Junhyung’s POV

I was ignored throughout the ride. When we finally arrived at the site, I looked around. It was crowded with locals; adults and children. There weren’t any buildings or rooms, except for huts. Has Haneul been living these three years coming to and fro this place? Is this where she lived? The boys and I exchange glances. We suddenly felt unsure of everything.

“Those who are having doubts can always leave now while the van is still here.” Haneul said, glaring at me.

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

“No one wants to leave? Then very well, welcome to our home for the next three weeks.” Haneul said, a hint of happiness in her voice.

She introduced us to the local volunteers. She seemed pretty familiar to this place. The people here were all happy to see her. Haneul is naturally charming; she just doesn’t seem to realize it. After the basis introduction, she took us around the place and told us what was what.

“Here’s the toilet. If you’re expecting luxury, I’m sorry.” She said, pointing to a few cubicles made out of straws.

“We’ll sleep here,” She said, pointing to a stretch of huts.

“You guys sort out your sleeping positions on your own yea. About six people can fit into one hut, I think. But since there aren’t many of us this time, those who want individual huts can have them. Just that, I don’t really encourage it because it gets pretty creepy at night.” She said, smiling slightly.

This is the first time after so long I seen her smile. Although the smile wasn’t meant for me, it still felt nice seeing it.

“The dining area is just right across.” She pointed.

“Erm… Sort out your huts first and then we’ll continue? I’ll tell you guys more about work later on. Can we meet back here in half an hour? Is it enough time?” She asked.

Everyone nodded and agree.

“My hut is the second one. I’ll be there if you need me. See ya later~” She smiled as she skipped off.

“Let’s take that one.” I said, pointing to the one next to Haneul’s.

“What are you trying to do again, Hyung?” Dongwoon asked.

“Nothing.” I said.

Haneul stopped walking and turned to face us.

“What?” She asked.

“What?” I asked back.

“Why are you following me?” She asked.

“Following you? Are you delusional? The hut we are taking is in this direction.” I said.

She looked at the hut, and then back at me.

“We’ll take another one.” Hyunseung said, pulling me away.

“No. I want that one. You guys can go ahead. I am taking that.” I said, pushing passed Haneul.

Haneul grabbed me by my hair and raised her fist.

“It’s not funny anymore. I am in no mood to play any games with you. If you want to volunteer, I welcome you. But if you’re here to pick a fight with me, please leave.” She said.

“I told you, didn’t I? I’ll get what I want.” I said.

She let go of me and stomped into her place.

“Junhyung ah, aren’t you going too overboard?” Doojoon said, glaring at me before stepping into our place.

‘I’m sorry, Haneul ah~’

After we settled down, we gathered again at the dining area where she told us what we would be doing for the next three weeks. The job scope was really wide; from giving talks to the villagers to convince them to do a check up, drawing blood from the people to test them for HIV, providing other medical care to building schools and huts for them as well as providing the less fortunate with food.

“For the medical care part, it would mostly be taken care by our voluntary doctors and nurses, as well as me and some other people. There wouldn’t be a situation where you have nothing to do because as long as you’re comfortable with whichever area, you can always help.” She said.

“For the construction area, of course I would like the guys to do it, but if you don’t think you can do a good job, it’s alright too. We have plenty of things here to do, you’ll be able to find one your body can handle.” She said, looking at me.

I smirked at her and her expression darkened.

“If you guys don’t have any more questions, you can head over to the other side where the local volunteers would brief you more on which area they need help in. You can tell them what you prefer and all. Since it’s your first day here for some of you, don’t be too hard on yourself. You may walk around this area to get yourself used to this place, but please don’t venture out of our compound.” She said.

“We’ll meet here at 7PM for dinner, is that okay?” She asked.

Everyone nodded and headed to different places as thou they were very familiar. The six of us stared at each other, not knowing where to go.

“Come.” Haneul mumbled.

We followed behind her. She talked to one of the guys, telling him something we couldn’t really hear, and then she came back to us.

“They need people to help in finishing up the painting for the school we are building for the kids here. Can you guys help out?” She asked, looking at the other boys except me.

“Sure.” Doojoon said.

“Alright. He’ll take you there.” She said, gesturing us to follow the guy.

I watch as she walked off to join other people. She was smiling and laughing so happily, everyone who saw her hugged her. I wish I could hug her like this too. I wish her smile was because of me. 

“Junhyung, let’s go.” Yoseob said, tugging onto my arm.

The painting wasn’t a tough job, but I couldn’t concentrate at all. The school just had to be across where she was. I could see her so happy with everyone else. I couldn't take my eyes off her at all. I was jealous of those who she smiled and laughed at. Even if the other party was a kid, I felt jealous too. Or rather, I am envious.

“I know what you’re trying to do.” Doojoon said as he painted the wall.

“What?” I asked.

“Maybe your method would work, but if you go overboard, it’ll backfire.” He said.

I kept quiet.

“Your first step should be proving to her that you’re of some use here and not that you’re simply coming here just to get her back.” He said.

I looked at him.

“She hates me now.” I said.

“You made her hate you. That’s your problem.” He said.

I wanted to protest, but then I realize he was right. I declared war with her. I dug my own grave. Aish Yong Junhyung! What in the world were you thinking when you said those to her!? She happened to look over and caught me staring at her. I didn't try to hide myself. I expected her to roll her eyes and turn away, in which she did. I expected it, but why did it still hurt?