girl I would be also a teacher's pet. I'm also working all alone. I bet all students have already gone to their dorms while here—working like it's also part of my freaking job.

I can't say no. Not that in a bad way–in a good way. A moment too soon, someone came in into the office, at first, I thought it was Ms. Lee.

"Ms. Lee—"

But when I turn my head around. It was Lisa, who is holding her sling bag and holding a key on the other her hand.

"Chaeyoung?", she asked in surprise.

"Lisa?". What on earth is she doing here? "Why are you here?".

"Ms. Lee told me to help out a student in her office to fix her files. So here I am", she smiled and then she closed the door behind her after she went in.

"I didn't expect it would be you though", she continued, putting her bag on the couch.

"I didn't expect any help either", I mumbled but I'm sure she heard me. "I'll handle the ones on the floor while you take care of the ones on the desk", I ordered.

"Yes, ma'am!", she exclaimed as she did a salute like a soldier. What I weirdo. I just scoff at her action as I continue what I was doing.

The room was filled with silence while we are working. Not an awkward silence–I should say a comfortable one even though we barely knew each other.

"Chaeyoung…", she called out. My back is facing her back but I didn't bother to turn around.

"Yeah?"

"How did you manage to survive on your own? I mean—don't get me wrong but you seem like a type of person who likes to be alone", she started. There was a worry in her voice, I don't know why would she worry about me.

"I'm used to it. I like being alone". So no one could ever hurt me like before.

"Why?"

I didn't answer. Should I say that I just like being alone? That's not a valid reason. I can't tell her about my past either—I'm not that open to everyone. I don't want them to intrude on my personal life. She was waiting for a response, I can feel it, but I'm sorry. I really can't tell you.

"Can I be your friend?"

My whole attention quickly turns to her. "W-what?".

"Can I be your friend?", she asks again.

She stares deeply into me. Hoping that I would say yes. This is the third time she asked me that. It's been 3 years since I heard that from her. Is she really this desperate for me to be her friend?

"Chaeyoung?"

I stared at her. I don't want to feel that pain anymore. I'm scared.

"It's fine if you can't give me an answer right now. Don't worry I'll be patient", she smiled again. But not a normal smile—there was a tint of sadness in it.

"Thanks"

"No problem"

After a few minutes, we are finally done with our task. Ms. Lee entered the room and thanked the two of us. She said that she will pay off our hard work tomorrow by taking us to the cinema. I declined but Lisa immediately cut me off and told Ms. Lee that we would live to. I knew for that fact that I don't like socializing anymore.

Lisa and I walked out of the school building then started walking to our dormitory.

"Chaeyoung…". She called out again.

"What?"

"Just so you know, if you have problems, you can tell me you know but I won't force you if you won't, I understand that but you can't keep that to yourself throughout your entire life. You need someone to talk about your problems out, you know? It will hurt a bit less, believe me". Her voice is so calm. All the words she has said are stabbing right through me.

"I don't need anyone", I coldly respond.

"But you do"

"You don't know me, Lisa". I waited for a reply but she didn't. We continue to walk until we have finally arrived. I didn't say a word to her and just left her then went to my room.
•••

"I know everything about you, Chae. That's why I'm here to apologize for everything"