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Chapter Text

The irksome blaring sound coming from the alarm clock kicked over to penetrate and to disrupt Sullyoon’s wonderful sleep. With that Sullyoon quickly searched for the alarm clock, smacking it to shut up as she got up from her bed. Once she was somewhat awake she tidied up and arranged all the pink velvet like pillows before heading towards the bathroom.

The dazzling sun isn't awake and yet Sullyoon is already spending the first thirty minutes of her day washing up and preparing for school.

Minutes after, Sullyoon grabbed her toothbrush to finish up inside the bathroom and got dressed in a crop top and skin tight black ripped jeans. With her bag in hand, Sullyoon walked out of her room, like most days Sullyoon would eat but her parents are out of town only coming home on holidays and she's to lazy to cook for herself.

Instead her friend would normally, gate-crash at her home and join her to the walk to school sometimes with food but most times not. Speaking of, the gate is opened, signaling someone barged into her place. A shrill scream greeting roared, hearing the reckless footsteps as well.

"Good morning, Sullyoon! I have no breakfast this morning!"

"Morning, Haewon. You're a bit late this morning, I missed my human alarm clock." Since Haewon always drags her ass out of bed earlier than Sullyoon every single morning, she tends to wake Sullyoon's ass up most of the time.

“I forgot to set up my alarm. But! Thankfully, my roommate's alarm clock woke me up!" Haewon said as she walked towards Sullyoon and didn't hesitate to hug her. Haewon is in the 12th grade same as Sullyoon but she’s older by a year actually because she joined school later as a child. Haewon is like an older sister to Sullyoon even though she already has one its nice to have another one around. Maybe that’s why they get along so well.

“Okay! Let's go now before we're late!" Said a very enthusiastic Haewon. There is no doubt Haewon is absolutely like a jolly kid who constantly runs on coffee everyday to fuel up her hyperactive entire well-being, but at the same time she can be so calm and collected that she actually seems like a general.

When Sullyoon met her for the very first time, it was the day in the previous school year, the same school year Haewon transferred into the same university as hers from a different highschool. Sullyoon found her in the student's center stage, having her own mini concert, singing her lungs out to some Twice songs and everyone was fascinated by her that day even Sullyoon.

After getting praised, Haewon ushered to the sole person that caught her attention which happened to be Sullyoon and asked her to buy snacks with her since she got exhausted from her concert. Sullyoon, per usual, didn't reject her request and eventually became great friends after that.

"Come on Sleepy head! I wanna go study and learn new things and discover" Sullyoon shakes her head, she doesn't know how to staple someone's mouth in person so what she does is do it inside her head. Going to university means seeing her long-time crush around. Perhaps not in almost every class, but at least they are in the same university breathing and sharing same air. Although, technically speaking everyone breathes the same air.

"Have you decided already which club you are going to join in for your last year residency?"
Haewon questions, after clinging her arm onto Sullyoon's as they walk on the pavement, under the sun and cloudy sky.

"You know I won't leave student council for anything, right?”

The elder pouts, she lowkey wished Sullyoon would consider joining other clubs like the club she was planning to join in.

"Not even Glee Club? I thought you loved singing." She even tugs the youngers arms to convince her a little more and change her decision.

"Like what I've said last year to the seniors, I'd take my place as the president of student council. I won't let them down." Sullyoon smiles to herself, remembering what her seniors told her, how they all believed her to achieve massive things for her last year in high school.

She was almost the president for last year, however, it has been a mandatory that seniors must take place of the ever highest position in the student council regulations.

"You already made up your mind. Fine. Go and leave me alone in Glee Club. I'm okay."

"Don't be so dramatic, we’re still under the same university. You're such a big baby, Haewon." Sullyoon chuckles, seeing Haewon fold her arms and cross her eyebrows, she looked like a teenager who had gotten their phone taken away.

"Yah! I'm older than you show me some respect!” Haewon said folding her arms and pouting.

Sullyoon burst out laughing at Haewons current display. Haewon then watched her in silent embarrassment after realizing she just proved sullyoon's point.

"Hurry up, I thought you wanted to learn new things? Or do you want me to leave you since you're so mature?” Sullyoon said snickering as she wanders her eyes around, hoping she could see the alluring, and so charismatic Dancer in the midst of students pacing their way to their classes. Seeing Jinni this morning could brighten up her day and boost her motivation for school.

"Yah! Wait for me! I thought we were friends!"

"We are. But you're really slow maybe because you're so short and your legs can't carry you fast enough." Sullyoon stated while focusing her orbs to the busy crowd.

"It's not my fault you were born a giant! And you're not much taller than me!"

"You know that just reminded me of the one mamamoo song. No matter how much you deny I'm still taller, shortie."

Finally, the person she was looking for since then showed up in the scene. She is in her casual clothes, an over-sized white hoodie, skinny jeans and lastly, a renowned pair of black adidas. Along with her Adidas duffle bag on her shoulder, Jinni is cornered by a bunch of students who are trying to befriend her perhaps become more.

“Where are you looking, do you like someone?” Haewon said with a slight smirk on her face.

"W-what?" Stuttering, Sullyoon blinks twice and brings her attention back to a smirking Haewon eyeing her. She awkwardly grins.

"I said, who were you staring at? You didn't listen to me. It must be something important or someone important."

Haewon then tries to find the precise location where Sullyoon had her eyes fixed, but before it lands to the spot where Jinni is all smiley and socializing with other random students, Sullyoon grasps Haewon by the wrist and trudges inside their building, scared how Haewon might find out about her secret crush for quite some time.

"It's getting late, I'll see you later when I have my break. Don't be stupid, okay? Bye!" She abruptly leaves the elder without telling anything about what just occurred with her zoning out earlier. She just couldn't voice out it to anybody. Sullyoon believes that when she begins to express it to anybody, there is a high possibility it would be said to another person or worse, it could be a wide spread discussion to everyone.

It is better to keep it to herself, like a little secret that will always be kept and secured from everybody. At least, no one knows she drools over the popular Dance star in their school. High school can be a bitch, not everyone is your friend, some people are just plain too nice but can stab your back anytime they want or chance they get. She likes it to be hidden as much as possible.

A girl liking a girl could be a real talk about to her batch. For instance, she isn't out, but she accepts it to herself, well, not to her parents, though, whats important is she knows her real self. Some couldn’t and don't even know who or what they like, As for Sullyoon, she is aware, but it Isn't unalloyed for everybody. It's not also like everyone must know, just the relevant ones.

Few minutes left before her World History class would start, Sullyoon adjudicates for the front row chair instead of the last rows of seats. To be exact, she perches on the near aisle, where professor or teachers are pacing back and forth to halter and prevent students from prohibited cheating during written tests which she never does because she is Sullyoon she can surely get As without the help of others.

The room is slowly being filled with noises, a mixed of pleasant and repellent tangential background music, boys are allocated to do the
earsplitting booming of the speakers, as for the girls, they create endless chitchats about whatever, mainly who are the guys that they find cute or totally hot and would most likely date.

And for Sullyoon, she is very much contended daydreaming about Jinni, thinking about how her hair stands out from the crowd in a shade of light pink, or how when she smiles it could outshine the sun. Sullyoon unknowingly smiled at the thought.

"Seol Yoona?" A sudden voice cleared Sullyoon's notion, she uncurls her sitting posture, flashing an unprepared gleam to her fellow student with
Short blonde hair and a book within her arm. The pretty girl has an oversized flannel on cropped shirt, she seems like a very relaxed easy going person.

"Hi?"  Sullyoon greets as a reply.

"I was wondering if I could sit here beside you. I hope it'll be fine with you." Said the blonde-haired girl.

"of course, you can." Sullyoon feels at ease at her company, she doesn’t know why even though she hasn't introduced her name yet Sullyoon thinks she is a cool girl.

Although, the girl seems to be foreign a sort of exchange student, Sullyoon couldn't seem to remember her if she perceived the girl in the first days of the school year, the mid quarter of the first semester has only started and Sullyoon knew all the students she encountered with in every classes they have. But this certain girl, she couldn't recognize when or where she came
from. Maybe, she was a new one.

Sullyoon is currently having a thought, whether she would entertain the latter about where she sprung and why did she know her own name.

"Thank you so much for letting me sit with you, I’m Lily Jin Morrow by the way, but people call me Lily."

"That's a unique name. I'm Yoona but people call me Sullyoon, I know you already know I just wanted to formally say it." Sullyoon said amazed by the sound of the blonde haired girls voice it sounds so clear and angelic not to mention the strong Australian accent.

"I also hope you don't find me weird Since I already knew your name. I heard students saying it everywhere. You must be famous.”

Well, Sullyoon is widely commended in the high school department. She is a very consistent achiever, and everyone adored her, her doll like features captured everyone's attention, every person wouldn't have a second thought of not eyeing her. She's a well-rounded student.

"Oh, no, I usually participate in large school events I think that's the only reason they all know me." Being a member of the student council since seventh grade, that already gave Sullyoon a remarkable ability of gaining every Single one's utter trust and respect.

"I see. This school is quite huge. I guess you can accompany me for a while, yeah? Sudden adjustments are hard, I'm a late transferee.”

"Sure. You can tag along when we have our break. Don't get shy to approach the people here, they might look intimidating but I can assure you, they are all friendly."

After that, their World Class teacher popped into the room. An hour full of languorous and self-loathing are being held at the first subject. For
Sullyoon not to get bored, she does jot down notes, and highlight some significant information.

For their next class, it was Creative Writing, Lily's favorite. Coming from a foreign country like Australia, she's way too familiarized in constructing English written output, sure Sullyoon is no different considering she studied hard, however she is still not as fluent. After they went separate ways since they had different classes for third subject, Lily had Physics and Sullyoon took Biology.

Break time. Of course, Sullyoon has memorized the paths and rooms of the university, she heads to senior's Physics class to fetch Lily.

Realizing that she neglected Haewon, Sullyoon's doe eyes grew wide as she turned around to lope
downstairs. It just so happens that the really charming Dancer is having a far eye contact with her. Sullyoon swallows hastily, hands turn cold, and she begins to have cluttered thinking. She doesn’t want to presume but Jinni's really straying towards her spot, Jinni gleams.

Breathing Out, Sullyoon composes her messy ass.

"Morning.” the junior student politely acknowledges her frozen presence.

"Hey, morning.” Surprisingly, Sullyoon achieves to maintain their eye contact, this is a quite abrupt moment between her and her crush. The last time they had a casual conversation is probably the time of the annual ceremony for everyone in the quadrangle, they only ever chat about school matters, that was all. And the main reason why Jinni knows her is because she's included in the mother club which is the student council. So, facing your crush at this morning sends a combustion to Sullyoon's position. she couldn't think properly.

"Kyujin wanted me to give you this student's file for the key officers of student council."

Right, kyujin, a sophomore student and an active member/key officer of student council. she is the best friend of Jinni and a former member of
Groove and Glam's club. Jinni is just doing her job for her best friend. See, they only talk about school related things, that's all. Sullyoon looks down and clasps on the folder.

"Thanks. Please, remind her about the meeting tomorrow at the students center"

"Will do." Jinni purses her lips and spins around to catch up with her friends who anticipated for her to finish up their chitchat.

At least, Jinni spoke to her for this day. It is something that doesn't happen all the time.

"Hey, Sullyoon." Lily calls her, but giving the full absorption to the person who just left a bit ago.

"Shall we go to the cafeteria now?"

"Yes." Sullyoon is feeling conscious how Lily is being all smiles.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Lily smiles even more when Sullyoon interrupted her rambling thought about a certain person. Sullyoon nearly concluded Lily was going to be irritated at her invasion of whatever she was thinking.

"So, what's her name?" Having a mini heart attack, Sullyoon almost choked on
her own saliva, that was very straightforward and Sullyoon wasn't initially trained for that stuff. She's shocked.

"Uh.."

"I get it if you don't want to say the name-“

"Yunjin. She's choi Yunjin but she goes by Jinni.” Sullyoon responds in a way her awkwardness wouldn't be shown.

“Are you guys friends or something?” Lily couldn't contain the curiousness in her interrogation as she queries the things she wants to unveil about their relationship.

Lily is fishing out for answers just like a detective on an important case. Right, Lily is on to her. "We just speak regarding school. We’re not really on the same level, I don't really get to speak with her" Sullyoon clarifies to  Lily, somehow shes a bit scared of lily finding out her secret.

"What do you mean you’re not on the same level? Isn’t she a junior we could see her so frequently."

“She just hangs around a different crowd than I do. She has dance practice everyday in the performing arts Center after all her classes, its basically a massive dance studio with seats so people can hang and spectate."

The confused look lily had is finally fixed into a smirk. "Say why don't we watch one of those practices later" lily says with a bit if teasing in her voice.

"You will accompany me, yeah? I'll buy us snacks
while watching" Sullyoon just nods her head towards the uncertain agreement, she doesn’t want to come out a rude. After all, Lily is only a very new student, that makes it way understandable as to why she would want company and she’s never one turn down free food.

They reached the semi-crowded cafeteria, luckily, it isn't full jam pack, some students prefer to eat outside of the university, just like what Jinni and Kyujin do as well with their whole group, they choose to be out rather than suffering from the same old cafeteria's menu that taste unpleasantly.

"How's your day so far? Made new friends?" As for Sullyoon, she doesn't have to be in the hunger games mode in order to get food, she does have her snacks she makes during evenings or Haewon to steal a bite from. They scouted for a neat place to stay in peacefully.

"Actually, none. Which is surprising because I have so much Australian swag" Lily states, while exsadurating her hand movement.

"it's only your first day, they’ll come around to you. Besides,  I'm happy to be your company." Said Sullyoon as she let out the brightest smile.

"So, what's up with you and jinni? Don't worry I'm very open minded."

Sullyoon pauses for a moment, she reminisced how she developed her growing feelings for Jinni knowing that the latter is a few months younger than her. She doesn't exactly or couldn’t comprehend nor explain when and how, she just knew liking Jinni is one of the best things to happen to her as her 'crush' actually does help to get her motivated when she needed. She thinks Jinni is healthy for her.

"Nothing is up with me and jinni we're just acquaintances."

"Come on there has to be something there. I saw how you looked at her." Lily dramatically says, fixing her hair as she puts her phone on the table and brings out her sealed food from Australia.

In the midst of munching their food, a girl leaps into their table, and makes a frown. "Yah! You forgot about me! How could you do this to me? Am I not worthy enough, Sullyoon!”

Lily and Sullyoon simultaneously raise their chin to sight the brown haired with the abhorrent delivery of words. Haewon appears slightly angry.

"Lily, this is Haewon. She might be annoying sometimes, sorry for that."

"Hello, Haewon. I'm Lily Jin Morrow, feel free to call me Lily. Please, I never meant to steal Sullyoon from you."  

The 2nd eldest sensed the heat forming in her cheeks, she just embarrassed herself to the unknown foreign pretty student in front of
her and Sullyoon heeds it as well, unfortunately.

"I-uh, I-it was only a joke.." She scratches the back part of her head, and Sullyoon instructs her to perch by her side to have her meal already. Haewon obeys but bows down her head in embarrassment. That wasn't an incredible first
impression. She wished to disappear.

“It's okay. You seem funny, maybe, you can accompany me too along with Sullyoon? only if-"

"I want that its cool to be friends with pretty girls." Lily stops from chewing her sliced apples from the lunch box, Haewon really thought she had said something wrong.

“You think I'm pretty?.” To say the least Lily was a blushing mess.

“Why are you so red?” Sullyoon teased.

"Quiet sullyoon. And yes I think you're really cute! By the way are you thinking of joining a club?” Haewon asked with excitement laced in her voice.

“well I’m pretty good at singing. Is there any club that involves that?”

"Oh! Glee Club needs you! it's a club for all versatile and aspiring singers like me!" She doesn't discern her loud mouth is entirely soaring inside the cafeteria, Haewon settles down after noticing what she has done.

“Sullyoon, tomorrow will be the first day for the students to pick their chosen club, right?”

“Yes, don’t make a mess just like last year”

“Yah! I don’t wanna remember it. So, Lily, do you want to join Glee Club with me?"

Lily was already making and finalizing her decision since Haewon brought it up, but she was also wavering on some things not sure if her heart could handle being around haewon.

“Haewon, maybe, you put to much pressure on her.”

"How about you, Sullyoon? Which club are you joining?" Lily connects her gaze to Sullyoon's, and waits. Being with haewon would be great but she doesn't want to embarrass herself and shes already comfortable with Sullyoon. Being with her would deprecate her troubled mind.

"Youth Forum. It's the student council one. I kinda suck at singing, I don't really have a talent."

"No! You're so good at communicating with other students! Everyone couldn't do that. Plus you’re an amazing singer, and dancer you put yourself down to much." Haewon butts in, a little bit of a raise in her tone is recognized.

She admires how Sullyoon could be so efficient in expressing her words very well to people. She has this natural aura, and doesn't really have to exert any force to be a good speaker. And perhaps, Its one of the factors the previous senior key officers voted for her to manage the
rousing mother organization. It doesn't necessarily mean she is the so called extrovert, Sullyoon isn't completely an outgoing person, she knows to speak good.

"Speaking isn't a talent."

"I can't do that, people can be annoying. I'll probably go to the Glee Club.”

"Haewon, you heard it? Don't be a full blown nuisance to Lily." Reminding the brown-haired girl, Lily and Sullyoon burst out laughing as they see the brown-haired girl cross her arms in annoyance with a slight pink tint on her cheeks with the thought of hanging out with lily alone.

Lily may be doubting in her mind, but this could be a chance to get closer to haewon, she's in good hands. Now thinking of crushes she couldn't wait to gather more information on sullyoon's feelings as they will watch yunjins practice later this afternoon.

Taking a look at the time Sullyoon widens her eyes, nearly forgetting the usual drill to be accomplished every Monday and Friday of the week, she never misses the time just to do this special thing for about three straight years already. Yes, that's right, for the three long years, there is one and only person she delights in silent. Actually, it is still going on for how long only God knows.

"Haewon, Lily, I have to do something first but I’ll be back quickly. You can wait for me or not." Sullyoon scurries up, arranging her stuff, bidding temporary hurried goodbye to both the girls.

“I’ll wait for you just like how I always do!”

"Alright!"

Sullyoon plasters a beam on her face before she scouts away and runs to the locker room. A small piece of paper was tightly secured in her right hand, a letter which she never ever forgets to deliver this cherished hand-written Letter sneakily inside Jinni's locker place.

There's a pure and dark tranquility within the area, nobody is even around, not even the utilities who maintain the cleanliness of the school every time they could do their job. And, it's a good thing for Sullyoon, of course.

Sliding the back of her leather shoes, Sullyoon steps in the rayless and serenity of the locker room. She's faced with nothing but with the same old feeling of churning inside her stomach. Just the thought of Jinni reading her hand-
made letters is already magical.

Slipping it horizontally, the pink piece of paper slowly falls down inside, and Sullyoon is quickly heading outside of the area before anyone captures her and makes a careless act she wished she would never encounter. She glances back at Jinni's locker and smiles.

"Until I get tired writing for you."

Chapter Text

"Are you coming home after this meeting?"

"I have other things to do, Haewon. Did you stay with Lily? Where is she?" The two attended and finished the Glee Club
election of officers and Lily was appointed as the secretary of the organization. And Haewon luckily had acquired the second to the highest rank, surprisingly.

"Yes. She left me after the picture taking. I don't know. She's probably still at school." Shrugging off her shoulders, Haewon arched up her lips.

"So, are you coming home early with me?" The eldest wiggled her eyebrows. However, the other girl seemed to be unbothered towards her ridiculous classic tactics.

"You already know what will my answer be."

Haewon released a defeated sigh, she had been asking Sullyoon for the nth time and yet her firm answer seemed to be unbreakable, Haewon only stipulated to venture with Sullyoon on their way home like they regularly did. However, Sullyoon
insisted to bestow a little more time in their university for few excuses. Lily, again, had requested her to consort her to the performing arts center to watch Choi Jinni. Which they also did recently.

Yes, yesterday. Lily was feeling so elated, actually, until now since Sullyoon had approved to her puppy eyes favour, she agreed to be with Lily at the dance practice. Even though Lily didn't have a small nor casual talk with Jinni when they watched her, she was already glad enough to see sullyoon's reaction to said dancer. Sullyoon, she was in a joyous state, however Sullyoon liked to keep it lowkey. She played it cool, and acted as if Jinni was nothing to her, or atleast she attempted to.

They went home late. Haewon was with them too. The 2nd eldest wasn't into anyone in the dance team, but Sullyoon and lily were there. The only reason she forced herself to look interested and entertained with the energetic training of the dancers was because Lily was there.

"I wanna eat tteokbokki, Sullyoon!"

"Haewon, I don't own the tteokbokki stall." Sullyoon responded very quickly, wiping off the dusty surface of the lengthy wooden table that was used for special activities inside the center, placing the requisite files and folders for the said upcoming meeting in the student center.

"But my wallet doesn't hold any money nor my coin purse..."

"Your mom just literally gave your weekly allowance yesterday."

"Okay, okay, but on Friday, you're going to treat me, whether you wallow in it or not!"

"Yes, yes, go home and do your homework." Sullyoon reminded while she settled down the thin sheets of paper, skimming every
given personal data of the presumed key officers for the entire school year. The lofty blonde scurried away and the brunette was already left isolated. She scanned the main officers' profile, they seemed to have great potency to fulfill their jobs and exalted possibility to achieve better vantage.

Minutes after, Sullyoon checked the time, and yet she was still all alone in the room. No one had waltzed in, though, she was being just too early for the convention. Not until an energetic,
Sapphire haired girl made her way into the room. Finally, Sullyoon was accompanied.

"You were just too early, weren't you? If not I'd like to apologise for being a lazy leader."

Sullyoon gleamed, "It's fine. I'm Yoona, Seol Yoona, but you can call me Sullyoon." she offered her hand politely, and the red haired girl accepted it in return, smiling too.

"Yes, the gorgeous and exceptional Seol Yoona, Momo-unnie told me once. I know you." Fixing up her vanilla satchel, Kyujin stated, and Sullyoon anticipated for her polished motion. It didn't befuddle the doll like girl anymore, Momo, a former key officer and Groove and Glam's main dancer was a friend.

"Did it make you uneasy? I mean, I was-"

"Not at all. Momo-unnie had said few stuff about you too. Like, a really excellent dancer." Sullyoon recalled that one time moment she had spoken with Momo in the Sanctum.

"Thankfully, good things. Please, I'm far from being great. Not even close to slightly great."

"I doubt that. I've watched you performed once, I'm not a dancer but you're incredible." Compliments. One of the things Kyujin didn't take seriously. For her, people expressed nice things just to appear good and benevolent other than that, they didn't really mean it. They seemed all lies for her. Although, the doll like girl
maybe was an exemption, her classmates and schoolmates were only telling factual things when they said Sullyoon emanated flowers and rainbows energy. She was way too good to accuse on whatever she said or did.

"Thank you, that's very nice to hear." They both shared timid smiles, appreciating each other's kindness.

"It's quarter to four now, are they aware of the time?" Kyujin asked as she scooted closer to Sullyoon bustling on the desk.

"I hope so, I did remind them last night and this morning. Do you have more scheduled?"

"I have, but it's not important. Actually, it's blunt. Though, I still bring myself there."

Sullyoon chuckled because the identical reaction she perceived with Kyujin right now was completely the same face she discerned with Haewon from yesterday's Dance practice.

"Maybe, you might have heard of Choi Jinni?"

A tiny pulse of pounding pulsated inside her chest, the name of the dancer was only told randomly and yet her heart reacted as if it went ground zero of battleship in the ocean. Sullyoon reluctantly nodded her head, and tried to still her gaze on the documents splattered.

"Do you know these two people?" Literally all of a sudden, the doll like girl revamped the topic over the first thing she came up
with her cluttered mind. She mounted the folder up to Kyujin, and the latter had no other option but to divert her attention
on the paper.

"Uh, yes."

"Do you think they're qualified to be here?"

Kyujin went silent for a brief moment. "Do you think their papers won't be submitted here if they're actually legible for these positions...?"

Right. Sullyoon snapped out of her mind, realising that was really unnecessary and absurd to narrate to a person like
Kyujin who was quite much sober at frequent times unlike her. Sullyoon bit down her lower lip to conceal the stupefied and
horrified action. She didn't want to expect anything but her mind said something already that she was a weirdo.

"It's just like I wanted this school year to be remembered, and with the help of our other co-members, I get worried, you know." Partially, it was a lie and also the truth. Being the leader of the whole high school department was a massive task, there would always be an echo of doubt in Sullyoon whether she was qualified enough for this high position she was managing.

"The ex-seniors won't be voting for you if you aren't capable for this, I believe in you, Sullyoon."

It warmed Sullyoon's heart. Kyujin's fervent words sent a cordial feeling to Sullyoon and she finally had conceived her
first impression about her. Kyujin seemed more grown-up than any average Sophomore student she had spoken with. She definitely inherited all the sufficient abilities to be the second in command.

"Thank you-"

"We're sorry for being sluggish! Jiwoo was such a snail and please don't impeach me!"

Two ushering girls hastened towards their spot wherein Sullyoon and Kyujin heart-warming moment got disrupted
by the noxious yell of the girl. They drifted their head on the tattling squabble of the two girls. Sullyoon identified them quickly, and the two gradually stop from bickering nonsense after minutes of noticing Kyujin's stern face.

"Good morning, president Sullyoon! And, to you Ms. I don't know. I am Jinsol but you can call me Bae!"

"Technically, it's afternoon. I'd like to send my apologies for my illiterate friend. I'm Jiwoo."

The duo introduced themselves. Bae was a very outgoing person which happened to be also a talented student. For instance, she was included in the dance team just like Jinni though no matter how her schedule differed, she still opted to be part of student council which any student athlete were condoned as they emblematised the school's name outside
already.

Jiwoo had a different case, the opposition of Bae. She joined Youth Forum for a change since she used to choose Spit n Fire Club every single year. She liked rapping. Now, she considered being in the list of main leaders which would boost her self-confidence to face people in public places.

"We also know you, Kyujin. You two had dance class last year. Please excuse her ass."

"Oh, right! You're Jinni's best friend! She's in the dance studio, she said she will wait for you later!"

The two invoked another mishap of subdued child-like banters, Sullyoon grinned and Kyujin puffed through her mouth. Jiwoo quickly recognised it, and discretely stepped on Bae's shoe to shut her off from blabbering. The following requital of gibberish words were followed by the hulking footsteps, a bunch of exceeding students from different levels sauntered in the meeting place. Some were joined by their friends and some were just cloistered. Mostly senior students were around, actually everyone didn't ditch the said meeting. In this case, it was a pleasure for Sullyoon, she thought this was a good foresight to have extensive projects.

Speaking of projects, Sullyoon instructed them to gather in the centre in 'C' formation so that no one would be left out and everyone got to participate freely in voicing out their ideas. But before that, Sullyoon, of course, is was one who initiated the tirade, she discussed and didn't neglect the presence of students who happily attended the assembly. She thanked first the key officers as well as the committees who would be helping them in managing.

She proceeded narrating the exciting and yet upcoming activities that would be held in the next few months until the end of the year for students to have already idea what was approaching. She really prepared herself for her people to be
informed clearly regarding all these newly created activities. Though she focused more in talking about the event next week
which was the annual awaited dance competition against the SM High School. The ultimate rival of their school in terms of dance.

Everybody anticipated for it, even all their teachers, it was like the last act in a theatrical show that you didn't want to
miss. Especially the venue was the large indoor stadium, it added a huge factor. The meeting lasted for half of an hour, Sullyoon made sure she was able to conduct a good talk to her people and hoped for a nice first impression.

They all bade goodbye to each other without dejecting other members. Everyone was leaving except for Kyujin and Bang Chan. These two were the second in command under Sullyoon's term.

"That's all for today, thank you guys. Until next time." Sullyoon's infamous grin was shown to the two, it was truly one of her fatal
facial asset, her smile. Chan gleamed, too. Sullyoon closed the folder after she arranged it to ascending order according to surname.

"I have to leave. You two take care going home."

"Wait." Chan said as he walked up to sullyoon and ruffled her hair just like an annoying older brother.

"See you,  don't get hurt on your way home" He flashed a smile. Sullyoon just smiled, fixing her hair and picking up her stuff while Kyujin casually stared at them with a straight face until the only guy stepped out.

"What?"

Kyujin shrugged, "Jinni is waiting for me. Take care, Sullyoon. I'll see you around." She said while heading out.

"I thought I had to wait forever." Suddenly, a Australian accent echoed in the emptied room, Sullyoon spun around only to see a playful look from the blonde-haired girl.

"Kidding. Ready to go? 'Cause I am. Before my family driver comes.' Lily and her family had a family driver so Sullyoon thinking the exchange student was most probably from a wealthy family. It just expressed how high-profile Lily was. However, despite being in the Morrows, Lily didn't act nor dress like someone from a well off family.

They trudged out of the student's center. Simultaneously, the pace of their footsteps and the blow of the wind shuffled together, Sullyoon breathed out, it seemed to be a cooler temperature, the evening was coming. And, lucky for her, her curfew didn't exist as long as it correlated with school reasonings.

"Haewon must've told you what happened." Lily started off breaking the tranquility for them.

"I wasn't really expecting for it, but a guy nominated me just because I look pretty it doesn't mean I have beautiful writings."

Softly, Sullyoon giggled. "Maybe, he's right. Mine's terrible, like a chicken scratched it so badly."

"As a president, you're not entitled to write, you'll be just fine. How's the meeting today?" Lily sipped a small amount
of hot chocolate she purchased nearby their school outside. Sullyoon hummed, feeling the gentle breeze.

"Good. Everyone seems friendly and warm."

"Wait, where's Haewon?"

"She went home.  Had some homework to do."

"Dang I wanted to get to know her more, but I'm dead set on getting you and Jinni to interact."

Pursing her lips, Sullyoon hummed unconsciously. Lily must have been cupid in her past life because she is way in to this match making role.

"You should start approaching her today, and don't be timid."

"Hm."

"Does she talk to unknown students? Seems like she doesn't. She's like...unapproachable."

For a second, Sullyoon thought about it too. She never had long conversations with Jinni, but as far as she remembered, the latter was easy to speak with. It was just herself who got problems in reaching out for a talk with Jinni.

"Oh my god, they're already starting! Let's watch close to them today. I want you to see her." Tugging the sleeves of her jacket,
Lily pulled Sullyoon towards the seating area. Sullyoon, zoned her eyes to the precise area where Jinni expertly showed a move to improve their group routine. She was so good to the point that she could choreograph an entire routine.

The practice had bounded, everyone was in their starting spots, waiting for their leaders cue. The dancers switched into their game face mode even Jinni except for Bae with a massive smile on her face. Bae was allocated behind Jinni. Jinni as the center noticed in the mirrors  reflection and smiled back.

The song later sounded from the speakers signaling the start of the song and choreography, Jinni flowed with the music as if she was part of it. While Bae was behind her, she kept making funny faces trying to make jinni laugh and mess up. In just no time, Jinni snickered as she shifted her position and slapped Bae making it look like it was part of the Routine.

Meanwhile, Sullyoon jotted down the power point presentation notes to her notebook, instead of eyeing her favourite dancer, she opted to be busy. Seeing Jinni from a far was more than enough. She gripped herself in studying the next lesson for Biology tomorrow, and would do her homework in Art Class in advance time. Lily seemed to be preoccupied watching Bae as she tried disturbing Jinni, trying not to burst out in laughter herself.

Time moved so fast, and the dance team completed the choreo flawlessly well except for the slight disturbances. They were all circled around to do the last stretching. And Jinni as the Leader, led the team and finished it shortly to end their practice for today.

Jinni lazily dragged her feet to the bench to get her cold bottled water. But, Lily had something on her mind earlier.

"Hi!" She sprinted down, leaving Sullyoon alone.

Jinni twisted up the corners of her mouth, holding the cold jug to Bae to give it to her first.

"My name's Lily Jin Morrow, but you can call me Lily."

"Yunjin. Choi Yunjin. You can call me jinni."

"So, do you want to sit here with me, Lily?"

"Actually I came here to perhaps be friends and also get you acquainted with Sullyoon over there" Lily said pointing towards  sullyoon with the brightest smile.

Jinni laughed and of course agreed to Lily's request of being friends, and Sullyoon took a subtle glance on them, losing her attention from the landscape Aurora Borealis, she was drawing on the sketch pad. Her shoulders jolted as someone perched
beside. The person peeked at her work, but Sullyoon withdrew it faster than the light.

"What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for a friend. How about you, why are you here, president?" Kyujin asked back, crossed her legs, and settled
her gaze on her best friend as well on the girl talking to Jinni.

"Same thing. Do they usually end the practice close so to nightfall? It's kind of getting late."

"Yeah. She's new, isn't she?" Pertaining her lips to Lily who was exchanging laughters with her best friend.

Sullyoon nodded, putting down her sketch book on top of her rucksack. "We've met days ago, she's nice and sweet."

She cleaned up her things, a sign for her to get ready anytime after Lily completed any commotion with Jinni. Since Lily's family driver might arrive anytime sooner. It was also time for her to disembark the place. Though, seeing her crush and her new friend got along well, Sullyoon didn't seem to be bothered by it. Everyone could be friends with Jinni.

"Can I ask why you chose to be in student council?" Sullyoon initially broke off the cohering reticence. She wondered why
Kyujin had to supersede from being the president of Groove and Glam's to another position she had never been into. Kyujin had reasons. Kyujin expected she would ask but not anytime soon.

"Aside from I wanna try new things, I also wanna meet new people, have friends other than Jinni because at some point, I've been close to disowning her ass."

Sullyoon couldn't help but burst out chuckling off, the way Kyujin spoke it, how she looked serious about it. "Why are you laughing? Girls like Jinni so much like why? She's irritating, messy, irritating and many more."

"You said irritating twice."

"I know, I mean it." For all Sullyoon cared, she didn't foresee Kyujin could be hilarious, especially how she wanted to
disclaim her best friend's ass awfully. Sullyoon finished fixing up her things, still yielding lighthearted giggle, and straight up glanced on the two.

Lily's phone soon went off indicating her driver was there for her as she stood up from the bench, she sweetly bid her goodbye and thanks to Jinni, and left the building.

After zoning out a bit she remembered Lily forgot to bid her a goodbye, but neglected it as she considered the latter might be just in a hunch. Sullyoon got up from her seat, wrapping up her undone ponytail before slinging her bag on her back. The practice ended a bit earlier than yesterday. It was time to go home.

"Kyujin," A certain pink-haired girl spat out a different name but Sullyoon was the one who got stunned on her position. A gust of wind breezed in, making the chilly pale skin of Sullyoon
shuddered even more, causing her knees to tremble like a soft jelly.

"Alright, let's go." Sullyoon gulped, slowly making her way down out of the bleachers, though Kyujin thought it would be rude if she would just abandon Sullyoon's presence.

"Sullyoon, do you wanna walk with us?" The Doll like girl bit down her lower lip, it was good she wasn't facing the two girls to hide her embarrassment. Sullyoon wanted to pull out a yes, but her other mind exhorted her to oppress Kyujin's unplanned suggestion. Sullyoon, stuck in her position, torn between
her answers, and shrinking to voice out is most probably losing her mind.

"Jin, it's cool with you, right? So, Sullyoon? Shall we go already or?"

"Yeah, it's fine." Jinni's voice thundered in Sullyoon's ears, it sounded so deep and attractive, and Sullyoon may be lying if she would say it didn't have any tyrannical effect in her system. Before Sullyoon entirely got frozen on her feet, Kyujin slid a hand into Sullyoon's arm, pulling her close, and warmly yields a grin.

Sullyoon lowkey stole a glance on Jinni, only to find out the latter was engrossed plugging in her airpods, playing some
indie-pop tracks. Sullyoon breathed out. That was better than hearing herself being a stuttering mess in front of her crush. She wished this would end right away.

"I'm literally a couple blocks away from this school. How about you?"

Kyujin and Sullyoon were on the right side sidewalk, walking in front while Jinni stayed at the back for her to see the two clearly, admiring the lovely city. Sullyoon felt at ease that Kyujin was close to her, she was truly making feel her like they've had been friends for a quite time.

"Do you know where Sanctum is? I'm near that coffee shop."

"What? Really?! Don't tell me you..."

"Yes, the street behind it, I live there, we're like one kilometer away from each other."

Excitedly, Kyujin shook Sullyoon's arms in a very swift manner. "You and Jinni live in the same street! How come I don't notice before."

Yes. Sullyoon knew since then. In fact from the very start, she was aware of it. Every daylight, Sullyoon would take her chance
to knock some gaze on Jinni's house, hoping she and Jinni would go to school together. But, who was she fooling
around? It probably wouldn't happen, they were not very close, not even so good friends.

"Because my house is a two hundred walk, one while hers is only a hundred, I think?"

"Jinni! Is your house near by the Sanctum?" Kyujin looks back, waiting for Jinni to disentangle her airpods, Jinni crossed her brows but Sullyoon didn't bother to see her face.

Jinni asked, "You were saying?" quickly.

"If you live near the Sanctum coffee shop?" She nodded, pursuing her lips into a fine line.

"Yup, why?"

"Sullyoon lives on the same street as you and I find it cool. Did you even know, Jinni?"

"Yep." Agreeing, Jinni connected the other piece of airpods back to her hear, shuffling her playlist to listen again to her favourite track since Kyujin spoke with her and she wasn't able to hear the first word very clear.

Unconsciously, Sullyoon was flushed, her cheeks were filled with shades of baby pink. She faltered the forming grin on
her face but she couldn't. Lucky for her, Kyujin was not kind of focused on her but on Jinni instead.

"Since when? How come you didn't tell me?"

"Just now."

As if the meteorites from outer space decided to fall down over Sullyoon's shoulders and put on her gloomy state. Of course, why would Jinni have an idea about her own personal life? They didn't even talk. It made her upset but at least the forward striker knew it now. Kyujin frowned, and went back talking with Sullyoon.

"I told you, she's really irritating."

Sighing, Sullyoon put a convincing smile across her face.

"People wear earphones when they don't wanna talk to somebody. Maybe, she just wants to chill." Having a long hour of tough practice, Sullyoon understood the wornout condition of Jinni. People's mood varied.

"She's still irritating."

There was a silence after the trio exchanged words, Kyujin saw the signage of her own street, beckoning her to seperate pathways with Jinni and Sullyoon. She recoiled her warm hand from the arms of Sullyoon. Jinni threw up a towel to Kyujin.
And the red haired girl caught it with her both hands.

"Wash it tonight, I'll use it again for tomorrow's practice."

Kyujin rolled her eyes, it was hers but Jinni never failed to consume her personal belongings and she was the one
suffering from it. And yet, would do it.

"I get nothing in return."

"Is my love not enough?" Jinni wiggled her silly eyebrows, mocking the annoyed girl, causing Sullyoon to be entertained by
them.

Kyujin shook her head. "Please have shame on Sullyoon, you're so embarrassing, Jinni."

"Am I embarrassing, Sullyoon?" Dear Lord, Sullyoon was losing her sanity, again, her ears warmed in the midst of the cool breeze. Hearing Jinni uttered her name, it sounded like how the angel hummed and sang from the blue sky. Sullyoon timidly smiled, but not connecting her gaze to anyone, scared to make any mistake. Looking down on the ground, shaking off her head as a response.

"See, Sullyoon disagrees. Go home, Kyujin."

"Whatever. Take care to Sullyoon only. Goodbye."

Jinni just laughed it off, not really caring if her best friend was being serious or not. She sent a flying kiss to her, but Kyujin swiped it off, and strutted her way home. The two were now alone, and Sullyoon wanted to disperse.

She was in the verge of glueing her feet on the road or run as fast as she could to get away from this awkward atmosphere that gave her anxiety. However, she knew in herself she could barely do anything right when it comes to Jinni. Hell, she was an
intellectual but having Jinni around, close to her, was like disputing her to make sensible matters.

"Are you hungry?" Sullyoon shook her head off.

"It's getting colder every single day, right?" Sullyoon made another soft hum.

"Are you cold?"

Again, Sullyoon was shaking her head.

"So...uh...I don't know if you hate me but I'm just trying to open up something to talk about."

There was a little space between them, as they walked down on the road, Jinni inserted a hand inside the pocket of her Pink jogging pants, and her other hand clung on one of the strap of her duffel bag emplaced on side.

"What got you into dancing dancing? Sullyoon hitched up her breathing, and almost got choked by her own saliva. Thankfully,
she didn't ramble, and was able to speak up.

Jinni smiled, a genuine one, nobody had ever interrogated her about her passion in Dancing. Usually, the people, especially girls would love to know her hobbies, likes, and dislikes which were completely dull for her.

"Good question. I've been dancing since I was five, I was always such a fan of idols and at one point wanted to be like them."

Sullyoon quietly listened, her deep low voice with a dialect was already enough, hearing it closely kept on sending chills down to her spine.

"So me, being an energetic kid, I watched stage performances with my dad and mimicked  them, and I realised I really wanted to be able to dance as effortlessly as them."

Jinni reminisced the times she and her father would spend the remaining hours of the night binge-watching idol performances
rather than netflix movies. However, her dad already spent most of his time away from her. Her father worked in America,
as a remarkable industrial engineer there. Somehow it saddened Jinni, her dad never got to watch one of her performances held at school ever since she started to
become part of the school's dance team. Her mother passed away, few years ago because of some incurable strange
disease, she was at a very young age when it happened, and she was left with her sister at home. So dancing made her
forget the grief she had been experiencing ever since.

"Do you still watch performances with your dad?" Sullyoon asked but took it back hastily. Though, too late. She couldn't as she perceived the slight sadness in Jinni's eyes.

"I'm sorry-"

"No, he's away. But I still watch. Alone." She faked a smile. Talking about the thing that made you the happiest but being
related to your sorrow was definitely one of the most difficult thing to talk about. Jinni was stuck in the middle, being neutral about it, but at the same time the grievous feeling was strong.

"Jinni..."

"Anyway, go home safely. That's my house over there. It was such a nice walk with you." Jinni proceeded sauntering to their
gate, turning back to see Sullyoon with a sappy smile. They stared for a moment, feeling the serenity of the evening. Jinni waver her hand for one last time, unlocking the neutral about it, but at the same time the grievous feeling was strong.

Maybe the thing about going home with your crush for the first time wouldn't go off always the way you wanted it to be. As
for Sullyoon, it could be, but mostly on manga books she had read and movies she had watched. But first times always came up with another one, it just didn't end that way. Things could change. And Sullyoon kept a hold on that thinking as long as she wanted.

"Goodnight, Jinni."

Chapter Text

The effulgent light illuminated the radiant moon, it bedazzled, shone alongside with the flickering stars across the black flank of the sky. It gleamed for the whole city, for it entirely stood out the essence of the evening. The two made a galvanizing combination of crafting the nightfall beautiful and elegant tonight.

Streets were replete with bustling people; the stores were all lit up with signages and promotions to attract the consumers' picky likings. The highway wasn't congested with any traffic jam, a bunch of people wait for their time to cross down the road.
A tired street marketer promoted their depleted diners.
The dark came off with a chilly hint of air, students were dressed in their thick hoods, the professionals were wearing their scarfs, and everyone was fighting the cold through the thermal sheets of fabric glued on them.

"What does it say?" Scooping up another spoon of mild spicy ramen, she hurriedly brings it up to her mouth before the wind ventilated the warmth of its seething soup.

The pink haired girl peeked at the tiny thin sheet of paper, unfolding it into half, and quietly read it using her eyes.
"What, Jin?"

"The usual writings. Some old ones. That's it."

Kyujin tried to steal the paper, but Jinni had zippy reflex, she brought it back to its folded state, keeping it inside her pocket, taking a huge bite of her fish cake. "Don't even try."

Fridays were cheat days. Jinni and Kyujin dropped by the city to grab some delightful street foods, any foods that caught their taste buds. It was settled only during Friday because Kyujin didn't wait for her best friend to walk back home with her every single day. Specifically, now that Kyujin would be heeded with a lot of activities in the Youth Forum. Jinni understood, Bae and Jiwoo were the ones accompanying her on the way home.

"Let's get Chinese food now, hurry up." The dancer swallowed the last bite of fish cake, not minding how she would look like if somebody was judging her eating habits.

Kyujin squinted her eyes, they literally just spent the first ten minutes in the food stall and yet Jinni was all done like nothing occurred. "Go back and sit here or I won't pay for your festive orders of food." She retorted.

"Tss." Jinni didn't have a choice but obey.

"It's been like three years and you're not even trying to hunt down for that unknown human."

Jinni raked her attention on the swarm of people on the street. "I never encountered a Snorlax at school, Jinkyu. I don't know, okay?"

Not that Jinni really tried hard to search out for the anonymous person, she thought they might be using a pen name or something. Apparently, the letters or short notes were always being read of Jinni alone, she found it adorable, but it frustrated the hell out of her when she was reminded that the person wasn't someone she knew. Three years, and still, not any clue had been found, ever.

Jinni waited for the person, but it always appeared as they were not destined to meet or to even see that someone in person. So, trying to search out for this person today wouldn't do anything helpful, but the messages they continuously have had been sending somehow made Jinni heart's jovial and warmhearted. Who wouldn't?

"Did you even think that's the person's real nickname?" Kyujin replied, biting the last piece of meat of ramen into little fragments.

The probability of making "Snorlax" as a pen name has high chances. I mean who names themselves after a Pokémon."
Kyujin discreetly rolled her eyes. "I saw that, Jinkyu. You're not as sneaky as me."

"Dumb. Of course, it’s a pen name and a girl judging by the handwriting. Wait, I'll try to search what does Snorlax do! It can help."

Jinni gestured her to go on to whatever plan she had. After all, she was slowly giving up in finding the accurate identity of this secret admirer of hers. And, as if the girl wanted to be known. It had been three years. Why couldn’t they just reveal themselves? This what Jinni always wondered, she couldn't even fathom.

"Snorlax is known for always Sleeping so maybe this person likes to sleep a lot."

Jinni remained straight face. Or Snorlax could just be their favorite Pokémon. Clearly pikachu is better this girl might be the devil. "

"Jinni!" Kyujin slapped her friend's hand. "Like what you said, this girl is like a fond girl, full of sweet messages and letters."

"You know what, we just need more food."

Kyujin breathed out, pulling close her windbreaker to cover her shivering figure. Jinni, on the other hand, wasn't fazed of the glacial surrounding, she even had 3/4 bottoms and graphic long sleeve tee. Truly unbothered in the midst of winter.

Jinni dragged her best friend to another hub, and it was replete with Chinese foods. Then Jinni hastily ordered from the menu and neglected her best friend's approval of how much she must only buy. "Is your sister letting you starve at home? I'm going broke because of-“

"Just eat your stir fry dumplings, seriously."

"These dumplings remind me of Sullyoon." The pink haired girl discontinued from eating, drifting her head to where Kyujin was facing. She gave Jinni a confused reaction.

Jinni took another bite of spring rolls, and made unnecessary noxious crunchy sound, before responding to Kyujin. "How this dumpling reminds you of Sullyoon? Unless you..."

“Her cheeks and these dumplings, see? I'm convinced people get more stupid every day."

Jinni mimicked her best friend's jaundiced eye rolls and munched on the orange chicken. Purchasing the usual can of a cold coke zero, she placed the excessive coins in Kyujin's pocket. She stood in the corner while she studied all these walking back and forth people. The presence of Christmas was getting nearer day by day. She didn't feel it, but the cold. Jinni sighed, feeling a little bit dejected.

"Sometimes, I think you have a grinder in your mouth, you literally swallow foods."

"You're just a slow eater. Do you wanna go home?" The night was still young, she didn't have any curfew or regulations she should follow. But as for her best friend, she must be aware of the time, Kyujin's parents could be strict, and Jinni knew all of it.
Kyujin thought for a second, wiping off the stains of the oil around the edges of her lips.

"They're watching action films right now and, I'd rather suffer under your presence."

The pink haired girl smirked, Kyujin wasn't a huge for of action films. There was no way in hell she would force herself to try these earsplitting fire of guns, blasting of bombs, spurting of fresh bloods, and many violent killings. Jinni took her bumper opportunity to make the most of it. she grasped her best friend's wrist to a milk tea shop. And Kyujin quickly rolled her eyes in irritation.

"Jinni, I swear on Earth, I'm running out of coins. Can we at least share one for this?"

"Fine. Your pick then, you're about to cry." Teasing, the dancer excitedly looked at the available menu, everything was on the list of her favorites excluding for that one flavor she despised mint she literally hates it with her entire existence and dead body.

Mint.

For Jinni, pineapples on pizza can be cool to tolerate but the certain taste of this awful, terrible, and extremely disgusting milk tea flavor could make her want to vomit all the things she ate. Even the foul smell, it was already disgusting. What even more taking a sip and let it flow down to your throat. That was just a no.

But, Kyujin liked to play around. And, Jinni internally cussed at her best friend. "Wanna take a sip? It's so good, Yun! c'mon!"

"No, nope, never. Have fun, hope you don't choke." Jinni grimaced, she just wanted to have some boba pearls, was it too much to ask?

"If you will only give it a chance, don't be a hoe! It tastes like all the sweets and chocolate combined!"

Jinkyu offered her medium sized drink and waited for Jinni to wholeheartedly accept it. In this case, the red-haired girl opted for a revenge since Jinni kept teasing the hell out of her today. It was time for ridiculous payback time. She didn't tell the lady to put in on 100% sugar level, instead it was only 25%.

Slowly, Jinni grabbed the well-decorated skin of the drink, bringing the metal straw on her lips, and sipped a small amount of it before she puked. Not minding whoever was in her front, Kyujin acted surprised as if Jinni would change her perception about mint. Regretting, Jinni glared down on her.

"This is what I get for trusting you. It tastes like toothpaste." Jinni coughed, spitting the remaining substances of the demoralizing mint inside her mouth, slugging down the coke zero, and cursing on her wicked best friend through her very sharp gloat. Kyujin, being the nicest individual she was, handed Jinni a soft tissue and the latter aggressively coughed.

"Remember the girl I told you about like, uh, yesterday? That's her. Yeah, I can't be wrong."

The red-haired girl pointed out a certain young beautiful towering girl inside the local convenience store, scanning out for some snacks to grab and eat, crouching down and sorting the tag prices of each product. Jinni drifted her head to the direction that Kyujin conveyed and recognized the girl right away after jumping up high garnering her delightful snacks.

"You really like cute girls, don't you?" The dancer mischievously smirked, and wriggled her eyebrows into motion. Instead of receiving an eye roll from her best bud, Jinni earned a powerful pinch on the arm and suffered in sting of Kyujin's hands.

"She just helped me to bring the books, the hell? And, you prefer pretty girls. Did you hear me pestering you about it huh, Jinni?"

"Woah, woah, woah, so cute girls are really your type for real?! should've known, you might be falling for me." Winking, Jinni ran away before she assimilated another whacking, her feet spawned towards the area where the cute girl they were talking about found her snacks. She didn't wait for Kyujin anymore and pushed the door to hunt anything for her unsatisfied stomach.
Her chocolate brown eyes brightened up as she sauntered her way to the ice cream corner close to the beverage section. There was no other customer in the ice cream corner, and she didn't waste a minute to grab a cone, didn't notice she slightly bumped her elbow to a stranger beside her. She quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you." Jinni repeatedly said, but got a little surprised when it wasn't a stranger at all.

"O-Oh, hey." A subtle hint of pink tint rose on both cheeks, heart was inching large hops as their eye contact abided, Sullyoon was confused whether she would just awkwardly gleam or faint in front of the number one dancer/crush she adored. In the end, she opted to chill out.

Jinni on the other hand felt ridiculous so she settled for a smile to minimize the idiocy. "Did I hurt you? I'm really sorry, Sullyoon." Jinni said another apology, but that only made Sullyoon embarrassed more, she immediately grinned.

"No, no, it's alright. It didn't even hurt a bit."

"But still, I wanna make it up to you."

"There's no need, I promise. Thank you."

Jinni didn't give up easily.

"Grab a cone and pick your most favorite ice cream flavor. Do it or I will." Sullyoon sighed, only because the on-going combustion inside her chest was extremely pounding. She took a single cone, maneuvering the machine to have her most favorite ice cream flavor with a stupid smile written across her glossy face.

"Strawberry? You like strawberry? I guess, we have the same taste." Jinni spoke in a way Sullyoon continued to sustain her own little misery. She didn't even try to connect her gaze to the latter, but it would make the air uncomfortable more if she would just stay silent.

"Is it because of your hair?" Shutting her doe eyes for a second, Sullyoon only noticed that it sounded a bit absurd. She bit the corner of her bottom lip.

The charming smile of the dancer blossomed, and Sullyoon was quick to grasp a sight on that for a second. "Not really, this is what my sister gives me when she gets home at night."

"She's working already?"

"Yeah, she works in a hotel. Sometimes, she doesn't go home but it doesn't really matter."

Jinni just shrugged off the thought, clasping the same size of cone Sullyoon got for herself and waited for her turn to have the strawberry flavor. "You're alone in some evenings?"

"Uh-huh, why do you ask?"

Sullyoon gaze casted down, she had no idea. Jinni didn't have anybody at home during nighttime even though they were a several steps away from each other. "That must be..."

"Lonely?" Disagreeing, Sullyoon shook her head and watched the dancer do her own thing.

There was a terse silence after their short talk, Sullyoon stayed still on the side while Jinni called to devour the dainty cream, licking all the melting ice cream all over the cone. Sullyoon was flabbergasted to the way Jinni savored it. It was hot...sexy...and definitely rocked her inner peace in the corner. Now, Sullyoon lost it.

"W-We haven't paid for this yet, hold on—"The pink haired girl stopped her by doing any movements, holding her wrist and just cares about almost finishing her food. "You should do the same thing I'm doing right now. Do it."

"W-What?"

Jinni smirked. "Finish up yours too so we can get another one, we didn't have to pay for it."

Sullyoon thought for a second, that was a kind of a bad ass side of the dancer she hadn't seen before and at the same time she found that cool. "You're so used to doing these things."
Sullyoon just followed what Jinni told her and she felt like she was already a bad ass. And then, they ushered towards the cashier to pay for it. Jinni rummaged through her pockets to get coins, and her eyes grew in terror. She didn't have anything, not even a cent saved within.

Luckily, Sullyoon was not noticing her queasy demeanor. Jinni looked around to make a plan to get away with from this unwieldy crap she had gotten herself into. They heard heavy stomps and perceived somebody they personally knew.

"An ice cream! You didn't tell me you'd get one!"

"I didn't know as well, Haewon. She's going to pay for me." Sullyoon explained that added more pressure for Jinni. The glass door was swung open, and the pink haired girl excused herself from Sullyoon, dragging the wrist of person away that came in recently. Kyujin was confused, really.

"What the hell, Jinni?! You left me, then you had the guts to harshly drag me suddenly?!" Jinni covered her mouth, and did a "hush" gesture to her best friend. It would be more a lot embarrassing for her if Sullyoon would hear it.

"I insisted to pay for me and Sullyoon's ice cream, but I didn't know I had no bills. I need your help, Jinkyu! I promise to not bully you for the whole week next week." Desperate, she persuaded the poker-faced Kyujin.

"I wasn't kidding when I said you consumed all of my money." Jinni's shoulders slumped down, little did they know, Sullyoon was secretly hiding behind the racks and heard their whispery quarrel. Kyujin saw her, and mused her lips for Jinni to notice it but the latter was too dumb to analyze what was going on. Sullyoon smiled and approached them.

"What? Don't just pout at me and help me."

"Jinni." Sullyoon quietly cooed her name, Jinni on the other hand was taken back crisply.

"Were you-"

Sullyoon interrupted, "It's okay, I paid for it. It's not really a huge deal." her eyes gleamed too in unison with her mouth, Jinni found any mark of blemish across Sullyoon's face only to figure out the doe-eyed girl was indeed the epitome of celestial cherub from above.

Jinni malfunctioned for a moment, admiring the round innocent, bubbly, cute face of Sullyoon.

"You're embarrassing, I don't know her, Sullyoon." Kyujin broke the stillness and moved forward to Sullyoon, abandoning Jinni with her slightly parted mouth, earning a stifled giggle from the doe-eyed girl. And Jinni coughed to compose herself to face them.

"Are you alone?"

"I'm with a friend, we just ate." Sullyoon replied.

Kyujin searched for a certain brunette girl knowing that the girl was friends with Sullyoon that probably she was also talking about right now. "Where is she, though? Did she leave you?" Jinni silently listened to their conversation and smiled as soon as she realized her best friend was already making ways to connect their converse to the girl so she could leave Jinni alone without intruding.

"Oh, no, she's actually here. We're waiting for this outdoor concert later, she asked me to stay outside for a bit longer." As if the shining sun struck the glinting eyes of Kyujin, an idea popped onto her brilliant mind.

"Really? Because, that's what I'm planning to do as well! I'm glad I'd have some company."

Jinni immediately scrunched up her nose, there was no initial planning regarding the talk Kyujin that just made up, and a foot hit her, and one thing was for sure. Her own best friend abrupt so called plans for this evening was settled, and Jinni didn't have a choice or Kyujin wouldn't help her in doing the piles of homework.

Being a student dancer, nobody was entirely excused.

"We have a few minutes left."

"Don't worry, she's just here."

"Sullyoon-ah! I found your favorite snack, so you won't be bored later, I got you something to chew on!" Haewon dove into the scene, with a pack of the snack Sullyoon loved to eat every time.

"Oh, hi everyone! Oh Haewon!"

"Yeah, we know. I'm Kyujin. Are you coming to the free outside concert later on?" Sullyoon stepped backward for them to have a wider secluded area to speak, Jinni felt the same way, so she opted to interlink her gaze to Sullyoon, signaling her to come by her side quickly.

"Whatever you're thinking as of the moment, just keep it to yourself because you're right." Whispering, Jinni leaned forward to her, Sullyoon then hit her inner cheek. She really did feel the hot breath of the pink haired girl against her neck due to the few inch gap. Sullyoon couldn't help but blush.

That was probably the closest, most intimate, and closest way of Jinni talking with her and Sullyoon would admit, she liked it. But, she wouldn't tell. She liked what was happening for them, at least they were building this unofficial friendship Sullyoon just assumed since the famous dancer was truly friendly inside and outside of the campus.

"See, they forgot they were with us." With a smug look on her face, Jinni watched the two scampered away, chatting as if they were great friends for a long time. Where in fact, the red-haired girl only had a decent convo with the brunette tonight. Things were kind of fast for the two of them. And, maybe, they both enjoyed each other's presence already.

"I guess, we should just follow wherever they're heading to." Sullyoon finally uttered the words after controlling back the beating across her chest, timidly smiling to Jinni.

The night completely burgeoned on the wide street, air was slowly getting thicker, the mist become visible as the light from the streetlights passed through them. Many individuals bound in the midst of the area.

Jinni steadied her orbs on the avenue, on the route where Kyujin and Haewon were in their own world. Having a lot of thought like why her best friend appeared to be like a child with her mom but obviously, Jinni would never say that to her in order to be alive and to kick around her best friend.

Meanwhile, through peripheral vision, the doe-eyed girl couldn't help herself from the intense staring at her crush. She just really couldn't believe the days she was spending with her, maybe, it was the fact that Jinni was chained to Kyujin. Kyujin, a member of Youth Forum, become her friend recently. Now their world was getting smaller.

"I love music but what Kyujin would listen later on is the kind of music I dislike."

Sullyoon jolted up, she now really dislikes all her little actions and reactions whenever Jinni started to speak with her. Because if this stupid combustion went on and Jinni noticed it, she would have no face to show ever.

"Pop can be mediocre, almost everyone loves it because of all the heat buzzing around generally."

"Exactly!" Jinni almost yelled up her voice too much, and Sullyoon nearly combusted again.

"Finally, someone can understand me. I like the ones that are underrated, like not famous songs. It gives me excitement to know only few people could jam to it." Sullyoon smiles at the thought, she always saw the latter wearing airpods at school, and the way she shared about her opinions about it, making her giddy was a great sight. Plus, the cute dimples were showing.

"How about you? Based on your demeanor..." Jinni scrutinized Sullyoon from head down to her feet, of course, Sullyoon had gotten conscious with the way Jinni examined her very closely.
Sullyoon timidly grinned, eyeing the road.

"W-What?"

"Sappy, romantic, and lively music. A mix of pop and ballad. And, perhaps, a bit indie?" Sullyoon's smile grew wide and so did Jinni’s.

"I supposed, I got it all right, huh?" Again, her famous smug look, and smirk across her face never failed to wobble Sullyoon's knees like really.

"Lately, I've been listening to indie. Taylor Swift's music molds all the teenager's silly hearts. My favorite track will be Invisible."

"Oh, that's an old one, right? I don't know if you knew this, but I like My Obsession a lot."

Sullyoon furrowed her forehead, it sounds foreign. "I never hear that, that must be a good one."

"Kind of? I mean, it depends on you. Try to listen to it if you have the time, you'll like it." Jinni felt great, to be precise, she was very blissful to talk about this kind of stuff with someone. The last time they shared was her passion for dance but eventually got cut off because she reached home, and it went a bit sullen touching the rope about her father.

"Sure, when I get home. I'll listen to it." She put both her hands inside the pocket of her jacket, and breathed out to calm down.
Jinni snapped her fingers.

"You know what, I'll bring my other phone on Monday, I'll let you hear my so beloved gems, if you only want."

It was definitely cold, but it was also warm, now that Jinni offered something personal for her. Maybe, it didn't sound a lot, but she would take it as something really special especially since it would come from her ultimate crush. She would treasure the rare moments because it might not happen again.

"I'd love that."

"Wait, you're going to be busy next week."

Sullyoon paused to think and let her speak. "You and the Youth Forum club, you guys would manage welcoming the incoming guests in the faculty for the accreditation, I guess?"

"Uh, yes. I didn't expect you'd know."

"Well, Kyujin blabbers all the things happening in your club so.”
"yeah,' knew it"

"But it doesn't mean I couldn't get a break."

Unconsciously, they both took a glance on each other, slowly forming innocent smiles, making them share an eye contact and Sullyoon was proud. She was able to do it for a straight ten seconds before she completely withdrew herself back. Jinni felt the glacial temperature in her hands, but it also felt warm to see Sullyoon with her cute smile. And she couldn't define the precise reason why does it give enough warmth to her heart.

"I think we lost them, crap." Jinni spoke, quirking up her eyebrows whilst she scanned for the crowd, eyeing every single human she grasped on. Sullyoon was alarmed. It was quite late and Haewon wasn't in her sight. She got anxious.

And quickly became rational. "Wait, I hear some loud playing instruments. They could be just around."

The two rushes within the rowdy crowd. The flickering lights were blinding, but they still managed to bustle through the narrow and frenzied spaces. On their way to reach the utmost part of the stage, the two girls were indeed having a fun time, jumping as well as throwing up their hands to the very upbeat tempo blaring pitched to the crowd.

A sigh of relief was exhibited from Sullyoon, she would literally not go home not until she was able to find Haewon's ass. As for Jinni, the red-haired girl could manage to come home but being the bestest friend, Jinni just fulfilled her job. She twitched when she heard the generic type of sound booming, she decided to get out of the place, so, Jinni grabbed Sullyoon's wrist away from the messy crowd to take some peaceful air to inhale.

"I've never been to a concert. This is wild. I understand why Mom would never let me attend."

Jinni snickered, staring at a very astounded Sullyoon beside her. "Something like a strict Asian parent would do to their children." Sullyoon pouted.

"Not really. It's eight in the evening and I’m still out with a friend, besides my parents are out of town for a bit."

"It's because you're eighteen, you're legal now. Some regulations for you are invalid."

Even though, Jinni wasn't on her legalized age yet, she didn't really have boundaries to accede. For as long as she did good in her academic and dance performance, she would be just fine according to her sister's order. Since she rarely had a talk with her own father.

"Hearing how old I am makes we feel like I'm on the horrendous stage of pre-adulting." She jokingly said, opening the snack Haewon bought for her, taking a small bite before offering some to Jinni.

Chuckling, the dancer crossed her arms while munching the salty snack from Sullyoon.

"Come on, we only have a one-year gap not even you’re just a few months older yet still a grade ahead. You're making me scared too." Jinni retorted.

"And, you didn't invite me in you eighteenth birthday. That's kinda sad." Widening eyes, Sullyoon was shocked, not because she forgot to invite. They weren't really that good friends before, and they were only starting to get along well lately and fortunately.

Jinni let out a chuckle. "I know, I know, In joking. By the way you have really pretty eyes."

Perhaps, Jinni noticed the unique feature of her eyes, it was Sullyoon's main asset. "I- uh- thank you.”

Suddenly, Sullyoon had a thought inside her head.

"Was Jinni staring at my eyes to notice it?" Sullyoon internally whispered onto her mind, biting down her pale lower lip playfully, smiling.

If yes, Sullyoon would suffer from a heart attack.

"I may be wrong but I’m sure your eyes are the prettiest pair of brown orbs. I'm correct with this one and you can't fight me about it."

And with that, Sullyoon knew Jinni's words were sending different chills down to her spine. She always received lovely compliments about her special eyes and now, her ultimate crush made her feel like it was the most beautiful eyes ever and she got stuck on her position.

"Silence means yes. And even if you would say something, you can't change my mind."

The place was filled with clamorous sound and a striking loud beat inside Sullyoon's chest.

Chapter Text

"Sullyoon, are students inside their rooms now?"

"Sullyoon, have you checked the cafeteria and its displayed menu? How about tables? chairs?"

"Sullyoon, where will be their staying place for their break? Make sure the room is clean."

Since the first hours of the day, Sullyoon had lost count on how many times the teachers and professors, basically almost the whole faculty staff uttered her name left and right. And Sullyoon surprisingly was able to handle the things under pressure even though her main job was to only accommodate the presence of the visiting guests for the accreditation for this day but shelf the entire community is on her shoulders. Everyone was looking for her.

Nonetheless, Sullyoon was indeed a great leader, a checklist in her hand was all marked by an 'okay' sign, meaning they had completed all the tasks given to her and assigned to her people. With the help of the other key officers, a calm and sunny face was clearly visible for Sullyoon despite encountering a bombarding conflict to her face.

A bead of sweat slid down on her sweaty forehead, Sullyoon was about to wipe it off with her bare hand, but somebody was fast to do it for her. She felt a soft, cottony, and smooth tissue paper across her cheeks, making her stunned and taken aback. She looked up as she stepped backwards to see the unknown.
She perceived a gummy smile, and a very clean face. Offering the unused tissue, the person waited for her to get it but Sullyoon timidly smiled and declines the kind attempt.

"You didn't have to but thank you."

“What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t."

"Still a gentleman, and I have to go down and check the cafeteria."

Chan pursed his lips, eyes really seemed concerned about Sullyoon's weariness. I’ll do it for you, stay here. I'm gonna handle it."

Eyes bright, Sullyoon flashed a toothy grin, and the guy couldn't help but smile back fondly. "I don't think it's a nice idea, it's my own task to do."

"Actually, it is, when it is my little way to help you. Besides, you might help me too."

Sullyoon amusingly furrowed her brows but still smiling, putting down the checklist on her hips level. "Help me get home later, what do you think, Miss President?" And from that, she willingly nodded as a sign of acceptance.

“Sweet we haven’t been able to catch up in a while, I need to know if you finally found someone who fits your fancy if you know what I mean.” Chan said with a smirk on his face while winking as he started heading away to the cafeteria to work on the task.

Sullyoon quirked her eyebrows up, handing the checklist notebook to Kyujin.

“Mister Parker was looking for you, see him at his class later, he told me." Kyujin said while patting Sullyoons shoulder and walking off.

She nodded her head. Everyone was very much aware how busy they could be and yet her teacher in Art Class was searching out for her. It must be important.

Instead of meeting Mister Parker later, Sullyoon asked someone to be in charged monitoring everything which eventually happened to be Jiwoo. She exited the room, quickly making large footsteps on the way to her classroom.

On her way to the room, Sullyoon took a glance on the dance team daily practice during class hours, they were pretty much privileged in terms of not attending many classes as long they would succeed most competitions.

It was their water break, Bae was having a chat with some of their members, the choreographer was carefully creating a new technique, and the person she wanted to eye on somehow was not around. Sullyoon slowed down her walking pace to double check if she misses anybody there.

"Looking for someone?" Suddenly, a deep voice from behind startled the hell out of her. She turned around and met the confident presence of Jinni who was arching her both eyebrows, holding her bottled water tightly.

"I was kidding. Are you done with your job?"

"N-Not really. Only half-way done, I guess." Jinni pouted, nodding her head, she brought her old phone today and sort of wished she could show to Sullyoon what she told her last week.

"Are they gathering now for the second half?" Sullyoon pointed out the people in the practice room and Jinni quickly drifted her attention on it. Everybody positioned themselves and the center place was the only one being unoccupied.

"Too bad, I wanted to show you something."

“Can that something be shown for later?" Smirking, Jinni mused her lips and agreed. She actually thought Sullyoon forgot to remember what they had spoken about when in fact, Sullyoon was constantly thinking about it since the minute Jinni opened it up to her.

"Great. I'll see you later, Ddeolyun." With that, Jinni disappeared, running away and jumped off of the bench to set herself up along with her members. For some reasons, Sullyoon was deeply flustered, knowing that her crush just made a unique nickname for her. She then bit down her lower lip. Nibbling the soft flesh of her lips, Sullyoon couldn't help herself but gleam all throughout the time she walked until she reached the third floor, not painting off the smile on her face. Thinking about Jinni, and her nickname.

Sullyoon knocked thrice, and then Mister Parker discontinued from discussing on the board. He marched towards the door to meet Sullyoon. "Miss Seol, I thought you wanted to drop out of my class just because it's only a minor subject."

Sullyoon's face fell down immediately. After a lighthearted interaction with Jinni, it was suddenly exploited now by the unpleasant words of her Art teacher. "No, Sir. I had to arrange somethings for accreditation, and I had excuse letter—"

"Of course, excuses. That's what lazy students say when they fail to comply output at class."

Sullyoon couldn't understand what he was trying to say. As far as she remembered, she never ditched nor had absences for this school year, and she was doing incredibly well at her academic endeavor. But Mister Parker was acting up as if she was having major problems in her grades, frightened Sullyoon a lot. "S-Sir.”

"You don't have artwork no.5, Miss Seol and you know how it will affect your grade, Sullyoon widened her eyes, it's with her in her bag. It was the Aurora Borealis she drew when she and Lily watched Jinni's practice.

"Sir, I have. I'd bring it to you later. It's just like it's in my bag right now and I have to go back—"

Mister Parker shut her off with a stern grimace. "I won't accept late output, we all know delayed submissions mean tardiness.”

"But sir..." Sullyoon fiddled with her fingers while staring down on the polished floor, this would be the first time she encountered a rejection regarding school output, and it did make her upset. She heard a closing sound of the door and, left alone outside in the hallway.

Sullyoon sighed.

The frown on her face didn't seem to go off anytime soon, the exasperation was just forging in incremental, the dull march of her feet bestowed her to a vacant wooden bench. Sullyoon perched down, slumping her figure with fecklessness, breathing out heavily as her chin rested on the palm of her right hand.

She knew Mister Parker was being damn serious about what he was appertaining to her earlier. But Sullyoon also knew if she sulked for the remaining hours of the day, nothing would be good for her so she releases the gloominess in demeanor, and opted to think about some positive things.

"It's fine, Sullyoon. You will ace your last activity for your Art Class. You won't fail. Fighting!"

"I don't quite understand but yes fighting!"

"Thank you, I don't remember asking you to buy me an orange juice." The person smiled, sitting down beside her and took a sip on his strawberry drink. Chan joined her.

"Are you okay?" Sullyoon quickly looked up to his direction, they were sitting but Chan was definitely much taller than her, maybe his Australian blood added a factor on that, so Sullyoon had to tilt up her head to see his face.

"Earlier, no. Right now, I think, yes.” There was no need of hiding, Sullyoon thought, it wasn't like it was a secret to be kept. Besides, the guy was merely being friendly. Sullyoon was close with him for almost all her life, no need to be secretive now.

"If you’d like to share I’m here for you, it's fine if you don't want to—"

"Some minor problems in my Art Class but since it doesn't affect the global warming of planet Earth. So, I'm moving forward now."

Chan moved an inch closer. To her side, however, Sullyoon didn't mind at all especially since the guy was harmless to her.

"Seriously, I wanted to catch up with you by walking home with you later."

Sullyoon hummed, still sipping some from her own quencher. "Don't worry, I did perfectly checking in the cafeteria. Everything's fine.”

"Chan, I’II walk with you without any conditions, okay?" Sullyoon expressed softly. The guy was truly nice enough, and they were like siblings at one point.

"Promise?"

"Really? c'mon, we will just go home. Why do I have to make a promise? You're being funny."

"Cause it'll be the first time in a long time and your always busy, and I didn't know how will you take it, you know."

Sullyoon nodded her head, almost done with her drink, squeezing its cover to take all the substance. "We're friends, aren't we?" She queried, connecting their gazes.

"Then, it's no biggie. We'll go home later.” Before things got easy for them, two figures jumped into the scene, fetching up Sullyoon from the bench by force, not paying attention to the way Sullyoon would react with their assertive action. Chan just stayed on his seat and watched Sullyoon from a distance with an puzzle look.

"Don't move or we'll call the police!"

"Don't even scream because! I know your family's place! Understood, Seol Yoona." An annoying tug on both her arms were ridiculously occurring, as they all walked off, the farther they got from the place where they were. Sullyoon shook her head off and played along their vacuous skit.

"Oh, no, where are you walking me?" Sullyoon pretended to be alarmed, seeking out for a chance. escape from their bonded grips.

A short blonde girl squinted her eyes, leaning her face close to reply while tiptoeing since the latter was quite lengthy. “A place away from muscle boys. Now you understand, Seol Yoona?"

"I guess, Nayeon unnie, you've mistaken my arm for being Jeongyeon unnie's.”

The short blonde completely let go so sullyoon could be freed from her possession and burst out her sonorous ass laughter whilst holding her abdomen.

"As much as I want to smack you with my bare hand, I still owe you dough.. and crepes.”

"You guys made a bet?" Sullyoon interfered with her unnies, glancing at them each one at a time. The blonde smirked at Nayeon, feeling like a proud kid who outsmarted an adult.
"It's nothing, baby. She just promised not to date somebody, but I caught them, that's all.”

Sullyoon's eye form into a wide one, slowly, the smile on her face was twisting up and her full teeth was showing. Nayeon tried hard to stay unaffected, but her facial expressions betrayed her ass. "Oh my gosh, you're not kidding, Dahyun unnie, are you?" Sullyoon asked.

"Nope.. ask her, baby,” Dahyun winked. "Next time. Firstly, I want to know who's the muscle guy you were chatting with earlier?"

"She's trying to dodge your question, baby, but, she's right! We want to know that guy." Sullyoon studied their not so violent reaction unbelievably, the two college sophomore girls were judging her through their sharp stare.

"Is that the reason why you guys dragged me away from Chan?" She replied, watching her unnies in their scrutinizing inspections and just laughed. The two simultaneously nodded.

"WAIT! Chan! As in Australian chan. It’s been so long, he’s changed so much.” Dahyun dramatically spoke, while flailing her arms around.

"Unnies, he literally only gained muscle. You're overreacting." Nayeon put both her hands on her chest, slightly parting her mouth in terror. "Did you just say we're overreacting? I really can't believe this! We practically raised you!"

"And I thought you respected us." Sullyoon sighed, she was aware her two unnies were extremely caring. But she was also informed they could be a bunch of mischievous dorks occasionally.

"Unnies, relax.”

Nayeon snorted. "You still take the things we say very seriously. We're just kidding, it’s been a while that’s all."
Dahyun approved, showing a smug look on her face, and stared at their baby girl. “So how’s our main pink haired contender did y’all do anything spicy yet?”

"Dahyun!" Nayeon couldn't help herself but burst chuckling her ass out and slapped the hell out of her friend's arm recklessly. The two older girls contained their giggle and tried to look serious for Sullyoon who had been silent.

Nayeon and Dahyun were told about her longtime crush. In fact, they were the first people to recognize it. They all used to live in the same street, but Nayeon and Dahyun had own apartment to live. Of course, their bond never changed, still intimate and close but the f frequency of seeing each other got minimized. Making them somehow clueless to what was happening on their baby girl at school.

"Baby—"

"Dahyun-unniel" A running figure came to their spot with a huge grin, ushering on the astounded blonde and hugged her very tightly.

"Dahyun and I still have classed to attend, you two take care. We gotta go now, bye" The two trailed off, and bade a quick goodbye, waving at the younger girls, making their way out of their own building. There was a subtle awkward silence between the two.

***

Messy piles of unboxed pizza cartons were scattered on floor and tables, the opened carbonated beverages in cans were losing its essence, the untouched hot sauce was being neglected of everybody since they couldn't handle the piping and scalding hotness on their tongue. Everyone was having their snack inside the student center after the said accreditation was held successfully.

Sullyoon decided and called for a pizza delivery for all students who worked hard and did their fantastic job excellently. Of course, she used the club's fund for it, feeding over like fifty students would be a handful for her, the money went to a helpful cause, everyone got to experience a taste of it equally. After a long exhausting day, Sullyoon leaned on a comfortable and cozy seat, eyeing every person present in the room. She finished up her own slice of pizza moments ago, didn't really mind if she only had one slice while the others obtained two or three slices of it. As long as everybody got to eat, she would be alright.

First activity for the year had been done by a great work, and Sullyoon gave appreciation to their entire club. Next activity would be on the last day of the weekday which happened to be Friday. The ultimate dance competition of their school against their ultimate rivals.

Though, prep set aside. It was an event that wasn't a pain in the ass. It would surely bring entertainment for all and that would be just all fun and not stressful unlike today. Sullyoon let out a weary sigh, yawning afterwards.

"I think you did well today."

"You mean all of us did a pretty good job?" Kyujin laid down on the floor widespread, staring up on the ceiling as her hands rested on both sides. The Doe eyed girl threw a piece of cloth to Kyujin, lower body, covering the not so exposed skin beneath her skirt. "Thanks. It's too early to say...but you're the best leader."

"Wait until I mess up some things. You'll probably take that back. I'm assuring you." Sullyoon expressed the possibility of being a failure on certain things, there was no chance of getting aces everywhere.

Kyujin withdrew her eyes from the ceiling and found her gaze, tilting it to the side. "You won't let that happen, president...”

"Hopefully. Thank you. Are you supposed to leave now? You told me you were leaving." Reaching out for the cold can. on the table by the side of the couch, Sullyoon took a small sip from it. “Its getting late."

Kyujin hummed silently, switching her pursed lips into a frown. "Supposedly, yes. But, Jinni got home earlier, abandoning me.”

The loud chatters of the students gradually decreased, some were picking up the trash they created, arranging the original place of the tables and chairs before completely camping out of the area. Only few people decided to stay for a while for some reasons.

For a second, Sullyoon involuntarily stood up from the couch she was comfortably slumping down, seeing a bright sunny, and radiant smile coming their way. Sullyoon fixed up her messy bun, damping a neat cloth of dry tissue on her cheeks, and doubled her fake cough.

A very familiar pink haired girl entered the room without any prior greetings, casually holding a red duffle bag over her shoulder and sauntered towards the spot wherein Sullyoon claimed to be chilling. Unlike Sullyoon, the girl was in her typical practice attire of pink sweat pants, she looked very cool.
The time their gaze met, they instantly put a smile on their faces.

“Jinni I thought you're out of the school? I knew it you're—" The red haired girl spoke, but Jinni still had her gaze on Sullyoon.

Sullyoon quickly gulped, Jinni would always look so charming and exquisite with her gaze. "No. Sullyoon and I got to talk some matters. You thought I forgot? Hell no. May I sit there?" The dancer spoke, opting to sit beside Sullyoon to initiate what she warned to do.

“Yes, sure. Of course,” Sullyoon collected herself, acting cool in front of her.

Jinni settled down her stuff on the table by the side, fishing out her old phone and we bare bears earphones from the small one zippers, selecting a good track for Sullyoon to start on. The Doe eyed girl got the piece of the earphones and put it in her ear. Sullyoon felt a little bit tickled even though she was the one who put it there. Finally, Jinni got contended on the first music to listen with.

"Can you hear it? It's called Apparition." A mellow and yet crestfallen melody started to intonate, Sullyoon would admit it was something she didn't commonly listen to but it was good.

"This sounds like a sad song." "It is. Next is Sinking Ship. Pretty much sad too, I guess. I hope you'll like it somehow."

Hearing the word 'sinking', it was definitely an upsetting one. The to exchanged a zippy giggle, carefully listening. every tune and beat that produced in the song, Jinni then examined Sullyoon to see if she found it dull and boring but surprisingly, Jinni didn't see any boredom. Actually, Sullyoon was even paying attention more to the words.

Sullyoon pouted. "Are you...okay? This is very sad, she still stayed up with her partner even if it's no good for her anymore. That's toxic..." Jinni immediately nodded, making sure Sullyoon wouldn't be bothered, showing a soft gleam.

"I am fine and it has a melancholic message and the artists really help people to move on. They're very inspirational like your Taylor." Jinni spoke, letting her head repose on the velvety foam, and closed her exhausted eyes.

"Taylor doesn't have very sad music, back to December is slightly sad but it made me cry."

Softly giggling, Jinni peeked at an innocent Sullyoon who was still analyzing the words of the song. "You sure cry over the little things,

"I'm not...maybe I am but depending on the matter. And humans naturally cry, come on.”

The soft adorable giggle turned into a smirk; Jinni now unclosed her resting vision only to see a pouting Sullyoon beside her. "Which kind of matter? I bet you cry over Disney movies."

"...who doesn't? You're heartless if you ever don't cry over these heartwarming movies.”

"Don't tell me you cried when Mufasa died because of Simba..."

Immediately, the Doe eyed girls stare became intense and her pout extended as well, Sullyoon searched for her gaze and perceived a cool Jinni.

"It's not Simba's fault, it was Scar's."

"If Simba wasn't only stubborn..." As much as Jinni adored what she witnessed right now, a very irked and soft Sullyoon getting mad about her foolish insights she didn't really mean, Jinni faltered herself from speaking fatuity.

"...you know I'm goofing around, right?" The pink haired girl asked, raising up her brows as if she did nothing irritating.

"Hey, you skipped the song?" Inconsequently, the building up annoyance in Sullyoon began to jazz up and she clicked the next button, not actually caring if Jinni would direct any response towards it, Jinni started first.

"This is Mindless Town, it's probably one of my favorite tracks, Well” Sullyoon literally just switched the track to divert her attention. Jinni didn't know if Sullyoon is serious on not talking with her but she hoped they were good.

She waited for few moments for Sullyoon to put her attention on hers again, though, it seemed like the four-minute song was ending and yet Sullyoon didn't lay off any stare on her. Sullyoon looked calm, she was, but Jinni was sort of messing with her. So she stayed unbothered not exactly being upset as Jinni thought she was.

Jinni sighed, examining the facial structure of Sullyoon by her side, especially directing her intense gaze on the pair brown of orbs she has been silently admiring recently. "Have you watched Frozen 2?” She softly questioned.

Though, Sullyoon was still occupied with the music.

"Hey," Jinni called her out again.

She moves a bit closer, making the couch yield with some squeaky sound, and waved her hand to attain Sullyoon's attention.

"Ddeolyun, do you want to watch Frozen 2 with me?"

"What?" Jinni formed a subtle smile. A kind of girl like Sullyoon, she knew the Doe eyed girl must be into some type of fantasy and softhearted films, judging her from the exterior appearance.

"I got extra tickets for Frozen 2 this upcoming Friday. Watching Disney alone can be lonely."

"But you have a competition on Friday.” Sullyoon would also admit, she was faking the ignoring portion with Jinni, but of course, she couldn't resist hearing that deep soothing voice of the dancer. "You should be resting, you know."

"I know. That's why let's unwind in a manner that we can rest and also enjoy our time.” It was really a good way to take a rest, but also a Brilliant idea to make Sullyoon a bit less annoyed with her teasing ass. Jinni started pleading with her eyes at Sullyoon. And the girl would obviously not repress her offer. "What do you think?"

Also, it was for the very embarrassing incident she caused last week when she was supposed to treat Sullyoon an ice cream, but the latter was the one who paid for them. Jinni took this opportunity. To be able to fulfill that, treating Sullyoon fairly. And, at least the tickets would be used.

"Is Kyujin not going with you?" Not to sound too excited, Sullyoon neutralized the tone in her voice, she thought why the best friend wasn't the first one to come with Jinni since they only have had been getting along quite lately.

"No, no, I only ask you. Do you want or I—"

"Okay."

Confused, Jinni repeated the word. “Okay? for accepting or okay for asking Kyujin instead?" A splendid sight of a giggling angel adorably embodied Sullyoon right now or that was just how Jinni perceived her. Looking down on the lit up phone, Sullyoon tried to browse for another worthy song in Jinni's random playlist.

"I haven’t watched Frozen as well, but it was never Simba's fault. He's very innocent"

"Did we really just have a minor quarrel on this thing? You're adorable, you know?" At times like this, Sullyoon neither wanted to be a super red tomato disaster nor a stuttering mess. The way Jinni spoke the words made her want to melt so bad, a good kind of melt.

"I liked Obsession, the one you told me, it's also good one, Sullyoon changed the subject as fast as the lightning vanished in the cloudy sky before an incoming loud thunderstorm.

"Ah, yes,” that was all Jinni got to say.

There was a very short awkward tranquility between the two Sullyoon was still processing the words she received, and Jinni opted to take a way in discussing something. "If you're gonna watch the movie with me, might as well watch my competition like double purpose."

“Of course, I’ll be there, for the school. But mostly, for you. I’ll be cheering for you."

"How come you don't cheer for the greatest dancer in the school all the time? That's a huge disgrace." Again, the confident Jinni challenged Sullyoon, trying to set back the normal air between them. "I'm kidding. Just be there."

Jinni fixated her chocolate brown orbs on those enthralling Doe eyes, it lasted for about five seconds, the stillness, the art of staring, the thing Sullyoon wished to happen more often. The thing she wished to never discontinue.

"Yoona~" Stealing their attention, a masculine guy popped in, flashing a teasing smile, staring at Sullyoon with much excitement in his own voice.

"Shall we take a walk now? I already fixed your things too. Here, so, ready to go?” the Doe eyed girl clutched on the backpack she was holding onto, but unplugging first the earpiece and gave it back to Jinni in a polite manner before telling her sweet goodbye. Sullyoon also bade a farewell to all the other members especially Kyujin and Jiwoo and joined Chan with a joyful grin.

But some things didn't happen very quickly, a keen subtle staring contest was being held between the dancer and the Australian guy. Jinni's chirpy chocolate brown eyes were commonly bright, actually, they were still right now, but she didn't adore the way Chan called Sullyoon out of nowhere considering they were having their own moment on the other hand, Chan was the first one to surrender his very neutral gaze, allowing to fully put the attention on Sullyoon with a fond smile. And, Jinni found a reason to awfully show a frown across her face.

Sullyoon did not seem to recognize the minimal grim tension between the two or the jealousy Jinni was showing, she was rather focused on how she would tell her goodbye. Jinni would let it pass. However, Sullyoon was anticipating for the pink haired girl to do it first, she watched her through her sharp peripheral vision. The only thing she perceived now was a chill Jinni, plugging the earpiece while looking at the view of nothing but a plain wall. Sullyoon decided to bow her head as well to Kyujin that was constantly quiet after Jinni came within.

Truthfully, Sullyoon almost forgot walking home with Chan. It was the fact that a certain person was able to occupy her whole mind in just one moment. She somehow felt bad for Chan and also for Jinni, but she already promised that moment she would watch Jinni all throughout the competition like she always did since from the start

"Adios.” looking back, Sullyoon instantly smiled at the pink haired girl and even though her eyes were closed, Jinni still uttered her a goodbye and Sullyoon thought it was truly adorable.

Chapter Text

A breeze commenced through the extensive field, the tiny, pronged tips of grasses waved with the wind. The glacial atmosphere seemed to balance the humidness.

"Let's start from the beginning, ask me any questions." Sullyoon instructed, arranging her stuff inside her backpack. She pulled up her hindmost output for Art Class, eyeing it sedately and noticed something was a bit off. It lacked detail over the cheeks and lips portion.

The portrait she drew for about three days, a lovely mirage of a girl, very much similar to the features of a very particular person, it was because it was inspired by her. A black haired young lady in a Renaissance dress, showing off the gold and white colors of the clothing, and a hint of glinting lambent of beads all over the bust. It seemed like the girl came from medieval era, where kings and queens existed. Sullyoon had planned and always envisioned what Jinni would appear like without her pink-cotton-candy hair, being portrayed as one of the noble princess before.

Sullyoon spawned an artwork that was truly very special to her, she thought it was the best ornament to create. The kind of art that made her feel magical things, the type of art that could be called as an entire masterpiece, And, that was Jinni. The only Choi Jinni. Since art had to be meaningful, and not just solely beautiful.

"Aren't you getting tired? I've been asking you for like—because I am already exhausted." Haewon whined, forcefully looking for a perfect question from the beautifully written notes of Sullyoon. "Fine, but this would be the last and you'll get me macaroons when we go home."

"Sure, I'd even buy a whole dozen for you." Sullyoon said proudly, slowly putting a gentle stroke on the drawing using a colored pencil.

They were in the soccer field, under the tree to be precise, they've had been staying and chilling in the field for a good two hours for Sullyoon to get refreshed in her upcoming test. "This is a process in which digested glucose from food nutrients is broken down into adenosine triphosphate without or-"

"Cellular Respiration."

"That's easy. Next, when oxygen is involved in the oxidation of pyruvic acid, the process is known as the—"

"Aerobic Respiration." Sullyoon answered it right again, not even eyeing Haewon at least once.

"I'm sure you can't answer this one, GAP is a shortened word for—"

"Phosphoglyceraldehyde." With that, Haewon found herself being amazed at how Sullyoon did not even stutter in uttering the entire word. "More, ask me more." As Sullyoon continued to put different strokes on the artwork, Haewon twisted down the corners of her lips, getting bored.

"I swear you studied this all night, there's no way you'll fail." Haewon flipped the cover of Sullyoon's notebook over, leaning against the sturdy trunk of the tree. "If not, I doubt you'll get a low score."

"I studied that for three days, you can't ace a test with procrastination, Haewon." Sullyoon said, finally creating final touches on her work.

"Of course, I can! I'm the headmaster of cramming!" The doe eyed girl shook her head.

Haewon diverted her gaze on the field. "Are you gonna watch the dance competition tomorrow?" She asked Sullyoon. A hum was only the response that came from Sullyoon.

"With Kyujin?" Sullyoon looked up and nodded, waiting for any follow up reaction from the elder. "How about me?"

"You're asking me as if you're not following me 24/7. I think Lily might also join us as well." There was a tiny hint of teasing in Sullyoon's tone that made Haewon pout briefly.

"What?" Sullyoon acted surprised, smirking.

"She’s, my friend. And just being nice to me."

"I didn't say anything. She will also watch because her new best friend is part of the team."

"I know, but you're giving me that weird face."

"What face?" Sullyoon opted to maintain the very innocent at the same time mischievous face she was showing off to Haewon while she gathered all her stuff inside her backpack.

"Nevermind. I'm gonna dress as an old fashioned princess for Halloween!"

Excitedly, the brunette almost yodeled, raising her both fists in the open wind. "Don't tell me you..."

Sullyoon pursed her lips. This time, she really had no idea. "Lily will throw a Halloween party in their house! How come you're not invited?"

"We spoke but she hasn't told me about that."

"All seniors are probably going and you're not aware?"

"Oh Haewon, do you even know what parties are for? It consists of drinks, loud music, and wild people." The thought of Haewon getting along in the crowd of rowdy people was a sight Sullyoon could never imagine including herself. It was not her cup of tea, not very her.

Haewon glided up, moving close to Sullyoon with a cheeky smile. "That's why you're gonna be there to look after me! Unless you want me to be..."

"You can ask me anything but parties. I've never been to a party. A birthday party, yes."

"Boo! Isn't high school supposed to be the most memorable time of our teenage years and yet you're mining the exciting parts?" Like a curious kid, Haewon sounded like a very much experimental one, unlike Sullyoon who pretty much had other things to mainly prioritize.

Sullyoon breathed out, "we can enjoy high school without disobeying the regulations, Haewon. Understand?" making the elder to take a grasp on what she was aiming to explain.

Truthfully, Haewon didn't really have plans on getting wasted, not even drinking light drinks from that upcoming party, she just wanted to experience how a party felt like and everyone seemed to be enjoying it a lot. She knew it can be rueful, and Sullyoon even pushed the idea more, but she was totally cautious about the susceptibility.

"You don't get me, and that's okay. I have to go now. I should submit the attendance sheets?"

"Haewon," Sullyoon tried to stop the brunette, but the latter obviously had long legs, she walked in huge steps away from the field, leaving a repenting doe eyed girl whom watched her go off far as soon as she vanished in her vision.

Sullyoon felt bad, but she only wanted Haewon to be safe. Her maternal instincts couldn't just let her be, it kept on sending warnings for the brunette to be speechless most of the time since she was alone in the city. Sullyoon felt she just fulfilled the void in Haewon's condition, being far away from her own family must be really tough.

She stood up, smoothening the creases on the above-the-knee plaid skirt, inserting her arms in her navy blue well-ironed coat with a fixed white handkerchief within the pocket on the upper right side and paired by a black necktie in the middle of her button-downs.

Sullyoon grabbed her backpack, intending to walk off the place, heading straight to her classroom without thinking about the awful talk with Haewon. She must not focus about it for now and should think more about her biology exam.

"Frowning makes our forty-three face muscles work rather seventeen muscles when we smile." Sullyoon slightly jolted up her shoulders when she was abruptly joined by a certain red haired girl. "I didn't intend to scare."

Sullyoon exhibited a lopsided grin as she tightened the clutch on her sketchbook she didn't put inside her backpack.

"Scientifically speaking, it only takes twelve to smile while eleven to frown."

"I'm not a top-notch student. Chill out."

"Says the one who ranks first in their batch."

"Grades don't matter, they're just figures."

"It actually does when we apply for college universities. GPA's must be taken seriously." Sullyoon stated, pursing her lips into a thin line. The last year in high school could affect the college universities she was planning to apply for. College life was no joke, it would dictate her career path, and worse skin her alive.

"Hm, I still haven't thought about what will my college life be. I got a whole 2 years for it." Kyujin replied, and it hit her when she was reminded by the punch of reality of being relatively near to adulthood as well. Scary.

"You'll never know, it can be the soonest or later you're talking about. Time runs so fast."

"Are you trying to frighten me because I can definitely say you're doing a nice job at it." A student unintentionally bumped against Sullyoon's shoulders, and quickly apologized, realizing it was the Seol Yoona. Not that she was a bad bitch. She simply deserved so much respect.

"It's okay," she flashed a bright beam, while the guy bowed down his head repeatedly. "What were we—ah, no, trust me, you should know by now the things you really wanted."

"I'll keep that in mind, don't worry. You? Do you have plans already? Sounds like you do."

Sullyoon hummed softly, to be honest, she had even before she even inaugurated her last year. She had been constantly conceiving about her life after this. That was how goal-oriented she was.

"Wait, I forgot to tell you something."

"What is it?" She queried; Sullyoon perceived the sauntering students towards the way to the room hurriedly. She supposed their teacher wasn't around yet. Since some were still out to loiter and did a bunch of mundaneness.

"I heard you and Jinni will go on a movie date tomorrow after her competition." Instantly, a tint of baby pink crept up across the soft cheeks of Sullyoon, slowly changing her normal state into a nervous one. “is it for real or?"

Sullyoon yielded an awkward laugh. "No, it's not a date. It just happens she had a spare a ticket."

"That obviously you got first and not her best friend."
"No, I swear I told her—" Kyujin burst out giggling, side-eyeing Sullyoon with a playful smirk plastered on her face. "Why are you..."

"Jinni rarely goes out to watch movies. We typically stay in my house to go Netflix and chill." The red-haired girl explained. It was somehow odd to know her best friend was cool for some outdoor rendezvous. She decided to think something was up in a very peculiar way.

Sullyoon calmed down, collecting her thoughts. "I think she never asked me to go watch film with her. She's annoying. Bear with her ass."

"Real ones say mean things to one another, you guys have a really good bond like sisters." Kyujin wanted to puke with what Sullyoon had been saying jokingly. It was true, her bond with Jinni was one of a kind but she would not deny the matter how she had been the patient one in their friendship. Kyujin handled Jinni's ass so well that they could team up in anything and be completely fine in the long run.

"Well, she's not the perfect Jinni everyone perceives at the school. Goodluck on that."

"I know. That's why I like her, people only do adore somebody because they think they are free from flaws. Little did they know, a person has hidden blemishes underneath their skin."

"By the way, good luck in your biology test. I saw you studying in the field. Bye!" Sullyoon put up a grin before twisting the doorknob to the right side, pushing the door by its knob, taking small steps to walk within.

She opted to be on the second row per usual, her favorite spot in lectures and taking all the tests. Sullyoon eyed a beautiful blonde-haired girl already occupying the other seat, Lily was fixing up her needed materials for the test.

"You seem like you're ready for the exam."

"I am especially when someone gives you a cute smile for the past three straight days." Sullyoon quirked up her brows as soon as her bag was placed on the ground and sketchpad on the armrest. "I'm sure you know who is who."

"That's great, it can in help acing your exam."

"Whenever we see each other in the hallways or basically around the school, she'll give me a smile and I think that's very cute." Soon, Lily crossed her legs under the arm rest, inclining her elbow upon the desk, and rested her chin on her palm. "What do you think?"

"Yes, it's really cute."

"Speaking of cute, do you think wearing a Cow costume for Halloween is cute?"

“A cow? As in an animal that goes moo?" Lily hummed shortly, staring at her bloody red painted nails, admiring all of it one by one.

"Personally, I'd say it's more of a unique look for Halloween which will definitely be different." Now, that Lily mentioned it, Sullyoon, again, remembered the not so pleasant end of discourse with Haewon in the field. "You're gonna wear?"

"Yes! You can be cow no. 2!" Lily excitedly exclaimed, cheering up Sullyoon to consider her sudden suggestion. "We'll be the greatest in costume award! Cow girls! Literally!"

But the celebration fell down when Lily had noticed the straight face from Sullyoon. "I'm just kidding. You can wear whatever you want. I promise."

"You're inviting me?" The doe eyed girl asked harmlessly, eyeing Lily who was also giving her the same stare. "I mean I'm not sure if I can fit in...and perhaps I'll probably embarrass myself there." Sullyoon awkwardly laughed shortly.

"Why not? You can even find someone good-looking in the party or your girlfriend can tag along." Lily playfully flashed a wink at Sullyoon before withdrawing her intriguing stare at her. She saw them going home a few days ago and Lily thought they looked quite good together, she will be the ship leader that’s for sure.

"W-What? I have no idea what you—" Sullyoon pauses for a second, hearing the greeting of the entire class to their teacher, holding the thin sheets of their test for today. She then composed herself and prepared her mind for the long exam. Not minding Lily for a while since it didn't really matter when the truth is far from that idea on what she said at all, Jinni would never end up reciprocating her feelings.

Sullyoon grabbed her pen, clearing up her desk as their teacher explained the instructions after giving the exam to all his anticipating students who was very much seem eager to answer their exam. Sullyoon took a breath and released it to ease her nerves.

Neglecting Haewon and Lily for now to get a great remark for this test. Sullyoon ensured she would most probably not fail this and could even get incentive points since she really did work hard studying for the past few days.

Afternoon came so fast. For the last recent records, Sullyoon and Lily had not missed out any practice rituals of the school's dance team. And within these days, Sullyoon hadn't tumbled with Jinni quite often. Maybe they all had to focus very seriously for their competition tomorrow.

It wasn't really a huge deal for Sullyoon, she just usually watched Jinni from afar since the beginning. This meant nothing for her. It was more convenient to admire the star Dancer in a distance, it gave her tranquility to examine all the features of Jinni copiously.

Their biology instructor left the room with all the questionnaire sheets in his white folder. It was the right time for students to disembark as well. Most people have already sneaked out of the place, but for Sullyoon she waited for Lily to get ready.

At usual times, Sullyoon ended up being joined by at least three to five people when she switched room for different subjects. She was glad she had Lily by her side recently. They always attended classes together except Physics that Sullyoon never wanted to take.

"Was it hard?" The exchange student popped out a question whilst occupied on her smartphone, texting.

"Probably not that hard as it seems, most of his power point lectures didn't show up on the test. If I didn't have any other reference and only relying on his notes, id surely fail." Sullyoon said truthfully, and thanked her unnies for keeping their old written notes.

"You answered it like within half of an hour, how can you be so fast in the labeling parts. Taking the stairs, Sullyoon brought up her feet simultaneously. When taking any kind of exams, Sullyoon made sure she would always maximize the time given to her. She would either check it if there was still spare time.

"I'm gonna be honest, I encountered some lessons here in Australia, I keep on seeing it, Boring,” Humming, Sullyoon understood now the very quick apprehension of the blonde-haired student on their class lectures.

Halfway through, Lily was still thinking about what would be the impeccable guise for her own Halloween party. The exchange student was interrupted as well as the doe eyed student when they both started to utter a word.

"You go first." Lily smiled.

"What outfit are you gonna dress up for the party?" The doe eyed girl was taken aback for a second, Lily seemed to be very persistent in inviting her. But then, she had really no idea what to wear, not that she subtly agreed finally to be Haewon's companion for the party.

Sullyoon stuttered. She was anxious. It has her perturbation because mainly she was used to large crowds but a party with huge sea of people was also a different thing. "I don't know, maybe I'll go and visit a mall to buy one."

"And, if you're worrying not having a friend, please you have me there. Plus, I informed Haewon regarding my home address.” Assuring the doe eyed student, Lily put up an assuring grin. "I can see the doubt in your face.”

"It will be my first time. That's why."

"I knew it. You're a very obedient student." The blonde-haired girl laughed. It was the kind of laughter that sent a despicable chill on her spine. "It depends on you how will you handle it.”

"Handle what?"

"The party, drinks, people, everything. You have control over everything. It's all on you.”

"Right," Sullyoon partially assented to her words, it did pacify her worries. "You're right. Thanks,”

"Wait, I'll go to the washroom first and you—" "Sullyoon!" The two girls immediately shifted their attention to where the yell came from, an ushering younger student spotted Sullyoon and quickly caught her. She panted, bending her body as she put her hands on her knees.

"Jiwoo? Do you want water?" Jiwoo shook off her head, and motioned her hands in front of to proscribe her offer. Sullyoon had shown a discomfort in her face, waiting up for Jiwoo to speak up as she collected air first..

"Okay," Jiwoo breathed out, "I called you to ask for some help,” she continued, still panting and the doe eyed student listened heedfully.

"There's something going on in the preforming arts center and everyone seems to be on a bad temper. We all don't want to reach it to the Dean's office...One person came onto her mind, actually, there were two main students involved that disported right away inside her head. She was sure of it.

Jinni and Bae. It happened every now and then, their petty bickers and quarrels, but it didn't achieve the worst-case scenario. The two generally spat out some harsh and foul words to each other which was harmless when they danced specifically when the competition was intense. Though, today was only a daily practice for them. Sullyoon didn't know what was the actual event happening in the PAC.

"All right, where is Chan? Have you seen him? He should've come there before me—"

"He's already there from the beginning, and Jinni certainly hates his existence there,”

"Wait, Jinni? What about her? Lily popped into the conversation after hearing the name of the pink haired girl.

"I'll tell you later, go to our class and-"

"No, I'm coming with you two." Lily insisted.

In the end, Sullyoon let her do her own thing and they all headed downstairs as quick as possible. They ran. Few meters away from the pac, Sullyoon heard gibberish taunts coming from divided groups. One from Jinni's side, and one from Bae's side. Chan was standing between the sweltering gawks of the divided groups. They all stopped giving glare when they all noticed Sullyoon's angel-like presence in the building.

"Is everyone already calm down?" Sullyoon asked right after the solemnity took in charge of the place. "Can somebody tell me what was the reason of the fight?"

Nobody seemed to give answers, but Sullyoon still waited, of course. All eyes on Sullyoon, excluding Jinni whom opted to stare on the other side, only listening to the person talking. With a grimace on her face, Jinni wished to descend the PAC ready without saying a word. However, Sullyoon had been included, it would be disrespectful.

"If only somebody wasn't greedy as hell, no clash would occur."

Everyone shot their gaze on Bae, wearing a smug look on her face and shrugging off her toned shoulders. She received another glare from Jinni.

"If you will only shut your mouth and do a great performance, no clash will happen." The pink haired girl wouldn't let this pass without throwing any clapback to her own club mate, knowing her, she didn't like losing making their team undefeated for a straight 3 years since she joined the team.

"Oh yeah? Says the one who didn't get the choreography correct, at least I got my part right."

Jinni was about to tackle her ass down but luckily; Chan was in the middle to prevent the heated commotion. Bae smirked, giving off a very unbothered vibe against the hot-tempered Jinni with Jiwoo by her side and Lily on Jinni's side. The other two girls eased them both and tried to cool them down.
"Jinni, relax. She's not worth the fight."

"I swear Bae, one more mocking and I'm gonna beat your ass out. Don't provoke me."

Sullyoon switched her attention from Jinni to Bae, and to Chan. Then the Australian guy gave her the very familiar bright smile and came a bit closer to where she was. Chan had now garnered the attention of Sullyoon since his prior responsibility was the peacefulness and orderliness of students, Chan said a reminder for everybody before packing up.

"This will serve as a warning for everybody but once it happens again, the ones involved will drop by in the Dean's office. For now, we won't be telling this. Are we all clear, dance team?"

Students just nodded their heads and managed to release the tension yielded, getting their stuff, and sauntering out. Fortunately, their instructor wasn't around anymore. Lucky for all of them.

"Jinni and Bae, stay for a minute." His Aussie accent intensified, it became a bit thicker than usual, instructing orders for them. "Jinni, do you hear me, or do you play dumb?" Chan maintained his straight face, not minding how Jinni looked ghastly.

"Chan, you should've not called her that."

"But she didn't listen to me, Sullyoon? Fine, sorry."

"Not to me, I'm not Jinni." Sullyoon replied. She knew Chan was just doing his job but she was also aware the Australian boy made a wrong move, it wasn't supposed to be like that.

"Yeah, sorry. But you could've listened to me." He only got a subtle eye roll from Jinni. "Okay," he breathed out, collecting the right words to say this time.

"We hope to never see this fight in the next hours, days, weeks, months, basically never." Chan trailed off, clasping his hands together in one. "Please do apologize to each other."

"Sorry, Yunjin." Bae was the first one to give up, lowering down her walls for her best buddy in the dance team. Looking at the shiny stage. Jinni linked her gaze on Bae, but the latter was too ashamed to see her face.

"Sorry." All of them exchanged gaze except the two club mates, Jinni closed her right fist, holding it up in front of Bae to execute a bro fist, intending they were already cool again.

"Bae," Jinni called out, the only time her club mate raised her head to meet her fist and eyes, Bae gladly accepted her bro fist and apology as well as they shared a smile.

"Jinni, do you want to grab some lunch?" It was indeed a whisper, but Sullyoon was quite sharp to hear it. Jinni accepted by merely nodding her head, and pursed her lips into thin line, leading their way out from the scene.

"We'll go ahead now." Bae looked back, bowing to all of them, and clung her hand on Jinni's arm. Sullyoon would admit, it was something she wasn't totally expecting to perceive after the whole incident. She shook off her head and shifted her attention back to Chan and others.

"Thank you, Jiwoo.” Sullyoon said before Jiwoo nodded and left with Lily.

Chan and Sullyoon were the only ones left on the wide stage. Sullyoon noticed the silence and acknowledged Chan afterwards.

"I forgot to give thanks to you as well."

"No, if you didn't come, everyone will be in a bigger fight. I came and Jinni was so ready to end things." Sullyoon nodded, still thinking about what could be Jinni's issue. She didn't know a lot of things about Jinni, she was only aware of her favorites and her hobbies. But if it was inclined with her personal life. Sullyoon was certain it would be difficult to crack the shells of an egg.

"You must thank yourself." Sullyoon smiled, not really grasping what he was saying, she only remembered Bae had ditched their Spanish class for today. Though, Sullyoon didn't take it as an awful deed, Jinni probably needed someone right now to talk with and Sullyoon was delighted Bae insisted to accompany.

"Do you still have classes left? We can eat lunch...I'm kind of starving..."

"I still have Spanish class, but I heard they cooked pizza and bread in the cafeteria this afternoon." Sullyoon exclaimed, the Australian student obviously loved those types of foods to feed his Australian tongue.

"Really? How come no one spoke to me." Sullyoon then chortled.

"There, I told you already. Hurry up."

"Thanks, Sullyoon! You're the best! I'll see you around." Chan finally disembarked the place hurriedly; so his ass could have a taste of his favorites. He disappeared as fast as lightning.

While Sullyoon was being alone standing on the empty, her eyes landed on a particular plain black hair tie dropped on the other side, in front of the seats to be more precise. Sullyoon walked towards the spot, where the hairband was left, she knelt down and picked it up. It could be anyone's in the dance team.

She scrutinized it carefully, realizing there was a tiny red embroidery within of initials 'C.Y.J.' From that, Sullyoon was certified who was the right owner of it. Sullyoon kept it inside the pocket of her skirt, she was torn if she would give this in person to Jinni as Sullyoon or through locker and letter as Snorlax which Jinni didn't know still. Either way, Sullyoon was happy to be both of them.

"Sullyoon," the doe eyed girl's body jerked up, swallowing the lump in her throat as she heard somebody calling her name from behind.

"K-Kyujin...what brings you here?" Sullyoon gulped again, putting her wobbly fingers inside the skirt's pocket and the others were creating random circle patterns with her free hand, calming herself.

Kyujin quirked her brows in the center with uncertain grin. "Am I supposed to say the same thing because...?"

“I-I—something happened earlier. Jinni and Bae had a fight but everything's all fine now." Sullyoon assured her doubtful expression, and the red-haired girl partially bit on it, bobbing her head as she looked around. "Why are you still..."

"Ah, yeah, Jinni texted me to go and get her hairband. But I think someone picked it up already, maybe her club mates. I must head back to my class now before I get scolded."

The loud beating across Sullyoon's chest was getting rapid and rapid, seeing Kyujin's mystic smile and the way her eyes stared at her was eccentric, at least for Sullyoon. She was confused.

"S-Sure, me too."

"Be early for tomorrow's competition, president!"

"Of course, tell it to our other members too."