I pressed my lips together into a thin line. As much as I wanted to practice with him, I was still Eunmi, and I shouldn’t take chances to practice with one of the school’s most popular boys. Taking a deep breath, I swallowed back all my hesitation.

“I’m really sorry, but I’m busy this week…” I let my voice trail out.

What a regret… I really wanted to practice with him.

Myungsoo’s smile faded away into an expression of bitter disappointment. Nevertheless he plastered on a gentle smile.

“It’s alright. I understand,” He grinned, his eyes twinkling cheerfully. The way that he was acting made me feel regretful that I didn’t tryout with him.

“Myungsoo oppa!” A girl ran towards him, tugging at his hands. “Oppa, let’s go!”

“Ah, I gotta go,” He nodded at you before letting the girl drag him away. The girl looked back another time and waved to me. I tilted my head.

“Bye, Eunmi!” She giggled, flipping her hair. I quickly recovered and waved back at the pretty girl.

“Oppa, where are we going today?” She clung onto his arm.

“I don’t know, Yoomi,” He shrugged. I watched as they disappeared down the hallway, an uneasy feeling tugging at my heart.

Oh. That was Yoomi? She's Eunmi’s best friend.

I bit my lip, reprimanding myself. I could’ve gotten caught so easily right there and then!

“Eunmi!”

I turned my head to see a panting Jonghyun running down the hallway, hastily pushing himself out of the way of lockers and people.

“Jonghyun! What are you doing here?” I asked. Wasn’t he in a rush to get out?

“Oh, I was just… fixing a situation,” He shrugged, his hands on his knees as he struggled to get his breath. “I’ll walk you home today, okay?”

“I-“

“Don’t worry! I don’t have anything to do today!” He smiled, holding up an “okay” sign with his right hand. I sighed. Walking with him would mean that I would have to somehow stay as Eunmi for at least ten minutes- and have to be alert on all times.

“Fine,” I huffed, letting out a puff of air.

“Was that Myungsoo just now?” His head swiveled in the direction where Myungsoo had left to.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “He asked me if I wanted to practice the script with him.”

Jonghyun’s eyebrows furrowed, forming an expression of displeasure. My hands started to feel clammy- I already messed up one time today by telling him that I wanted to try out for Alice.

“I don’t like him,” He groaned, running his hand through his hair.

“Erm… why?” I questioned, my curiosity getting the better of me. He suddenly lifted his hand out of his hair, suspicion and worry glinting in his chocolate orbs.

“You’re really forgetful, Eunmi,” He sighed, gently patting my head. “You should go home and take a big rest today. For some reason, you’re not acting like yourself today.”

I gulped.

“I… I-“ I squeaked.

“It’s okay; just go home and rest, okay?” Jonghyun ruffled my hair. I slowly lowered my head, ignoring the tingly sensation that ran through my fingers.

“Yeah,” I whispered.

“Bye!” I waved to Jonghyun and closed the gates, trudging up the steps and quickly stepping into the house. I could see Jonghyun out from the crack in the door, waiting for me to fully close the door. Hastily, I slammed the door shut and rested my back against the cold wood.

Oh gosh.

The walk home was incredibly awkward the entire time!

I shook my head to rid myself of the awkwardness that clung in the air.

“Homework, homework,” I muttered to myself, busy taking all my work and pencils out of my backpack. Suddenly, a thought struck me. Should I snoop around Eunmi’s room to see if there was anything that would help me rid others of their suspicion? She would certainly get angry if she found out, but it would be worth it if she didn’t find out.

My thoughts flew to Jonghyun, Myungsoo, and Yoomi- the three people who were suspicious of me.

But what if Eunmi finds out?

Don’t snoop around her room [coming soon]

Snoop around her room [coming soon]