Second chapter! Enjoy!
Hana let out a relieved sigh knowing that Mi Young had forgiven her. Truth be told, it was her fault. She shouldn't have tempted fate. Now instead of being able to roam around they had to stay with the couples, because apparently they have been missed and they all had a lot of catching up to do. A shudder travelled her body as Hye Kyo grabbed Ji Hoo's hand. 'Oh, curses! Why me?' There was something utterly disturbing about feeling like a third wheel. It was like intruding on a private moment, being in a place you shouldn't be in.
The trio continued to walk dejectedly after the, blissfully, unaware couples. The people attending the carnival looked at their group strangely and it was not because of the couples.
Suddenly Mi Young saw a stand that grabbed her attention. It was a shooting game and the prizes displayed were various plush animals. The bid prize was a huge furry teddy holding a heart. A small smile tugged at the edges of Mi Young's lips. It was so cute. And she knew a certain person who would be very happy to receive such a plush bear. Mi Young decided to take her chance and try winning it. But when she turned around to let her friends know they were nowhere to be seen. A frustrated sigh passed from her lips. The girl looked around trying to pinpoint their location. After a minute or so she shrugged her shoulders and made her way to the stand.
Meanwhile Hana and Ga Eul were looking for any plausible excuse to make an escape and just relax. They were whispering to each other and didn't seem to notice the absence of their friend. When Hana turned to ask Mi Young something she noticed the empty space. That was when she started looking around for Mi Young.
Ga Eul, on the other hand, decided to ask the couples in they had seen Mi Young. 'Not likely.' A small voice in her head said. "Have any of you sunbaes seen where Mi Young went?"
The question had their attention fully focused. The girlfriends shook their heads while the guys tried to remember what Mi Young was doing the last time they saw her.
The ringing of a cell phone sounded through. Yoon Hae picked up her phone and answered the call. After exchanging a few lines with the collocutor she closed the phone and sighed. "Mianhae but we won't be able to help you look for Mi Young. Hye Kyo, Ye Jin and I have been called to the studio for a photo shoot. Jeongmal mianhae." She apologised again before the three of them left.
"So I guess it's just us." Jan Di concluded. "Let's split and look around for Mi Young. I'm going with Jun Pyo."
"Alright. Then Yi Jeong can pair up with Ga Eul and Ji Hoo can take Hana. I'll look on my own." Woo Bin offered. They each chose a direction and went on their way.
Woo Bin passed through the crowd of people carefully observing his surroundings and keeping an eye out for Mi Young. It should've been easy to spot her as she was wearing very colourful clothes. But that was exactly the problem; the carnival itself was full of colour. His eyes scanned every stand until he spotted the one he was looking for. Without waiting a moment longer he rushed to her side ready to give her the scolding of a lifetime. Silently he crept behind her and looked over her shoulder. She was holding a riffle trying to aim. 'That won't do. She's not holding it the right way.'
Mi Young almost had a heart attack when two hands started arranged her body in another position. She only relaxed when the familiar scent of Woo Bin's cologne reached her and his voice instructed her. "You aren't holding the rifle the right way. Here, let me help you. There. That's the right position." Without letting her go, the Song heir helped her shoot the moving targets.
"Thank you." Mi Young exclaimed, clutching the huge teddy bear with one hand. Her other hand was currently being held by Woo Bin as he dragged her along, probably to meet up with the others. "You can let go of my hand now." He didn't seem to hear her so Mi Young added the following half-jokingly. "People will think that we are together if you hold my hand like this." A brief pause followed. "But both you and I know that it's not so. What they think doesn't matter," Woo Bin said as they took a turn to the left, "besides it's faster this way." he ended, effectively severing any hope that had bloomed in Mi Young's heart. "So for who is it?" Woo Bin asked suggestively, mindless of the pain he caused.
"Actually it's for my younger sister. She's five!" Mi Young responded, his tone not lost on her.
"You have a sister? How come I never knew?" Woo Bin's enquired, perplexed in earnest.
"You never asked." Mi Young accused. "Besides why do you care?" She added teasingly.
"Well that's because I myself have two younger sisters." That Mi Young already knew. "Wouldn't it be cool if we set a play date for them?" Woo Bin asked rather enthusiastically.
"Ah, about that, I don't really know. My little sister, you see, is rather active during the day and in the evening I prefer to let her rest. She's always so very tired." Mi Young stated in a soft voice. "But I'm sure we can figure this out." She added hoping not to disappoint Woo Bin. 'Woo Bin-ah it's not that I'm against the idea, but how exactly can I tell you the truth; the fact that my sister has leukaemia. Mianhae, sunbae. Jeongmal mianhane Woo Bin-ah.' Mi Young wordlessly apologised, willing her sentiments to reach him. "Just come up with a date and place and I'll bring Si Young. I'm sure they'll have very much fun together."
In the meantime Yi Jeong and Ga Eul were looking around trying to spot the missing girl. Not wanting to lose Ga Eul in the throng of people Yi Jeong slipped his hand over hers and pulled her a bit closer.
"Sunbae…" Ga Eul's puzzled voice reached his ears, the confusion evident.
"Just so we won't be separated." This was the only reply she got.
They walked together in silence. Ga Eul took the time to savour the way her hand fit in his and the utter happiness she felt being like this. Yi Jeong, on the other hand, turned his head away from the girl; an attempt to hide his bewilderment, caused by the current situation. Her hand felt so small in his and it fit so well. 'Weird. I've never felt anything like this before.'
"Ga Eul-ah! Yi Jeong-sunbae!" The cry made them turn around, in the process coming face to face with Woo Bin and Mi Young. The sudden movement resulted in their hands hastily breaking any sort of contact. For whatever reason, Yi Jeong felt a pang of annoyance at this. Deciding that it wasn't important he chose to make sure everything was alright. His attention drifted sharply to the entwined hands of his best friend, Woo Bin, and Mi Young. As if sensing his attention the girl pulled her hand away very softly but also quickly. Woo Bin didn't notice or he didn't care, Yi Jeong assumed it was the latter, because he made no move to retrieve her hand, however his eyes darkened slightly, a thing that made Yi Jeong wonder. "Great, now we are only missing a few more people." Mi Young jovially said. "Actually we are only missing Jan Di, Jun Pyo, Ji Hoo and Hana. The rest have already left." Ga Eul corrected Mi Young with a twinkle in her eyes.
"For real?" The exclamation flew past Mi Young's lips before she could stop it. Realising that came out the wrong way the girl continued. "Why? I mean, they were the ones who invited us here."
"Photo shooting session." Yi Jeong replied in a short manner. "We should hurry up and find the others. Come on Ga Eul."
Fearing that she might say something stupid yet again Mi Young silently followed Ga Eul and Yi Jeong. Woo Bin walked beside her and Mi Young felt a prickle of disappointment at his impassive attitude. She pouted but let it go. 'That's life! Nothing I can do about it…'
Soon enough they were next to the entrance of the carnival and Yi Jeong took out his phone. His fingers typed over the keys in what, Mi Young presumed, was a text message. Ga Eul leaned slightly into Yi Jeong and smiled a little to Mi Young. As if realising what she was doing Ga Eul pulled back and straightened her jacket, which wasn't even crinkled, in an attempt to busy herself. Yi Jeong's phone beeped, a sign that he got a message and his eyes travelled to the lit screen.
"The others are on their way."
.
.
.
Monday came way too early for Mi Young's liking. She silently cursed her luck as she passed the school gates. 'Saint Academy… Saint my foot!'
Monday was a cursed day for Hana, Mi Young and Ga Eul, by all accounts. Besides the weekly council meeting which was on Monday, they also had to wear a special uniform that let everyone know they were in the student council. It was a flashy, attention grabbing version of the usual grey Saint Academy uniform. And worst yet, the other students looked at them as if the world was ending and only the Student Council members could stop it.
The dreaded council meeting was fast approaching. Like her the rest of the council members looked a tad worried. Mi Young however didn't look worried; she looked frightened, holding a charm in her hands and praying. It was a sight to behold. Next to her Choi Si Won, Kang Dae Sung and Kim Jun Su gave Mi Young long stares, obviously torn between amusement and anxiety. 'Who wouldn't be in our situation?' Nam Gyu Ri and Son Ye Eun were chatting away with Cho Kyu Hyun and Kim Jae Joong to keep the fright at bay.
They all gathered around the so called 'The Can of Unwanted Duty' and got ready. Said can contained sticks with one duty written on each of them. Of course no one wanted to do it. 'No sane person would ask for more work than we already have. Stupid school! We count to three and pull.' Everyone around Ga Eul got ready, taking deep breaths and stretching their fingers. "Okay guys. You know the drill. On the count of three each of us pulls a stick. No cheating." Hana instructed in a serious voice.
"One…Two…Three!" The count chorused through the council room. Each person pulled a stick at the same time. For a few moments no one moved. No one breathed. No one blinked. It was almost like a statuary group. Or a photograph. At some point someone would have to brave it and take a peek. But this was after all the benefit of procrastinating. Why do today what you can do tomorrow. 'Hard work pays off in time, laziness pays off right now, so I guess we can procrastinate for a little while longer.'
It took just one small movement to set everything in motion. And then it was all out.
"Oh shit! Why me?"
"Noooooooooo! This can not be true."
"What the fuck? Seriously? Seriously?"
"Dear God up in heaven…"
"In-fucking-credible!"
"I can't believe this is happening…This can't be happening to me…"
"Sweet mother of…Heavens above…NO!"
"I can't believe it! I got treasurer! Yes. Ga Eul you are the best!" It seemed that the happy person of the council was Ga Eul. She had the easiest job, which left the other jobs to some reluctant teens.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! NO!NO!NOOOOOOOO!" Everyone's attention turned to Mi Young. "This is not right. It can't be. This thing must be stage-managed. It must! How can I be vice-president again?" Laughter rose through the room. The hilarity of the situation was not lost to any. Mi Young had been vice-president every semester since their first year. Poor her. Ga Eul really pitied her friend but better Mi Young than herself. After all, Ga Eul had already served as the council's President last year.
Hana, not one for theatrics, stayed quiet but displeasure was etched on her face. Ga Eul leaned over to look at what she got. 'Secretary. Not bad Hana-ah. But still, nothing beats treasurer.' "So what did everyone get?" Ga Eul cheerily asked, promptly ignoring the glares she received for being so happy.
"Class domination…" Si Won read out loud. A few winced, while Mi Young rolled her eyes and huffed. "Dae Sung-ah what did you get?"
"I got Babysitter. Just like Gyu Ri-ah! Let's assure the students' safety together, okay Gyu Ri-ah?" The energetic reply came and Gyu Ri sighed, inwardly agreeing.
"I have Student's slave. Who's Secretary?" Kyu Hyun asked with a straight face. Hana raised her hand and smiled a little. "Cool! At least Student Affairs won't be so boring. Jae Joong, you?"
"Work Me Like a Dog." Came the cutting reply. 'Event Planner. So, me and Jae Joong will be seeing a lot of each other.' Ga Eul mussed.
"That leaves two Babysitter positions for Ye Eun and Jun Su. Well that's it people. Enough for today. Classes will start soon." Si Won's voice rang out.
"Well, we better get going. Literature is first today. You know how teacher Park gets if we're late."
"Yeah, totally mad." Dae Sung agreed as everyone scrambled out of the room.
Once in class, Ga Eul assumed her assigned place next to Jae Joong and Dae Sung went to sit next to Gyu Ri. Mi Young started pestering Si Won, who looked like he was trying his hardest to ignore her, while Hana quietly spoke to Kyu Hyun.
"Ga Eul-ah!" Ye Eun's voice came from behind her, making Ga Eul turn around to face the other girl. "Do you have any idea where Jun Su is? Park is going to come in any minute now." Ga Eul could sense the worry in her classmate's voice.
"I don't know. But I'm sure he'll be here. It's Jun Su, you know he always gets himself in trouble." Ga Eul said and looked at the door. As if possessed it sprung open and Jun Su trotted in, his face flushed and his breathing laboured. He threw Ye Eun a smirk and sat down next to her. Ye Eun glared at him and turned her head away. From next to her, Ga Eul heard Jae Joong mumble something about a lovers' spat and smiled. Jun Su threw an arm around Ye Eun's shoulders and tipped her towards him. In retaliation Ye Eun slapped his leg and forced his arm off her shoulders. Everyone laughed quietly at the quarrelling duo. The pair seemed unaware of the attention they attracted and continued taking jabs at one another. 'Just like Jan Di and Jun Pyo.'
The door was opened with a loud thump and in stepped Professor Park. The ends of his long black coat trailed after him as he crossed the distance between the door and the teacher's desk. "If Mr. Kim and Ms. Son are done, maybe we could begin today's lesson." As soon as he spoke everything got quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop on the floor without even trying. "Good. Take out your books."
The Literature class passed without a hitch and so did the next two classes. Their twenty minutes break was divided between eating, discussing council problems and making jokes about everything and anything.
The rest of the day passed in a similar fashion, nothing out of ordinary happened. Just as the Student Council members were about the leave they were called to a 'short' meeting with the school Principal.
A collective groan shot through the classroom and the aforementioned people dragged their feet to the Principal's office. There they were informed that in a few days they would have to help organize a cooking contest. 'Oh, joy!'
"By help, I mean you do anything that's necessary: build stands, bake, cook, anything. Do you understand?" The principal demanded. He was satisfied when the student body in front of him nodded. "Good. You're free to go."
The teens left the room in complete silence and made their way outside. From there on everything went down. Everyone started talking at the same time, complaining or lamenting their bad luck.
"This is crazy! Why do we have to do everything?"
"Complain all you want but you already know we aren't getting out of this." That was Si Won and his flawless logic.
"Oh God! Why did I end up in the freaking school council?"
"Bad luck, Ye Eun, this is just bad luck. But it won't last forever. It can't." Ye Eun said, comically hitting her head with clenched hands.
"Yah, Ye Eun! What's wrong with you? Snap out of it."
"There goes my free time."
"What do you mean by that? You know we aren't allowed to have free time. Nope. No free time for the council members."
"I agree. Stupid council. Stupid duties. Is it just me or was the Principal smiling wickedly at us? "
"You know, I can totally see him see him holding a pitchfork and laughing evilly in a circle of fire."
"That's so lame that it's actually funny!"
The comment was followed by very loud laughter. The group kept laughing, the picture of their Principal painted in red and doing a crazy dance played vividly in front of them. The tiredness contributed greatly to the mood. After hours of stress it was very pleasant to let everything go and just relax.
"Guys, I really think we should head home soon." Ye Eun managed to choke out between chucks of laughter.
"Ye Eun-ah, my love! You want to leave me?" Jun Su yelled, faking a sobbing mess, and wrapping his arms around the laughing girl. This earned another round of laughter from the rest of the Council.
"Stop it! Oppa, I'm serious!" Her reaction elicited a loud chorus of 'Ohs', 'Ahs' and 'Awws' which promptly generated another sequence of thundering guffaws.
"All right kiddies! Time to go home! We have a long day tomorrow." Si Won reminded his colleagues. They all complained for the umpteenth time before mock saluting and going in whichever direction. Small groups formed, giggling and pushing each other, generally having a great time.
'How could it get any better than this?'
Till next time I suppose!