You and Me: Scholar Differences || ZB1

CHAPTER 2

It had been a day since Hao and Hanbin's first meeting. Not much progress was made due to the short time frame, but it was safe to say that the two worked together quite well already. They just needed to get closer to each other, which would be an easy task to accomplish within the time they'd use for the event.

Hao made his way into the council room the same way he did yesterday; as demanded by Hanbin himself. Fortunately, Hao finished his assignments a few days prior, so he was able to focus more on his partner and the event for that day. The room was dimly lit, with only a few sunlight rays finding their way through the gaps of the windows. There were desks and chairs scattered over the room, messy and placed in no specific arrangement. Hao guessed that the room was used by a classroom as a substitute beforehand, and not the student council itself. Despite the evident disorganization of the classroom, Hao was able to find himself in tranquility.

With a sigh, Hao walked further into the room and began to reluctantly rearrange back the tables to where they originally were. The screeches of metal echoed throughout the room, causing Hao to wince. He was already so exhausted; the last thing he wanted to gather was the strength to properly carry the tables.

After the third table was pushed into its respective place, Hao already decided that he was tired enough. He knew that the tables would likely be moved and disorganized again by the next morning, so he decided to give up on his short-lived efforts. He looked over the chairs that were scattered near him, suddenly remembering the person who caused him to be in the classroom in the first place.

"Where's Hanbin?" Hao muttered out to no one, remembering how the vice president would typically be the one lifting chairs or desks. It was insignificant — maybe even stupid — but if Hao needed to make the room somewhat tidy, he needed Hanbin's assistance. Hanbin was supposed to meet up with him for the event as well, as stated, so Hao wondered further where he was.

Hao's eyes scanned the room and stopped his gaze towards the same spot they were yesterday, causing him to purse his lips into a small pout. He couldn't help but wonder if Hanbin had already abandoned their plans so early, even if Hao had just entered the room.

However, Hao's thoughts were interrupted by the very recognizable voice of his friend.

"What!? Are you serious!?" Matthew's outburst was so sudden that Hao couldn't help but cover his mouth with his hand to stifle a laugh.

"Yes! I'm serious!" exclaimed another voice, though Hao still had difficulty identifying who it belonged to.

Hao leaned away from the seats and desks inside the council room and gazed out the window, his curiosity piqued by the sight of Matthew engaged in conversation with someone outside. He couldn't help but wonder who the person was and what they were discussing.

Peeking over the two, Hao recognized that it was Hanbin and Matthew. He was glad that Hanbin hadn't left him abandoned yet, since it did seem like he was on the way to the council room. The bickering continued anyway.

"Are you already assuming that I'm insane like the customers you meet at Ludia!? All because I drowned Ddungjjungham!?" Matthew exclaimed, his voice louder.

Hao didn't understand any part of the conversation, especially with no context clues. However, even from the view of the window, along with his horrible eyesight — Hao knew that Matthew had just said something horrible, judging by how far Hanbin's jaw dropped.

"You... you did what now with my baby!?" The usually soft-spoken boy spoke with a dramatic tone, staring at Matthew with wide eyes.

"...Oh." Matthew blinked in embarrassment, realizing that he had blurted out his unfiltered thoughts without thinking. A wave of awkwardness washed over him as he realized his mistake — Hanbin did not know about that yet.