*MINJIS POV*

  "Noona!"

  The bell had just rung when I stepped foot into the room. Compare to most days, today wasn't the best. I woke up late and had no time to straighten my hair, almost missed the bus, dropped my papers; twice, and was almost late to my third period. Luckily, I was not counted as a student since I was a Teachers assistant for a sophomore class, so the teacher didn't mind that I wasn't seated yet. 

  I turned to Sungjong who had just called me and waved. His bright smile and cute face was the highlight of my day. I returned the smile and walked to the back of the class where I normally sit. Before I could reach my desk, I found a boy sleeping in the seat next to mine-- which was usually empty. I took a seat, feeling a bit awkward next to the sleeping figure beside me. The teacher, Mrs. Lee, stood in the front of the class. 

  "Goodmorning class.", She greeted in English.

  "Goodmorning.", all the students replied. 

 "Before I continue with my lesson, i'd like to introduce my son. He'll be helping around the class for a bit. Jae Hwa?"

  The class stayed silent and nobody stood. Soon, all the students' eyes searched the room, trying to find him. 

  That's when it clicked. The sleeping figure beside me. I kicked the bottom of his desk, waking him up. 

  "Yah!", he screamed. All eyes turned towards him and I. A little flustered, I looked away. I could fe his glare piercing through the side of my head. Aish, so embarrassing. As he continued to glare at me, it became clear he had no idea the class' attention was on us. The amount of attention became un bearing. 

  As discreetly as possible, I looked at him and slightly tilted my head to the front of the class, trying to let him know of our surroundings; He didnt budge. Growing impatient, I intensified my glare and tilted my head with more force. His eyebrows furrowed, but he turned towards the class, anyway. He finally saw the amount of eyes on him and realized he had been called upon. 

  "Uh, Annyeonghaseyo, Joneun Jae Hwa ipnida.", he quickly bowed and sat back in his seat. His body language seemed quite awkward, but our small encounter told me other wise. 

  As he settled back down in his seat, I noticed his cheeks were a slight pink. Without realizing, I continued to stare at him, trying to analyze wether he was embarrassed or flustered. Suddenly, he turned to me and caught my stare. This time, it was me who was embarrassed. My body tensed and my eyes grew wide as I tried to figure out what to do next. Sensing my awkward body language, he smirked. How cocky. I turned back to the front, waiting for the teacher to finish the class instructions. When she was done, I approached her.

  "Seonsaengnim?" 

  "Mm?"

  "What shall I do?"

 "Oh, thats right. I need you to make copies of these in the teachers room.  And when you're done, staple them into booklets."

  She instructed, handing me a pile of papers. I nodded and took them. As I was about to walk away, she stopped me.

  "Oh, Jae Hwa is going to help you."

  I nodded and smiled. My exterior played as a mask, hiding my frustration. 

  As I turned to walk away, my foot caught on someone elses' and I began to fall. I closed my eyes, preparing to hit the floor but felt nothing.

  I slowly opened my eyes, analyzing who my savior was. When my vision returned to normal, I regained my balance to see who caught me. 

  After seeing his face, my voice caught in my throat and my Thank You remained unspoken. 

  "Tch, Clumsy." He smirked. 

  "I'm not clumsy. You tripped me!", I argued. He smirk just beamed 'cockiness'.

  "No, you walked into my foot. If you were paying any attention to your surroundings, you would've noticed I was behind you the whole time.", he crossed his arms. 

  The sudden realization hit me. He was right. My carelessness had caused me to walk into him. I became more flustered, but couldn't find the words to say. Instead I just rolled my eyes. 

  "It's okay, if it happens again, i'll catch you before you fall.", he winked. 

  "Yah, I didn't bring you here to flirt with my TA, Jae Hwa. I know she's pretty, but don't let that distract you!", Mrs.Lee scolded.

  "Eomma, I was just joking.", his smirk had vanished and turned into a shy smile. 

  "Don't play around.", she pinched his ear.

  "Ah ah, Arasso.", he agreed. 

  She dropped her grasp, and he rubbed his ear. Psh. Not so smooth with your eomma around, huh?

 

  Now walking down the hall to the teachers room, we remained silence. Finally, I decided to speak up. 

  "What are you doing here and not in class?"

  He glanced at me and smirked and turned his vision back to the pathway in front.

  "I got suspended", I nodded. Well, that confirms his bad boy image. "For three months."  

  I raised my eyebrow and turned towards him.

  "What'd you do?"

  "Start a food fight. It would've only been 2 months, but they added another for getting the teachers in it too.", he chuckled. Although it was a irresponsible action, I couldn't help but laugh. I stopped walking as my laughter took over my body.

  "What? The teachers?"

  "Yeah,", he chuckled. "I hit one teacher and that teacher hit another, and it just became a domino effect."

  After hearing that, we both laughed together in the middle of the hallway. He wasn't so bad. 

  After arriving in the teachers' lounge, we began copying the papers. It didn't take much effort, just a few touch of buttons. After pushing a few buttons, all that was left was to wait for it to finish. We seated ourselves down on a round table settled in the middle of the room. Suddenly, he stood and opened the fridge.

  "Yah, don't touch that."

   He continued to search and ignored me. 

  "Yah!", I pulled his shoulder back. 

  "Wae?"

  "It's not yours"

  He sighed and took his seat again. He closed his eyes and laid his head down. The room was awfully quiet. I looked to the sleeping figure infront of me.

  He looked very serene, compared to his usual cocky smirk. Using this time, I began to study his features. He had a very slight scar on his chin, like he'd cut it against a thin wire. He had fairly long eyelashes compared to other guys, showing his feminine feature. He was actually not that bad looking. Actually, I would go as far to say he was good looking. 

  Suddenly, the copy machine beeped, signaling it's completion. 

  "Get up."

  I kicked his foot. He raised his head and opened his eyes. His sleepiness resulted in his eyes opened in a thin slit. He picked himself up from his chair and began walking out the door. 

  I stayed behind for a little longer, picking up the tall pile of papers. I struggled to open the door, and was trying to figure a way to keep the door open with the papers in my arms. Suddenly, the doors swung back open. Startled, I jumped back and almost fell over. Before I could drop and hit the floor, he stopped me, the palm of his hand against my back. 

  "I told you i'd catch you if you fell. You didn't fall on purpose, did you?", he smirked. Now regaining balance, he opened the door for me and allowed me to pass through. 

  Not even halfway there, I felt my fingers begin to slip. I fidgeted with my arms, trying to regain control and steadiness. Suddenly, the pile of the papers in my hand disappeared and the figure beside me whisked past without a single word.

  You're actually not as heartless as I thought, Jae Hwa. 

   Now back in the class, he settles the papers down onto a long desk. From there, we grabbed staplers and  began assembling the booklets. 

  

  "You staple ugly."

   Halfway through completing assembling the books, Jae Hwa had found the need to constantly nag me. He had commented on my stapling about 6 time already. 

  "You don't staple any better."

  "Do you see these staples? They're perfect."

  "Wether they are perfect or not, why the hell is that important?", I shook my head. 

  "You know, you remind me of a friend."

  He pointed his finger directly towards my face. I raises an eyebrow at him.

  "She goes to my school. She's a close friend of mine. Her attitude is like yours." 

  I just nodded my head. We continued to work until the booklets were done. 

  "Finally.", I sighed. 

  The figure beside me laid against his chair and closed his eyes. He seemed to enjoy sleep very much. I stood up and walked around the class to see if any of the students needed help.

  "Noona", Sungjong called.

  "Mmm?"

  "Do you like that guy? He's mean."

  "Who? Jae hwa?"

  Sungjong nodded.

  "Eh, he's mean but he's not that bad. He's funny sometimes."

  "How long is he going to be here?"

  "A while. He's suspended for a couple months."

  "Be careful, Noona. Don't let him step over you. No kindness.", Sungjong embraced with a straight face. 

  "Arasso.", I chuckled, ruffled his hair and walked away.

  I made my way back to my desk and plumped down into my seat.

  "So you're into younger guys.", the figure beside me chuckled with his eyes still closed.

  "Bwo?"

  "That guy you were talking to a few minutes ago.", he lifted his head and opened his eyes. "Boyfriend?"

  "No. Gosh, why would it even matter."

  "Ouh, but you like him?", he leaned toward me.

  "No. Stop assuming things, we're just close friends."

  "Mm, okay. So what kind of guys do you like, then?", he leaned in a bit closer and rested his head against his arm. 

   "I dont know."

   "Oh, you can't not know. So what's your type, huh?", he lifted his head from against his hand and began leaning in closer. "Smart guys? Funny guys? Bad boys?"

  "I don't have a certain type. If i'm attracted to them, im attracted to them. Now can you please stop asking unimportant questions?", I pushed against his chest, trying to get him to move back. My actions were to no success. He grabbed my wrist and pulled my hand away from him. 

  "Oh, come on a date with me afterschool then."

  "Bwo?", i pushed my seat farther away. "No."

  "Wae? I thought you didn't have a type? And who knows, maybe you'll fall for me"

  "Yah, what are you trying to pull."

  "Nothing." 

  "Well, it's a no."

  "Wae? Imagine how it'll help with your reputation."

  "I don't care about reputation."

  "Oh, really?"

  "Really."

  "Doesn't seem like it to me."

  His face was now only a few inches away from mine, making it a lot more tempting to punch him. His eyes searched my face for my reaction. My anger seemed to satisfy him because a smirk was painted across his face. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of this period.

   I quickly picked up my things. 

  "You're a douche.", I turned to walk away.

  "Wether you agree or not, we're going.", he yelled across the room. My mind was racing with angry thoughts as my feet lead me to my next and final class.

   The disbelief has still not faded away. Had I really come off that easy to him? Did he honestly think I was that kind of person? 

  "What's wrong?", Myungsoo asked beside me as he took his seat.

  "Just this boy."

  "Oh, you like someone?", he wagged his eyebrows and lightly elbowed me. 

  "Ew no.", I like you. "He's the teacher's son. You know the one im Teacher Assisting for?"

  He nodded and waited for me to continue.

  "Well, her son is a total douche."

  "Wae, what'd he do?"

  "Bunch of things, I don't want to go into detail."

  He nodded in understanding. As class started, my mind drifted off to somewhere outside the window. 

  As the wind blew and leaves flew with the wind, I couldn't help but feel anxious. Each day the air is getting colder as the year is coming to an end. As fall comes to a close, winter comes to a start and that is when snow begins to fall.

  I begin to fall deeper into my mind as I imagine first snowfall. What kind of day would that be? What are we going to do? Im sure it'll be full of snowball fights and snow angels. And after that, we'll get coffee and talk- just the two of us- like before. 

  Suddenly a huge textbook dropped on my desk, me out of my daydream.

  "Aish, that scared me!", I pushed my hair out of my face.

  "Were you not paying attention again? Aish, at this point my grades will be better than yours.", he teased. 

  "Tch, yeah right."

  "Is that a challenge?", he raised his eyebrow and leaned forward.

  "And if it is?", i turned away, smirking.

  "Fine. Loser buys the winner food.", he stuck his hand out.

  "Deal."

  We shook on it. Finally, the final bell rang and school ended.

  "Let's go, Oppa.", I picked up my bag and hung it on my shoulder. 

  "Ouh, im not going to the park today. Im going out with Haeun.", he finished packing up.

  "Ouh, Kure?", I nodded my head and smiled. "Have fun then.", I patted his shoulder and walked away. 

  Haeun. Take care of Myungsoo, would you?

 

  Now alone, I make my way out of the school doors. My feet dragging with each step. This whole day had gone wrong. As I review the events of my day; searching for something to look forward to, a hand grabbed my wrist. I turn to look who it was.

  "Oh, Jae Hwa-ssi.", I slightly bowed trying to be polite. I began trying to tug my arm away but his grip grew tighter. 

  "Where do you think you're going?", he smirked. Our conversation at the end of third period flashed in my mind, and that's when I knew what he was talking about. 

  "I have to take the school bus.", I tried reasoning.

  "Not today. We have a date.", he slipped his arm around my waist and began pulling me towards the school parking lot. 

  "Jae hwa-ssi, this isn't funny. Please, stop.", I tried to tug away. 

  "Does it look like i'm joking." He continued to pull me. "And drop the formalities. We're going on a date. Call me Oppa."

  My heart began to race and my palms grew sweaty. The odds were in his favor; I couldn't fight against his grasp. That's when my savior came. 

  "Jagiya~", he called. Jae hwa dropped his grasp and we both turned to see who it was. 

  "I couldn't find you! I was so worried!", he slipped his arm around my neck. This scene was very familiar.

  "I-I..", I began stuttering, trying to search for words to say. 

  And thats when he did it. 

  He kissed my cheek.

  As he pulled away, he discreetly whispered in my ear. 

  "Just play along."

  He began my hair.

  "Aigoo, so cute.", he turned his attention towards Jae Hwa. 

  "Who's this?", he questioned.

  "This is Jae Hwa-ssi.", I softly introduced. Jae Hwa raised his eyebrow, waiting for my to introduce the man beside me. 

  "Oh, and this is-"

  "Lee Howon. But my friends call me Hoya.", he finished.

  "So, he's... Your boyfriend?", he asked suspiciously.

  "I am.", Hoya finished. He wouldn't let me answer a single question. 

  Jae Hwa stayed silent for a while. After a couple seconds of pure silence he just nodded his head with a scary gleam in his eyes. 

  "Well, See you in third period, Minji.", he lazily waved and turned to walk away. 

 

*JAEHWA'S POV*

  I watched as he stood with his arm around her neck. Alright. I nodded and bidded farewell. 

  "Well, see you in Third period, Minji."

  I walked away. 

  I'll let them put on their little act for the time being. 

  Lee Howon. A slug smirk appeared on my face. I have heard about him many times. Minji probably doesn't know about her right? 

  But, if you want to fake a romance and be a hero, so be it; but you started it. And im going to end it. 

  Let the games begin , Lee Howon.

  

  *MINJI'S POV*

  "How'd you know to come?", I asked. 

  "I heard the emergency bell.", he softly replied. Silence filled the air for a few moments. We both just sat there as the sunlight hit the top of our heads. 

  "Miahne, I took it too far, didn't I?"

  "Ani, you saved me.", I assured. Again, Silence.

  "Well, get up. We're going on a date.", he lifted himself off the bench.

  "Bwo?"

  "Not a real one. I have to pretend to be your boyfriend, remember? He's not leaving anytime soon."

  His reasoning was logical. 

  "Well, we missed the bus. How are we going home?"

  "I brought my car."

  "You don't have your license yet!"

  "Aish, just trust me. You saw me drive before. Kaja."

 

  *HOYAS POV*

  "So, what's the plan?", Minji asked with an ice cream cone in her hand. We were gradually walking across the mall's grounds. 

  "We make a love story.", I took a of my ice cream. She nodded. 

  "You come up with it.", she said. 

  I took a few moments, and looked around the mall. The last time I took a girl here was two years ago. I distinctively remembered the feeling. Time had stopped and the room seemed empty. With her beside me, the world seemed to stop spinning. I've only had that feeling twice. 

  The most recent time, being now. 

  Finally, I began.

  "We met through Myungsoo. He introduced us and at that moment, we already sort of clicked.", I took a of my ice cream. 

  "Our first time spending time with only us two, was when I bought you ice cream when you were crying.", I chuckled. "I first confessed to you while we sat on a bench and watched kids playing at a park. I asked you to be mine after being scared of loosing you, thanks to that time no one could find you at the park.", I smiled. She giggled too, understanding my reference. "Our first kiss..", I kissed my finger, "was at the movie theatres.", I poked her nose. "You were frightened. So frightened, I kissed you to make it go away.", I looked down at my shoes and smiled bitterly. "And our favorite date together was in this mall. Even though it was a very common place to be, that was when we were happiest. We ate and watched movies, shopped and ran around.", I stopped in my tracks. "And at the end of the day, we took pictures in that photo booth to remember this day by.", I pointed to the photo booth ahead.

  "Waah, that story was daebak~", she chuckled. 

  I chuckled too. It was a great story. They were collections of great memories. I can't fully credit myself for the scenes in our make believe love story. Those scenes actually happened. 

  "Oppa, let's take pictures.", Minji suggested. In that moment, Minji's voice sounded almost identical to the one from my memories- it stung my heart a bit.

  "Wae?", I pretended to refuse. 

  "Please, Oppa? As fake evidence?", she begged. She used the excuse that it'd be evidence, but it was clear in her face that she just really wanted to take a picture.

  "Arasso, Arasso.", I finally agreed. Who could turn down such a cute face?

 

  *NARRATORS POV*

   The girl happily skipped into the photo booth and the boy followed behind, chuckling. They posed for the pictures; holding up peace signs and forming a heart. After the final picture was taken, Minji ran out of the booth and excitedly waited for the pictures to finish printing. This had been the highlight of Minji's day. Somehow, the events that occurred earlier in the day seemed miles away. She felt happier than she did the whole day. As the photos fell out of the slot, Minji couldn't imagine a single thing that could ruin her mood and Hoya felt the same way. They were at the mall after all, what bad could possibly happen there?

  You see, that's the heartbreaking thing about life; it always seems to come back and bite you when you least expected it. Even to the most innocent people. 

  Minji put the photos in her wallet, satisfied with how it came out and looked up. In her view of sight, she saw two people holding hands; the boy holding his girlfriend's shopping bags in his other hand.

  Any other couple Minji saw, she would've thought it was cute; but they weren't any other couple. In front of her eyes, Minji spotted Haeun and Myungsoo. 

  Hoya's smile faded into a stern line as he saw the look on Minji's face. Without even looking to see what she was looking at, he knew what it was. 

  They were smile and laughing. 

  Minji felt her heart crack.

  Hoya felt his heart crack.

  That is when Myungsoo chose to look up; directly at Minji.

  Minji's heart broke more.

  Hoya's heart dropped and his anger rose.

  

 

  Just when everything seemed to being fine again, another thing comes along and ruins it.

  How cruel life is.