"Detention With You" Chapter 3: Secrets in the Library

The next day, CJ shocked even himself by showing up to the library early.

Okay, ten minutes early—but still.

Kim was already there, of course. Same neat handwriting. Same color-coded notes. Same expression of mild surprise that CJ had actually come on time.

“You’re early,” she said, narrowing her eyes like it was suspicious.

He grinned and pulled out a chair. “Don’t act like you’re not impressed.”

Kim blinked. “I’m... mildly surprised.”

CJ put a hand on his heart. “I’ll take it.”

For the first time, the project actually started to feel doable.

CJ read his part out loud—only stopping twice to make sound effects and a dramatic announcer voice. Kim didn't laugh, exactly, but her lips twitched like she wanted to.

“Can we focus?” she said, even as she typed up what he said.

CJ leaned in. “Be honest. I’m your most entertaining study partner, right?”

“You’re my only study partner.”

“That’s basically a yes.”

An hour passed like five minutes.

By the time they paused, CJ was flipping through Kim’s notebook, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“Whoa,” he said, pointing. “What’s this?”

Kim reached to take it back, but CJ held it up.

“‘Favorite Films List’? Let’s see… 10 Things I Hate About You, To All The Boys, Crazy Rich Asians…” He looked up, eyes wide. “Wait. You like romcoms?”

Kim gave him a small glare. “So?”

“You? Miss Planner? Ice Queen of the Honor Roll? Likes cheesy love stories?”

She snatched the notebook back, cheeks pink. “They’re not cheesy. They’re comforting. And predictable. And... nice.”

CJ grinned. “That’s adorable.”

“I didn’t say it was adorable. I said it was—wait, I mean—ugh.” Kim turned back to her laptop quickly.

He leaned on the table, chin in hand. “You just got way more interesting.”

Kim didn’t reply, but CJ noticed she was typing faster than usual—probably trying to ignore the way her ears had gone red.

A few minutes later, as Kim worked, CJ pulled out his own worn-out notebook. He hesitated—then flipped to a page filled with messy lyrics and half-rhymed lines.

Kim noticed.

“What’s that?”

CJ looked like he might deflect with a joke, but didn’t. “Lyrics. I write songs. Mostly trash.”

She blinked. “You write music?”

He shrugged. “Kinda. I just… I don’t know. Helps me get stuff out of my head, y’know?”

Kim looked at the page, surprised. It was messy, sure—but real.

“Do you ever show anyone?”

CJ closed the notebook. “Nah. People expect me to be the clown. It’s easier.”

For a moment, they just sat in silence. No teasing. No jokes. Just… getting it.

As they packed up to leave, Kim hesitated, then said, “CJ?”

“Yeah?”

“I liked what I saw. In the notebook.”