A Peach Heart

Joo Eun-je was thirteen years old. Her quiet daily life was interrupted by her second older sister&039;s friend, Yoon Gang-heon.

"How dare you push me from behind while I&039;m tying my shoelaces? You&039;re such a rude thug!"
"Your words are getting harsher and harsher."
"Go become a gangster when you grow up!" It was obvious to anyone that he was someone else, yet he would call her over every time and claim he thought she was his friend. Not only did he tease her annoyingly, but he would also suddenly appear out of nowhere to meddle in her affairs and get in her way.

But it was strange; even though he was annoying and teased her just the same year after year, there were times when she felt a strange tingling sensation and couldn&039;t comfortably meet his gaze.

"Eun-je, your lips are pouting like this because you&039;re crying. You look like a duck, a duck."
"What duck am I?"
"You&039;re cute."
"Why do you say I&039;m cute? It&039;s not like you&039;re trying to flirt with me."

Was this feeling like peach fuzz that would tickle her for a moment and then pass, or was it like a peach she ended up eating even though she knew it would make her swell up?

"If you don&039;t want to look cute, then just don&039;t cry anymore." Ju Eun-je was sixteen. Yes. That was when it all began. When she started thinking she might like Kang Heon.