Chapter 4
Yejun 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 hand, and I almost touched my pulse because it was hurting, but I control myself. I'm scared that he misunderstood.
I sat at the stool near the glass wall of the convenience store while Yejun went to the shelves to buy something. I feel the erratic beats of my heart while nervously waiting at the corner. Yejun finally came back with drinks in his hands. He gently put a chocolate drink in front of me then sat beside me while opening the soda and drinking it. He looks so fine while doing that action. I blinked and shifted my gaze outside. I gripped the chocolate drink, feeling hesitant.
I bit my lip because I am allergic to chocolate drinks, I could die, but I already died. Maybe I can drink it now? But I don't want to risk it anymore. I will ask Haru later.
"You don't like it? Penny likes those drinks." He said after a while, looking at the drink in my hands.
"I'm allergic to this drink," I said and awkwardly smiled at him.
I flushed when he frowned and stood up and went back to the shelf, and after a few minutes, he handed me an apple juice. I appreciated it and thanked him after having my favorite drink.
He takes back the chocolate drink on the corner of the table. I open the apple juice and drink it. This brand is my favorite, and it is famous for many students, and I am likely to buy this a lot.
"Why did you come here alone? I didn't know that you're sick." He tried to have a conversation with me.
"Ah, my friend likes that shop, and she might be coming to the US... I want to give her a gift before she departs." I smile after remembering Yumi. But my smile didn't last because the heat in my chest was coming back. I gritted my teeth and endured it.
"But you should come here with someone. It's dangerous because you are sick.." He added after a while. He stares at me, and my chest started to feel sore. I panic and ignore his words. Someone quickly flashes on my mind.
I open my bag to get my phone. I saw the number one dial and found Haru's number on it. I called him without minding Yejun staring at me. After three rings, he picked up.
"Hello, Jia dear?" I heard a loud music background and a hoarse voice of Haru greeting me. I quickly rejected calling him.
"Where are you?" I patiently asked him and massaged my chest.
"Ohh, Jia dear, I'm busy... I'm working." He laughed after, and a woosh sound came in the background. I rolled my eyes and facepalm. This dork is really testing my patience.
"Later!" He told me and ended the call. I was pissed and about to call him again, but Yejun is watching from my side, making me stop from redialing his number.
"Who's that? Your boyfriend? He seems at the bar." Yejun asked me and shifted his gaze outside.
"No, he's my cousin," I said and frowned at my phone. I will deal with him later.
"But...-" Yejun was about to say something, but Penelope was already outside. She waves her hand and looks flustered when she sees me with Yejun. I stood out quickly because I'm scared that she misunderstood us. I'm paranoid because of my evil deeds in the past.
I went outside and greeted Penelope. I heard the door open, and Yejun came. He hands the chocolate drink to Penelope and receives a thank you. I watch them doing it, and my heart feels the heat again. These two look like a couple. They're meant to be. Why did I even tear them apart? I must have been nuts in the past.
"Jia? Why are you guys together?" Penelope asked in curiosity.
"I-I... It's just that I feel sick, and Yejun-ssi offers to accompany me. But I'm okay now. I can go-" I said but stopped talking when I saw Yejun glare at me.
"She's sick," Yejun told Penelope. I see her indifferent eyes and frown at me. After a moment, she smiled and said that it was okay.
"I will fetch my younger brother. I'm sorry, Jia. Are you sure you're fine?" She said after a while. I just nodded my head to her.
We walked in the road, and I just silently watched them talking. I feel at ease that these two are together. The pain in my chest is decreasing. I purposely walk slower so that I won't disturb their quality time. Somehow, third-wheeling isn't bad at all. I feel like I'm doing good for both of them.
Yejun and Penelope are engrossed in talking, and sometimes Yejun checks in on me at the back. I understand it because maybe he was shocked after seeing me gasp for air as if I was about to pass out. We arrived at the park, and the sky was already dark.
The cold wind gives chilling vibes, but the chill isn't much thanks to our uniform, though I was not too fond of the cold in the past.
I saw a small kindergarten nearby, and we went there while Yejun and Penelope were still talking. I got nervous after remembering something. No, today is. I heard a scream, and all of us were startled. I automatically rushed in. I heard someone screaming for an ambulance. I ran fast and saw a child with blood on his head. I checked his pulse, and Daniel is not breathing. I feel nervous but still, remember the lesson in performing a CRP.
"Call the ambulance! Faster!" I shout and undress my jacket. I called for Yejun because Penelope was shocked.
"Use this and put pressure. Faster!" I told him and gave him my vest. I continued to provide Daniel with CPR. I am sweating hard, and my heart is beating faster. After minutes of struggles, Daniel is finally breathing. I stopped after confirming that he had already woken up. The ambulance comes and takes Daniel.
We arrived at the hospital, and thank god Daniel is safe. I'm still trembling, but when I saw Penelope crying, I excused myself and went to the toilet to wash my hands.
I looked at the large mirror and washed my face. I panic, but I perform well. I saved Penelope's only brother. My legs give up, and tears flow down my face. Thank God. Thank you so much. I repeatedly thank him for saving Daniel. I feel like my heart is going to pop out because of the beating uncontrollably. I wiped my tears and stood up. I checked my uniform, and there were bloodstains everywhere. I feel like I will pass out from exhaustion. My hair is messy, while my face looks stressed. I feel tired after doing things all day.
I slowly go out of the toilet and get surprised when I see Yejun outside. He looked like he was waiting for me. I met his gaze, and I faintly smiled at him. My tired eyes linger on his face while checking his expression, but I can't read it.
"Are you okay? You look pale." He asked me and handed me his uniform vest. He stared at me and frowned. I realize that I look messy, and there are bloodstains all over my uniform. Same with him, but he still let me borrow his vest.
"How's Penelope? Also, her brother?" I heard him sighed then look straight while we walked in the hallway.
"They're both fine. I was more worried about you. You look like you're going to pass out." He told me sarcastically.
"I'm fine," I said and continued to walk, not minding the dizziness I faintly felt.
I saw Penelope holding the hand of his brother. I remembered this scene not long ago. But fortunately, this boy won't be in danger anymore. Penelope sees me, and she hurriedly hugs me. She cries in my arms while I just stood there frozen, not knowing how to comfort her.
"Jia! Thank you so much..." Penelope whispered while hugging me. I didn't react because I couldn't accept her gratitude. My eyes remained on the ground, and I stood up frozen. I didn't deserve this. It was something I must do, and Penelope doesn't have to feel dept about it. She releases me after a few seconds.
My head started to throb, and I massage my temple and look for my bag. I need to go home now. I look at Yejun and Penelope. I was about to say my goodbye, but I halted because Yejun is consoling Penelope. I silently went out of the room.
I walked into the empty hallway. I get flustered when someone holds my pulse that stops me from walking. I looked at a person and saw Yejun. I frowned at him and was about to ask him why but someone else's arm landed on my shoulder. I shifted my head to see who it was and saw Haru looking at me with his annoying mischievous smile.
"Jia dear... I'm here." He laughed, then continued to cling his arm on my shoulder. I gritted my teeth at him but controlled my expression because Yejun was in front of us and was still holding me. Haru gazes at Yejun, and his smile widens.
"Hi. I'm Jia's..... long, long cousin Haru." Haru offered his hand to Yejun and waited for him to respond. Yejun's hand is still holding my pulse. He releases his hold and meets Haru's gaze. They stare at each other, and my mind runs wild like, what kind of drama is this?
"Yejun Lee. I'm her classmate." He said in a traditional tune and accepted Haru's handshake. They stare at each other again, and after a while, Yejun shifts his gaze on me.
Then I just remembered his uniform vest on my shoulder. I quickly removed it and gave it back to him. He accepted it with his poker face. I bit my lip after realizing that I was almost carrying Yejun's uniform at home. I'm glad he runs after me. I nodded to him and bowed while saying my thanks. I wave goodbye and walk with Haru's arm still on my shoulder.
"Haru, I'm tired. Don't cling to me!" I said, then smack his arms away from my shoulder.
"Why are you so cold to me, Honey?" He said in a dramatic voice, and a loud laugh escaped from his mouth.
"Don't call me that, you bastard. After you lied to me!" I scoffed at him. My dizziness is gone because of my anger towards him.
We walked to the parking lot of the hospital and saw a yellow sports car parked. I shake my head while looking at him, winking at me while looking proud of his car.
Did he call himself a deity? I sigh and go inside the car.
End of chapter 4.
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 12"Why did you come here?" I asked Haru while walking in the hallway. When we were on the stairs, Haru suddenly clicked his finger and our location changed. We were already at the casual dining place of a famous hotel in Incheon. Our school is located in Seoul so I just look at him with disbelief!The ambiance is authentic and I can see the modern architecture of the hotel. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere. I naturally walked inside and sat in the dark color chair to dine while Haru followed me smirking arrogantly. I frown and look at him with indifference."So, why are we here?" I asked Haru but we're interrupted by the waitress who was giving us menus."It's my treat to you dear because you survived the first attack." Haru said in a deep voice.He tilted his head and looked at the waitress who was shyly looking at him. I sigh and let him flirt with the poor girl. I get the menu and choose what food to orde
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.<