Haneul’s POV

After that day at the ski resort, I never met Junhyung again. Honestly, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of him the next morning, but I guess life is like this, when you’re looking out for something, you’ll never see it.

I continued with my life no doubt. I couldn’t be wishing he would appear all day. I guess I have numbed myself for the past three years. I was talking to our team about our upcoming mission to Kenya to educate the people in the rural area on the prevention of HIV when I was disrupted by a knock on the door.

“Skye, we would be having six new members joining your team this time.” My leader said.

“Six new members?” I asked.

“Yea. I think you would be familiar with them.” He said.

“Who?” I asked.

“You’ll see. They’ll be here soon.” He said, smiling.

I nodded and continued with whatever I had to say until I was disrupted by another knock.

When the door opened, I literally froze.

“SO BEAST! Annyeonghasaeyo, Beast immnida!” They bowed.

I buried my face in my palms, suppressing my urge to charge right to Junhyung to punch him.

“Sorry we are late.” Doojoon said, smiling.

The other people in the team were wowed by the fact Beast is going to join them for this mission. But for me, I didn’t even find it the slightest amusing.

“Let’s continue.” I mumbled.

They took their seats while I continued talking. I avoided looking at the six of them although I could feel their eyes on me.

“So, go back home and get a good rest. We’ll meet 7AM tomorrow at the airport. Thank you.” I bowed to them.

Everyone packed up and left, I was left behind with Beast.

“Where have you been, Haneul ah?” Doojoon asked.

“Around.” I mumbled.

“Why have you become so cold?” He asked, a hint of sadness in his voice.

“I’m busy.” I said, pushing my way through them.

As much as it hurt them that I was treating them like this, it hurts me too.

Junhyung’s POV

“Why has she changed?” Yoseob asked.

“It’s my fault.” I mumbled.

“No..” Hyunseung said, patting my back.

“It seems like she doesn’t really welcome us.” Dongwoon said.

“I’m sorry guys.” I apologized.

“Please stop apologizing!” Doojoon said.

“Let’s just go back eh? We have to be early tomorrow.” He continued.

On our way out, we overheard a conversation we shouldn’t be hearing.

“Why put six clueless people in the team?! This isn’t a joke you know! It’s not like we’ll be in Korea building schools or what. We’re going on a mission which involves a certain level of danger. You know how those people can get when they don’t agree with us. Besides, do the six of them even know what they are in for?” Haneul said.

“I know, Skye. But they requested to join, I have briefed them on it and told them about what might happen and they are willing. Also I feel that it would be a good experience. They are celebrities and they are doing this for a good cause. Their involvement will to a certain extent bring good impact to our organization. More people will know about us and we will receive more help. You know how tight on finance and people we are.” Her leader said.

“You can always put them somewhere else! They can film it, show their involvement to the world for all I care. Why does it have to be this one!? This mission was specifically for the more experienced volunteers and now you allow six newbies to go!? What would the others say? ” She said.

“I don’t know what you have against them, but to me, they seem really sincere. Skye, please don’t be biased.” He said.

“I am not being biased. I just don’t see a reason why should newbies be allowed to join this mission. You were the one who made it clear that this mission wasn’t as causal as the others. I don’t wish for things to screw up just because of them.” She said.

“Skye, you’ve always been welcoming to newbies. Why are you so harsh to them?” He asked.

“They can join for all I care, but I am not going then.” She said.

“You know I would join you all if I could. Come on, you’re the only one I can trust, you know it, don’t you?” He said.

“Then why are you doing this to me!?” Haneul yelled.

“Because I trust you! Just this once. I promise you never again would I accept newbies into your team on your behalf. Come on, how can I turn volunteers down? We’re all equal, aren’t we? We cannot be biased to them just because they are celebrities. I’ll hold responsibility for whatever happens.” He pleaded.

“Whatever! You better make sure they arrive at the airport tomorrow morning before I do, or else I’m leaving without them!” She shouted.

She stomped out and we met each other face to face. It was awkward, of course.

“EXCUSE ME!” She yelled as we were apparently blocking the way.

All of us spread apart, letting her cross.

“Seems like… she really doesn’t welcome us.” Yoseob mumbled.

I caught up with her and stopped her from walking away.

“What!?” She yelled.

“Why are you like this?” I asked.

“Why are you like this!?” She asked back.

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you!?” She yelled.

“If I say yes, then what can you do about it?” I said.

“What?” She frowned.

“Yes, I am doing this on purpose. I purposely chose your team to join. Of all teams, I specifically said I wanted to join yours. And then what can you do about it? Kick me out? You can’t, can’t you? I did nothing wrong.” I said, smirking slightly.

Annoyance wrote clearly on her face. Haneul hated to be challenge, but then again, this is the only way to get her to back down.

“Are you challenging me now, Yong Junhyung?” She asked.

“Yes.” I said.

“Very well. Join for all I care, but I’m telling you, one tiny mistake you make and I promise you, you and your group will be back in Korea even before you know it.” She said dangerously.

“Don’t worry. We’ll do such a good job your place as the in charge might be taken over by us.” I said.

She glared at me, biting down on her jaws to suppress her anger.

“You’re right. I have changed. In the past, I would plead. But now, I make sure I get what I want. I said I want you back, and I’ll have you back.” I whispered into her ear.

She pushed me away and kicked me on my shin.

“Don’t you even dare try anything funny. I am warning you, Yong Junhyung. If you do anything to screw my team up, I’m feeding you to the lions.” She said, shooting me a warning glare before stomping off.

The moment she was out of my sight, I couldn’t smile anymore. How could I? I apparently just declared war with the one I love so dearly. I don’t wish to do this either, but Haneul ah, why can’t you see that I am really sincere? Why did we have to end up becoming like this?