“B-but..” Kyuhyun protested
“That’s final!”
“No! I’m not ready!” he said starting to panic
“You will never be ready!” she insisted
“I can’t!” Kyuhyun retorted
“Yes, you can. And I won’t take no for an answer. You have to tell her. No matter what the result is to move on.” She reasoned
Kyuhyun fell silent, pondering what Hyoyeon has said. “You’re right. I need to move on”
“Yes you do, so that WE can happen” Hyoyeon whispered
“What did you say?”
“U-uh.. Nothing! I have a plan” Hyoyeon said and their head bumped into each other unable to control because of excitement “Ouch!”
--
After class, as discussed earlier, they went for errands while discussing about the pageant.
“Joo Hyun-ah, you’re a beauty and all, but you act like a tomboy. Do you even know how to walk in heels?” Hyoyeon asked
“Yah! That is why I needed your help.” She said while slapping her shoulder
“I think someone should teach her how to cat walk and act refined.” Chanyeol said “Do you have any suggestion, Kyuhyun?” He turned to Hyoyeon’s supposed BF
“I know someone who can teach her with the cat walk.” Kyuhyun smiled
“Who?” they asked
“My friend Kwanghee.” he replied
“Your friends with ‘the gay’ Kwanghee?!” Both Hyoyeon and Joo Hyun said in unison
“Contrary to every ones knowledge, he’s not gay, he just loves styling so he has a dress shop and a salon. He acts a little feminine but that’s because he’s the only boy in the family.” Kyuhyun defended his friend
They nodded in understanding “So, are we heading there after this?” Hyoyeon asked
“Aniya! It’s a date too. We should at least eat before going there.” Joo Hyun suggested
“You’re right.” Chanyeol agreed
“Its better. We also need to discuss other matters.” Hyoyeon said in a serious face that made Joo Hyun’s heart thump, she has an idea of what Hyoyeon wants to talk about
“You want to discuss THAT with them?” she whispered to her
“You don’t have to be ashamed of it you know, and I think Chanyeol knows too, he’s been with us for years they might have a little chat with Yong Hwa about you-know-what.” She whispered back
“Yah! But still it’s embarrassing!” she retorted now holding her arm
“Don’t worry” Hyoyeon smiled “They’ll understand” she then diverted her attention to the guys behind them “Let’s eat!”
They went inside the only fast food chain in their village. After they placed their order they sat on the farthest corner table. Just as soon as they sat Hyoyeon started the conversation that has been brewing inside her mind
“I’m sorry guys but I can’t hold myself anymore, if you’re uncomfortable with this topic you can get another table but I know that you are already aware of what I’m going to say to her.” Her eyes shifting from Chanyeol and Kyuhyun
Joo Hyun wanted to hide but opted to stay seated as the guys shot her a curious look
“It’s about Yong Hwa.” Hyoyeon started Joo Hyun sucked her breath and grabbed Chanyeol’s hand under the table for support as she heard his name, Hyoyeon assessed both guys’ and Joo Hyun’s reaction and stayed silent for awhile contemplating whether to continue or not when she saw Kyuhyun’s sad smile
Chanyeol maintains a brave face and encloses Joo Hyun’s hand with a firm grip assuring her that he knows and he understood “It’s okay.” He whispered
“Everyone here knew that you have feelings for him. And don’t give us the crap that you’re over him because I know you aren’t” Hyoyeon continued “At first I understand, it’s a given, he’s a catch. But now, the way he treats you. Don’t you think it’s overboard?”
“Yeah, I know. Am I that obvious?” she asked weakly but no one answered “I’ll get over him. I know I’ll get over him.” she said looking at them in the eye
“Are you convincing us or yourself?” Hyoyeon replied left eyebrow raised, challenging her to prove what she just said
She looked at her “Are you challenging me?” she asked eyes probing, she leaned on the table
“Yes” Hyoyeon leaned too, their eyes met “And as you do that make sure Yong Hwa won’t forget you. Leave a mark.” Hyoyeon raised her index finger elegantly in the air as she finished her sentence
“What will I get if I won?” Joo Hyun asked
“The pageant is a week before graduation right? And we’re going to college, we own an apartment in the city, you can live with me for free but we have to share living expenses though.” Hyoyeon offered
“And if I win, you should grant me a wish. Any wish.”
Both guys are staring at them unable to say a thing as they converse.
Joo Hyun grinned “Consider it done!” they shook hands and looked at the guys “Both of you are witnesses. Arasso”
--
After eating they went to Kwanghee’s beauty salon “Kwanghee-ah, it’s been a while.” Kyuhyun said as they shook hands
“Yah, I can see why, you haven’t come here for a haircut. Your hair’s long, but it suits you.” Kwanghee said and looked at the people behind him
“Oh, this is Joo Hyun, Hyoyeon and Chanyeol.” He introduced one by one
“So you’re Joo Hyun, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. And both of you too.” He said as he shook their hands
“We came to ask for a professional help, she is our contestant in a beauty pageant.” Kyuhyun said not wasting any of their time
Kwanghee studied Joo Hyun from head to toe and back, he nodded as if he likes what he’s seeing. “Now walk.” He instructed in which she complied immediately. His hand slowly touching his chin as he saw her walk. “You came to the right person.” He said “You, be here every day after school. Bring stiletto.” With that he was gone
“Oh! Before we go, Chanyeol-ah, Kwanghee-ssi can the two of you come with me?” Hyoyeon asked but she did not give them a choice as she dragged both of them outside leaving the now stone Kyuhyun and the confused Joo Hyun
Joo Hyun shifted on her seat as they were left alone in silence, and for some reason she can’t point out, she felt awkward.
Khyuhyun cleared his throat “J-Joo Hyun-ah..” he started
Joo Hyun was startled but maintained a facade “W-what?! Are you going to bully me again?!” she interrupted
“A-ani. Can you please listen to what I’m going to say?” he asked as he hide his trembling hands away from Joo Hyun’s sight
Joo Hyun was confused but agreed, she has never seen him this serious, it was making her nervous but somehow curious as to what he was going to say.
“I’m really sorry about the bullying” he started, Joo Hyun opened her mouth to say something but she was stopped “I did that maybe because I unknowingly wanted to catch your attention in kindergarten and I never get over it, the bullying I mean.” He inhaled deeply before he continued “It’s because I l-liked you ever since.” He studied her stunned reaction “But I know you already like someone else, I’m just telling you about how I feel, hoping this can help me move on” he added “And for the record, you’re right, I do regret bullying you because you did notice me but in a negative light. The moment I realized that I like you, it was too late. You already like him and I can’t be nice to you all of a sudden. So I at least tone it down a bit. But still whenever you see me, an automatic scowl would adorn your face” he chuckled at the thought “It’s cute though, you look even cuter with a scowl on your face” then again he sighed “I have a favour to ask though.. after this” he motioned the two on them “Pretend this never happened. Thank you for listening” Kyuhyun then hurried himself out the door, leaving Seo Joo Hyun lost for words
The Confession
Start from the beginning
