Chapter 28
I made my way out of the swimming pool area, the cool air a welcome relief after the warmth of the pool. I wasn't exactly dripping wet, but the water had seeped into my uniform, making me shiver slightly. Thankfully, I had a second uniform in my hostel, so I wouldn't have to worry about being uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
As I walked, I thought about my plans for the day. I was supposed to have breakfast before heading to class, but I wasn't too bothered about missing it. The test from yesterday was still ongoing, and I had heard that tests were usually started on tuesdays,or even Wednesday, after students had settled in on Mondays. I wasn't sure if that was a rule or just a tradition, but I knew I had to get to class soon.
I quickened my pace, heading towards my hostel to change into my second uniform. After changing, I didn't have time to grab a bite to eat, so I headed straight to class. My stomach would have to wait; I had to get to my next class on time.
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Jo sat in class, his thoughts consumed by visions of Sarah. The impending test loomed before him, a stark reminder that all phones would be collected, severing his last lifeline to her. He had been looking forward to exchanging a few words with her, perhaps even escorting her to class, but now that chance seemed lost. A pang of frustration gnawed at him as he realized he was stuck in class, unable to reach out to her or even check on her well-being.
Just then, a friend jae ho slid onto the desk beside him, a knowing glint in his eye. "Hey, about that girl, is she okay?" he asked, his voice low and conspiratorial. Jo nodded absently, his mind still fixated on Sarah, but his friend's words slowly pierced the fog of his thoughts.
Jae ho grin grew wider as he pressed on. "Do you like her?" The question hung in the air, a challenge to Jo's composure. Jo's expression remained neutral, a mask that betrayed none of his inner turmoil. But jae ho wouldn't give up. "Well, I think you do," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "You were seriously worried when she got lost in the woods yesterday. And besides, I think she's cute."
The words cut through Jo's reverie, forcing him to confront the truth he had been trying to ignore. His eyes narrowed slightly, his tone a little sharper than he intended. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, his voice low and even. Jae ho just chuckled, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease Jo about his interest in Sarah.
A guy called sung approached Jo and Jae ho curiosity etched on his face. "What's the discussion about?" he asked, his eyes scanning the two friends. Jae ho leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know that girl who got lost in the woods yesterday?" Sung nodded, his interest piqued. Jae ho continued, "I think Jo sang likes her."
Jo's face broke into a laugh, a mixture of amusement and embarrassment. "Wait, are you guys for real now?" he asked, shaking his head. Sung chimed in, "Well, I noticed that too. He does indeed... like her." Jo's laughter grew, a small smile still playing on his lips.
It was true, he did like her, but admitting it out loud felt like a daunting task. He wondered if she would even agree to be his girlfriend. He did'nt want to ask her out,not yet,anyway.
the whole thing felt too fast,too absurd Jo pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the test ahead, but his mind kept drifting back to her, like a magnet drawn to steel.
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* sarah pov
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I sat in class, my eyes fixed on the empty teacher's desk, my mind drifting away from the looming test. The room was quiet, with some students flipping through their notes, trying to cram in a few last-minute details. I was lost in thought, my gaze wandering aimlessly, when I felt a presence behind me. I turned, and my eyes met Chuchu's, a mischievous spark dancing in their depths.
"Oh no, not again," I thought to myself, a sense of trepidation creeping over me. What does she want now? Suddenly She reached out and grasped my collar from behind, her grip firm and unyielding. I felt a jolt of surprise,I wondered what she was up to this time.
The classroom's attention snapped to us like a magnet, all eyes fixed on the sudden drama unfolding between Chuchu and me. I turned to face her, my gaze narrowing slightly as I pried her hand off my collar. "What do you want now?" I demanded, my voice firm but laced with a hint of curiosity.
Chuchu's eyes locked onto mine, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. "So, how was the swim in the pool?" she asked, her voice deceptively sounding deadly, but her eyes sparkling with mischief. I nodded, my mind racing with the implications. "So it was you," I said to her,the pieces clicking into place.
Chuchu's smile wavered for a moment, and she adopted a mock-serious expression. "Yeah, it was me. Well, I regret it because... why?" she said, her voice trailing off, leaving the question hanging in the air. "My oppa saved you. Well, he is a good swimmer and also a kind person. For him to help the poor and needy, he is surely kind at heart."
I turned to face her fully, my expression correcting her. "Point of correction," I said, my tone firm, "I am not poor. I am not needy. My parents are actually wealthy. I don't even need to explain myself to you." My words were a gentle rebuke, a subtle reminder that she didn't know me as well as she thought she did. The classroom seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Chuchu's response, but I stood my ground, my eyes never leaving hers.
Her voice was a low, menacing whisper, the words slicing through the air like a razor's edge. "Don't think because you have my brother by your side, don't think you can get away with what you did the other day." I met her gaze, my own voice barely above a whisper, but firm and resolute. "Well, I am not afraid of you. Do your worst." A spark of defiance ignited in my eyes, and i added. "You don't know what you are up against. You seriously don't know."
My words seemed to fuel her anger, but I stood my ground, my voice unwavering. "Do your worst. I am not scared of you." She turned to leave, her movements swift and angry, but then spun back to me, as if remembering a crucial point. "One more thing," she hissed, her voice low and menacing. "Stay away from my brother. Stay away from him because it's obvious you are poisoning his mind."
I raised an eyebrow, my brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "How am I doing that?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity. Her eyes flashed with anger, and she spat, "Well, I don't know, but I know you are poisoning his mind. And stay away from him." I met her gaze, my voice calm and even. "If I don't...?" The threat hung in the air, and she glared at me, her voice dripping with malice. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Just as it seemed the tension between us would snap, the teacher appeared at the entrance of the classroom, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of curiosity and authority. "What is going on here?" she asked, her voice firm. Chuchu turned to the teacher, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Oh, good morning seonsaengnim. Well, I am not in this class. I only came to borrow some things, I mean." The teacher's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "Then you can leave. Leave this class now. The test for this class is starting." Chuchu nodded, turning to leave, but not before giving me a last glance that seems to say my eyes are on you..