Chapter 2

The Budding of Burgundy (Part 1of 3)

 

 

A week after the Rosary Ceremony for freshman students, on Bae Irene’s 9^th Grade.

 

“Good morning beautiful people!”

 

“Wow, you’re in an awfully good mood.”, Yonsgsun teased Chorong. She placed her things on the desk beside Yongsun’s as they were seated behind Seohyun and Irene.

 

“We’ll I’m excited for the Kendo try-outs later. There’s gonna be some fresh meat to beat.”, Chorong shared.

 

“Oh, I pray for the poor souls that would be paired against you.”, Yongsun teased.

 

“I don’t get it though. Remind me again why you guys still have to join the try-outs? Even when you’re already part of the previous club, you guys still have to undergo the drill.”, Yongsun added.

 

“Well, to be fair to the new students who will join; to give fair-play.”, Seohyun answered.

 

 “So how are you guys doing in the Rose Council?”, Irene asked.

 

“It’s soo tiring! The Roses need to get their own seours so Sooyoung-unnie, Min, Amber and I will get the extra help. Lucky for Seohyun that she’s already a Rose, but unluckily for us en boutons who do all the dirty work!”, Chorong complained.

 

“Yah. Park Chorong.”, Seohyun threatened.

 

“How ‘bout you get a petite seour then Seo?? Come on! Help a friend out! Better yet, do it for the Council!”, Chorong exaggerated.

 

“I-I don’t have anyone in mind yet. How about you? Why don’t you get your own seour..”, Seohyun challenged, but only to end up softly spoken.

 

“I would but, I still have to see if she will be able to manage being my petite seour.”, Chorong said with a smirk.

 

“Once again, I pray for the poor soul that will be your petite seour. I hope she’ll be able to withstand your bullying.”, Yongsun teased again which made them all laugh.

 

“So who’s the unlucky kid?”, Irene teased Chorong.

 

“It’s a secret. But I’ll tell you guys this, she’s a year lower than us.”, Chorong smirked. “I’m hoping to see her later in the Dojo during try-outs.”

 

“Hyun, how about you? Anyone caught your eyes yet?”, Seohyun turned to Irene.

 

Irene immediately locked gazes with Yongsun before she covered the mouth of the latter to stop her from speaking.

 

“Irene’s interested in Kang—shhshshgi.”

 

“Who??”, Chorong asked for both of her and Seohyun.

 

The bell suddenly rang even before Yongsun was able to repeat what she said.

 

“You’re lucky the bell saved your Baechu.”, Yongsun whispered in front of her where Irene sat.

 

 

 

 

 

Students were dismissed 2 hours earlier prior dismissal to prepare for the Sports Club try-outs.

 

Irene was already standing inside the field where try-outs for the Softball team were being held, when another memory flashed back in her mind.

 

 

[FLASHBACK in Italics—Bae Irene’s 7^th Grade]

 

“Irene?”

 

“Oh? O-oh, h-hey Red Rose Boa-sunbaenim.”, Irene stuttered to form a coherent sentence.

 

“Hey, I thought we’re already past these formalities after we already gotten to know each other? Please call me unnie.”, Boa suggested.

 

“I’m sorry u-unnie. But I think it’s best that I stick to calling you formally, rather than have people speculate.”, Irene explained to her senior.

 

“I understand. And that’s quite smart on your part as well. But, if it’s just us or we’re already outside the school, I really insist on just being called your unnie.”, Boa returned with a smile.

 

“Thank you Red Rose-sunbaenim.”, Irene bowed and gave off her own smile in return.

 

 

“If you don’t mind me asking Red Rose-sunbaenim, are you here for the Softball try-outs as well?”

 

“Yes actually. To be honest I was surprised to see you here as well. I didn’t peg you to be the sporty-type. No offense though.”, Boa smiled at her dongsaeng.

 

“Well, I grew up playing Soft Ball because of my Mom.”, Irene smiled thinking about her past memories with her Mom, playing in parks or watching Baseball tournaments.

 

“Me too actually. It was my Mom who influenced me since she used to be part of her school’s Softball team. She was even a former Captain.”, Boa said proudly, but Irene didn’t notice the bitterness in her voice.

 

“Wow! Your Mom must have been really good Boa-sunbaenim.”, Irene said in awe.

 

“How about your Mom? Did she play when she was younger too?” Boa asked.

 

“Yeah! She told me she was also part of her school’s Softball team.”, Irene replied.

 

“I guess it runs in the family huh.”, Boa smiled while nodding her head, while Irene just nodded in agreement not understanding the meaning behind what Boa said. Irene thought she just heard her wrong.

 

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

 

 

“Hey dongsaeng! You going home already?”, Boa found Irene walking near their school gates.

 

“Yes. Red Rose Boa-sunbaenim. You going home too?”, Irene bowed to her senior before replying.

 

“Great! Do you mind if I asked where you live?”, Boa questioned.

 

“I don’t mind Red Rose-”

 

“Oh, please just call me unnie since we’re technically off school grounds already. Aren’t you tired calling us with those long titles?”, Boa interrupted lightly.

 

“Y-yes unnie. I-I mean, it’s fine Boa-u-unnie.”, Irene became a stuttering mess yet again.

 

“Relax will you. I don’t bite.”, Boa joked while patting one of Irene’s cheeks.

 

Irene let out a breath she was holding trying to relax herself. If she knew both of them were being watched then she would have never made herself comfortable towards Boa.

 

“I just live nearby, in _____ Street; just a few blocks away from here.”, Irene answered calmly this time.

 

“Oh really?? I just live two blocks away from yours. What a coincidence.”, Boa said with a smile.

 

“Do you wanna walk home together unnie?”, Irene offered.

 

“I was gonna ask the same thing actually.”, Boa smiled in return.

 

“Do you wanna get some ice cream on the way? My treat.”, Boa offered.

 

“Yes unnie! You didn’t even have to ask.”, Irene said with one of her biggest smiles.

 

[END of FLASHBACK]

 

 

“BOO!!!”

 

“OMO!”

 

“YAAHH!!!”, Irene was fuming mad at Seulgi for not just interrupting her thoughts but for almost giving her a heart-attack.

 

Seulgi held her waist before she tried to scare Irene from behind. But Seulgi didn’t expect Irene to be holding her Pitcher glove, which ended up being repeatedly smacked on her head.

 

 

“Ouch! Stop! Stop! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Ple-please s-stop hi-hitting me already.”, Seulgi managed to say while she was trying to prevent Irene’s hands from hitting her.

 

 “You idiot!”, Irene spoke fuming mad.

 

“Ouch. Not only was I physically attacked but also verbally?”, Seulgi said dramatically.

 

“Well you deserved it Kang.”, Irene retorted while crossing her arms.

 

“So now I’m back to being ‘Kang’ aye.”, Seulgi teased while nodding her eyebrows at Irene.

 

Irene let out a breath before continuing, “What are you doing here Seulgi? Are you following me?”

 

Seulgi let out a scoff, “Excuse me. You might be hella attractive but I’m not into stalking my prey… yet. I prefer them fawning over me.” She ended her banter teasingly, but Irene just rolled her eyes in return and turned her attention elsewhere.

 

“Obviously I’m here for the try-outs!”, Seulgi laughed, wanting to get Irene’s attention back.

 

“Y-you play Softball?”, Irene asked facing Seulgi again.

 

Seulgi pointed her outfit and emphasized her clothes from head to toe. “Football duh!”

Irene had a brief blush as she noticed Seulgi wearing a pair of very short shorts, or perhaps it was just because of her long legs. Irene was grateful Seulgi was wearing some long socks or else she would’ve gotten a nosebleed then and there.

 

To distract herself, she just gave Seulgi a soft shove. “Stupid. Softball try-outs are held here. Football try-outs are held over the other side of the field genius.”

 

Seulgi ended up blushing when she verified Irene’s point. She blamed Irene internally for leading her at the wrong field.

 

“Well it’s your fault Ms. Burgundy. You attracted me to go here.”, Seulgi smirked, which made Irene blush again.

“Yah! I told you not to call me that. People might get the wrong impression!”, Irene quietly scolded Seulgi.

 

“Whatever you say.. Ms. Burgundy!”, Seulgi ended up screaming the last part only for Irene to throw her Pitcher glove in return. Seulgi was able to catch it though.

 

“Hey, I’m just curious Ms. Bur- Miss Pretty.”, Seulgi laughed when she saw Irene threatening her once again through her eyes to stop her from saying the nickname Irene despised.

 

“What?!”, Irene said while crossing her arms. “And give me back my glove!”

 

“Wait, I just wanna know how you swing..”, Seulgi intercepted Irene’s hand from taking the glove by holding it over her head.

 

For the first time, Irene cursed her lack of height.

 

“I’m a Pitcher Idiot. I’m not a Batter. Thus the Pitcher’s glove, duh! You’re lucky I’m not a batter, or that would mean I’d have been holding a bat instead of that glove I beat you with.”, Irene spoke with sass, and said the latter part as a quiet threat.

 

Seulgi laughed making Irene grab the glove from her. “Ooh. Fiesty! But, no-no. You must’ve misunderstood me Ms. Burgundy. Let me rephrase the question. Would you swing my way?”

 

“YAH. KANG SEULGI!”

 

 

 

 

After the Sports Club try-outs.

 

“Irene!”

 

“Taeyeon-unnie!”

 

Irene jogged towards her senior when she saw Taeyeon near the gates.

 

“How was Softball try-outs?”, Taeyeon asked with a smile.

 

“It was fun.. Uhm, you waiting for someone unnie- I mean, Red Rose Taeyeon-sunbaenim?”, Irene gave a small smile.

 

Taeyeon wanted to laugh at the name Irene addressed her. She should basically use to it with how everyone at school now uses that title to address her. But being down-to-earth, it’s just something she will never get used to. “Oh come on, spare me the title. Just call me like normal since we’re technically off school grounds already. Aren’t you tired calling us with those long titles?”

 

Irene gave another smile when she remembered those exact same words being said to her two years ago.

 

“I’m waiting for you actually. It’s been a while since we’ve talked and hung out. I was thinking maybe you wanted to get some ice cream with me?”

 

“Don’t you guys have like a curfew for the dorms?”, Irene questioned. Unlike her who grew up in Daegu, Taeyeon came all the way from Jeonju. Students who can’t afford to go home daily have the convenience to stay at the school dorms.

 

“It’s only 5pm and our curfew isn’t until 7pm, so I still have 2 hours to spare. So do you want to or not?”, Taeyeon teased.

 

“Fine. I want Red Velvet this time.”, Irene answered while hooking her arms around Taeyeon’s right hand.

 

“Aishh, you and ice cream. Never gets old.”, Taeyeon teased as they went on.

 

“Just like us unnie.”, Irene giggled not noticing 2 pairs of eyes were watching them this time.

 

 

 

 

At the ice cream parlour.

 

“You know I actually wanted to ask how was your first week of school so far.”, Teayeon started once they were seated comfortably inside one of the booths with their orders and as they faced each other. She continued, “Boa-unnie has been bugging me how you were.”

 

Irene playfully glared at her. “Oh, so you only wanted to hang out with me to update unnie- I mean Auntie.”

 

Taeyeon had to laugh at Irene’s cute expression having the younger girl’s spoon pointed accusingly at her.

 

 

 

[FLASHBACK in ITALICS]

 

“Thank you for the treat unnie.”, Irene gratefully said at they sat comfortably inside one of the booths.

 

“You’re welcome. To be honest, I really want to get to know you more. Aside from that, I’m curious about you  and Taeyeon.. because I’ve noticed you and Taeyeon seem fond of each other.”, Boa teased which made the young one blush.

 

“I’m really curious you know. My dongsaeng can really be an introvert since it’s her nature, and as I mentioned before she can be quite hard-headed at times. But I’ve observed that she’s able to talk and approach you so easily. I’m really surprised.”

 

“I don’t know what to say unnie… Maybe it’s because we’ve met before?”, Irene honestly told Boa.

“Really? When?”, Boa asked with a smile as she leaned in comfortably.

 

“Well, it was a long time ago. My Mom took me to play at the park near our old house when I was just 6 years old. We accidentally bumped into each other causing me to get a scratch on my knee. She gave me her hanky and placed a band-aide on the scratch on my knee. After that she led me to my Mom and I never forgot her ever since.”

 

“Wow, what a small world. And you still remembered her even after all these years?”, Boa replied.

 

“Uh, yeah. It was something you can’t forget especially when I’ve been homeschooled my whole life.”

 

“Oh yeah. I heard about that. Was it hard? You know, being homeschooled?”, Boa carefully said.

 

“Not really. It was kinda sad because I didn’t have any friends growing up. But my Mom made it easy for me and let me experience everything as what I’d be doing if I was in an actual school.”

 

“Your Mom?”

 

“Yes unnie. She’s a teacher.”, Irene proudly said.

 

“That’s good... My.. my Mom died when I was five.”, Boa sighed.

 

“U-unnie.. I’m really sorry to hear that.”

 

“Don’t worry. I know it’s something I’ll never get over with but I’m still lucky you know? Cause I still have my Dad after all. And I’m lucky to have him there for me; I know being a single parent is not easy, especially when you have a daughter to take care of.”

 

Irene let Boa continue, “Maybe that’s why I’ve been longing for an older sister. Someone as close to my Mom… It’s hard when you know you already have something but you can’t have it.”

 

They stayed silent for a while before, Irene furrowed her eyebrows trying to understand the last part Boa had said.

 

Boa noticed this and immediately apologized, “Sorry dongsaeng. I must’ve been rambling on. I’m sorry, I don’t want to burden you with my thoughts.”

 

Irene surprised Boa she grabbed both of her hand of across the table firmly, “No unnie. It’s alright you can always let it out and I’m here for you ready to listen. Even if I don’t quite understand, I’m sure I will some time. My Mom always told me that I’m really mature for my age. So you don’t have to worry about burdening me. I’m.. I’m glad and flattered that you are comfortable around me.”

 

Boa ended up smiling and giggling as she placed Irene’s palm on hers. She couldn’t agree more on how mature Irene sounded. And to think that those words came out of a 12 year-old girl.

 

“That’s good to know donsaeng. I’m glad I’ll be able to leave the school not having to worrying about who can take care of my Taeyeon… She’s very fragile; really fragile than most people think. In a way, she’s kinda like me with what she had to go through… I trust that you can take care of her for me right?”

 

“You didn’t even have to ask unnie. I promise I’ll take care and look after Taeyeon-unnie for you once you’ve graduated.. And.. the same goes for you too. I’ll always be your dongsaeng.”

 

“You promise?”, Boa smiled.

 

“Pinky promise.”, Irene replied the same.

 

 

 

“Unnie, this is me.”, Irene said once they reached the front of her house.

 

Boa sighed as she looked at the house in front of her. Looking intently as if she was looking for someone. The same time as Irene tugged Boa’s hand that she was holding, a car came into view.

 

“Ah! Unnie, my Umma’s here. Come on. I’d like you to meet her.”

 

“Wait- Irene. No-”, just before Boa spoke, she was already being pulled by the overly excited freshman.

 

“Umma!”, Irene excitedly greeted as a woman came right out of the driver seat. This caused them to break their held hands as Irene tip-toed to hug her Mom, not forgetting to kiss her cheek and be kissed on top of her head in return. Boa couldn’t help but let out as bitter smile as she bowed her head. She continued to bow her head until she saw two pairs of feet standing in front of her.

 

“Umma! This is Boa-unnie. The current Red Rose of our school! ”, Irene went on excitedly not realizing the tension building up.

 

“She’s soo pretty right?? She kinda looks like you too Umma! And guess what? She also treated me some ice cream before we got here.”

 

“I..”, Irene’s Mom could only let out making the younger girl furrow her eyebrows.

 

“Umma..”, Irene shook her Mom’s hand, looking back and forth at the two older women.

 

“I.. I’m Kwon Boa Ma’am. As Irene mentioned, I’m a sunbeanim of hers in school.”, Boa nervously introduced while giving out a respectful bow.

 

A minute passed by with Irene still confused as to how her Mom and her unnie were just staring at each other with teary eyes already.

 

“I’ll… I’ll be taking my leave now-”, just when Boa was about to turn around, Irene’s Mom took her in an embrace. Boa was too stunned to move, not until Irene’s Mom patted her head did she return the gesture. The two older women were now crying as they held each other.

 

“U-unnie.. U-umma.”, the youngest spoke.

Irene’s Mom let go to take a closer look at the young woman. She couldn’t help but cup Boa’s face as she wiped her remaining tears from falling.

 

“You look just like Umma.”, Irene’s Mom spoke with a shaking voice.

 

 

“Unnie..”, Boa cried again and embraced Irene’s Mom.

 

 

“I’m so sorry my dongsaeng… I hope you’ll be able to forgive your unnie.”, Irene’s Mom whispered but all three of them heard it loud and clear as Boa ended nodding repeatedly.

 

 

[END of FLASHBACK]

 

 

Taeyeon and Irene we’re laughing after they had decided to just make a video call to their Boa-unnie or rather Irene’s Boa-auntie. Irene suggested to just make a phone call to Boa since by that time she was already out of her college classes. Boa ended up scolding them instead for not inviting her since she just studied at the Rose Academy University for college students. It was just a few block away from their school but quite near from the ice cream parlour they we’re currently hanging out.

 

Irene and Taeyeon made quite the pair since both gave of an enigmatic vibe. Both can easily be tagged as introverts given their quite nature in school but somehow they made an unbreakable connection. Even if no words were spoken between the two, they easily understood each other.

 

 

 

The next day.

 

“Hey, how was your Kendo try-outs?”, Yongsun asked Chorong whose head was just slumped over her table.

 

“Yah. Chorongie~”, Yongsun decided to poke her cheeks when she didn’t budge.

 

“Hey guys.”, Irene greeted them with a smile when she sat in front.

 

“You look happy.”, Seohyun smiled at Irene.

 

“I am. I am actually. I had a good sleep.”, Irene replied.

 

“Yah. What’s up with this girl?”, Yongsun asked her friends when Chorong was ignoring them.

 

“I guess Kendo try-outs didn’t do so well?”, Yongsun continued.

 

“Or maybe the petite seour she was hoping to get wasn’t able to come.”, Irene teased.

 

“Whatever, it’s her loss.”, Chorong finally answered but more like emphasizing what she said to herself.

 

“Irene and Yongsun, would you mind helping me after class to update the main Bulletin Board? The other Roses are busy with other school activities, and I’m the only one currently assigned to do the task.”

 

“Sorry Rongie. My Mom and Dad would be picking me up after school. It’s their anniversary, so we’re gonna have dinner later.”, Yongsun said.

 

“Irene?”, Chorong pleaded.

 

“Sure. Like I have anything else better to do.”, Irene playfully rolled her eyes.

 

“Thank you! I love you friend!”

 

 

 

 

Dismissal period.

 

Chorong had to leave to get the materials Irene and her are going to use to post on the Bulletin Board. Chorong had insisted on getting the materials from the Rose Mansion alone since she already asked Irene to help her with the task at hand. Chorong and Irene just agreed to meet in front of the Bulletin Board.

 

Since most students already left the school premise, Irene was left wondering by herself around the hall until she got bored and decided to view the current materials posted on the Bulletin Board. Being the main Bulletin Board for the whole high school, most necessary information that has anything to do with the student body is placed there. From the latest updates on the school policies and regulations, current events, school activities (ie. festivities, after-school activity announcements), sections for awards and recognitions, and school grades/rankings. But a separate section was secluded on the side which pertains to the current elected Rose Council.

 

Irene couldn’t help but place her hand on the names assigned per Rose, stopping particularly the vacant position for the Burgundy Rose. She remembered a certain freshman who teases her about being the rightful Burgundy Rose.

 

[A/N: See Chapter 1 for reference on the current Rose Council members.]

 

Ever since Irene entered the school, the Rose Burgundy position had always been vacant. When she had ask her friends about this only Seohyun had explained that the position has always been vacant for a very long time since the student body has not bothered to vote for the position anymore. Yongsun then added that when she asked her Mom who was an alumnus of the school if she had an idea who the last elected Burgundy Rose was. Yonsun’s Mom said that back in her time it had already been vacant. But she heard that the last student who held the position was named Han Gain who belonged to the class of 1970’s graduates.

 

As they contemplated the vacancy for the position, Chorong expressed her opinion that since the sentiment for Burgundy Rose was kind of vague. She further went on saying that the symbolism it stood for which is “unconscious beauty” is too vain to even belong to their school values since beauty is just purely a physical trait and not a “value.”

 

Seohyun agreed and added that every Rose stands for the Academy’s constitution and pillars for morals or values. Since Red stands for love, white stands for modesty, purity and cleanliness, Light Pink stands for grace, Dark pink stands for gratitude and appreciation, Cream for charm and thoughtfulness, Yellow for friendship, joy and optimism, Salmon for desire and excitement, Green stands for nature and constant rejuvenation of spirit, and Purple stands for allure and enchantment.

 

They concluded that maybe students didn’t see enough depth in the “values” being represented by the Burgundy Rose.

And having a democratic student body system, the school faculty—even the Dean of the Academy does not bother to mind the student body when it comes to electing their Rose Council members.

 

Irene even remembered Chorong joking, “Besides, who in their right mind can propose or say that they can represent ‘unconscious beauty’. That’s a total bull—perhaps she’s like Aphrodite or something.” They just ended laughing at her but unconsciously also agreeing to what Chorong said.

 

But Irene still kept wondering, maybe one day a student would be able to represent that position.

 

 

Irene was once again interrupted in her thoughts when someone suddenly placed their hand over hers, also touching the empty slot next to the Burgundy Rose position.

 

But before she even reacted brashly, she accepted rather calmly this person’s actions since Irene already knew who it was.

 

“You would be so perfect for this position.”, the person beside or rather behind Irene spoke softly.

 

Irene turned to face this person, breaking their hand contact and then gave her a smile before nodding her head sideways.

 

“What do you want Seulgi-ssi.”

 

“Oh so we’re back to being formal again huh?”, the younger girl teased.

 

“Seriously though, you’re not gonna change your mind about the position? I heard nominations and elections are coming up and if you’re willing I can perhaps give you a boost.”, Seulgi spoke while moving her eyebrows up and down.

 

“Shut up Kang. You don’t know what you’re saying.”

 

“Ouch.”

 

“You’re just new to this school.”

 

“Double ouch.”, Seulgi animatedly touched her body as if the phrases which came from Irene’s mouth actually hit her literally and physically.

 

Irene just had to laugh at Seulgi’s action.

 

“Go home Seulgi, it’s already after-school hours. Your parents might worry about you.”

 

“Aw. Is this concern I’m hearing? THE GODDESS BAE IRENE actually worried about the MORTAL KANG SEULGI.”

 

Irene just had to laugh at Seulgi’s remark.

 

“A-am not you bear!”, Irene tried to hide her smile by shoving Seulgi.

 

“Don’t worry my Goddess, our short meeting for the Dance Club just ended and I’m going home already.”, Seulgi said nonchalantly.

 

“Where do you live? Do you live nearby?”, before Irene began to realize what she said, the words already came out of .

 

Seulgi’s cheeks stretched so hard because of the smile that had just come out. Even her eyes we’re smiling because Irene sounded so concerned for her.

 

“Ah. As much as I would like to let you walk me home, unfortunately I just live at the student dorms.”, Seulgi pouted.

 

“R-really?”, Irene didn’t know if it was because of her latter embarrassment or because of the adorable pout Seulgi had just let out that made her stutter once again.

 

“Yeah. My family lives in Jeonju.”

 

“Really??”, Irene failed to hide her surprise.

 

“Why do you sound so surprised?”

 

“Well, I know someone who came from Jeonju.”, Irene muttered.

 

“Let me guess. Taeyeon-unnie?”, Seulgi smirked.

 

“H-how do you know that?”, Irene had to wonder. But then again she realized how popular the Rose Council is to their school. Of course the possibility of Seulgi knowing Taeyeon is big.

 

“You guys seem quite close.”, Seulgi pointed out which made Irene’s cheeks heat up.

 

“Yeah, we are.” Irene said honestly before she let out a breath.

 

“What if I told you Taeyeon-unnie and I are close too? Might be even closer than you guys.”, Seulgi expressed. But before Irene even had the chance to reply Chorong was already nearby and calling her.

 

“Yo Baechu!”

 

Irene looked behind her to see Chorong carrying a big box full of papers. But when she looked in front again Seulgi was already walking to leave outside the building.

 

“Y-yah. A little help here.”, Chorong spoke making Irene rush to her.

 

“Were you talking to Kang Seulgi just now?”, Chorong asked when she saw their interaction.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“How do you guys know each other?”, Chorong had to ask although she already had a clue based on the gossips she just heard recently. But Irene doesn’t need to know that from her.

 

“Long story. I’ll tell you all about it when we’re done since it’s already getting pretty late.”, Irene explained. To which Chorong agreed.

 

 

 

While Irene and Chorong were posting the new Bulletin Board updates, Irene noticed that the flyer Chorong was holding was about the announcement of Rose Council nominations and elections.

 

“Hey Rongie, I’m just wondering… Why do you guys still bother to include the Burgundy Rose in the elections when no one bothers to nominate or run for that position anymore?”

 

“Hmm, you see Seohyun and I wondered the same thing when we became en boutons.”, Chorong continued.

 

“You see, the Rose-unnies explained to us that since it’s still part of the school pillars the Rose Council is still obligated to include that position.”

 

“Then why don’t we just have it removed? Since it doesn’t really strengthen the moral pillars of our school?”

 

“Seohyun asked that before but they explained to us that doing so would have to have approval from the school Board Members and the founding Members. And given that our school is based on the founding traditions, there’s a small chance that it would be approved to be removed.”

 

“So we’re just gonna let this position become vacant every year?”, Irene questioned further.

 

“In my opinion, I think it has a lot to do with how effective our previous and current Rose Council have been with just 9 Roses, their en boutons and en bouton petites. But as of the moment, given how short-handed we are with the current members, honestly speaking, I wouldn’t mind to have that position filled.”

 

Irene nodded with what she heard from Chorong, until she finished it with a joke.

 

“But if ever that time comes, she (Burgundy Rose) better be so god-damn beautiful enough to hold that title.”

 

They both laughed at this, wondering if that day would ever come.

 

 

 

 

 

A week after Irene and Chorong had posted the announcement for the upcoming Rose Council nominations and elections.

 

After second period an announcement was heard from the school monitors.

 

"Hello. Good morning fellow classmates and schoolmates. This is Park Gyuri of Class 12A, and Head Rose for this Year's Student Body Council. I would just like to remind that the nominations for this year’s Rose Council Members will be held today on your class’ designated free period. The entry forms and ballot boxes are located outside your respective classrooms. The results of the nominations will be posted board tomorrow. That would be all. Again, good morning and have a good day."

 

 

 

 

The day after the Rose Council nominations.

 

Irene had never felt this self-conscious again since her first day of her freshman year.

 

Students have been murmuring and whispering around her the moment she stepped inside the school grounds. She couldn’t help but fasten her phase as walked through the hallways steering towards the student lockers. Even though she noticed Seugi leaning towards one of the lockers she passed by, Irene didn’t bother stealing a glance because of how overworked she felt.

 

Once she neared her locker, she felt relieved seeing Yongsun standing by looking around as if she was waiting for her. Once they made eye contact, Yongsun immediately ushered her to come closer which only made her worries return.

 

“Irene!”, Yongsun called as she pulled Irene closer.

 

“Yah, Yongsun. What the hell is wrong with these people??!”, Irene whispered in panic.

 

“Haven’t you heard?” her friend whispered back noticing that most of the students around them were already forming a crowd.

 

“You’ve been nominated for council.”

 

Irene swore her heart just leapt out of her chest.

 

Yongsun and Irene rapidly made their way to the Bulletin Board not bothering to pay attention to the students gossiping around them while they made space for them to walk through. Once they got there they saw Irene's name placed in bold fonts beside the position under Burgundy Rose.

 

Irene had never sworn throughout her life that she never felt like this before.

 

The next events were like a blur to her until she was already standing inside the Rose Council meeting room with Yongsun already following behind her.

 

She saw how all of the Roses turned their heads the moment she slammed inside the room panting. She didn't forget to pay her respects to the members giving a few bows before she ran her eyes through everyone around the room.

 

Taeyeon was the first one she made eye contact with who was standing in front of the window from across the room. Tiffany, Jessica, Gyuri, Sunny, and Hyoyeon was sitting around the table being tented to by Seohyun and Chorong, while Amber, Sooyoung, Yuri and Yoona were standing at the other side.

 

She was still catching her breathe when she spoke, "M-mi-mianhe. But there seems to be a mistake."

 

Being the Main Head Rose, Gyuri was the first one to speak up. "What seems to be the mistake Irene?"

 

Irene looked surprised by the question but it didn't stop her from getting the answers she wanted to get. She made a quick bow once again before she answered, "T-the nominations unnies..."

 

"Oh? What about it?", Gyuri questioned calmly again.

 

Irene couldn't help but look around the room seeing every one of the Roses reflecting the same calm expressions except for Sooyoung, Yuri, Amber and Yoona who were dawning concerned expressions. Especially Chorong. Her Taeyeon-unnie   however looked indifferent, like she wasn't even an ounce affected of what was happening. After Irene and Taeyeon made eye contact, the latter just returned her gaze away from her to look outside the window. However, Irene doesn't know that Taeyeon was already clenching her fists inside her blazer pocket.

 

 

 

 

 

Irene swore she already felt her tears about to fall from her eyes, "I-I.. I don't understand."

 

She felt a hand on her shoulder, knowing it was from Yongsun.

 

Irene bowed her head not knowing what to say next, until she heard someone standing up and walking to her. When she looked up, Gyuri was already standing in front of her but instead of having a serious calm expression like before she was greeted with a small smile this time.

 

"Irene, you were nominated. I'm afraid there's nothing wrong about that. I know you're well-aware of our school's policy on nominations... Even with just one nominated vote, a student is deemed for nomination regardless of being nominated with someone of the same position or none. It's just up to at least 85% of the student body election votes if you will will get the position or not." Gyuri ended with giving Irene a pat on her side.