Chapter 1

Stepping into the Garden (Part 1 of 2)

 

 

[FLASHBACK in Italics]

It was the first day of school when I saw you again. A flashback from 6 years ago happened right before my eyes. I couldn’t believe that I would find you this early. You your head bowed and had both of your hands on your chest as you stood in front of Mother Mary’s figure. I wonder what you’re praying for. It was quite a sight to see you become so mature, looking so calm and peaceful, yet becoming even more beautiful. I didn’t realize I was staring at you so intently when you suddenly shifted your gaze on me after you finished your prayer. I guess with the weight of my stare you found a way to feel it. It felt like time stopped as well as my breathing. How I was praying right at that moment that you would also remember me. With every ounce of bravery and adrenaline flowing through my body, I was gonna talk to you and ask if you remember me. You were about to open your mouth when you noticed a was already taking a few steps towards your way when several shouts came behind my back—

"Taengg-unnie!"

 

"Taenggu-yah"

 

"AhjummaTaengg!"

 

"Yah, Kim ByunTae!"

 

I caught you blushing when we both heard the last one. Actually, I couldn't help but blush too, letting out my own giggle as well.

 

Four girls walked passed by me over to you, giving you a hug and the others patting your head.

 

"Yah, what's up with you Taenggu.", a girl with short blonde hair spoke while pinching her cheeks. She looked so cute with her deepened blush.

 

"What are you standing here for ByunTaengg? We should be going to the headquarters right now.", a tall and lanky girl with short brown hair spoke. The nickname only made her nod sideways before sparing a quick glance at me.

 

"Yeah unnie. We should really get going. Aren't you forgetting? We still have to prepare for the freshman welcoming ceremony. Come on, let's get going. I still have to meet Hyunnie.", another tall but very pretty doe-eyed girl added.

 

I saw all of them roll their eyes at the doe-eyed girl. But she still wouldn't budge as she looked back at my direction. I felt my heart stopping again when our eyes met. I felt the heat from my body go to face when I noticed that her friends' eyes were already on me as well.

 

"Yah, what are you guys looking at--", the tall and tanned girl with long hair finally spoke.

 

 

 

"Kim Taeyeon!!"

 

Just when I felt the air swoosh beside me, I saw another body launching herself to Taeyeon. They were almost of the same height but this girl is a little bit taller than her based on how the space between them got depleted because of her hug.

 

"I missed you over the break Tae-tae. You promised to wake me up this morning so we can go to school together, but you didn’t"

 

 

I saw you break the hug before patting the top of the girl's hair. "Mianhe Ppany-ah. I had a lot on my mind, so I forgot. You know I really didn't mean to. Please forgive me?", you gave her the cutest pout resulting to the girl kissing and pinching your cheek. I couldn't help but turn away and walk pass by the group. I didn't know what happened but I knew I just had to get away from you guys.

I didn't even notice that you were already looking at me as I passed by and went on my way.

 

I managed to go straight to my assigned classroom (Class 7A) without any confusion since the building is organized according to floor levels (Grade 7-8: ground floor, Grade 9-10: 2nd floor, Grade 11-12: 3rd floor). Plus, I already memorized the school grounds based on the map I found in the school website. Indeed, I did my research thoroughly.

 

As I entered the classroom I instantly noticed everyone’s eyes on me. It made me self-conscious so I opted to pick a seat over the window, by the middle row and beside the girl who had her eyes on her book instead of me. It'll be best to sit with her than have someone's attention on me. I mean, I was used to my family's attention, especially being an only child but I couldn't fathom what was happening not until two girls from the back spoke "Yah, yah. Enough with the staring. Can't you see Miss Pretty is already uncomfortable with your stares. Right Yongsun?" A girl with heavy bangs spoke with vigor.

"Yeah, seriously people. It's too early to mind other people's business.", the girl named Yongsun calmly added.

 

I gave them a bow and mouthed a "thank you" to show my gratitude.

 

"H-hey, you okay?", the girl beside me asked. I saw her closing her book. She must have noticed the commotion.

 

"Y-yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking really." I said feeling grateful that at least there are already a few students I can see myself getting along with.

 

"Just to ease you, they also did that to me a while ago when I also came inside. Luckily Yongsun and Chorong were also there to rescue me from their stares."

 

 

"Oh, really? Well, that's good to know. Thanks for telling me that.", I honestly spoke feeling at ease even though I still found it weird.

 

"You’re welcome. My name is Juhyun, Seo Juhyun. But you can call me Seohyun. You are?"

 

"Juhyun, Bae Juhyun. But I grew up with everyone calling me Irene.", I gave her a big smile. I guess we are really meant to be friends given how we have our names in common.

 

"Really? I can't believe this. This is such a coincidence.", she smiled in return.

 

However, just when we were about to speak again, a voice from the monitor spoke:

"Hello and good morning fellow classmates and schoolmates. This is Lee Hyori of Class 12D, and Head Rose for this Year's Student Body Council. As we are all well-aware of, another school year has started yet again and as part of tradition, we will be starting off this year with our Mass followed by our morning assembly to welcome our freshmen students; with this kindly fall in line outside of your classrooms. Our student council Rose representatives are already outside your classrooms to guide and lead you to our Church. Once again, good morning and I hope to see everyone later. Have a good day."

 

"Woah.", I heard Seohyun giggling beside me when she heard my reaction.

"Sorry. This is my first time after all."

 

"Don't worry, even if I grew up in this school I understand what you're feeling. I'm also kind of nervous." We both end up giggling this time.

 

"Hey guys, let's go.", we both looked up to see Yongsun and Chorong already standing in front of us. Seohyun and I both nodded.

 

 

 

Even if I feel a lot better, I couldn't help but feel nervous still. Although I've read all about the academy's system and traditions, I couldn't stop the butterflies in my stomach. The realization has finally dawned that I'm finally here and starting high school in my dream school. To top that I'll also be seeing you again-- Kim Taeyeon.

 

Did you perhaps recognize me this morning?

 

I hope I get to see you soon.

 

 

I was snapped out of my thoughts when the short-haired blonde I saw this morning came into view and spoke with such fervor. "Hey how's everyone doing? I know you're all nervous right now. But trust me when I say that I've been there. There's nothing to be scared of or nervous about okay? Just relax and enjoy what's to happen. My name by the way is Kim Sunyoung aka Sunny from class 10B, Yellow Rose en bouton (points to the yellow rosebud pinned on the left side of her blazer. So if everyone's settled now, let's proceed to the Church."

 

My gosh, is every student body council this friendly and accommodating? If so, then I'm really going to enjoy my stay here.

 

 

The mass immediately proceeded when the church was finally filled up by all high school students and teachers. I was keenly participating in our mass up until the offering. I followed everyone’s direction looking back only to see three of the most poised and beautiful women I ever saw. The one in the middle was holding an envelope while the other two were holding the gift baskets to be offered as well; though my gaze mostly stuck on the shortest one on the left side. Her beauty and features really reminded me of my Mom. I was struck once again and couldn't fathom how elegant these women were. How I can only hope that one day I'll be as elegant, as graceful and poise as them. Just when I was about to turn my head up front, I saw her looking intently at me.

 

Kim Taeyeon-- we meet again.

 

[END of FLASHBACK]

 

 

“Irene~ Helloo~ Earth to Bae Irene.”

 

“Ahh!”

 

I was snapped out of my daze when Yongsun suddenly flicked my nose. I was rubbing it while glaring at her.

 

“What??”

 

“Didn’t you hear the morning announcement? It’s time for the morning assembly duh.”

 

“Oh yeah. Sorry, I just remembered something.”

 

“Gosh, can’t you believe it’s been two years already? I can’t believe we’re welcoming another batch of freshmen. [Sigh] We’re getting old for this granny-Bae.”

 

“YAH.”

 

“Peach Baechu!”, just when I was about to run outside to get her I almost bumped into Seohyun.

 

“Uh, sorry Hyun. Yongsun was being a bother as usual.”, I looked to see little miss Sunshine already in line and showing me her tongue. I returned the same gesture before I gave my attention back to Seohyun.

 

“Don’t worry, you know I’m used to it by now.”, Seohyun spoke while nodding her head sideways.

 

I raised one of my eyebrows at her and allowed her to continue. She giggled first before speaking, “I missed you guys over the summer break. I can’t believe another year has passed.”

 

“Yeah I know.”, I went to give her a side-hug because I’m quite touchy with the people I’m close with.

 

“By the way Hyun, I have a favor to ask. Uhm…”

 

“Go on Hyun. What is it?”, I asked her. Seohyun and I have become the best of friends along with Yongsun and Chorong. Though Yongsun and I aren’t part of the Rose Council like Seohyun (White Rose) and Chorong (Yellow Rose en bouton), it wasn’t a hurdle to our friendship.

 

“Can we ask for your help again? We’re really short of hands right now. Amber, Min and Tiffany-unnie haven’t gotten back yet from LA. Apparently all flights going back to Seoul have been cancelled due to some sort of air-traffic. You know that aside from those two dongsaengs, the only en boutons left are Chorong and Sooyoung-unnie (Cream Rose en bouton). Plus, you’re the only student outside of the council that our Rose-unnies trust and—“

 

“Okay Hyun. Slow down. I’ll help okay?”

 

“Great! We’ll see you after the mass ends.”

 

She gave me a hug before she proceeded to lead our class to our Church. I finally released the breath that I’ve been holding after I felt that Seohyun would ask another favor to help the Rose Council again.

 

 

I couldn’t help but think about you Taeyeon-unnie. We haven’t spoken in a while. Based on your posts online you’ve been well. You looked really happy.

 

I let out another sigh as I entered inside the Church.

 

Dear God,

I hope this year turns out well for me.

Guide me Mother Mary to be as graceful as you are and to always love unconditionally even if that love will not be returned.

Grant me with such, that I may do what I can according to Your will Lord.

Amen.

 

It felt like déjà vu when I saw the current Roses offering the gift baskets. Only this time, it was you who replaced your grande seour Red Rose BoA-unnie; along with Light Pink Rose Jessica-unnie and Cream Rose Gyuri-unnie. How time flew by so quickly. The first time I saw the Rose offering, it was Green Rose Hyori-unnie and Cream Rose Shoo-unnie along with BoA-unnie. Now, you’re already one of the Three Head Roses. I’m so proud of you Taeyeon-unnie.

 

 

 

After the mass, the rest of the student body left to go back to their respective classrooms; except for the freshman students and the Rose Council members. Based on our schools tradition, only the Rose Council members— led by the Three Head Roses are allowed to hand over and knight the Rose Academy Rosary to each freshman student.

 

I went over to where most of the Rose Council gathered, mainly composed of the senior members since the junior Roses are still guiding the other students on their way back to the Main Building (classrooms).

You were the first one I looked for, but you were nowhere in sight.

 

“Good morning Roses.”, I said to them politely, as I gave all of them a 90-degrees bow.

 

“Oh thank God you’re here Irene. Can you believe my fellow Californians left us all by ourselves today!”, Jessica-unnie expressed.

 

“Yes, OH. MY. GOD!”, Hyoyeon-unnie teased while trying to impersonate Jessica-unnie’s American accent.

 

“Gosh Sica. You can be such a drama queen sometimes. And I here I thought Miyoung was the dramatic one.”, Sunny-unnie follow.

 

“Shut up Kim Choding, Kim Sunyoung.”, Jessica-unnie retorted.

 

“Yah, what are you guys doing. We should’ve already finished preparing the rosaries by now. Gyuri-unnie is just giving a short pep-talk to the kids (freshmen) out there. But she’s gonna be done in a while.”

 

“Keep your cool Taenggu. Seohyun, Chorong, and those two Shikshins (Sooyoung and Yoona) are gonna be back any minute now. Plus we have Irene here to help us too.”, Yuri-unnie calmly but jokingly spoke.

 

“Oh? O-Oh, hey Irene.”, I guess she wasn’t able to see me at first.

 

“H-hi Red Rosa Taeyeon-unnie.”, as much as I tried to keep it cool I couldn’t. Not when this was the first time we we’re able to see and talk to each other in a while. Good thing before the others noticed the awkwardness between us, Gyuri-unnie and the rest already arrived.

 

“Great. Now since we’re all complete, let’s start with the ceremony shall we?”, Gyuri-unnie, the Head Rose announced.

 

 

 

Traditionally, only the Three Head Roses are able and allowed to endow the Rosaries to each and every freshman while the rest of the council are behind them to assist (remove the rosaries from the boxes, handing them over to the Three Head Roses’ en boutons which in turn hand over the rosaries to their respective grande seours). However, given that it was only Gyuri-unnie who had a petite seour (Cream Rose en bouton Sooyoung-unnie) Taeyeon-unnie and Jessica-unnie was assisted by Yoona-unnie and Yuri-unnie respectively, while Chorong, and I assist in removing the rosaries from their boxes. Being seniors like Taeyeon-unnie and Jessica-unnie, Sunny-unnie and Hyoyeon-unnie remained at the side to greet the freshmen after receiving their rosaries. Meanwhile, Seohyun was over by the organ playing the tune that we grew accustomed to (Ave Maria by Schubert Liszt Valentina Lisitsa)

 

[reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCucnn-95nY]

 

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------

 

Author’s Note:

 

See table below for the current Rose Council (based on Irene’s 3^rd Year High School/ Grade 9):

 

Three Head Roses *Head Rose

Legend:

 

 

 

Rose Council based on History (based on Irene’s 1^st Year High School/ Grade 7):

 

 

--------------------------------------

 

 

As the Rose Council was onto the final section of freshman, I immediately noticed few familiar faces.

Most of these students if not all must’ve come from across; meaning just came from the other side of the fence of the Academy which where is the Primary classes (Grade 1-6) are located. It’s very rare for a student to transfer as a freshman from outside; just like me. But in my case, I was homeschooled since I can remember. That’s why most of the students were in awe and were very curious when they saw me on the first day.

 

I was a complete stranger to them.

 

As I was still drowning in my own thoughts, we suddenly heard a light commotion.

 

“Oohf!”

 

Followed by, “Stop it Kang.”

 

Given the quiet and very solitude atmosphere, even if those two students were keeping their noise to a minimum we still heard over the melody of the piano.

 

By instinct my eyes immediately went to the Three Head Roses. It was Jessica-unnie who I was mostly worried about since she was known as the “Ice Princess” of the school. Even with her graceful movements, looking through her eyes would freeze you up.

 

I followed where their gazes were and indeed they were all directed at the two freshmen. I got even worried when the two young ones were already looking at our direction as well. I saw Jessica-unnie giving her signature glare which always says “freeze”. I saw the taller one of the two already bowing her head. But the one in front of her had the guts to stare back at Jessica-unnie; even giving her a smirk.

 

I noticed Yuri-unnie giving Jessica-unnie’s hand a squeeze before she nodded her head sideways with a small smile. Do they know those girls?

 

“Jung Soojung.”, Gyuri-unnie called when it was the girl’s turn; she was still maintaining her stare to Jessica-unnie.

 

“Jung Soojung?”, I repeated quietly to myself.

 

All of a sudden, the smirks that the “Jungs” were holding were gone and were replaced by genuine smiles; a smile that Jessica-unnie rarely gives, but only to those who she deeply cares about. And as Jessica-unnie was the one to put the rosary over her head, she didn’t stop there because she even fixed the girl’s hair to have her wear the rosary properly. The freshman looked and held the cross of the rosary before she gave her own genuine smile to Jessica-unnie. The rest of the Roses were in awe with what they saw as well. I guess it wasn’t just me. Perhaps even the whole student body present noticed their small interaction.

 

 

Then it dawned on me. The similar glares and smirks, the similar cold aura; they were sisters. That’s why this freshman looked familiar because I saw her once in the Rose Mansion plus she’s all over Sica-unnies social media albums. Even though I’m not very fond of using social media, it was that one time where I watched Yongsun stalking the profiles of the Roses. Before I drown again in my own thoughts, Gyuri-unnie proceeded with the ceremony, calling out the next student.

 

“Kang Seulgi.”

 

 

I was stunned. She was striking; quite charming so to speak. I think I haven’t seen anyone that attractive since Taeyeon-unnie. I wasn’t able to look at her face properly when she bowed earlier behind Soojung but looking at her now was so refreshing.

 

It was Gyuri-unnie’s turn to put the rosary (since the three head roses were taking turns) on her. After bowing her head and saying her gratitude, she looked up at Gyuri-unnie, only to smirk and wink back before walking away.

 

I noticed Gyuri-unnie giving her a look as a response before she quickly glanced at Taeyeon-unnie who was already nodding her head sideways.

 

 

“Gosh, I can already tell that these group of freshmen are gonna be a handful.”, Chorong whispered to me. In fact, it was the exact same thing that I was thinking about.

 

 

 

 

[FLASHBACK in Italics]

“Ahn Hani.”

 

“Ahn Sohee.”

 

“Bae Juhyun.”

 

I looked up only to see the two girls that I was curious about throughout the mass. I heard from my seatmate that the shortest one of the three was named Kwon Boa. She was the current Red Rose and took replacement of Kim Eugene (Light Pink Rose) who was still in Guam. Along with Lee Hyori (Green Rose) and Yoo Shoo (Cream Rose); they were the current Head Roses. In just a few hours, I think I’ve already heard the most gossip I had in my 12 years of existence. But I wasn’t complaining since I’ve learned a lot based from what I heard from my classmates and schoolmates.

 

I was thankful nonetheless because I found out that you were a part of the Rose Council. You were the Red Rose en bouton, petite seour of Kwon Boa.

 

I was snapped in my own reverie when I saw you looking at me before handing over the Rosary to your grand seour Red Rose Boa-ssi. She was the one who placed the rosary over my neck. I couldn’t help but glance down and hold the cross before I looked up. Before I even begin to give a bow for my gratitude, I heard gasps around me.

 

I was petrified in place when Red Rose Boa-ssi suddenly fixed my hair, but what made us all surprised was when she held and rubbed one of my cheeks after.

 

 

If it wasn’t for Green Rose Hyori-ssi who signaled with a nod that I should already be leaving the line and going back to my seat. But before I did I saw you, Kim Taeyeon biting your lip while looking at me. You looked conflicted. Why? Shouldn’t I be the one with confusion?

 

 

 

 

As we went back to our respective classes, the stares form my peers still continued especially after what happened. It was a good think that the first day was just full of introductions or else I won’t be able to listen in class with all these eyes on me. I can even see Seohyun from my peripheral vision stealing a glance at me once during class.

 

 

 The bell rang to signal lunch break. I kept to my thoughts and to myself the whole time because I became even more self-conscious.

 

 

 

“I-Irene?”

 

 

“O-oh, y-yes?”

 

 

“Do you wanna have lunch with me?”

 

For the first time since the day began, I actually felt relieved. I gave her a full smile before nodding my head in agreement.

 

 

After we got our food, I noticed every table we passed by stole glances at me and Seohyun at least once.

 

 

We sat in one of the middle tables since it was the only one vacant; however, when we were about to start eating, two fellow freshmen suddenly approached and sat with us.

 

“Hey guys.”

 

“What’s up.”

 

“Yah. You didn’t even asked us if it was alright to sit with us.”, Seohyun spoke lightly. It was the first time I saw her like this because she looked like someone straight-headed.

 

 

“Yah. Seo Juhyun. You know you can’t get rid of us.”

 

“Whatever Yongsun.”, Seohyun smiled.

 

I was a bit confused because they we’re speaking like they weren’t friends but the smiles on their faces oppose what they’re saying.

 

“Park Chorong.”, the girl with the heavy bangs spoke while handing me her hand to shake. I gave her a bow before the other girl spoke.

 

“Kim Yongsun. Hey there.”, I did the same to her before I finally and formally introduced myself.

 

“Bae Juhyun.”

 

“Yeah. We know.”, Chorong spoke lightly giving smirks to both Yongsun and Seohyun. But it seems like it made me back to being uncomfortable as I remembered how watched I was.

 

 

“But you guys can call me Irene.”, I spoke with a small smile. “It’s the name I grew up with.”

 

“You from America or something?”, Yongsun asked.

 

“No. It was my Dad who grew up in America, that’s why he gave me that nickname. Irene actually means ‘peace’.”

 

 

“I can see that. It suits you.”, Seohyun finally spoke.

 

“Well, I would like to agree but with all the stares she’d been receiving all day. I doubt if she could continue carrying that name ‘peacefully’.” Chorong said firmly while glaring at the students she caught eaves-dropping at us.

 

“What’s up with these people anyway? They’ve been awfully gossipy with the new kid.”, Yongsun said.

 

“Like you said, the ’new’ kid. Aren’t you used to this by now? Especially, after what happened at the rosary ceremony a while ago. Augh, the Estrogen levels here are just off the charts. Girls and gossips.”, Chorong added while crossing her arms and rolling her eyes. I can feel her frustrations well.

 

“Yeah, what was that all about? Well, if it’s okay to ask Irene. You don’t have to answer if you feel uncomfortable to share.”, Yongsun carefully added.

 

I saw that Seohyun even stopped eating to listen.

 

“Well, to be honest I’m also really confused about what happened back there. I mean, it’s my first time to attend school so I clearly don’t know anyone from around here yet.”, I said sincerely.

 

“Oh, really? That’s weird though. Especially how Red Rose Boa-unnie—Wait though, what did you mean by your ‘first time to attend school’?”, Seohyun was about to speak when she suddenly back-tracked remembering what I said.

 

“Uh, about that; you see, I’ve been homeschooled throughout Primary school (pre-school to Grade 6).”

 

“Omo.” “No way.”, Yongsun and Chorong both expressed at the same time.

 

“Yeah.”, I said while putting a finger on my chin.

 

“So that explains all the fuzz. You’re a complete stranger that nobody knows. Imagine a dog being introduced to pack of wolves.”, Chorong said her thoughts.

 

Seohyun and Yongsun both let out a giggle.

 

“D-did you just called Irene a dog?”, Yongsun teased.

 

“She did, and she compared all of us to a pack of wolves.”, Seohyun added lightly.

 

I ended up laughing with Chorong’s analogy as well. But I just couldn’t imagine myself being a dog. I always thought I looked more of a rabbit. That’s why my parents call me “Bunny” aside from “Irene”.

 

“But that doesn’t explain what happened with Boa-unnie though.”, Chorong spoke again not bothered by their teasing.

 

We all became quiet also letting curiosity and our thoughts take over with what happened between me and Red Rose.

 

 

We all snapped back to reality when Chorong clapped both of her hands and asked us our plans. “So, what are your plans for this year? Any clubs you wanna join? I’m excited to finally join the Kendo Club here.”

 

“Me? Perhaps just the Music Club and the Choir.”, Yongsun added.

 

“How about you Seo?”, Chorong asked.

 

“Music Club and Soft Ball Club.”, Seohyun answered with certainty.

 

“Aww, you guys are not gonna join the Kendo Club??”

 

“Yah. You know Seohyun and I are not made for violence. If there was a fencing club then I’d be glad to join. That’s more of my taste. Kendo is just- too barbaric. Only WOLVES can play that sport.”, Yongsun teased Chorong which made us all laugh.

 

“YAH!”, Chorong retorted, but also joined in on our laughter.

 

“How about you Irene? Any afterschool activities you wanna join?”, Yongsun asked.

 

“I was thinking of joining the Music Club as well and the Soft Ball Club if I can be able to join both.”

 

“Wow, I bet you’re pretty talented.”, Chorong teased.

 

“Not really.”, I gave them a smile.

 

 

 

“Can I ask you guys something? How long have you guys known each other?”, I proceeded with the question when they nodded.

 

“Well, Seohyun and I have known each other since we were three years old. We’ve been classmates since Pre-school. While we met Yongsun when she transferred here in our 1^st Grade. All in all I guess we’ve known each other for 6-9 years.”, Chorong finished.

 

“Wow, that’s a really really long time. You guys are really lucky.”, I said sadly.

 

“Hey, we’re your friends now okay?”, Seohyun spoke while shed placed her hand on top of mine.

 

Yongsun and Chorong both looked at us with the same smile as confirmation.

 

“You know Irene, we weren’t the best of friends in the beginning.”, Chorong started to tell with a smirk.

 

“It took me two years before I finally got Seo to open up to me. Especially since Yongsun wasn’t with us yet.”

 

“Well, you we’re really persistent. So it paid off in the end didn’t it?”, Seohyun sulked.

 

“Yes. But only because you’re the only kid I saw who was mature and smart enough to cope up with me. So I had no choice but to be-friend you. ”, Chorong spoke proudly.

 

“My god. You guys we’re just like 4 years old back then.”, Yongsun giggled which made me smile too.

 

“It’s not my fault our classmates were not of the same level of intellect with us.”, Chorong ended making us all laugh at her own insinuation when she was only 4 years old.

 

It turns out that Chorong didn’t really want to bother hanging out with their classmates who were too busy with their toys; unlike a certain quite girl who always had a book with her, or a notebook and played quietly by herself. This made Chorong curious about her classmate Seohyun. One day she started to follow Seohyun and found that at their age she already kept her own diary. Writing out her thoughts for the day, like how the colors of the sky turn from blue to orange to red and then black.

Chorong knew that Seohyun was unlike any of their classmates just like her so she ended up pestering her until she wanted to give up because she kept being ignored by Seohyun. One morning when Chorong arrived earlier in school than usual, she saw Seohyun playing by the playgrounds which shocked her because she doesn’t really go outside nor had she ever saw Seohyun play with other kids. She looked closely and saw a tall bambi-looking girl pushing Seohyun on the swings. But what made her even more surprised was how Seohyun was laughing her heart out. From that day on, Chorong found hope that she and Seohyun can be friends. After all if she was able to open up to someone, then why wouldn’t she be able to give Chorong a chance?

 

 

“Speak of the devil...”, Chorong muttered under her breath after she had just finished telling the story of how she and Seohyun got close.

 

“Hyunnie!”

 

“Y-yoona-unnie.”, We all looked up to see a panting girl.

 

So Seohyun knows her? This girl was with Taeyeon-ssi this morning. Not only that but she was also standing with the members of the Rose Council during our Rosary commencement Ceremony.

 

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I even texted you.”, the said Yoona-unnie spoke while taking the vacant chair behind us and placing it beside Seohyun.

 

“I wanted to invite you to have lunch with us. But I see you’re already done with yours.”, she said with a pout. Is this girl really older than us?

 

“I’m sorry unnie, but I figured you were busy because it was the first day of classes. So I just went with my friends. Wait, cellphones aren’t allowed here in school.”

 

I saw Yoona-unnie coughing, with slight panic on her face like she was caught red-handed for bringing her phone. How ironic considering Seohyun was younger but acted like she was scolding this unnie. Yoona-unnie ended up just finally acknowledging our presence instead.

 

“H-hey guys, Chorong, Yongsun. H-hey you’re that girl!”, Yoona-unnie said out loud.

 

“Unnie~”, Seohyun held Yoona-unnie’s hand to calm her down. But did she just, was that her ‘aegyo’?

 

“Sorry, I was just surprised you knew each other. Sorry Miss..”

 

“My name is Bae Juhyun Yoona-sunbaenim, but you can call me Irene. Please take care of me.”, I said softly before I stood up to give her a 90-degrees bow.

 

“Yah. You didn’t have to do that. You’ve already caught the attention of everyone as it is.”, Yoona-unnie muttered softly before she pulled me to sit back down.

 

“Sorry sunbaenim, I--”

 

“Hey, relax. Don’t be so nervous around me. I’m the last person you should be scared of you know.”, Yoona-unnie teased.

 

The four of them laughed.

 

“So how’s the first day of high school?”, Yoona-unnie asked us. I think all of us let out a deep breath except for Seohyun who remained calm.

 

“That nerve-wrecking huh?”, Yoona-unnie laughed.

 

“How about my Hyunnie?”, I saw the blush slowing creeping out from Seohyun’s cheeks. Cute.

 

“It was how I expected it to be. The curriculum being more advance, but I’ve already read in advance so I can say I’m quite prepared. ”, Chorong and Yongsun were giggling with Seohyun’s straight and serious answer.

 

“You know that’s not what I meant Hyun~”, Yoona-unnie patted her head.

 

Seohyun let out a breath, “Well, I met Irene here. Like you said Yoong, I needed to socialize more so I initiated the conversation this time. But it turns out I made a really good decision because Irene seems really cool. Plus we even have the same first name.”, Seohyun finished. Only to add, “But to be quite honest, I was really disappointed because of all the gossip I’ve been hearing.”

 

Chorong, Yongsun and I nodded in agreement.

 

“You know I already told you all about this Hyun. High school is like the epitome of drama and gossip. Especially with all these female hormones.”, Yoona-unnie explained to all of us. “But you know that I’ll always be here for you right?”, Yoona-unnie gave a gentle pat to one of Seohyun’s cheek.

 

“Anyway, the same goes for you guys too. Hyunnie’s friends are my dongsaengs too.”, Yoona-unnie added.

 

Just when we were about to thank her, Yoona-unnie suddenly spoke again. “Speaking of dongsaengs, if you guys aren’t doing anything later, maybe you guys can help us out at the Mansion? We’re short of hands, so we’d really appreciate if you guys can help me Yuri, and Sooyoung-unnie later.”

 

We all gave each other a look before Seohyun answered for all of us. “Sure, we’d love to help unnie.”

 

“See you guys.”

 

[End of FLASHBACK]