Chapter 2

The Budding of Burgundy (Part 2 of 3)

 

 

Even before classes began an announcement came from the school monitors, "Good morning my fellow classmates and schoolmates. This is Jessica Jung of Class 11A, one of the Head Roses of our Council. On behalf of Cream Rose Park Gyuri and the Rose Council, I'd like to inform you regarding the schedule of the Student Body elections. The nominees for the Rose Council elections would be formally introduced on tomorrow's morning assembly in the school auditorium, prompting the start of the election campaign. On Wednesday's morning assembly, the nominees would be debuting their campaign oaths. Thursday would be the Election Day, while on Friday the votes would be announced. This schedule will be posted on all Bulletin Boards. That would be all of the announcements from the Rose Council for today. Once again, good morning and we hope you all have a good day."

 

Murmurs from the class started to arise after the long announcement. Irene had been out of it all day after she dejectedly walked away from the Rose Mansion that morning. She had been trying to think of the possibilities of why and how she was nominated not feeling the concerned looks she kept getting from her friends after what happened.

 

After she left the Rose Mansion with Yongsun, Chorong had caught up with them just before they stepped back inside the building. Chorong had deeply apologized for not telling Irene yesterday since the en boutons where the ones tasked to count and organize the nomination entries. Chorong added that she'd been wanting to tell Irene ever since she saw the two entries nominated her for the controversial Burgundy Rose position.

 

The first person that Irene thought of was Seulgi and it wasn't the fact that Seulgi actually kept through with her word, even though Irene would have never thought that the freshman would actually nominate her.

 

However, what bothered Irene the most was the question of who was the other person that nominated her.

 

 

 

Irene excused herself from her friends and told them that she wanted to be alone for a while. She wanted to get away from the stares of every student around that's why she opted to go somewhere she would be alone.

 

The moment she stepped inside the room, she was met with the unnie she treasures so much sitting by the piano. Throwing away those thoughts of wanting to be alone, she didn't care anymore as she finally let go of the tears she was trying so hard to hide throughout the day. She ran across the room and got welcomed with a tight hug.

 

"U-unnie..."

 

"Sshh... Just let it all out Joohyun-ah."

 

And so she did. Her emotions slowly began to settle as the tears kept on falling and she was lulled by the humming and rubbing of her Taeyeon-unnie.

 

"Unnie's here for you. So don't cry anymore."

 

She felt a light kiss on the side of her head. "I'll always be here for you."

 

 

They stayed hugging for a while before Taeyeon broke it to wipe face wet with tears.

 

"Look at this beautiful face. They don't deserve to have these fallen tears.", Taeyeon said as she continued to wipe them away with her hanky.

 

Once Irene's face was dried, she received another kiss from Taeyeon. This time on her forehead.

 

"Unnie..."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"I... I don't deserve to be nominated as... as Burgundy Rose."

 

Taeyeon let out a sigh, contemplating on what she'll say, but before she can even say something Irene muttered something."

 

"I'm not.. I'm not even beautiful..." Irene bowed her head before closing her eyes.

 

She wasn't able to see Taeyeon smiling at her.

 

Irene felt her face being held before being pulled up by Taeyeon.

 

"I guess you're right... You're not beautiful... cause you're more than that."

 

 

 

 

After class was dismissed Irene just assured her friends that she was feeling better. She did feel a whole lot better after talking to Taeyeon which reflected how calm she was after returning from their lunch break.

 

While she was walking to leave the school to go home, Irene remembered what she and Taeyeon talked about.

 

"U-unnie." 

 

"Hmm? What's wrong?" Taeyeon asked her as they were sitting side by side.

 

"I'm scared.", Irene whispered as she looked in front.

 

"Of what?", Taeyeon asked with the same softness while looking at Irene beside her.

 

"Of what's gonna happen tomorrow... I don't think I can stand in front of everyone when I don't know myself if I'm.. if I'm worthy of that title.", Irene finally let out.

 

"Hey, why would you think that?", Taeyeon took one of her hand and rubbed it gently.

 

Irene let out a breath, "Well, it's because I don't see how I can represent such title... the Burgundy Rose symbolizes beauty... How- how can I believe in such when beauty is all about vanity and appearance. It's... it's not me..."

 

Taeyeon couldn't let out a small smile after hearing finally hearing her dongsaeng's worry. She gave a pat to Irene's head letting go of her hand before she began, "Irene. Why do you think such expressions like 'that's the beauty in life' or 'the beauty is in the eye of the beholder' exists?"

 

Irene could only bow her head in thought.

 

Taeyeon let out a comfortable sigh, "If you're only thinking about the the aesthetic meaning of beauty and not the in depth meaning then you really won't be able to accept that position. It's ironic how people tend to forget about the true and deeper meaning of beauty. When beauty holds a deeper meaning than just looking pretty or attractive."

 

"You know honestly, for me beauty is something that gives. Something beautiful that gives pleasure or rather happiness to the things and people it represents without anything in return.. Something that soothes the soul... I hope you understand what I mean."

 

Irene crossed her eyebrows in deep thought. "I see your point unnie... I.. I see your point now, and I agree with you. But even more so now, I don't think I'm fit for the title. Everyone has beauty within them. And who I am I to represent that? Everyone has a right to become a Burgundy Rose... right? So can't we just retain the blank title to let the student body know that WE ALL deserve to represent that title?"

 

Irene finished with an uncertain smile before Taeyeon suddenly placed her in an embrace. This startled Irene. Taeyeon continued to speak, "I'm proud of you for adapting quickly the meaning of that title. And the fact that you realize that makes you even more becoming of the title to become a Burgundy Rose."

 

 

 

 

Irene was already near the school gates when she finished running through her thoughts. But someone suddenly came to view beside the gates who was standing there and looking at her with a smile of guilt.

 

It was Seulgi.

 

Even though Irene was hurt in the beginning for having undergone through everything this morning; all that stress- the internal conflict and having to go through the whole day being gossiped about. Irene wasn't one to hold grudges, so as she passes the younger one, she gave a small smile but not after hearing her name.

 

"I-irene."

 

"Hey Seulgi." Irene let out a small smile which Seulgi returned.

 

"I.. How are you?"

 

"I'm feeling a lot better now. Thanks." Irene reply when they were now standing in front of each other.

 

"It's it okay if I walk you home?", Seulgi asked shyly.

 

Irene couldn't help but let out a smile seeing Seulgi in this state. She looked at her watch to see the time. It was a little past 5pm already, and being just a freshman, Irene couldn't help but worry about how late Seulgi would go home by herself.

 

"Your parents might worry about you if you come home late. I live just a few blocks away so I can manage."

 

"I insist.", Seulgi let out a small smile keeping her disappointment that Irene forgot about her living at the dorms.

 

"Where do you live anyway? My house might be near, but yours might be not."

 

Seulgi just really couldn't help but give out a bigger smile this time after realizing Irene's concern. It was like déjà vu.

 

"Thanks for worrying. But you don't have to worry since I live over just by that building. I’m hurt you forgot about that." She pointed.

 

“I’m really sorry Seulgi. I guess I’ve just been out of it all day.”, Irene sincerely apologized when she remembered their previous conversation about Seulgi coming from Jeonju, that’s why she was living at the student dormitory.

 

"Apology accepted. So what do you say? (My) curfews not until 7pm. Plus you just said you live nearby. So I doubt it would take long." Seulgi spoke softly as she took one of Irene's hand not knowing how she made the older girl flustered with her action.

 

"I.."

 

"Come on Irene. Let me make it up to you. I'll even buy you ice cream."

 

Irene let out a breath not being bothered by how Seulgi informally addressed her, but the fact how Seulgi could make her heart beat so fast with just simple gestures. Irene bit her lip before looking up at a Seulgi.

 

"Don't worry. It's not a date.. yet. We'll just have the ice cream along the way. So what do you say?"  

 

Irene can only nod, while Seulgi finally let out the excitement she'd been keeping on the down-low. She couldn't help but let out a few jumps before skipping ahead of Irene to lead the way outside of the gates. This caused Irene to let out her first laughter for the day.

 

Seulgi might have been given advice from one of her good friends- specifically Soojung who had told her to 'tone it down' with her 'kkab-ness' and advances when it came to Irene. She also might have lied about the curfew time for freshman students which was only until 6pm, unlike the 9th graders and above. She was lucky she was roomed with Amber and Moonbyul. Seulgi asked them a favor by keeping the main door of the dormitory unlocked. The two 8th graders agreed when Seulgi explained what happened and with the promise of Seulgi going home before 7pm.

 

 

They've just been walking a little over 2 minutes without anyone initiating a conversation. It wasn't until they had to cross the street to get to the convenience store did they made an interaction. Despite of the warning signs flashing above Seulgi's head, she battled her thoughts (or rather Soojung's advice of not coming on too strong) and grabbed Irene's hand as they crossed the street.

 

Seulgi was even more suprised when Irene latched her other arm onto Seulgi as well. With Irene's touchy nature it became natural for her to cling onto her friends especially when they held hands as well.

 

It wasn't until they were half way from crossing the road did Irene realize what she did. This caused both of them to enter the store with blushed faces. They immediately separated once both of them stepped inside to calm themselves. But only to realize that they'd only be facing each other again since they'll both be going towards the same section for the ice cream.

 

"S-so w-which do you want?", Seulgi but her lip after stuttering. Way to be smooth and calm Kang Seulgi. Seulgi internally wanted to beat herself for this was so unlike her.

 

"That one please.", Irene let out a small smile after realizing that she wasn't the only one affected. Cute. Irene thought.

 

Seulgi grabbed the ice cream Irene pointed at and gotten herself her own ice cream.

 

"Is that all?", Seulgi asked.

 

"Thanks.", Irene said after letting out a nod.

 

Unbeknown to Irene, Seulgi had been fighting with her thoughts stopping herself from letting out her usual sleazy comments. Comments like, 'This counts as a date right? Since I paid for everything.' Or 'Can I hold your hand again?'

 

Her thoughts were broken by Irene when she heard a giggle beside her. "What's so funny?"

 

"I didn't realize before how much you look like a bear." Irene took the ice cream bar that Seulgi randomly picked for herself which has a cartoon bear in the cover and held it beside her face.

 

"Cute.", Irene's giggle turned in to laughter as Seulgi paid for their purchase.

 

"Whatever. At least you called me cute."

 

"Y-yah. I did not.", Irene retorted finding the ice cream she was holding more interesting.

 

"Then what did you just say a while ago?", Seulgi teased, but she remembered she had to calm herself as to not make Irene uncomfortable. She cursed Soojung for affecting her 'game' so much. Now she has to be careful of her actions around Irene 'to get her heart and to properly court her like a gentlewoman'. Psh.. That brat, always comparing me to Amber-unnie. Seulgi thougt to herself.

 

She let out a sigh betore she grabbed Irene's ice cream to open it for her before doing the same for herself.

 

"Come on. Let's get you home." Seulgi let out a smile when she saw Irene mouthing thanks. The smile she was dawning widen after she opened the door for Irene. She went with her guts once again as she took Irene's hand before proceeding to cross the street once again.

 

It didn't even take them five minutes before they arrived at Irene's house which disappointed Seulgi because she still wanted to ask how Irene was. Irene managed to see Seulgi's disappointment before she looked at her watch.

 

"It's still early. Do you wanna come inside?"

 

Seulgi wasn't able to control her smile. And neither was Irene for she just let another slip of the tongue happen.  "Cute."

 

 

 

They were greeted by one of their housekeepers.

 

"Hi ahjumeoni, are my parents home already?", Irene asked while Seulgi's thoughts wondered how huge yet homey Irene's household. It reminded her of their home in Jeonju, but only theirs is more lively because of her other siblings, especially their maknae/baby sister who was just 3 years old.

 

"Not yet young Miss. But your Mom might be home in a while."

 

"Thanks Ahjumeoni. By the way, this is Kang Seulgi a schoolmate of mine. Well just be up in my room." Seulgi noticed how kind and polite Irene was.

 

"Do you need anything young Miss? Do you want me to prepare some snacks for you and your friend?"

 

"Hmm. Seulgi? Do you want anything? Drinks perhaps?"

 

"I'm good.", Seulgi shrugged.

 

"No need Ahjumeoni. We'll just get it ourselves later if we would want some. Thank you." Irene bowed as she led Seulgi upstairs.

 

 

 

Irene suddenly became nervous as they walked towards her room not knowing Seulgi was worried about how she'll start the conversation.

 

 

 

"S-so this is my room."

 

Irene distracted herself by placing her bag on her desk, before she sat in middle couch in her room.

 

Seulgi did the same before she sat beside Irene.

 

"Your room is huge."

 

Irene was thankful for Seulgi's light remark to ease the awkwardness that was building.

 

"The perks of an only child I guess."

 

"You must be so spoiled. I can see it." Seulgi teased.

 

Irene had to cross her arms before defensively saying, "Am not."

 

"Oh you obviously are.", Seulgi continued to tease as she saw the things placed around Irene's room which are quite pricey items for an average 15 years old to possess. A cello standing on the corner with two violins hanged on each side of it, an entire wall-sized bookshelf just behind where they sat. Not to mention, Irene has her own mini-living room inside her bedroom where they both sat comfortably.

 

"It's my grandpa (Dad’s uncle) who loves to spoil me. I'm rather contented with just having to spend time with my family.", Irene let out a small honest smile this time.

 

Seulgi only smiled in return because she has heard about Irene's background. In a way, she understood that perhaps Irene just misses her family from time to time given that she grew up being surrounded by them all her life.

 

There was a minute of silence but a comfortable one before Seulgi spoke again. "I'm sorry."

 

Irene looked beside her a bit confused. "For what?"

 

"For nominating you...", Seulgi oet out a sigh before she continued. "I didn't mean to stress you out. Trust me, that was the last thing I wanted to happen.. I just.. I didn't expect things to turn out that way."

 

"It's fine Seulgi. I don't take it against you.. I.. I know you mean well.. I just... to be honest, I want to forfeit the position..."

 

"What-- no!" Seulgi didn't realize her outburst but she immediately calm herself down. "I mean, why? You deserve it!"' She continued firmly. "I mean, even if what happened to you this morning pissed me off.. Oh, how I wanted to poke everyone's eyes off and tape their mouths for talking behind you.. I would still do it all over again because I.. I believe in you."

 

Irene let out a smile. "I really appreciate what you're saying Seulgi, and trust me when I say that I'm taking what you've done as a big compliment. But.. being the Burgundy Rose entails a lot of responsibility. The symbol it represents is quite burdening, to be honest… A while ago, I doubted myself if I'm even rightful for that position. But.. someone made me realize the forgotten value of what true beauty represents."

 

"So does this mean you're gonna go with it?", Seulgi carefully asked, to which Irene nodded to confirm.

 

"I'm glad someone was able to change your mind.", Seulgi spoke. She knew perfectly well who this person was since she saw Taeyeon with Irene while she was looking for the latter during lunch break. Seulgi had wanted to talk to Irene earlier but it seems like someone already beat her to it.

 

"It's.. It's Taeyeon-unnie isn't it?"

 

"H-how did you know?"

 

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I accidentally saw you guys together while I was looking for you.", Seulgi honestly said. It's a good thing Irene wasn't able to tell the disappointment or jealousy in her voice.

 

"You guys seem close, are you her petite seour or something?", although Seulgi knew that they we're no less than close sunbaenim-dongsaeng since Taeyeon is still rumoured to have her rosary and is also linked to her roommate Tiffany Hwang. But Seulgi wanted to test Irene as well--to see her reaction, to make Irene realize how even so Taeyeon is marking her 'boundaries' with Irene there's no commitment (rosary to officiate their 'sisterhood'), and to also know what's the deal between the two.

 

"I...", At the mention of that, Irene suddenly became tongue-tied. She knew how strong their relationship was, but how come Taeyeon never asked her about it? Or rather, did her Taeyeon-unnie have someone in mind to be her petite seour? Just the thought of Taeyeon having another baring her attention to another dongsaeng that was not her made her angry. What was she in Taeyeon’s life? Was she just another dongsaeng like Chorong and Seohyun? When Chorong already has her grand seour Sunny, and Seohyun has Tiffany.

 

“I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer. It was stupid of me to ask such a personal question from you.”, Seulgi apologized.

 

“No..”, Irene sighed. “It’s alright. Now that you’ve mentioned it, I’m not so sure too.. to be honest.. ”, Irene gave a forced smile.

 

“Do you… perhaps… like.. Taeyeon-unnie… more than a sunbae?”, Seulgi nervously asked.

 

Irene blushed as she realized Seulgi’s question. “Geez, Seulgi.. You really don’t understand the meaning of boundaries.” Irene lightly joked, making Seulgi blush and bit her tongue secretly.

 

Way to go Kang Seulgi. Your such an idiot. The young one thought to herself.

 

“But to answer your question. No. I don’t see her as more than an unnie. We’re just… c-close sunbaenim and dongsaeng…?”Irene spoke hesistantly.

 

“Well, do you want to be taken as her petite seour?”

 

“I don’t know really..”, Irene bowed her head down but the disappointment was clear enough for Seulgi to feel.

 

“But I know that I’ll be hurt if she takes someone as her petite seour without telling me… Even if it won’t be me, I at least have the right to know who she wants to take as her petite seour. Right?”, Irene said with a soft but firm voice.

 

To ease the mood, Seulgi just opted to joke, “What’s so great about being seours anyway? If you guys already have an understanding, what’s the difference if a ‘rosary’ would be passed on or be received than already being steady with what you guys have?”

 

Irene sighed. Ever since she came to the school and saw how relationships were built for a life time from the schools’ seour system, she’d been wishing, wondering and waiting for her turn to have that kind of a relationship and a connection-- just like her Aunt Boa and Taeyeon-unnie, and the other seours of the Roses, and the rest of the students lucky enough to have this bond.

 

“You know when you get married, rings are exchanged? For me it’s kind of like that, only it pertains to a bond that can only be given between two sisters. You know how the ring serves a symbol for married couples that they belong to each other eternally? It’s kind of like that.”, Irene spoke with passion and a wanting smile at she looked directly at Seulgi.

 

Seulgi let out a breath she’d been holding as she was the one who broke their eye contact this time. “Sorry… I think I made things awkward again.”, Seulgi apologized once again while rubbing the back of her neck.

 

“You ALWAYS make things AWKWARD you bear.”, Irene smiled while giving Seulgi a gentle shove.

 

“You’re such a weird dongsaeng you know.”, Irene remarked not knowing how she hurt Seulgi in a way since the latter seems to harbor feelings of more than just a dongsaeng for her.

 

Seulgi shrugged as she went to stand up and stretch. “What time is it?”

 

“6:30. You only have 15 minutes left.”, Irene said playfully to which Seulgi proudly retorted. “If I run, I can get to the dorms in a little over 8 minutes. So that still gives me 22 minutes left to be with you.”

 

Irene looked away to hide her blush, but Seulgi being Seulgi just had to ruin the moment yet again, “Even so.. As much as I would love to stay and meet you parents. I don’t think they’re ready to meet their future daughter-in-law yet.” She ended this with a wink before she continued, “Walk me to your door?”

 

The older girl can only let out a sigh before standing up to follow Seulgi towards her door, but only to bump into the younger girl who already swiftly turned to face her. They were placed in an awkward position, with Seulgi having both of her hands placed on Irene’s mid-back and Irene’s hands on Seulgi’s shoulders.

 

Irene was quick to pull away only for Seulgi to pull her back and hug her.

 

“It will be Taeyeon-unnie’s lost if she decides not to have you as her petite seour. She doesn’t realize how damn lucky she is to have you by her side. I’d kill to be in her position. But then again, I don’t want that kind of relationship with you.”, Seulgi said as their bodies mingle.

 

“I don’t wanna be just your dongsaeng Bae Irene.”, Seulgi whispered as she made space between them.

 

 

 

The walk towards Irene’s front door was quiet. With both of them not knowing what to say or do with their eyes or hands. As Irene opened the door to finally let Seulgi out, the younger rubbed the back of her neck before speaking, “Thank you for your time. And I’m sorry again, for everything.”

 

“Your welcome Seulgi.”, Irene let out before she bit her lip by reflex.

 

“C-can I get another hug?”, Seulgi gestured by opening her hands to welcome Irene. This only made Irene laugh shyly.

 

As Irene moved towards Seulgi, she paused halfway, teasing, “FYI, you were the one who gave me a hug a while ago.”

 

“Seulgi just smirked, maintaining her gesture, “Okay, okay. Care to return the favor though? Since we’re like, already friends.. And friends give each other hugs right?”

 

Irene can only bite her lips once again.

 

 

Seulgi slightly lifted Irene up, as the older girl placed her hands on her neck. The younger one let out a breath she’d been holding the moment their bodies made contact.

 

“What are you doing to me Kang Seulgi.”, Irene whispered to herself, but Seulgi heard it loud and clear.

 

“Good luck on the elections. I’ll be watching you.”

 

Seulgi spinned the both of them around, making themselves laugh.

 

 

 

“6:42PM. You have 10 minutes left.”, Seulgi was quick to let go of Irene as she recklessly wore her backpack on while running straight through the gate, but not forgetting to give Irene a wave goodbye.

 

Irene was left to smile by herself in their front porch.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday morning Assembly—the time for the nominees to grant their election speech.

 

For the first time in almost 4 decades, the Rose positions were completely filled. Like the previous elections, all positions did not have dual candidates since the current Roses were the ones nominated solely for the position. However, it was a first again for this generation to hear and see a candidate of the Burgundy Rose.

 

When it was Irene’s turn to speak, everyone was anticipating her introduction and speech—not just the students, but the entire faculty and their school headmaster as well. The drop of a needle could probably be heard because of how everyone intently listened.

 

“H-hi. Good morning to everyone. This is Bae Irene from Class 9A, nominee for the position of Burgundy Rose. I bet you were all surprised when my name suddenly appeared on the list of nominees… To be honest I was just as surprised as everyone. When I first stepped inside this school, I knew no one and the same goes for everyone since no one knew about me as well. For those of you who didn’t know, I’ve been home schooled since I learned how to talk. This makes Rose Academy my first school experience. But even before I got here, I’ve been dreaming of entering this school because of its prestige and traditions. Our Academy Constitution was built on the 10 pillars, represented by 10 different Roses—and one of them is the Burgundy Rose. This unique rose symbolizes beauty.”

 

Irene paused to look at the student body in front of her, she took a few deep breaths before continuing, “It became a burden for me when I found out that I have to run for this position. I wanted to forfeit. Because who was I to represent ‘beauty’? Until someone made me realize that all these years people just forgot the meaning of this Rose and what it stands for. Beauty is in all of us; it is found deep within ourselves and everything around us. I realized that all along I was just looking at the aesthetics of beauty, when in fact that beauty is something that gives; a virtue that emanates positive energy. As I realized this, I came to accept how lucky I was given this chance to represent and fulfill this long-forgotten pillar. But I don’t want to do this alone. I can’t do this alone because everyone is a representation of this beautiful flower. If I am elected, just know that I won’t be standing alone. This last pillar stands for our whole entire Academy and everyone and everything within its walls. ”