forty-six

—

n.

The class representative - which was, in no doubt, me - stood in front of the podium. "Ahem." As soon as I cleared my throat, everyone sat up straight and only focused their eyes on the one and only. A smile secretly formed on my face. They've all appointed me class president because they told me that I had good leading skills and that I was a person whom "people could freely talk to and open up with". The teachers also told me that I was a very responsible kid and that I was hardworking, giving my best efforts in every single thing I do, and because they saw my potential, they gave me the opportunity, by being the class president, to further enhance my skills.

Either that or it's just because nobody wanted to handle such a troublesome and impeding role.

"To plan for the upcoming school festival, I would need volunteers who would help me prepare for the event. Anyone up for it?" I was narrowing my eyes at Taek Woon while I was making the announcement. To be honest, I wanted him to raise his hand and help me with the loads of commissions, even though I was certain that he would not do so. Especially something like that. Taek Woon hates work - Work that requires talking and collaborating with strangers and other people. I know myself that he hates to do labor, but once he has had no choice but to finish it, he would end up doing it. The guy wouldn't complain and would do his work silently and diligently on his own. Even if he was doing things on his own pace, it would turn out unexpectedly well. He was the type of guy that was not hard to work with. He cooperates very well and runs errands very quickly; such a good boy. I took a good look around and saw that my classmates were all glancing at each other and their seatmates. It looked like there was no hope, not even for Taek Woon.

I've decided to do things the hard way. "Well then, Soo Ah, you come with me." With the sudden involvement of her name, she immediately lifted her head up with widened eyes. Everyone perked up. "If Soo Ah's going, then I will too!"

"Me too! Let me join!"

Plan might work. I grinned. 

I was too busy celebrating about my brilliant plan that I didn't notice Taek Woon standing up from his seat and heading towards the door. I raised a quizzical eyebrow and asked him, "Yah! Jung Taek Woon, where are you going?" He turned around with also a raised eyebrow and pursed lips. His face clearly stated "What do you think I'm doing!?".

"What are you talking about?" He mouthed. "We still have things to do, let's go." The tone of his voice sounded irritated as he left the room. I approached Soo Ah and grabbed her wrist, dragging her with me. "Come on." I smiled widely before she could even speak.

In the end, I had two committee members with me.

—

leo.

—

"So, what will your class do for the school festival?"

I eyed Hak Yeon, waiting for him to answer the question. "Don't know yet." He shrugged and tapped his mechanical pencil on the table, creating rhythmic patterns and beats. We were in a meeting room in the main building. The head teacher put all of the people in charge in one single room to talk about their plans. It seemed like he made a wrong decision... "Typical Hak Yeon-hyung." Jae Hwan scoffed and shook his head. "Do you need two other people to help you come up with a plan?" The big-nosed man crossed his arms, like he was the boss of everything and anything. Ji Eun, who was sitting beside him, secretly chuckled by hiding it with her hand. Yeah... The idiot did make a point for once. I mean, why did he need two other people? One is enough. More like he was enough. He didn't have to get me and Soo Ah involved. Sheesh... 

"Yah! Lee Jae Hwan!" Hak Yeon leaned forward and "neck-chopped" Jae Hwan, if there was such a word. "Don't act all high and mighty! I'm older than you." "Cool, cool." The latter nodded with his mouth puffed up like a fish. "Anyways, that's why we're here to think about it." He placed the pencil in front of him and tried to act serious for even a moment. "You come up with anything yet?" Jae Hwan nudged Ji Eun who winced on her spot. "You didn't have to do that..." She whispered and rubbed the spot on her arm where he hit her. "We're planning to go with a haunted house." 

"You seem ready for it." I muttered under my voice.

"Hah, and you'll be the one managing it. Seems right. Everyone will get scared of you." Hak Yeon commented. 

"Like you'll do any better." The girl who was sitting across Hak Yeon rolled her eyes. 

Jae Hwan got into the conversation. "The committee members will just help with the preparation. We'll not do the actual "scaring"." Afterwards, Ji Eun slapped his arm and inaudibly said, "Don't act like you're not a transferee." Ignoring all the bickering happening in front of us, I stared at Soo Ah who was fiddling with her hands in silence. How'd we end up in such a chaotic situation again? I will never know... As much as I'm concerned, I couldn't help but just try to run away from the scene in front of me. I tried to talk to her. "...You okay?" I asked. The quiet girl looked up and nodded. I sighed heavily. If this debate wouldn't end, then I have no choice but to grab her hand and escape out of her.

...Grab her hand, huh? 

I shook my head and prevented myself from flushing. What am I thinking of at a time like this!? I need to focus.

But I can't! I couldn't! No puedo!

Especially that our shoulders were brushing against each other every time we move a little, though our heights didn't match so our shoulders weren't on the same level. Same difference. I tried to redirect my attention and stared at the man sitting beside Jae Hwan. It seems that that Hong Bin guy was also a committee member. How surprising. He was alone, I noticed. I was shooting my infamous poker face on him to make him uncomfortable.

Well, if anyone were a guy like him, being caught in between a meaningless and good-for-nothing fight with strangers, who wouldn't get uncomfortable in the first place?

—

soo ah.

"Why not a butler café?"

"...Considered!"

"Don't fall for me, okay?"

"Psh, like I would."

"Geez Jae Hwan. You and your mind."

"We'll be able to see Hak Yeon-hyung in a butler uniform! How exciting~"

"And Leo too."

Taek Woon glared at Hak Yeon. So far, they were having a "healthy" debate, if you could call it that, right after the deafening argument several minutes back. I could sense his anger right from my spot; the aura he was emitting was too strong that even I could feel it. Taek Woon sat up straight for the umpeeth time, and everytime he would, our shoulders would always brush against each other, making my cheeks blush pink. I lowered my head and tried to hide it so it wouldn't be obvious. I wasn't used to it and all that. I tried to peek at his expression. I wonder what he feels or thinks about anytime we get physically close... Would he be happy? Would he be irritated? Overjoyed? Annoyed? Embarrassed? Bothered? 

Because no matter when it happens, I would feel delighted and tingled; the butterflies in my stomach would start to flutter.

...Does he feel the same?

There were so many questions in my mind which wouldn't let me focus on the topic at hand. Jae Hwan interrupted my thoughts when he unexpectedly talked to Hong Bin who was sitting deathly still beside him. I know exactly how Hong Bin feels. If I try to talk to him, it'll ease the tension, yet at the same time, the others wouldn't be able to catch up with what we'll talk about. "How about you, uhm..." He pointed an index finger at the younger. "Hong Bin." He replied and slightly nodded his head. "Hong Bin." Jae Hwan tried to get comfortable with the name, "What are you gonna do?" "We haven't made a decision yet." Hong Bin answered formally. "We?" Ji Eun seemed confused and looked around as if searching for something. "Ah, that..." The youngest amongst us scratched his head, "Well, she couldn't attend the meeting right now. She's at the infirmary." He informed. Curious, Hak Yeon asked, "What happened? Was she hurt?" 

"Not exactly. She said that she felt sick, so yeah..." He bit his bottom lip and nodded, trying to adjust from the awkwardness. I nodded on my spot. So that was it... No wonder it felt unnatural for him to be the only first year. "Don't worry, we'll help you come up with a plan before we start preparing." The eldest assured and Jae Hwan continued the conversation with another question, "By the way, where are the fourth years?"

"They're having a very important test right now. One that they can't miss." Said Hak Yeon.

I looked around with wavering eyes. Right after the tanned boy mentioned the fourth years, a chill ran down my spine. The incident that took place months ago ran back to my mind. 

Hye Jin-sunbae. General cleaning. Water. A fierce Taek Woon.

I couldn't get it off my head when I'm supposed to. Ji Eun told me that day that Taek Woon had a talk with sunbae according with that matter. But I wasn't enlightened about what happened. About what they talked about. About how it all turned out. However, I noticed that since then, I haven't seen Hye Jin-sunbae. Not around Taek Woon nor myself. Not once. I turned my head towards Taek Woon and stared at him with longing eyes. He looked at me and both our eyes met each other. He rapidly looked away. I didn't know why, he just did. Maybe on instinct? So that it wouldn't feel uncomfortable? I wanted to ask why Hye Jin-sunbae hasn't appeared recently. Honestly, it might be a convenience, because whenever I would see her, I'd always feel nervous. Yet I couldn't help but feel strange - That it was my fault.

—

The meeting was coming to its end, so we sorted out the ideas we came up with and will add further details later on. "We'll just need to tell the teachers." Hak Yeon nodded in accomplishment, his face b with ecstasy. "I almost forgot, there's the contest as well." "Contest?" Hong Bin blinked. "Yes. Everyone could join. It's a talent show, and there's a cash prize!" Hak Yeon smiled, his pearly whites unraveling to the world. "You could join too, you know." The dark-skinned man encouraged the youngest.

"Cash!?" Jae Hwan beamed, his eyes sparkling. 

"Ji Eun! We could be partners!" Hak Yeon nodded at Ji Eun who only kept an unmoved face. "You expect me to dance on stage? No, no." As the two tried to convince each other and talked matters about it, I noticed that Jae Hwan was watching them wordlessly from afar. Like he was from a different world. I wonder why that only happens whenever the two would strike up a conversation, or an argument... 

"Oh yeah!" Hak Yeon clasped his hands and chortled, "Yangjae-dong Number 1~!" I batted my eyes twice, or more than twice, as soon as I heard what he said. Jae Hwan laughed until he choked, and Taek Woon was frozen on his spot. Hong Bin, Ji Eun and I were the only ones who had no clue of what he was talking about. "What!?" Ji Eun asked, a bit too shocked. 

Taek Woon was still on his spot somewhat slumping. Like he was trying to hide from the world.

By the time Jae Hwan finished laughing, he patted his stomach to calm it down and wiped the tears away from his eyes. "Ah... My cheeks hurt." Hak Yeon's cheeks turned burning red from laughing. "Taek Woon-hyung was dubbed as "Yangjae-dong Number 1" because he's the best singer in his hometown."

"So you definitely have to sing at the festival." Hak Yeon slow-clapped, still chuckling.

I turned my head towards Taek Woon whose ears were bright crimson.

Taek Woon could sing...!?

—