taejun is ecstatic. although heâs also a little homesick at the same time. his grandparents had shipped out a whole box of tangerines to him and it arrived that morning. he had spent extra time putting them away and making sure they were stored in a place where they wouldnât ripen or rot too soon. of course, when you live in a world of magic, it just makes it all that easier to keep sweet fruit fresh for longer.
heâs more than aware that the great hall will have an abundance of food that taste just as good as the tangerines from the farm, yet, the flavor and feeling is always different. he knows itâs the sentiment that comes with the fruit and itâs exactly that reason that he carries two with him on his way to dinner. one for before to prep him for a fantastic feast, and one after to wash down everything he can manage to eat.
when taejun finally enters the great hall he easily spots his group of friends already seated and digging into their own plates full of food. heâs about to make his way towards them when he suddenly sees someone sitting by themself off to the side. growing up, itâs always been part of his nature to do his best in including anyone who seemed left out, so heâs inclined to make his way over. heâs trying to figure out what he would say upon approaching them when he realizes that the student is none other than his very own friendâs twin sister. kim hyewon.
he feels a little bit better at the thought of approaching someone he knows, but canât shake the feeling that just maybe⌠she doesnât like him. there were plenty of times that he saw her whenever he was with jaewon and she seemed to always be a little aloof. or he thought. for some reason he could never really tell with her and it was honestly the only reason why he never really interacted with her, thinking sheâd like to be left alone. however, this time when he was looking at her⌠she looked lonely. maybe even a little sad⌠whether if it was just his own thoughts or not though, it was enough to send him towards her without hesitation.
of course things never go as smoothly as taejun plans in his head. just as heâs reaching the table, he stumbles into the bench ungracefully, startling hyewon. heâs also sure that his face is starting to turn red from embarrassment but he pretends like he doesnât notice it and quickly pulls out a tangerine from the pocket of his robe, placing it in front of her.
when he sees her gaze drop to the orange fruit in front of her, he rambles off the first thing he can think of. âthey remind me of home and make me feel better when iâm sad.â
realizing that it doesnât really explain his sudden appearance, taejun beings to slowly introduce himself like heâs making it up as he goes. which he is. but, heâs sure that at that point thereâs really not any other way that he could embarrass himself anymore than he already has. âiâm noh taejun. you might not recognize me but iâm good friends with your brother jaewon.â
following with a big smile, he sets himself back on track with a deep breath before stating what heâs really there for. âletâs be friends too.â
her lunchtimes do tend to be more on the quiet side if jaewon, nick, and cora are all busy with their own things. she doesnât expect any of them to invite her to lunch all the time (and really, she should probably get some courage to go and ask them if she can join, instead of waiting for an invitation at all times), as they all have their own lives and friends, but sheâs also not comfortable with just approaching others, even her own housemates, to spend time together.
so honestly? sheâs pretty distracted by her own thoughts when thereâs a sudden jolt that makes her jump. someoneâs stumble into the bench causes her to startle out of her reverie, wide eyes turning towards the other. sheâs surprised when she sees the face, recognizing him, and sheâs kind of surprised that heâs there in front of her. isnât he jaewonâs friend?
to her confusion and bewilderment, the boy plops a tangerine down in front of her, and she glances down at the orange fruit, her expression puzzled. perhaps he can sense her confusion, because an explanation follows almost immediately. biting on her lower lip, hyewon canât help but feel oddly touched by the gesture. hereâs one of her brotherâs friends, offering her a tangerine that made him happy, presumably because she looked sad.
picking up the tangerine and seeing it for what it is â an offering, an hand held out in offer â hyewon canât help but offer the male a shy little smile. âi recognize you,â she tells the other quietly, her voice soft but her face much transformed with the small smile on it, glancing down at the tangerine contemplatively before returning her gaze to the other student. âfriends,â she echoes with eyes that widen in surprise. of all the things for taejon to say, that somehow hadnât been one that she had anticipated at all. âyou want to be friends... with me?â to already be friends with jaewon and still want to be friends with her? the thought baffles her. âif you really mean it...â she mumbles, definitely wanting that more than she wants to admit. sheâs so lonely... she just wants friends.