Chapter 3
My eyes are hurting and I purposely went to the school clinic to borrow a cold compress for my eyes. I see the nurse and tell her my needs while she's kind enough to give me a cold compress. I lie down on the bed with my eyes closed. Yumi is already in the classroom. She told me to go to the infirmary to treat my wounds. I obeyed her and got treated by the nurse. She also patched my wounds. I close my eyes and try to relax. I didn't intend to but I fell asleep after lying on the bed.
I open my eyes and it's already sunset. I skip classes. I heard the bell and I plan to go to the kindergarten Haru told me about before. It was the school where Daniel, Penelope's brother, is attending. I need to make sure that his brother will survive the accident.
I hurriedly left the infirmary and went to the classroom to get my bag. I see the students preparing to go home. I saw Yumi who was taking my bag. I went to her and she smiled when she saw me.
Yumi needs to go home quickly while I need to go somewhere. I waved her goodbye at the entrance gate of our school. Many students are using cars while I forgot to call at home. Sometimes in the past, I purposely didn't call someone to fetch me because I'm always riding in Yumi's car to do my evil deeds.
I remember the kindergarten near Yumi's favorite Antique shop. I saw Penelope there in the past while fetching her younger brother. I hurriedly ran to the nearest bus station. I remember the bus number Penelope often rides in. I waited for the bus feeling nervous. This will be my first time riding a bus and I was scared but I ignored my feelings.
I waited at the bench hugging the bag in my arms. Some students from our school are also waiting, that's why my anxiety lessened. The right bus stops in front of me. I am overwhelmed by the students who quickly hop in and I realized that I was the last one in the line. I gaze at the students trying to find a clue but only see students tapping their wallets near the driver and then walking in to sit inside. I was confused and took my wallet out. I innocently tapped my wallet but it didn't make a sound as it happened to the other passengers. I tried it again but only to find an indifferent look at the driver.
"Miss?" The driver asked me after looking at me. My face is heated and I don't know what to do. It's my first time riding a bus and I don't know how they pay for the ride.
I was about to go out and just took a taxi but someone in my back extended a hand and two beep sounds were heard from the machine.
"I already paid for you." He said in my back.
"You can sit now Miss." The driver told me and looked at me annoyingly.
"I'm sorry," I said and bowed my head to the driver and to the person who paid for my fair. I didn't catch his face because I quickly needed to go inside to sit.
I sat in the last row near the window. I let out a sigh and thought of the antique shops later. Now that I think about it, Penelope has a part-time job near her younger brother's school. I just don't remember the right store but I plan to stop by at the antique shop to buy Yumi a gift before she goes to the US. I remember the piano music box that Yumi gifted to me in my past. She said that she likes it but she insisted on it as her gift to me. I wonder what I did to that music box? I don't remember seeing it in my room.
I'm still anxious but I remember the place correctly. I know where the bus stops. After a few moments. People are leaving the bus and I anxiously look at the window. I remembered the coffee shop then the bus stop. As my eyes never leave the window... I saw the familiar coffee shop. I smile widely after confirming I’m in the right place. The bus stop and I thank the driver before I go out.
The orange sunset and the cold wind made me feel that I am alive again. I silently appreciate the view while I walk to my destination. I run after I see the familiar streets and see the crossroad. I bit my lip after feeling excited as I waited for the traffic light to turn red. I cross the street and run again... I halted when I saw the familiar Antique shop. My heart beats faster and slower, I resume my walk.
I open the door and the wind chime sounds ring on the door. The place is still the same, There are a lot of old things like plates, figurines, keychains hanging on the wooden board. I smile when I see the familiar music box that is designed as a small piano. I heard a wind chime sound again and a person came to the shop. I got the music box and opened it.
The nostalgic lullaby coming from the music box played at the shop. My heart hurts and I closed it because I remembered painful memories.
I also checked the other wooden shelves to see if anything was interesting to them. I saw a key chain of an angel. It was made of wood and had cute wings on both sides. I also got it and a cat keychain. Yumi likes cats so I plan to buy this for her.
When I was satisfied, I went to the cashier that is located at the left-wing of the shop. I saw two people talking and my eyes widened when I recognized them both.
Penelope is wearing our school uniform and a brown apron with the shop name engraved on it. She is happily talking to Yejun, who is a customer buying in the antique shops. I tremble after seeing them together. My fear of getting near them made me nervous. I stop walking to breathe some air. I calm down but the heat in my chest is painful.
I stop three meters away from them and silently wait for Yejun to finish his transaction. I am scared that if I go near them, the illusion of someone getting hurt because of me. I was scared but I tried my best to act okay.
"Jia?" I heard my name and shifted my gaze to them.
"I-I will buy..." I stop talking when I mumble words in my mind. I see both of them looking at me.
Penelope is smiling at me while Yejun is standing near the counter looking at me with his poker face. I feel the heated pain in my chest with his gaze. I shifted my eyes and waited for Penelope to give Yejun's order. I waited for him to finish.
"Jia, it's your turn," Penelope said and smiled at me.
I gave her a small smile and handled the things I wanted to buy. I feel Yejun's stare on my side. Why was he still here? I thought but got the answer after realizing his relationship with Penelope. He must be waiting for her...
"I'm sorry, but can you wrap it like a gift? I plan to give it to-" I stop talking when Penelope looks at me. I saw her face in trouble and I quickly told her that a normal paper bag will do.
"I'm sorry Jia, The gift wrapper was out of stock." Penelope apologized to me with her troubled face. I got nervous looking at her sorry face.
"It's okay. The normal paper bag will do." I managed to say and assured her.
"Thank you for purchasing," Penelope said, smiling at me. My trembling hand got a yellow bill in my wallet and put it on the counter. I saw Penelope smile and handed me the change.
I quickly get my change and just put it in my bag together with the things I buy. I bow to Jia and Yejun who are still standing beside me and hurriedly leave the shop. I run near the convenience store and sit on the ground. The heat in my chest is painful. I grabbed my chest and closed my eyes as I tried to breathe normally.
"Are you okay? Why did you run?" a voice came from my back asked me.
I saw Yejun frowning while staring at me. The heat exploded and an excruciating pain envelops around my chest. It was so painful that I almost lost my consciousness. I see Yejun panic after seeing me gasping for air while grabbing my chest. He quickly empties the paper bag with the things he buys at the antique shops and uses it as air oxygen for me. Tears run down my cheeks as I breathe for air. I remember Haru telling me that I will feel the pain after two days but why I'm feeling it now! I wanted to call him but I still can't breathe normally. It will only hurt for a minute. I need to concentrate.
End of chapter 3.Chapter 4Yejun softly patted my back and worriedly looked at me. After a minute, the pain is gone, but I'm still annoyed at Haru's false information. I need to call him later because of the abnormality I experienced. I removed the paper bag from my face and looked at Yejun that was near me."I'm sorry, and Thank you," I said and moved a distance away from him."You always apologize. It's new to see you say thank you." He said and cracked a smile."Ah, I-I..." I can't find the right words to say, so I close my mouth again. I stood up and awkwardly faced him."Thank you. Goodbye." I bow at him and am about to walk, but he stops me. He grabbed my pulse, making me halt from moving."Let's wait for Penelope. I will send you two home." Yejun said and gripped my pulse. It hurt me, but I didn't say a word. I just nodded at him.Yejun went inside the convenience store while dragging me with him. He let go of my h
Chapter 5"What did I just see?" Haru asked me after a while. He drove his car, and we went near the Han River."What?" I asked him, confused."Why is Yejun running after you?" He said and gave me a paper bag. I checked it out and saw a new polo shirt."Eh? Because I accidentally carried his vest?" I said and checked out the clothes that he gave to me."You stupid." He scolded me and shook his head."I like this! Why did you buy me clothes?" I asked him excitedly."Tss. I can't just let you go home with this blood. You idiot!" I frown after looking at him. I gritted my teeth after hearing him calling me stupid many times."What is your problem?!" I shouted at him. I wanted to cry because I feel like I'm doing something terrible, and my efforts are all wasted. I glared at him."Woahhh. Hush there, sweetheart. Calm down. I'm sorry, okay?. I didn't know that you're sensitive today." He said while both his hands were in the
Chapter 6I woke up because of the alarm from my phone. I rise from bed even though I’m still sleepy. Today is the day where I will look for craft shops that I can add to my study. I also wanted to ask Penelope so that she could offer her father's business. Now that I think about it, Penelope doesn't need to have a job because her family has a company, but I don’t have any idea of her lifestyle before. There are many things to do, but I only have limited time, so I need to move even though my body and mind like rest.I yawned and rushed to shower and wear my new uniform. I plan to eat breakfast today, so check my bag and make sure that my gift to Yumi is inside. I leave my room and go to the dining room to eat.The servant was shocked when she saw me sit in the dining area. There's food on the table, and I quietly eat it alone. I finished my food without talking, and I saw her wide eyes after making sure that I didn’t say any nasty remark
Chapter 7The library is empty. There's one receptionist at the entrance who smiled at me after I entered the room.I went to the shelves and saw a book with the title Master of Korean Tradition. I opened it and saw photos depicting step-by-step knot instructions. I checked it out and found out that the book only has common designs. I checked another book and many of the designs are for making traditional Korean ornaments. I learned by reading them and plan to create a picture in my head.The books are quickly filling up on the table after I decided to make notes for every helpful information. I really need to quickly start it but I have no time to do it since I only have 99 days left. I sighed thinking I have so much work and I need someone else's help. A forbidden image comes out in my head but I quickly erase it. He offered help but it's not time yet for him to get involved. I plan to ask for Haru's help instead and with that thought, I quickly co
Chapter 8"Yumi, Are you busy today?" I asked, looking at her while we're at the music club. I just recently submitted a form to join here and Yumi is an old member. Even before she told me to participate in this club but I always refused her. It's also my chance to watch for Yejun and Penelope.I sat at the piano chair while Yumi was beside me playing. She shifted her head and looked at me."I'm not busy after this." She said and we looked at the door that opened.Na Hyuk enters the room and surveys the area. He saw Yumi and me at the piano and he stayed his gaze at me."Na Hyuk, I've been waiting for you," Yumi said and gave the paper to Na Hyuk.He frowns after checking the paper that serves as my application for joining the club. Then he looks at me. I awkwardly cling my arms to Yumi and turn my gaze to the Music club president.Na Hyuk is a very serious person. He is tall with a deep set of black eye
Chapter 9We stayed silent after, and I focused on reading the schedule, but my phone suddenly rang. I checked my phone and saw the number of my parents' secretary Ms. Shin. I answered the call while massaging my temple."Ms. Jia?" A voice of a woman from the other line."Hello, Ms. Shin." I greeted her"Are you home?" She asked in a polite voice."Uhm. Not yet. I'm still in school." I said to her, trying to sound calm."I understand. Your parents will be back tonight, and they want to have dinner with you." She said in a formal tone in addressing my parents."Alright. I will be home before dinner." I said and was about to end the call, but I waited for her reply.Ms. Shin is my parents' witty secretary. She handles most of the transactions and meetings of the CEO, and she's excellent in her job. In the past, I'm not aware of her presence and not interested in her, but she was mostly the pers
Chapter 10The outside window is dark. In the past, my parents were strict but affectionate towards me. It changes now because every time I do something applaudable, they won't praise me anymore. They became so busy that they neglected me. It started when I was nine years old. They are mostly abroad and rarely call me. One time I asked my suitor why my parents aren't calling me anymore and she said that because they were busy at work and I need to do better for them to praise me and call me. I waited for years and even for Christmas but they won't come. Same with my sister who studies abroad and leaves me alone. I remember tons of holidays and receiving gifts from Ms. Shin but the name of my parents. It's always obvious that it was her who gave me gifts since my parents don't know what I like.I bitterly smile remembering it. Even if I bullied and killed people they will ignore it and blame the victim. It's weird that I think of this now when in the past, I
Chapter 1198 days23:43:02I startle after seeing the clock reminder. My 99 days are already done. I haven't even started my plans yet! I mess up my hair because I haven't done anything that's nearly my goal!"Hey, are you okay?" Yejun called for me and a scorching heat started in my chest after I met his eyes.Ohh, Is this time? I forgot about it till now! I gritted my teeth and tears started to form in my eyes. It's not even an hour since the day started! What is this?!"Uhm, Yejun, I think I need to go back now. I'm already sleepy." I said and endured the pain while talking to him.
Chapter 23"Are you alright?" Yejun touches my right cheek while asking me. I cringed because of the coldness of his hand."Y-yeah." I retorted."That bastard Seohyun! If only I knew that he would do this, I might have ended him a long time ago!" Juno growled. His eyes are piercing while scanning me, maybe because I look beat up."Mr. Choi, you need to go to the doctor," I said in concern. I turned my attention to him while Yejun was still looking at me."Let's go to the Doctor, Miss Jia." Mr. Choi was worried about me, so I quickly nodded my head to him."Thank you for saving us." I glance at Yejun. He didn't answer me. Instead, he kept his eyes on me.Mr. Choi started to walk to the elevator while Yejun and Juno were following us. There's a silence in the air aside from Juno's babbling from time to time.We reached the second floor, and Mr. Choi quickly guided me to the doctor's room while Juno and Yejun waited outside."Ms. Kim. You've frequently been visiting me," says Doctor Yeon
Chapter 22Today is the day where we will visit Penelope's brother Daniel. I have no news for his father yet, and he seems quiet these days. Yesterday, all of the club members had a meeting about the club's activity next week. We need to visit an orphanage that Na Hyuk suggested. We have a plan to hold a mini-concert.I'm not into it, but I need to fulfill my responsibility as a music club member. We plan it briefly, but nothing is final yet. I'm an extra and new here. So, they mainly distributed their parts according to what they used to do. I'm guessing that they don't know where they will put me. Yejun and Penelope are our vocals, while Juno, Hyuk, and Yumi will play instruments. Yumi will also have a solo performance playing the piano. While Penelope has a solo aside from her duet with Yejun, she also proposes to play the guitar.I don't mind what kind of performance I will do, but Yumi suggested that I sing while playing the piano. I'm confident, but I'm not entirely enthusiastic
Chapter 21I made it home after that. Except for Haru and Mr. Choi, no one knew that I almost died and slept half a day in a hospital. Today, I have school, and I plan to come since people have been looking for me since yesterday. I'm glad that Yumi didn't find out what I have been through to that day.Everything was set when I left my room and went down to eat breakfast. The cook did not speak, but she made me a portion of healthy, nutritious food. It is awkward for me, but I don't mind this kind of act. Mr. Choi must be worried; I could tell the cook's eyes that she is curious yet worried for my being.After eating, I thanked her for the delicious food. I saw her smile. I went to the door to walk to the gate and found Mr. Choi waiting for me. I get in the car and put on a blue scarf because I feel the sudden chills. I will take it out later after I reach school. The campus is weirdly quiet when I walk in the hallway. Students were loitering, but everything seemed normal. I went to
Chapter 20Yejun sat beside Na Hyuk with his stern face. I know that he's confused, but I'm not sure if he knows that Seohyun was using him. I remember him as a close acquaintance of Yejun. He was also part of the art club, which was also a member of Yejun. I met him in the past after he offered me a deal for Penelope's information. Even if I was trash before, that guy was the worst. He was pleased that Penelope was getting bullied. He said that Penelope is a work of art that every time she was suffering, the more beautiful she became. I don't even understand myself, but I agree to work with him. Now, the feeling of disgust is making my throat dry."Tell me everything, Kim Jia." I heard Yejun's warning. My heart started to beat faster, and the familiar pain was growing inside my chest. His eyes are like daggers to me. I try to show a fake smirk and sip my coffee, persuading myself to withstand the unbearable heat. I tightly hold my drink and daringly look at Yejun."Why do you think y
Chapter 19Days have passed, and I can't get the timing to talk with Na Hyuk. I look at his way. He was busy on his computer. There's a serious expression on his face and a distant aura that tells you not to approach him, but I don't care about that. I have an essential thing to say, and I can't just tell him about the spy recording here because I'm not sure if the culprit installed another spy device in this room."Mr. Na Hyuk..." I called his name. His attention is still on the screen of the computer, but he answers me. "Hm?" I heard him, but I didn't speak. I stare at him, and I believe that he isn't that oblivious to ignore me."What is it?" Na Hyuk finally met my eyes. I grin after an idea pops out in my head. You spy! Let me test you for a sec. "Let's go on a date. Are you free tomorrow?" I asked him shamelessly. Tomorrow is a holiday, and the timing is good. "What?" Na Hyuk is taken aback. His eyes blink, then frown. He looks at me with a different vibe. "I will text you th
Chapter 18It's been three days since I argued with Haru. I texted him to apologize, but I didn't receive any reply. That day Juno accompanied me until sunset. We spend our day talking about trivial things, and Juno is unexpectedly humorous. Classes resume, and next week is the second semester's first periodical exam. Many students, especially seniors, are cramping because of graduation. I feel content watching their tension. However, I'm still in a rush. In three days, Nothing major happened, and I became more anxious that way. I, unfortunately, got close to Juno, and I can now sometimes ask him for an errand. He is surprisingly good with everything except for his personality. Juno will be perfect. I also offered to work for me officially. I plan to sign him a contract one of these days. "Jia! Help me with this music sheet." Juno brags in our class, and my head literally goes to him. "What?" I got startled because he suddenly went to my desk and put a piece of paper in front of me
Chapter 17 "Hi. I like two slices of cheesecake, one latte, and watermelon juice." I ordered, my eyes were sparkling because of the food. "Can you please add one espresso?" I looked at the voice on my back and found out Haru. He seems fresh with his outfits that are a mix of plain T-shirts, flannels, and denim jeans. It's my first time seeing him not wearing a black outfit. "Haru! You scare me." I greeted him. Many of the customers turned their heads to us, and most of them were girls. Haru is good-looking with his boy-next-door fashion. I agree while checking his wholesome model-like posture. "How are you, dear?" He smiled at me and patted my head. "Join us today. I'm with Yumi." I said. Haru is paying for our food. I got used to him paying for me. I let him bring our order and lead the way to Yumi. "I'm back." I said while smiling. Yumi's eyes widened when she saw Haru with me. I told him to sit beside me. "Haru, this is my best friend, Yumi Chen. Yumi, my cousin Haru."
Chapter 16“Hello?” I answered the call from Yumi. She’s been calling me a few times, but I didn’t answer her because of the spy device. I’m already in the lobby. I tried to book a taxi, but Yumi’s call kept popping out on my phone, so I answered her call.“Where are you, Kim Jia?!” Yumi’s voice thundered in my ear. I got startled and pulled the phone away from my face.“Aww. You surprised me, Yumi!” I stop walking and stand at the entrance shed of the school building.“Why are you so late? Everyone’s already here.” Yumi scolded me and didn’t even lower her voice.&ldq
Chapter 15I rushed to the door and saw that Mr. Choi was already waiting for me at the gate. He bows at me, and I greeted him while hearing my phone beep with consecutive notifications from our group.I ignore it and open a file with the record of the workshop studios I will be going to today. There's the Samcheong-dong where I originally planned to check because the attached pictures are just suitable for the workshop I'm planning to open up. Mr. Choi is reliable, and I entrust the management and other niceties in the shop, but before I think of anything, I might first purchase a place.The distance is only 1.3 miles from Seoul, and I prepare it nearby. I spent my time checking the other places, but the location was far more than I thought.<