The Girl He Never Noticed
The Chess Prince
Shadow. Since junior high school, Shadow has been my middle name. I realized then that they — I mean handsome and popular guy — couldn’t see me. No, this isn’t a horror story; perhaps it’s a sad one. It’s excruciatingly painful, but now that I’m used to it, it’s become second nature. I’m still disappointed, but I’m not as surprised as I used to be.
Perhaps it’s my fault for wanting the prince without first looking in the mirror.
It all started in middle school for me. I’m a sweet young lady who prefers to spend my time in the library. It’s cold, calm, and relaxing. No, I don’t read books on a regular basis and only on rare occasions. I, too, am not a nerd. I’ll just listen to the song on my phone and leaning at the big window in the library’s corner. Observing people and reading poetry from time to time.
Until then…
My friends frequently mention him, so I hear his name a lot. Two levels above me, an upperclassman. He is a fantastic chess player. He has, in fact, competed in a few world championships. And I saw it that day, one thing struck me that very day. He’s stunning.
With a graceful stride, he walked down the corridor of the classroom. His hair shook in time with his steps. He occasionally smiled in response to greetings from students he knew or didn’t know. He looks so friendly.
I unconsciously pay attention to every detail of his face. His thick brows were perfectly shaped, and his eyes were dark but deep, giving his flat face a calming appearance. He has a really cute little mole on his left cheekbone. And his razor-sharp jawbone is quite endearing.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. I believe the entire school shares my sentiments. The chess prince is handsome, cool, and charming, and he deserves all of the lovely nicknames that have been bestowed upon him.
It’s nice. But I’m not sure if this is simply awe. Or it could be a simple crush. Alternatively, true love I’m still at a loss for words. All I know is that he was there with me that day in the library. While he’s away, he appears to be preoccupied with tasks for a replacement.
I’m not sure what the universe is up to, but he’s suddenly approaching me. “May I take a seat? There’s too much cold there”, he said this while pointing to the chair next to me. I agreed by nodding. I know one thing about him because of that. He was a natural chess player, but a terrible geography student.
“I believe I recognize you. Oh! On the school’s banner, of course. When are you going to leave for the next competition?”
“Um, it’s still next month, I guess”, hmm, he seemed to recognize my face because it was on the school banner.
“It’s math, isn’t it?”
“Geography.”
“Ah. It’s an incredible coincidence. Could you assist me with this? My geographic knowledge is… limited.”
How can I say no to the request of this perfect human? Lord, I’m sorry, I’m not your strongest soldier.
So I came up behind him. We’re in too close proximity. I used to smell him perfume as well. I offered my assistance to him. When he breathed a sigh of relief after the task was completed, I noticed his charming smile.
Following that, we talk a lot in hushed tones. He told me about his world championship experience and even inquired about my geography competition. He makes an excellent companion. The fact that I can spend some more time with the school prince makes me feel as if I could die happily that day.
I wanted to say hello to him the next day when I saw him in the school parking lot because we had exchanged stories in the library the day before. I’m hoping that after this, we can be friends.
“Hi”
I greet him with the brightest smile I’ve ever had in my entire life .He smiled as well. And he smiled back at me, the same way he smiled at his fans.
Perhaps he has forgotten about me once more.
As it turns out, there was nothing special about it, about us, about yesterday.
Well, yeah, about us being friend, probably it’s just me and my lofty expectation.
