Chasing You

Chapter Twenty

Your Smile

Yixing was six when his father suddenly got a job transfer. Because of that, his family had to move, and Yixing wasn’t pleased at all when he heard the news. He had learned that they were only going to be there for four months, so moving would be futile. In fact, he did not want to make new friends and then disappear like he was never there. If he wanted to befriend someone then, he might as well make it last forever.

It was a six-hour long car ride, but Yixing stayed awake the whole time. He could only stare out the window as he sighed for the umpteenth time, hoping that his dad’s job transfer would be canceled.

He saw trees, flowers, and many other ordinary things. If they were going to move then, his dad should’ve at least been relocated to a place that was interesting. From the looks of it, there weren’t any children, but that was completely normal because it was too early for them to go out. He was going to complain about not having any friends and then blame his parents for it when he ends up becoming an introvert until he saw her.

She was dressed in pink, a color that he never particularly liked. It was too bright for him, too girly, and not at all appealing. However, the moment he saw her, his jaw dropped, and he forgot about the many reasons he was against moving in the first place. His soon to be forming smile diminished as he averted his gaze towards the boy in blue: obnoxious boy wearing navy. He walked faster than the girl and continued to walk even as she tripped. Her pink dress turned mauve, but her smile didn’t fade.

As he continued to watch her, he couldn’t help but wonder why such a bubbly girl like her was following such a rude boy like him. He calmed himself and reminded himself that there was a possibility that the two might be siblings or cousins. They couldn’t have possibly been friends. They were just too different.

An hour later, he gained enough courage to approach them. The boy, known as Sehun, ignored him while the girl, Ah Reum, smiled at him. He couldn’t help but smile back, but he felt nervous to do so, for he felt like someone was getting ready to murder him. It was only Sehun, yet that wasn't a good thing.

Sehun hated him, and Ah Reum treated him as a friend. Heck, they even came up with nicknames for one another. Sehun loathed the idea since Ah Reum barely knew him, but she shrugged it off and treated him like she knew him her whole life.

Sadly, he forgot that he would only be there for four months. It was hard for him to leave the school, the glares Sehun would give him, the memories, and especially her. Even so, as her silhouette grew further and further away, he vowed to himself that when he met her again, he would free her from Sehun’s grasps and make her happy.

…

Sooyoung put the last pin into Ah Reum's hair. She was assigned to do the hair and makeup for Yerim and Ah Reum. Seulgi said that she hated makeup and can manage by herself, so Sooyoung left it that way. Everyone was looking different this evening. Aside from the regular attire every day, dresses and suits were worn by boys and girls. Tonight was a special night. Sooyoung was satisfied at what she had done on Ah Reum because her hair and makeup fitted her dress perfectly. Not too heavy but not too light, just perfect for the night. But, something was missing.

"You look beautiful, Ah Reum." Sooyoung complimented, feeling happy with the result of her efforts.

"Wear this," Seulgi said, pulling out a bracelet made of ribbon and silver.

Yerim smiled at the accent the bracelet pulled when attached to Ah Reum's wrist. "It matches her dress. That's a beautiful choice, Seulgi."

"Thank you so much," Seulgi said.

"Everything is beautiful, Ah Reum. But, why don't you try to smile a bit so it would be perfect?" Sooyoung said which earned nods from Yerim and Seulgi.

Yerim tapped Ah Reum on the shoulder, saying, "Cheer up, Ah Reum. You are waiting for this night, right?"

Her deflated energy had been very obvious to everyone. What was she doing? Tonight was her most awaited Org Ball; the private dance she was fantasizing about for many years. Tonight was that night, and she was not happy. There was no excitement, no energy, and no motivation to be happy because she had a feeling that every moment of it will just be a disaster. She was feeling dull ever since she woke up this morning and she guessed it was because of her confrontation with Sehun. She slept well last night and the activity they'd done went well, in fact, they were all successful. Ah Reum should be more excited because there was going to happen tonight that could put their committee in the headline.

But, all those were meaningless for her now.

"I will. You guys go first, and I will follow in a bit."

Yerim and Sooyoung made their way out while Seulgi stayed for a while.

"Enjoy this night. You've been waiting for this for so long."

"I'll try," Ah Reum said.

"It's not enough," Seulgi firmly stated.

Ah Reum smiled. As expected of Seulgi, when she wanted it, she would get it. "Okay. I promise to enjoy the night."

"Better," Seulgi said and also made her way to the door, "Don't forget your promise, Ah Reum."

...

Balloons were all over the floor. The foods were soon to be gone. The drinks were almost out of supply, but Seulgi was ready for times like this that was why drinks were provided soon enough. The faculty members were all having a good time, even Kyungsoo, who was known for his intense personality, was dancing his heart out. The music was thunderous, and the students were very cooperative with regards to partying. The dance floor was always full, and so was the corner where the delicacies were. People could barely hear each other. It was more of a party rather than a formal ball. Well, high school would be high school.

If not for the announcement, Ah Reum would have been gone now, but she had to stay until the end because of one last competition. Yixing asked her for a dance earlier and after that nothing much happened. Yerim and Sooyoung were pulling her for a group dance, and she joined but only for a couple of minutes. She didn't find getting wet by a bottle of water while they were dancing funny. Normally, she would be the one insisting the splashing, but she was just not in the mood. So, she went back to her seat with no one to talk to. Seulgi and Jongdae were busy monitoring the ball and controlling unexpected situations. Yixing was having fun on his own. The last person she expected to see was Sehun. No, he would never dance with her. Not after what happened.

"Care to dance?" a familiar voice asked her.

Ah Reum looked up. "Sure, Luhan."

Luhan led her to the middle of the dance floor. Group dances were temporarily over since the music changed into a slow, love song.

"Smile a little, Ah Reum."

Ah Reum lowered her head, shaking it a little. "Not you too. Everybody is telling me that same thing all night, and I'm tired of hearing it."

"If you are, then smile." It was a friendly advice and honestly, Luhan wanted to say that to Sehun too who was scowling all night. "We are all getting worried about you because you've been down since this team building started."

"I'll be happy," Ah Reum assured quickly the moment the music died.

"Calling on Ah Reum from the Publicity Committee for this year's Publicity Committee's achievements."

Ah Reum released her hold on Luhan. "Have to go. Thank you for the dance."

Any time now, anything could happen. Ah Reum ambled towards the stage. All eyes on her but nothing significant about it. They were just waiting for her to grab the microphone and rant about their committee even though no one could care less. Not later on, the emcee gave her the microphone, and she was standing in the middle of the stage. Spotlight on her. Ah Reum could barely see the people, but she could see the board of members that had their tables on the front. That was when she realized that the fate of the Publicity Committee was in her hands. Ah Reum could take the stares, and she could do it. And so, she commenced.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It's my first year to join the Organization Ball, and so far the experience is good. This year is also the first time I joined a committee and with that I am proud to announce to you all the achievements of the Publicity Committee for this year!"

She started well. Now, she was about to start on month number one. She grabbed the microphone again and was about to open when the lights went out and a familiar voice echoed in the room.

Ah Reum hated the dark. It was a good thing that there was no blackout, and she had an idea of what was happening. In time, a spotlight illuminated the stage, no, a particular person. He was talking, and he was walking in her direction and he was Zhang Yixing.

"Exactly five months and one week since I first spoke to you. It's not that long, but it is long enough to know you as a person who radiates happiness. I know this is shocking to you because I've hidden my feelings well these past few months, but I am ready to tell you about it now, Ah Reum. I have always admired you for being so honest and supportive, but those are just your plus points because your whole being is what I love."

"What is he doing?" Yerim asked in a state of panic.

Seulgi shrugged and answered, "Being stupid?"

Yixing was playing the guitar as he walked towards her. She felt frozen to the spot, unable to move, speechless. Ah Reum was very familiar with the setting as if she was in her dream confession. She did not know that Yixing could play an instrument. This was too good to be true. And it was too good.

"Your strong side is exposed every single day, and people came to like you for it, but they know little about your vulnerable side which made me realize that I am the man who should be there to hug you when everything goes wrong. When life and love seem to be too hard. When conflicts are too much for you to handle, and when you just need somebody. People see me as the joker-type, the one who is never serious. But, I am not goofing around with you right now because this is what I feel."

"Oh, no," Luhan mumbled, thinking Yixing was serious. He wanted to get on the stage and punch Yixing right in the face for making him believe that he was supporting Sehun and Ah Reum, not Ah Reum and him. A certain friendship might end tonight.

On the other hand, Sooyoung could not seem to handle what was happening. "Tell me this is just a dream," she said, breathless.

It's Yixing. Yixing for Christ's sake. They had no idea that Zhang 'Freaking' Yixing had feelings for Ah Reum. What would the world say? What would Ah Reum say? What would Sehun do? Of all the people that could like Ah Reum, why did it have to be him? He was one of Sehun pals, the one who made possible of Ah Reum and Sehun's first date, and the very reason Luhan was so into getting Sehun and Ah Reum together. All this time, he was just bluffing. Or he was able to develop feelings for Ah Reum because she was always hurting and he had an instinct that he did not want her to feel like that always. But, it was still impossible. Or not.

"It's not, so just shut up and watch," Seulgi said in a very authoritative tone. She was waiting on what could this event result.

Yixing stopped strumming the guitar. He was right before Ah Reum, who looked very surprised. Everything was going according to plan. Maybe they were all asking if this was real or not, but they have to find that out later. "I know that I am not the man you want to be standing in front of you right now but if you would just give me a chance, I'll show you that I can be worthy of your time. So, Ah Reum, will you let me?"

Ah Reum stared at Yixing. He played one of her favorite songs, she heard him say the things she was longing to hear, he'd done her dream confession, and he was always there. Ah Reum looked down and smirked. She did not know that it was too fairytale-like. If she had known, she would have changed her dream confession a long time ago. Ah Reum made a mental note to laugh about this with Yixing. The Yixing who was confessing in front of all the prominent persons in Seoul Academy. Yixing, who was known for treating life as a joke. Yixing, who just learned about being responsible and all. He was doing this all for one reason. If this was just good, then it might be true.

Luhan glanced at Sehun, wanting to see his reaction. Sehun was stoic as ever but when Luhan looked at his friend's fist, it was a sign that something bad might happen tonight. "Oh my god. I smell trouble."

"Sehun?" Da Eun asked worriedly, "Are you feeling alright?"

"You... like me?" Ah Reum's voice echoed in the room.

"I do," Yixing admitted, his face saying he was sincere.

"Why?"

Yixing could not think of any reason since there was nothing in particular. "I don't need a reason to like you because it is a feeling," he answered, "Because it is a feeling, it comes out suddenly. You know, like it was a dream that you could not afford to believe, but it is real. It is magical. It is felt." He explained with a different kind of smile. "You see, I just do, Ah Reum." His expression when he said that was angelic and vulnerable. It could melt any woman's heart.

Ah Reum nodded, appreciating Yixing's efforts then ran to him and hugged him tightly. This made the crowd squeal, forgetting the fact that things don't work that way. Overlooking the fact that the person Ah Reum loved was standing before them. Seoul Academy had found its newest couple. What happened was historic. The boy confessing in front of oh so many people and the girl running to his arms. It was like in the movies. It was something unbelievable. It was something that could only happen in fiction.

Suddenly, a microphone stand was placed in front of Ah Reum and Yixing. Ah Reum released herself from the hug, wiping her tears, and grabbing Yixing's hand. The two gave each other a signal before looking shortly at the members of the PubCom that were just at the other side of the stage. The two stars of the night nodded. Ah Reum smiled, and Yixing remained in his happy expression.

With the count of three, Ah Reum and Yixing simultaneously yelled into the microphone, making it audible in the whole room, "You got fooled!"

It was too good to be true because it was fake. It could only happen in fiction or maybe during rare times in life because it was not true. It was just for the competition. They all got fooled. The Publicity Committee got them all believing that Yixing liked Ah Reum. Without a doubt, they won the game. The faculty and board members gave their applause for the good show and not too long, the students followed.

Ah Reum chuckled, grabbing the microphone, saying, "Thank you, everyone! I hope you enjoyed the show."

"We got you!" Yixing repeated before finally pulled by their committee president.

President Chanyeol greeted the two. "That's so great. You've done it marvelously."

"I deserve a bonus for this," Yixing rejoiced.

Ah Reum rolled her eyes. "We don't get bonuses, Yixing."

"A treat would suffice," Yixing joked.

Meanwhile, Yerim and Sooyoung could breathe regularly again. They were having a hard time absorbing the fact that Yixing liked Ah Reum all, this time, but now they knew it was just all part of the plan, they were okay again. No one could top that act, not even the Academic Committee. It was believable, and since Ah Reum was the one involved, she made it ten tim