Three times I went to the toilet and I couldn't help but feel pain in my stomach. It was excruciating that I had to schedule a week-off too soon. I got out again for the fourth time, only to be greeted by Manager-nim.

"Ugghh...what is it, Manager-nim?" I asked, exasperated even.

"It's a anti-hyperacidity tablet," she said. "I t's supposed to help you relieve your stomachache."

"Are you kidding me? How is it going to help me?!" I asked, a hand on my upset stomach. "It's not hyperacidity! I just need to let out some gas!"

"Really?" She raises an eyebrow at me.

I just nodded, although I was lying. Eventually, this was all on Chaeyeon for letting me eat those dishes yesterday. I didn't tell Manager-nim because she's going to flip out and it'll end up in a moment of nagging and scolding. 

"What did you eat this time, Sejeong?" She asked and I froze. "Did you pig out?"

Shoot. I better not screw this up or else I'll diet for an eternity. "No."

"Are you sure?" She asked me again, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm serious. I didn't, okay?" I nagged her again. "I just had it coincidentally."

"Whatever." Manager-nim shrugged. "Just get some rest."

She leaves my room. I sighed and went to my bed to sleep, praying that the pain will ease sooner of later.

***

*RING*

I jolted up, my stomach still hurting like hell. I scurried my hand on the table to look for my phone. I didn't view who the dialler was and I just answered. "H-Hello...?"

"Huh? Sejeong?" Holy . It was Chaeyeon. "Are you okay? You sound funny."

I felt like my stomachache was gone as I heard Chaeyeon's voice. Technically, the pain was there but it is now completely bearable. "H-Hi, Chaeyeon. I'm fine, really. Nothing much happened."

"Really? You had to lie?" She asked and I was caught off-guard.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Didn't your manager tell you of the schedules you didn't do due to a week-off?" She asked.

That was insane. How could she know I had a week-off? And,huh? We have a schedule?? "Uhh...no."

She reacted. I had to hide my chuckle because of that but somehow, I need to ask her to spare me some details. "So...what ARE my schedules with you?"

"Schedule, rather." Chaeyeon answered. "Your Sajangnim wanted us to collaborate for a new song but he realized too late that you were having a week-off so it had to be cancelled and be settled some other time."

"I see." I nodded and let out a little groan as I held my upset stomach again.

"Sejeong, are you okay?" She asked worriedly.

"Y-Yes, I'm fine, Chae. You don't have to-" And then the pain came back and I cried a bit because of the pain. 

"You're not okay, Sejeong. You don't have to lie." She said to me.

I was lost in this. I sighed, then confessed. "Well...I have wee bit of stomachache."

"Your groans aren't a 'wee bit', Sejeong." She said and I sighed for I had no more spits of lies and sarcasm towards her. "I'm going there. I'll ask Manager-nim of where you stay. And you're not going to decline because I'm out of the door and going there."

She hung up. I had my mouth agape, a shocked expression plastered on my whole face. But the next thing I know, the pain took over my system and I was in the brink of being knocked out of consciousness.

But before that, I remember those times I was with Chaeyeon and she got sick...

It was another day in school. I was walking around, greeting the staff and the students. I saw Kyulkyung and Chungha by the canteen and I went towards them, greeting them with my Ahjusshi kind of greeting.

"You really are an Ahjusshi." Chungha commented. 

"Where's Chaeyeon?" I asked.

"Aigoo...Ahjusshi's looking for her crush~" Kyulkyung cooed.

"Huh? Who's crush?" Chaeyeon came out of the blue as I was startled, hugging onto Chungha.

Kyulkyung laughed. Chungha was complaining of my all-powerful assault towards her and Chaeyeon was waiting for answers from any of us. 

"Ah...it's Sejeong, Chaeyeon. She has something to say to you-"

"It's nothing." I said as I covered Kyulkyung's mouth. "They're messing with me again."

She laughs. Deep down, I felt fluttered and I really find her pretty and cute. "Where have you been, Chae?"

"I came here just now. The bus was a bit late so I also came a bit late." She said. "Why?"

"Nothing, Chae." I said.

I sighed. I decided not to confess...

***

The classes went on like the usual. But in terms of some students, there was something different, especially with Chaeyeon. Somehow, she was paler than usual. I had a hunch of worry in my heart but I can't jump to conclusions yet. I had to find out for myself.

It was PE class. A lot of students who had vacant time came to spectate. We were grouped for relays and sprints again. I huffed, stretching my limbs as I wait for my turn. I saw some students cheering for me and I just waved at them. At the benches, I saw Chaeyeon sitting down and she was huffing. I wondered of that as I went closer to her.

"Chaeyeon." I called and she faced me. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah!" She said instantly, standing up even. "I'm fine."

Chaeyeon got her turn, walking towards the starting line with Chungha. I cheer on the both of them, well, mostly for Chaeyeon.

"God Sejeong and her antics." Nayoung laughed.

"Tell me about it." Kyulkyung joined her.

I shrugged them off. I heard the bang and Chaeyeon and Chungha started their relays. I watched as Chungha led and Chaeyeon was running like she was going to pass out any second. I was worried and I got up when Nayoung pulled me down.

"Yah, she's going to pass out." I blurted.

"She's fine. That's how she runs, remember?" Nayoung said.

I nodded and sat back down. Chungha got to the finish line first as Chaeyeon finished last with a dose of huffs. I got a bottle of water and went to her, giving it. "Here...to regain some strength."

Chaeyeon thanked me and drank. Chungha came to us and as Chaeyeon finished, she snatched the bottle and drank until the last drop.

"Thanks, Sejeong." Chungha winked. "Although it was supposed to be for Chaeyeon. Why didn't you include me? I thought we were friends."

Chaeyeon giggled at us. I just smiled as I secretly slapped Chungha's shoulder as they were called for the sprints. I huffed, got the bottle in my hand and threw it at the bin before I went back to my seat with Nayoung.

The sprints were the most tiring part of this whole class. Running like a wuss was no exception. You sprint, not run. I just hope Chaeyeon makes it throughout the class. The last time Chaeyeon did her sprinting, she got the lowest grade because she runs like a wuss. No offense.

"She better not run like a wuss again." Nayoung said.

"Just consider. Chaeyeon's really, you know...meek." Sejeong reasoned.

"But I hope she improves." Nayoung said. "She's decent. And if she lets this subject pass, it'll mess up her record." 

"Nonetheless, she's still second place." Sejeong said.

The bang was heard as Chaeyeon and Chungha sprinted. The rest couldn't believe that Chaeyeon was actually sprinting, even Nayoung and I had out mouths agape. Then, we cheered as Chaeyeon was catching up to Chungha and we almost flipped out of excitement as Chaeyeon passed Chungha. As Chaeyeon got to the finish line, we applauded, standing ovation.

"Nice one, Chaeyeon and Chungha!!" Kyulkyung cheered.

"Good job, Chaeyeon!" Nayoung cheered.

I saw Chaeyeon's posture and it hit me. I went closer to be sure. And as Chungha was about to make an attempt to hi-five Chaeyeon for a job well done, Chaeyeon fainted.

Well, that explains the aura of Chaeyeon's loss of sophistication in the subject. I saw the rest gathering around Chaeyeon as I told them to make way for air. 

"What happened?!" The teacher got closer.

I checked Chaeyeon's breathing. I was relieved that she's still breathing. I help her get up but she was weak. I sighed and decided to carry her on my back.

How ed up of this. And I hope that when we get to the infirmary, she explains herself of this predicament.

***

I was at the infirmary, watching over Chaeyeon. According to the doctor, Chaeyeon had some cases of anemia and that strenuous activities make her faint. It was a reason why she does sprints like a wuss.

"Doc, will Chaeyeon be fine?" I asked.

"She will be, Miss Kim. She just needs to rest. Why don't you go back to class?" She says.

"Is it fine if I watch Chaeyeon over?" I asked.

She nodded, going back to her main office. I got a stool and went to Chaeyeon who was still sleeping peacefully.

I see Chaeyeon as an aspirant of being a honor student. Her will to be on top was greater than mine that I sometimes woder why she always places second. And from seeing her phase of aspiration, her physical education grades had taken its toll down memory lane. But sometimes, she works hard, leading to such consequences of risking her well-being. And it's one thing I didn't like about her.

Why does she have to persevere as she risks herself? I just sigh as I watch her, my hand reaching to pat her head.

"Sejeongie..."

My eyes dilated. I looked at a sleeping Chaeyeon and she mumbled my name. I gulped, my heart beating frantically. I saw her eyes opening as she was in the brink of waking up. 

"Hey, Chae." I said, patting her head.

"Sejeongie?" Chaeyeon spoke as I help her sit up. "What happened to me?"

"You fainted during the relays." I said. "I finally understand why you don't exert in running."

Chaeyeon nodded lightly. I smiled as patted her head. "It's fine. Your health matters more than anything."

"You carried me all the way here?" She asked and I nodded. "I couldn't thank you enough, Sejeong."

"It's no problem, Chae." I added.

"You had to miss class." She pouted. "I'm sorry for fainting."

"It's fine, Chae." I said, patting her back.

"Shall we go?" Chaeyeon asked as she tries to get up.

"Woah, woah." I reacted, pinning her back to sit down. "You might feel dizzy."

"I got you, right?" Chaeyeon chuckled cutely.

I couldn't help but laugh. I nodded, asking permission to the doctor if Chaeyeon was alright to get out. She nodded as I helped Chaeyeon up as we walk out fo the infirmary and decided to go home.

"Uhh...where's my stuff?" She asked.

"It's at the PE lockers. My stuff is also there so we might have to stop by to get them." I said.

Chaeyeon nodded as she followed me. I was aware of her as I watch her, just in case she would faint again. We got our stuff and decided to go home right away. During the walk, Chaeyeon and I had little talks.

"Why are you so kind, Sejeong?" She asked.

"Duh. We're friends. You need to help a friend in need, you know." I said.

"Well...I couldn't thank you enough," said Chaeyeon.

"Anything for you, Chae." I said and we smiled at each other as we went home.

I woke up as I felt a hand by my forehead. My eyes took time to adjust the surroundings as I gasp, seeing Chaeyeon. I rub my eyes to make sure and it was indeed her.

"Chaeyeon?"

"Yah, lie down." Chaeyeon said, pushing me down. "You're still sick."

"No, I'm not." I spoke, sitting up.

"And you had to lie." Chaeyeon remarked.

"Since when did you came here?" I asked.

"About a few minutes ago. I told you. When I heard your call, I rushed here to see you." Chaeyeon said.

I lowered my head, sitting up. I felt Chaeyeon wipe my sweating forehead and I couldn't help but be thankful and be ashamed at the same time. "You didn't have to do this, you know..."

"I have to. I care for you, Sejeong." Chaeyeon said.

My eyes gazed themselves up at Chaeyeon as she wipes my forehead. She even massaged my hands as I said: "Why are you doing this? I thought we're over."

"No. I realized that...I still have a spot for you, Sejeong. No matter how hard I try to say to myself that there's never an us anymore...I still care...I just do." Chaeyeon said.

"If there was...would you come back?" I asked, causing Chaeyeon to freeze.

She didn't say anything. Instead, she told me to scoot to the right. I did and what she did shocked me: She laid beside me and hugged me. "I would try to bring us back...if it's fine with you."

I didn't say anything but I let the truth out of my answer by hugging her back. Now, I felt well, as if the pain in my stomach was all gone. I looked at Chaeyeon as if she wanted an answer. I smiled and said:

"Sure...it is, Chae...it's always fine..."

Hi, guys. Mind me for not updating frequently for this month. I have gone emo as much as the rest of you. Yeah...today's the last day and I couldn't help but cry. It hurts me, really. Anyways, there's that reminder that I only have nine days left to finish my IOI journey in this forum so please stay tuned to my stories for nine more days. 

For IOI Shikshins, it's done. For Remember, requests are off so no more asking of requests, okay? For Unexpected Motives, it'll be almost done. Also, I'll be posting my first and last blog about IOI this January 31 so please anticipate. 

Thank you guys for reading my IOI stories. I thank you for going to the journeys of Nayoung, Chungha, Sejeong, Chaeyeon, Kyulkyung, Sohye, Yeonjung, Yoojung, Mina, Doyeon, and Somi. Thank you for going to the flower road until it's very end of the first phase and in the beginning of a new future ahead for our 11 babies.

That'll be all for now. Lovelots from asahdako.