Italicized means it's in English

At lunch time, I ate happily, my stomach happy to have food. The poptart held me over for a bit, but it was too sweet for my liking for so early in the morning.

“Edward.” I called out to the daycare worker I have befriended. It was right next to my school and for lunch, we had an hour lunch but I had a free period right after so I was able to spend time at the daycare before having to go back to school.

“Have I gained weight?” He looked at me like I was crazy, eyeing me then started to laugh. I wasn’t sure what was so funny.

“Oh, you’re serious?” I nodded my head.

“Eunjung, if you think you’ve gained weight, then I’m a freaking cow.” I was confused about this.

“I don’t understand how you being a cow answers my question.”

“No, you haven’t gained weight. Instead, it kind of looks like you’ve lost weight. Is everything okay? Have you been eating well?” Besides my mother not letting me eat breakfast, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. I just settled for nodding my head, eating a spoonful of rice topped with kimchi and meat.

“Alright, if you say so. But just know that I’m here for you, if you ever want to talk. And don’t skip meals!” He used a reprimanding tone. I sighed, nodding my head.

“Okay Edward. I won’t skip meals.” He smiled, happy with my agreeing. He patted my head before returning to his lunch.

“Are you going to come by after school?” Edward asked me.

“I should, unless something last minute pops up but I’ll text you if something does.”

“You better. I love these kids but they drain so much out of me.” Edward sighed.

“Aww, are you turning into a grandpa?” I cooed. Edward glared at me.

“Ha-ha, very funny. Just wait till you’re my age.” I scoffed at this.

“Yah, you make it sound like you’re fifty something.” Edward just gave me a look.

“Ever since my falls, nothing has been the same.” I laughed, knowing what fall he was talking about. I remember the first fall. He was going back to work after a break and I was just getting in. He was limping and the bike he uses, was in his hand. I asked him what was wrong and when he told me, I couldn’t help but laugh since stuff like that usually happened to me but I was still concerned. The second fall though, caused physical damage. He got an ugly scrape on his knuckles on one hand and on his cheek. It had been bloody and left a scar for a while.

“Okay, whatever you say Eddie.” I began cleaning up my trash, his as well. I checked the time on my phone and saw that it was around time for me to start heading back.

“I need to go now. I’ll text you if something comes up.” I gave him a one arm hug since he was still sitting. He patted my hand.

“Okay Eunjung, see you, hopefully.” I laughed at his hopefully, grabbing my bag and walking out the daycare center.

I got back to the school just as the bell rang, signifying the end of class. I took my time since I always get to my class on time. When I got there, I went to my usual seat and got out the notebook I needed.

“Hey, Kim Eunjung, can you help me with this? You finished the needed English courses already, right?” I looked up at a classmate who stood next to my desk. It didn’t take long to help them figure out what they had trouble with. I finished some of my classes early, leaving me with free time on my schedule. My English wasn’t bad but when I met Edward, it got better because when we were together, we’d just speak English. My reading and writing in English was never a problem but it was the speaking I had trouble with at first until Edward.

“Do you understand it now?” I asked my classmate with a smile. They nodded their head.

“Yep. No wonder you’re our class president. Thanks Eunjung.” They bowed slightly to me before returning to their desk.

On top of being top of my entire class, I was also class president. I didn’t originally plan to be class president and wasn’t made class president until the middle of the school year because the previous class president, he was voted only because of popularity. I didn’t complain but some parents did, causing the school to take away his title and giving it to me. Other parents complained with me because they thought it was given to me because my dad but when they saw that I actually was smart and knew what I was doing, they backed off. I was terrified at first because I thought it would be a demanding position and would interfere with my studies but it really wasn’t like that. I’m not even sure why there is a class president but I was told that in certain situations, I would be very important and useful so I guess those situations haven’t come up yet.

I think why I even agreed to be take over as class president was because I thought it would be something that would make my family proud. I had gone home that day, excited to tell my parents but the same day Moonkyu oppa had just found out that he was made leader of his dance team. Our parents took us out for a really nice dinner after hearing his news. I was proud of my oppa and couldn’t find it in me to tell them my news of being class president since the dinner was for Moonkyu oppa so I kept quiet. They still don’t know but that’s okay! I’d rather tell them once I’ve done something important as class president.

I walked out of school, excited to head to the daycare center when I saw Moonkyu oppa’s car at the front of the school with him leaning against the hood, looking cool. I smiled, bounding over to him but I had to struggle past some girls who gathered excitedly around him, trying to get his attention.

“Oppa! What are you doing here?” I wondered with a smile once I got to the front of the crowd, trying to ignore some of the mean comments that girls threw my way.

“How can she be his sister?”

“All she does is study.”

“The only reason she got the title as class president was because some parents were ing.”

“Like, she’s not even that pretty.”

Moonkyu oppa gestured his head towards the car.

“Get in. Mom and dad told me to pick you up.” I was confused. Why wasn’t I made aware of this in the morning?

“Umm, okay.” I moved to the other side, getting in and placing my bag in the back but being sure to take out my phone.

I heard the girls swoon before Moonkyu oppa got into the driver’s side. He started the car and drove away. I sent a quick text to Edward, letting him know that I wouldn’t be able to go to the daycare center. He sent a Snapchat of the kids running around and screaming, acting like kids before turning the camera to himself, a tired expression. I sent him one of me making a puppy dog face and writing “Sorry”. I put my phone away, turning my head so that I was facing Moonkyu oppa.

“How was your day oppa?”

“Fine.” Was the only thing he said. I waited to see if he would ask me about my day but wasn’t entirely surprised to see that he hasn’t.

“How’s your dancing? Do you know when your next recital or competition will be?” I always loved seeing Moonkyu oppa dance because he looked so happy.

When I didn’t get a reply, I just kept on talking. It was usually like this with Moonkyu oppa. He either gives one worded answers or just doesn’t speak but I know he’s still listening.

“I’m sure you’re practicing hard. You always look cool dancing and I’m sure that when the next competition comes, you’ll be ready.” I said with a smile. Still no reply.

Moonkyu oppa and I used to talk a lot when we were younger. He always told me to do my best, to never give up and when my parents seemed indifferent or said something that could come off as mean, he was there to comfort me. Later though, Moonkyu oppa got busy with school and friends and dancing so he just got distant. But, it’s understandable. I mean, he has his own life and I know that he still loves me and thinks the things he used to tell me. I just wish that we could sometimes go back to the days where the conversations didn’t just have me talking.

I looked out the window and saw that we weren’t going the usual way to get home.

“Oppa” I turned to look back at him. “Where are we going?” He didn’t answer but I could see that he seemed a bit tense.

“Oppa” I called out, a bit timid. “Is everything okay?” Again, no answer.

“Op-“ “Yah! You’re so annoying! Just shut up and stop asking questions!” I jumped back, scared by his outburst.

“I’m sorry oppa.” I whispered, fighting back my tears. I looked down at my hands in my lap, wiping away a tear that escaped.

It was silent, the rest of the ride. We got to a restaurant and I had managed to stop my tears. When Moonkyu oppa parked, I got out of the car but didn’t walk inside until Moonkyu oppa was ahead of me. I noticed the bag he was holding but was scared to ask him about it. I didn’t want him snapping at me again. When we got inside the restaurant, Moonkyu oppa handed the bag to me.

“Change into what’s in here. The restroom’s over there.” I walked in the direction that he pointed in, clutching the bag close to me.

I found the women’s restroom, awed by how nice the inside was. The entire restaurant itself was at least four stars and very expensive. I’m sure my parents and Moonkyu oppa has eaten at restaurants like these but I’m usually left at home but these types of restaurants aren’t my style so it’s fine. I changed inside a stall and I wasn’t comfortable at all in what I was wearing. I walked out, examining myself in the mirror. The dress was short, and hugged my body in what I guess were the right places. The dress was a shimmery gray and the blazer was tan, the sleeves stopping at my elbows. I even had a pair of stilettos on. I took a full body picture and sent it to Edward. He knew more about fashion than me.

“Holy ! Where are you and who are you meeting?!” Was his response. I sent him a simple “I don’t know.” Because I really wasn’t sure. I walked out the restroom, only to bump into Moonkyu oppa who gave me a once over before pushing me back towards the restroom.

“No, go back in your uniform. That’s terrible on you.” I tried my best not to look dejected. I wasn’t fond of the outfit but I thought it had made me look good.

“Yah, are you deaf? I said to go back in there and change.” I nodded my head and walked back into the restroom. I changed back into my uniform, placing the outfit back into the bag. My phone dinged, indicating that I had a message.

“Well whoever it is, is damn lucky because you are smoking! I want to know everything on Monday. You better come to the daycare!” I smiled at the compliment, feeling a bit better. Edward always knew how to make me feel better.

I walked out the restroom and Moonkyu oppa immediately took the bag from me. He handed it off to the hostess who was going to lead us to a table.

When we got to the table, I saw our parents and another couple with a guy who looked around my age, maybe a bit older. I bowed to everyone when we got to the table and I didn’t miss my mother’s disapproving stare.

“Why are you in your uniform?” I ducked my head.

“I’m sorry mother, but-“ Moonkyu oppa cut me off.

“Didn’t fit.” He simply said, sitting down in an empty chair next to our father.

“Tch, I knew you were gaining weight.” I heard my mother mutter, small shake of the head.

“Eunjung, sit down.” My father actually looked at me this time. I nodded my head. The only seat left was next to the guy so I had no other choice but to sit there. I slowly made my way over, the guy getting up so he could pull my seat out for me. I was a bit shocked since no one has ever done that for me.

“Ah, thank you.” I bowed my head to him, sitting down. He bowed his head to me, pushing my chair in for me before sitting back down.

I looked around the table. I had a feeling about what all this meant, but I didn’t want to believe it. My parents, always pushed the thought of me marrying a wealthy, successful man and becoming just that, his wife. I always follow and listen to my parents, but that was one thing I never agreed with and I think they’ve figured it out. I study hard so I could get into a SKY university. I don’t plan for marriage and want to become a successful career woman. I’ve always wanted that, for as long as I could remember. All the girls I’ve met my age through my parents, wanted what their mothers had. They didn’t want to have to lift a finger. They didn’t want to work and only just shop and do whatever it is they wanted. Many of them didn’t even go to high school. I had to beg my parents into allowing me to attend high school, the only time I’ve done such a thing. I don’t want to have to rely on someone. I’ve seen families like ours where their business goes bankrupt and they lose their money and way of living. It’s scary how lost everyone is when that happens and that’s what I fear when my parents bring up the topic of me marrying. I don’t want to be just a pretty face—even though people say it’s not that pretty—but someone who contributes to society.

“Now that everyone is here, Eunjung, we want you to meet Yoon San.” I looked to my right where the guy—now I know his name is Yoon San—was sitting, staring at the table, not looking anywhere else.

“He’s to be your husband.” I could feel everything I worked so hard for, get taken away from me.