I Guess I Live Here Now by Claire Ahn

Author:Claire Ahn [Ahn, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2022-05-24T00:00:00+00:00

She could have texted me this, but I know she wrote it on the fridge because otherwise I’d simply text back: What errands? Are you on your way to see Eemo? I know she’s with her.

I pull out a snack and sit at the kitchen table alone. I write a note back and stick it under hers. It’s a spontaneous decision, one that’s feeling better by the second.

I’m going out with my friends tonight. Will be home late. Don’t wait up.

I stare at my reflection before leaving. It feels club appropriate. A lot of texts between me and Yura have led to this final outfit: black leather shorts with sheer black tights underneath and an oversized, one-shoulder, neon yellow long-sleeve top. It’s just sheer enough that you can see the outline of my black bralette.

“Ooh la la, who are you trying to impress?” Yura says the second she sees me. Then she leans in closer so only I can hear her. “I know who you’re trying to impress,” she whipsers, affecting a suggestive air.

I shove her playfully, and we meet the boys out in the courtyard.

My eyes go to Wonjae, who’s waving us over. He’s dressed in black jeans that fit well, not tight enough where I’d think he’s trying too hard, but not baggy like they’re going to fall off his body. His sky-blue V-neck outlines his toned arms, and I peel my eyes away when I feel a jab in my side. “Ow!”

“Okay, little Miss Googly Eyes, you’re being a little obvious,” Yura jokes.

I scrunch up my face and pretend to look guilty. “Oopsie.”

We opt for easy-to-eat sandwiches for a light dinner so we don’t have the delicious but unsexy smell of Korean food on our clothes when we go clubbing. At a nearby speakeasy, we grab a booth and order some light bites and cocktails. I’m so excited, I blurt out, “My first cocktail!” Okay, too excited. I’m pretty sure my mom would be furious if she found out, but the drinking age in Korea is younger, I learned, than in the US, and bars aren’t that strict here anyway. I study the menu and order something Yura tells me will likely be sweeter and less deadly.

“No, usually the sweetest ones are the deadliest,” Junghoon says. There’s a flirtiness in his voice, and he glances at Yura when he says this. A softness to his words that I’ve never, ever heard from him. She’s doing it; I can see it. He’s into her, whether he realizes it or not. Yura and I exchange a knowing glance, and we high-five, gleefully ignoring the confused looks on the boys’ faces.

When my cocktail comes, I take my first small sip. It’s citrusy but sweet. “What is this again?”

“It’s a yuzu cocktail,” she explains. “With some lychee.”

It tastes like a sweet mixture of honey and lemon. I can hardly taste any alcohol in it. I’m acutely aware that Wonjae and I are next to each other because my left hand and Wonjae’s right hand are almost touching.

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