Chapter 6 – Evening Thoughts
When they reached the corner where their paths split, Sean slowed down.
"I have to go this way," Sean said, giving them both a small wave. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye, Sean!" Sani said quickly, trying to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
Jason leaned in with a grin. "Don't forget your promise, Sean."
Sean laughed softly. "I won't." With that, he turned and headed down the street.
As soon as Sean disappeared from view, Jason gave Sani a mischievous look.
"What were you two smiling about when I wasn't there? Huh? I want to know."
Sani's eyes widened. "Wh-what? N–nothing! Just… nothing important."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Nothing, huh? That didn't look like nothing. Tell me. I want to know."
Sani sighed in defeat. "Okay, okay. It was just… Sean asked me where I live, how long I've known you, and how our parents met. That's all."
Jason blinked. "Ooooh… but why does he want to know where you live?"
Sani looked flustered. "Ah—it was just a friendly question! Don't think too much. Remember when I first met you, I asked where you were from and where you lived? It's normal. He's just curious, idiot."
Jason smirked. "Alright, alright. If you say so."
A few minutes later, they reached home.
"I'm home!" Sani called, stepping inside.
"Welcome back!" her mom answered warmly.
"Mom, I'm starving," Sani groaned dramatically.
Her mom laughed. "Good news—your dad is cooking tonight."
Sani gasped. "Really? Dad? What are you making?"
Her dad peeked out from the kitchen proudly. "Indian mutton curry."
"Wooow!" Sani clapped her hands. "So we're eating Indian food tonight? Yesss!"
"Dinner is almost ready," her dad said with a grin. "Go wash your hands."
At the table, the rich aroma of spices filled the air. Sani took her first bite and sighed happily. "Mmm… it's so good!"
"Of course," her dad said proudly. "Who do you think made it?"
Her mom narrowed her eyes. "Oh? Are you saying my cooking isn't good enough?"
Sani's dad laughed nervously. "N-no, honey! Your cooking is the best in the world." He winked at Sani. "Right, Sani?"
Sani nodded quickly. "Right, right! Mom's food is the best."
Her mom shook her head, hiding a smile. The three of them laughed together, enjoying the meal until their plates were empty.
Later, after helping her parents clear the table, Sani went to her room. She finished her homework, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Sean.
She lay on her bed, hugging her pillow tightly, her cheeks burning. she thought. He's so kind, too… Would he ever like someone like me? No, no. He's too perfect. It's better if we just stay friends. I don't want to ruin that… but still…
Her heart raced with confusion. She buried her face into the pillow. "Ughhh… what should I do?" she whispered. But soon, her tiredness caught up with her, and she drifted into sleep with Sean still on her mind.
---
The next morning, sunlight streamed into her room. Sani stretched and greeted her parents.
"Good morning, Dad."
"Good morning, Sani," he replied cheerfully.
"Good morning, Mom," Sani said, heading into the kitchen.
"Morning, dear. I'm making homemade wine," her mom said with a playful smile.
Sani laughed. "Mom, stop experimenting! Go, go—read something before school instead!"
Her mom waved her off, and soon Sani was ready to leave. As she closed the gate, she saw Jason waiting.
"Good morning, Jason!"
"Good morning, Sani. You look energetic today."
Sani tilted her head. "Why are you so cheerful?"
Jason grinned. "Why not? Today Sean's going to join our group. I'm excited!"
"Yeah…" Sani said softly, her cheeks warming. "I hope he'll do well with the team."
"Of course he will," Jason said confidently. "Now let's go."
When they arrived at school, Sean was already there.
"Good morning, Sean!" Jason greeted.
Sean smiled. "Good morning, Jason. Good morning, Sani."
Sani blushed lightly. "G-good morning."
"Come on," Jason said. "After lunch, I'll introduce you to the team."
"Okay," Sean agreed with a nod.
Just then, Jiwoo and Haneul arrived.
"Good morning!" they said together.
"Morning, guys," Jason replied, before turning to Sean. "Guess what? Sean's joining the basketball team!"
"Really?" Jiwoo and Haneul chorused. "That's awesome!"
Jason. "So, you'll come watch him practice, right?"
Haneul laughed. "Of course."
Sean rubbed the back of his neck. "It's nothing special, really…"
But Sani couldn't help smiling to herself. Even if it's nothing to him… to me, it feels like everything.
The bell rang, and the students hurried off to class.