The teacher left them for a while to discuss the matter.
Joo Hyun stared at Yong Hwa with a puzzled look on her face “Why is he being so rude?” she thought and shifted her gaze when he caught her
Yong Hwa felt as though someone is looking at him so he looked around and was pleased it was Joo Hyun who acted like a trapped rat when he caught her staring. He stared at her intently to get her attention and as soon as he succeeded he gave her a mischievous wink and grin.
Joo Hyun looked down on her desk face burning with embarrassment and irritation “Jerk!” she muttered
Chanyeol tapped Joo Hyun’s shoulder “Yah! I’ll help you out with the preparations together with Hyoyeon. We’ll talk after school.” He said after he witnessed what had happened between Yong Hwa and Joo Hyun
She turned her head to him and answered “Arasso.” giving her a sweet smile, Yong Hwa kicked Joo Hyun’s desk and stick out his tongue when she turned to him
“Get a life!” Joo Hyun rolled her eyes in exasperation and turned back to Chanyeol “Chanyeol-ah I have to run some errands today….”
“I’ll help you with it.” He interrupted “And then we’ll go as planned. What do you think? Hmnn?” he looked at both Hyoyeon and Joo Hyun
“Aigoo, it will take awhile. I have someone to meet..” Hyoyeon stated uncertain of what to do. She met Kyuhyun’s eyes
“Yah, Kyuhyun is also our friend. He can come with us.” Chanyeol stated after he observed the exchange “A double date.” he continued
“What?!” both said in unison
“A-ah! Just like a double date I mean.” Chanyeol said slightly embarrassed “I’ve said that out loud? Aish! Babo!” he thought covering his face with palms
Hyoyeon’s mouth fell open “Wait! It’s a misunderstanding! Kyuhyun’s not my bo..!” she clarified albeit blushing profusely. Kyuhyun was about to deny it when Joo Hyun spoke
“HHMMN.. I’ll let it pass since you’re dating my GBF. Tsk!” she gave Kyuhyun a sharp stare “Okay.. Let’s have a double date then.” Joo Hyun interrupted and smiled widely
Yong Hwa fell down from his seat upon hearing their conversation. He stood back as soon as possible and said “Ahmn.. Are you preparing for the pageant? It’s bothersome but since you’re my best friend, I’ll come and help out.” He said feigning disinterest while looking at his fingernails
“Aniya! You are not needed here.” Joo Hyun replied “This plan is for pros only, antis are prohibited.” She said just in time the teacher came back and started classes
Hyoyeon was still adamant in denying despite the fact that no one was actually paying attention to her, when Kyuhyun gave a note to her saying “It’s okay, at least I’ll be able to participate in the preparations” she looked at him and he gave her thumbs up in return
--
Hyoyeon dragged Kyuhyun outside to talk “Yah! Why did you allow them to think that we’re dating?! It was hard enough to help you confess to her for Christ’s sake! It’s more than a year already but nothing! You’re still bullying her instead of being nice. Cham!” she rapped at him
He sighed “you don’t have to remind me of it. But we also know who she likes. The two of us won’t happen” he said sadness evident in his eyes
“Yes it won’t happen, not if you won’t tell her how you feel. And especially if she thinks we’re a couple!” she said exasperated. “You are going to tell her how you feel later after class.”
“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