A/N: Sorry this chapter is late. I had to edit it a whole bunch. Special thanks to glorialopezgl534.03 and phantomstimeturner for your reviews. They make our day and give us the motivation to continue writing. Also, I got a beta, guys, special thanks to her for helping out with this chapter.

glorialopezgl534.03: Glad you enjoyed the elephant scene!

phantomstimeturner: Glad you are enjoying the story so far. Thank you so much for reviewing both chapters 17 and 28. Chapter 17 was one of my favorite chapters to write. It has absolutely zero plot relevance, but it's just so fun that I had to write it.

I hope you all like this chapter. Enjoy!

The young man stared at Jae Kyung with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

She held out her hand. "Ha, Jae Kyung."

After a minute of hesitation, he shook it. "Nam, Su Ho."

_oOo_

"And this next piece is called Fantasy. It represents—"

Yi Jeong's beeping phone alerted him to a text.

How is my favorite Potter:)

He began typing: Great. I—

Before he could finish the message, the host called him on stage.

The next morning, perched on a sofa with his laptop, he returned the call.

Her beautiful face came into view. "Yi Jeong."

She sat on her desk, surrounded by books, with a pen in hand.

"Busy?"

She frowned. "Sorry. Lots of homework to finish."

He brought his own notepad forward. "Go ahead. I won't make a sound."

With the video still on, they completed their individual projects. Occasionally, he would look up from his work to find her jotting down notes, a strand of hair curled between her fingers. All in all, not a bad way to start the day.

_oOo_

Three Hours Earlier, Na Bi's house.

Na Bi relentlessly paced her bedroom. If she kept at it, there would be a heel-shaped hole in the floor.

"Na Bi," said Hana.

Opening up her closet, Na Bi ruffled through it. "Maybe the pink dress was a mistake."

For the tenth time since she got there, Hana wished for Yu Ri and Jae Kyung. They were much better at this whole fashion thing. As far as she was concerned, combed hair and an outfit without stains was presentable for any and all occasions.

She put her arm around Na Bi. "You need to chill out. I'm sure you'll look lovely in whatever Yu Ri picks out."

Na Bi frowned. "I suppose."

She went back to browsing fashion videos on her phone.

"Jae Kyung and Yu Ri would be here any minute now. Don't worry." She got off the bed. "Let me get you some water."

"Thanks, Hana. For coming early."

Guilt gnawed at her gut. But she fought through it.

True, she had an ulterior motive for being here, but her intentions were pure.

Besides, there was nothing to worry about, as far as Na Bi was concerned. Min Ho was a decent guy. She vetted him thoroughly: well-liked by peers, friendly, no drinking or drug problems, and a spotless dating history. He only dated one other girl before, and it ended on good terms. Such a squeaky, clean guy wouldn't hurt a fly.

Song Woo Bin, on the other hand, was an entirely different story.

With a much lighter conscience, she continued with the plan. Last time, her approach was too heavy-handed. It did nothing but encourage rebellion. This time, she would keep her interference subtle.

Removing a box from the freezer, she made her way to the living room. Na Bi's older brother Tae Wo and their next-door neighbor Su Ho were sitting on the couch watching TV.

"I brought you both some cupcakes."

Tae Wo side-eyed her. "Did you put something in this?"

She ate one. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Su Ho laughed. "All the murder dramas must have gotten to your head." He took a cupcake. "Thanks, Hana. They're delicious."

Tae Wo leaned closer. "Then you want something. Don't you? Spit it out, squirt."

She studied her shoes. "I've got this friend. She's looking for a physics tutor. Su Ho Sunbae, maybe you—"

Su Ho looked between Tae Wo and Hana. "I would love to help. I really would, but my schedule is jam-packed."

She could almost hear Yu Ri's voice berating her meddling. She ignored it. "Any time you can spare would help. She's really struggling."

"Hana, I—"

Tae Wo chuckled. "What he's trying to say, oh so eloquently"—he patted Su Ho on the back—"we're in senior year. We don't have time to help out your dorky friends."

"I've got job applications, classes, club responsibilities. You understand, right?"

She smiled sweetly. "Just think about it."

_oOo_

"See you on the battlefield, Jagiya," said Vietnam.

"Expect no mercy, Oppa," said Ga Eul.

A look of mild confusion crossed his face.

"Don't get your hopes up," said Nigeria. "'Oppa' also means older brother."

"If you're finished flirting, can we get started? Some of us actually came here to win," said France.

Today's contest was a team challenge between the top eight students. Divided into teams of two, each pair would cook a dish featuring whatever ingredient they picked out of a hat.

"Ready to pick out a chit?" she asked.

"I took care of it." France handed her a piece of paper. "When you were busy chit-chatting with Xuan (Vietnam)."

She took a deep breath. There was no point in getting her blood pressure up. This was just France's personality. She read the chit: cabbage.

In a much better mood, she said, "We should make potstickers." Everyone loved her potstickers.

"Potstickers? Sure. Let's make a stereotypical dish from your homeland. In an international-level competition. That'll get us to Paris. Got any other great ideas? What about Bibimbap or Ramen?"

She was rendered speechless.

He passed her an onion. "Just dice this and try not to get in my way. And who knows? Maybe you'll get to ride my coattails to Paris."

"I wouldn't have to do that. If you bothered to let me know what we're making."

He cut the cabbage into rings. "Apologies. I thought you were competent enough to figure that out. It's so obvious. At least to those of us who view cooking as more than a mere hobby."

"Yes. It makes total sense for someone to deduce the dish from the sole act of cutting cabbage."

"Burnt Cabbage."

As much as she hated to admit it, that was one hell of an idea.

For the first time in two months, Ga Eul won the contest.

It felt ten times worse than all the times she had lost.

_oOo_

One hour earlier, Na Bi's house

Yu Ri tapped the chair. "Something's missing. Think we need to accessorize."

Jae Kyung searched Na Bi's dresser for the right jewelry.

Hana took out a belt. "This is cute."

"Yeah. But it won't go with the cut."

Jae Kyung examined a few more items. She picked up a golden bracelet with a large blue stone at the center. The design was interesting, and she loved the color. But it would clash with Na Bi's dress.

"How about this?" Yu Ri handed her a red pendant with a silver chain.

She put it against Na Bi's neck. It was perfect.

She was about to clasp it on when Na Bi grabbed her wrist. "Not that."

"Are you sure? It matches well with—"

"Not that."

Na Bi cast her head downwards, her hand clenched into a fist.

"Okay. We'll find something else," said Jae Kyung.

Hana and Ji Na exchanged a look.

"Is this about what Miranda said?" asked Hana.

Miranda? Where had she heard that name before? Then it hit her. That was the name of the snotty girl from Jan Di's high school. The one who threw her in a trashcan.

Yu Ri put both arms around Na Bi. "What does she know? Who died and made her the queen of fashion? Besides. Don't you remember the ugly-ass hoops she wore? I wouldn't be caught dead in that."

Na Bi gave her a weak smile. "Still… maybe not that necklace. Not today."

Jae Kyung held up a pearl necklace. "How about this then?"

"That's better."

"Her lipstick is still a little lopsided," said Yu Ri.

Jae Kyung nodded. Picking up the red lipstick, she returned to work.

Ten minutes later, once the last-minute tweaks were done, she turned the chair back around. "So? What do you think?"

Na Bi took one look in the mirror. Then at the old high school picture on her desk. Then at the mirror once more. "I guess it'll do. It's not like I can afford a nose job."

"You've a beautiful nose," said Hana.

Jae Kyung put her hand on her shoulder. "It's just like that pop star's—what was her name? Yo Na. Yes. Yo Na."

"Yeah. Her old nose. Before the plastic surgery," said Na Bi.

"Even before that, she looked phenomenal," said Ji Na.

"Everyone liked her," said Yu Ri. "She would have destroyed Miranda in a beauty contest any day."

"I guess so." Her lips trembling, Na Bi stared down at her shoes. "There's only so much makeup can do anyway," she whispered.

Jae Kyung squeezed her hand. "You look lovely. Honest."

Beep. Beep. Beep. Someone's phone went off.

"Well. That's Min Ho. I should go." She forced a smile. "Thanks, guys. For trying."

_oOo_

Ga Eul entered the dining room to the delicious aroma of stew.

"You're home early," her mother said. "Come wash up for dinner. I made your favorite."

Despite all the different dishes Ga Eul had tasted this past year, her mother's stew would always be her favorite. It was the ultimate comfort food. But today, even its childhood nostalgia wasn't enough. She moved the spoon around her bowl, her food untouched.

Her mother stroked her hair. "Bad day? Don't worry, honey. You'll make it to the top five. You've plenty of time."

"I'm in the top five. After today."

"That's my girl. I knew you'd crack it," said her father.

Maybe you'll get to ride my coattails to Paris.

She gulped down her stew. "Yeah."

"Wish we knew earlier. I would've baked a cake," said her mother while clearing the table.

Ga Eul took the dishes to the sink.

"No need for that." Her mother took back the dishcloth. "You just go and get some rest. With all those late nights, God knows you need it."

Her father caught her on the way out. "What do you think about this car? The guys were all raving about it at work."

"I already told you, I don't need a car."

"Honey." He kept a hand on her shoulder. "We've been over this. You do."

"Can we really afford it? Without you both dipping into your savings? Be honest."

"You worry too much. Just like your mother." He kissed her forehead. "Relax. Everything is under control."

Ga Eul could not relax. No matter how many times she fluffed the pillow, changed positions, or counted sheep: sleep wouldn't come.

She turned sideways. There was no way a new car wasn't out of budget. Neither of her parents gave a straight answer when asked.

She got up from the bed. It was useless. Unless she got this thing sorted, she wouldn't get a wink of sleep.

When she marched her way to the master bedroom, she fully intended to charge right in. But her mother's voice gave her a pause.

"I don't care what the boys told you. We can't afford this model."

Ga Eul pressed her ear to the door.

"But honey. You don't understand—"

"Il Won. We've been over this."

"But I ran the numbers. Now that we aren't going to Europe…"

"—Half? You want to drain half the account?" said her mother.

"We don't have any immediate—"

Fetching a glass from the kitchen, she kept one end against her ear and the other the door. This helped in movies.

"What if this whole thing tanks?"

"You heard her. She's fifth," said her father.

"Now. She's fifth now. What about next week? Or the week after that? This entire thing sounds so fickle. Even with the Europe-money… I don't know if…"

"Min Ji," he said. "It'll all work out. We cut down on some luxuries. Sacrifice a few trips here, some dates there. Maybe get cheaper Christmas gifts. All that combined with the Europe-money. It'll be enough. We'll build her safety net in no time."

Ga Eul pressed her forehead against the door and tried not to cry.

_oOo_

Five Minutes Ago, Na Bi's bedroom

With Na Bi gone, the rest of the group trickled out one by one. Ji Na was the first to leave, followed by Yu Ri.

Soon, Hana and Jae Kyung were the only ones left behind.

Jae Kyung picked up her purse. "This was fun. I'll see you in school."

"Hold up," said Hana. "I found you a physics tutor. A prospective one anyway."

She dragged Jae Kyung out to the living room, where two men were seated on the couch.

Current time. Na Bi's living room

Ending the handshake, Su Ho turned to Hana. "This is the friend you were telling me about?"

She nodded.

"I know that you're probably busy. But if you've got any time to spare, I can really use the help," said Jae Kyung.

He fixed his shirt. "I'm not busy. Not busy at all. When would you like to get started?"

_oOo_

Shinwa High School, Four Years Ago

Jan Di ran through the corridor at jet speed. She was so late. In her haste, she tripped over something sharp and hard: a shoe—heels, to be precise.

"Oops," said Miranda.

"Watch it," said Jan Di. If the smirk on Plastic Queen was anything to go by, this was no accident. She stepped closer. "You want a piece of this? Me. You. Outside. Right now."

"Boys." Miranda's cronies picked Jan Di up and dropped her inside a trashcan.

Bastards. They would pay. They'll all pay.

Placing both hands on either side of the trashcan, she propelled herself upwards. "Dry Cleaning. Costs. Ten Bucks."

She jumped straight onto Miranda's shoulder and rubbed their heads together.

"Eww. Get off you filthy leach."

_oOo_

"You can't quit. You've come so far," said Yi Jeong.

"The only reason I'm in the running for Paris is France. I. Achieved. Nothing."

"Ga Eul..."

"My mom is right, Yi Jeong. This whole thing. It's so fickle. I mean, Chef Lee won't even invite me to restaurant duty." She leaned against the headrest. "I doubt he'll write me a glowing recommendation. I should just cut my losses."

"You're an excellent cook."

"So are a lot of other people. Let's face it. It's a cutthroat industry. Most people don't make it."

"You were selected out of the entire country."

"I haven't won a single competition in more than a month. Don't you think it's about time I stopped inconveniencing everyone? And why? So, I can live in dreamland a little longer."

"You're not."

"My parents saved two years for their Europe trip. And now they're giving it all up, along with God knows what else."

"Listen. I know things seem hopeless now, but—Ga Eul? Ga Eul, are you there?"

Her voice broke. "Yes..."

"You haven't done anything yet, right?"

She held back a sob. "I typed up the letter."

"To change majors?"

"So far. Maybe it would be better to leave chef class altogether. I'm already behind in my college classes. What good would it do?"

"Give it three weeks. That's all I ask. Please, for me?"

"I am not going to change my mind."

"Still. Promise me. You'll hold off for three weeks."

_oOo_

More times than he could count, Yi Jeong wished he could teleport. Like when he was stuck on the ski trip with Plant Guy. Or when his Ethical Business professor caught him at Joon's party. Or whenever his dad visited.

None of those times compared to today.

The last phone call from Ga Eul left him terrified. When did things get so bad? There were hints that she was struggling, but he thought it was a phase.

Turns out, it wasn't.

She sounded so defeated, so heartbroken, but he could do nothing to help. He had never hated the distance more.

He picked up his phone. He couldn't teleport to Korea. But he may not have to.

Jan Di didn't pick up.

He tried Woo Bin. After the third try, he answered. "Yi Jeong? Look I—"

"We've a problem. I just spoke to Ga Eul and—"

"Ga Eul?"

"Yeah. Her chef class—"

"That's why you called?"

"She sounded so heartbroken. You've got to—"

Woo Bin snorted. "You almost had me fooled for a bit, the last time we talked." His tone was calm, steady, even, and completely devoid of its usual warmth. "You argued so passionately about my dating choices that I actually believed you were concerned about my happiness. But no. That's not why you were so worked up. You were just afraid that if I started dating seriously, I'd have no time to chauffeur around your... friend."

Yi Jeong was too stunned to reply.

"Do it yourself. I'm not your errand boy."

"That's unnecessarily hurtful. You know that's not why—hello? —hello?"

No answer. Woo Bin hung up on him.

Sometimes he could be such an infuriating asshole. Just because he was having a bad day doesn't mean he gets to take it out on his friends. Yes. Perhaps Yi Jeong could be a little unreasonable about Ga Eul. Sometimes. Fine, most of the time. But still, nothing he said or did warranted such a cruel response.

A/N: Hi Guys! Did you enjoy the chapter? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the reviews.