IOI EXAM

A tarpaulin of it was placed by the gymnasiums, the said venues of the the exam. All juniors from A to F have lined up by their respective gymnasiums as they awaited their demise inside a place filled with uncertainty and where the chairs are separated by a meter gap.

For Section B, students by Somi’s back had gone fidgety, even Eunwoo wanted to pee. Haeyoung was right behind her, growing nervous.

“Yah, Jeon Somi! Aren’t you scared?” Haeyoung asked. “This is your first IOI Exam, right?”

“Yes. I would’ve expected you guys to relax since you took this like many times.” Somi said.

“Only for two times every year, Somi.” Siyeon said. “This would be the fifth. But it’s always hell.”

Somi could only nod. Teacher Bae would be their proctor and she had given the go signal. Chanmi got in first followed by the rest as they gasped. Somi was shocked too. 

“The gaps are wider than last time,” said Shin.

“Heol... we’re doomed.” Jungmin babbled.

Chanmi rolled her eyes and got to pick a seat. Somi shrugged and went in too, sitting at the very center at the very front. The rest got to their seats, with Chanmi on her left, Siyeon on her right, and Haeyoung on her back.

Teacher Bae’s voice boomed as she gave the instructions. As class president, Chanmi helped out in passing out the questionnaires and answer sheets. Everyone got theirs and Somi looked at it. 

“For starters like Jeon Somi, the IOI Exam stands for the Intelligence or Idiotic Exam. The system would be you pass or you fail, depending on your mark. This is also your jurisdiction wherein the fate of your Rank, section, and tier would fall. The exam lasts for eight hours with NO interruptions or breaks within the duration of the exam. Anyone asking for a break won’t be able to resume the exam. Consider whatever that it written in your answer sheet as a basis for your score.” Teacher Bae said. “Cheating is a no-no here. Anyone getting caught will have their sheets torn and will get ZERO. By default, you’ll fall to a low Rank, in section F, and in tier 4. If you’re done with one subject, proceed. Make sure to fill in everything.” 

Somi huffed. She was having a hard time. She woke up too early and she didn’t eat breakfast. Now, she has to face the whole eight hours inside an air-conditioned gymnasium with large gaps and take a test.

She sighed. She wondered if she’ll make it.

“Please do your best in this. Don’t think about the demerit-merit system. Focus...” Teacher Bae spoke. “... and may this exam be ever in the favor of those decent enough to study well.” She slapped her stick by the board. “Start.”

Somi opened the first page. It was National Language. Somi sighed and it actually took her minutes to keep her momentum starting and to get it steady. Somi sighed and answered it within the hour and ten minutes. She proceeded with Mathematics. Somi was a bit of a er of that but most of the lessons were recalled and she answered them within the fifty minutes. English was easy for Somi yet during the comprehension, she could only scratch her head. And with the cold air and her rumbling stomach, she found it almost hard to think. She huffed and resumed and she finished English before the third hour. 

Five hours... and one more before the lunch break.... goddamnit!

She could hear mutters and little cries of despair by the back. She used her peripherals and saw Chanmi answering with ease. By her right, Siyeon looked like she slept herself in the exam. Somi sighed and answered the fourth part, composing of history, sciences, social studies, and vocational education. Somi sighed, feeling her brain exploding. Nonetheless, she decided to start on with the fourth part of the exam. 

It was hard and the items were too many. Somi was only on her tenth item out of a hundred when it was time for lunch break.

“Lunch break, everyone!” Teacher Bae slapped her stick.

Everyone was up as they were told to keep their papers by their desks. 

“By the count of ten, no student should stay here! I see one and her paper gets torn.” 

Everyone stormed out and ran towards the canteen. Somi sighed in relief as she went to line up when Sejeong pulled her and she sat with the Top 11 once more.

“Here.” Sejeong got Somi’s tray scooted closer as everyone said grace.

The shikshins ate heartily as the rest ate silently. Somi looked at her food and ate. Within a few minutes, Somi finished everything. 

“Heol.” Yeunjung gasped. “Mina and Sohye haven’t finished yet here you are, almost cleaning the bowl off of your soup.”

“Sorry…” Somi spoke and covered her burp. “... I didn’t eat breakfast much. It’s like my mind is going to blow.” 

“You okay?” Chaeyeon asked like the worried mom she was.

“Yeah.” Somi nodded, getting her tray. “I'll go for seconds.”

“We'll come with you.” Mina and Sohye spoke.

“Eww... too much love in the air.” Yeunjung flapped her hands around. 

“Say it again and I'll shove a chopstick in your mouth.” Sohye batted.

“Sh.” Stone Nayoung scolded them. “Go and resume eating. We only have thirty minutes.”

Mina and Sohye nodded and went with Somi. While eating, Sejeong got some of her food saved for someone, even Chaeyeon got another bowl. Nayoung also saved some, making Chungha wonder.

“Somi’s new to this exam. She needs to be oriented and needs to eat a lot to get her mind running.” Nayoung said.

“True. Somi might pass out by the third hour.” Chaeyeon said.

“And I need to make it up to her after yesterday.” Sejeong added.

Chungha slammed her chopsticks, causing everyone to face them. Sejeong sighed, holding Chungha’s hand to calm her down. The fourth placer sighed and sat back down.

“Chungha, it's not what you think.” Sejeong said.

“You always say that.” Chungha said. “After the exam, we're going on a date. Just the two of us! No buts!”

Sejeong nodded and Somi, Mina, and Sohye got back, eating right away. Sejeong, Chaeyeon, and Nayoung scooted extra food to Somi.

“Eat some more, Somi.” Chaeyeon smiled.

Somi nodded sheepishly and ate. Chaeyeon could adore Somi eating like a healthy kid and Chaeyeon went on maternal mode, making Jieqiong sigh and hide her pang of jealousy.

“Yah!” Yoojung scolded Mina and Sohye for getting food from Somi's tray. “Learn to ask permission, guys.”

“Why didn't you say so, guys?” Somi smiled and scooted some food for them to share. “Eat well, my friends.” 

The Top 11 could only laugh and share the minutes of lunch before going back to hell again.

+++

Somi got back to her seat and stretched her body as she resumed the exam. With a full stomach, Somi was relieved as she got through the fourth part of the exam within the span of two hours.

Last was Language and it was a mix of any language she could even think of. She was even shocked that Filipino was included, even Vietnamese. Nonetheless, Somi did her best and got Teacher Bae’s words in her head.

She can't leave anything blank and must fill in everything. Who knows, maybe she'd get an item right out of nowhere.

It was almost 6PM and it was the end of Doomsday. With a drop of a random pencil, the bell rang. Somi was as composed as everyone and all of them passed their papers. They sat back down for the final announcement and were dismissed.

As students sat foot on the exit, mixed emotions were released. The hyper ones were happy, the serious ones were worrying of their Rank, their section, and tier. For the depressed ones, it led them to an even critical state of depression. For Somi, she was celebrating with the dorks of Section B, singing 'We are the Champions’ as they got to their classroom. 

Chanmi got to the front and everyone in Section B got attentive.

“Good game well played, everyone.” Chanmi said and everyone applauded. “Let's go to Subway. My treat!”

They all cheered. Somi was also excited when she got a text from Sejeong. 

From: GodSejeong
Somi, come with us for dinner.
SomSom, you better come - Yoodaeng

Somi smiled and replied when Chanmi faced her and patted her shoulder. “Let's go, Somi. The class is waiting.”

Somi sighed and texted Sejeong.

To: GodSejeong
I'll catch up. I'm off to Subway with Section B.

“Okay, Prez.” Somi said and they all got out.

+++

Somi had a wonderful time with Section B. Some were speculating of Chanmi’s sudden invite towards the whole class yet they considered since it was the end of the IOI Exam. For Chanmi, she sat with Somi and Haeyoung.

“How was the exam for you, guys?” Haeyoung asked.

“Fine.” Chanmi said. 

“Same answer... although I struggled a bit since I didn’t eat much.” Somi said.

“You okay now, Somi?” Chanmi asked.

“Yeah.” Somi nodded.

They resumed eating. Somi and Haeyoung said their thanks for the treat when Somi’s phone rang. Somi excused herself and went outside to answer her call. “Yes, Sejeong?”

"Are you done over there with Section B? The rest are here. We’re waiting for you, Somi." 

“Okay. I’ll be there in a jiffy.” Somi said and hung up. 

Somi went back and excused herself again. Chanmi let her be and Somi thanked her, bringing her sandwich in which she didn’t able to finish. To lose the extra calories, Somi decided to run to the cafe and arrived as soon as the rest of the Top 11 started to celebrate. Somi huffed and Sejeong went by the door to pull her closer.

“Finally, you came.” Yoojung clapped lightly. 

“Sorry.” Somi uttered. “I even had some spare sandwich.”

“Ew. Throw that away. You got Chanmi’s germs all over it.” Yeunjung said.

“I see what you did there. I lost the calories so don’t worry.” Somi joked, making everyone laugh. "Consider her residue gone."

Yeunjung cackled so loud and everyone had to calm her down from laughing too loud. Somi could only laugh and ask. "So let's party?"

"Okay..." Sejeong said. "... but we won't party here."

+++ 

They got to a bar and Somi had agape. Sejeong chuckled and escorted Chungha and her inside. The others got to reserve a large spot with a veranda with Jieqiong setting up the karaoke machine with Stone Nayoung.

“We got the booze~” Yeunjung sang as she and Doyeon got cases of beer.

“What in the... you guys drink?!!” Somi was shocked.

“We only do this after the IOI Exam. It's a stress relief, mostly for Yeunjung.” Sejeong said.

“Doyeon wouldn't be drinking much because she'll be Yeunjung’s bodyguard. Yeunjung can get feisty when she drinks.” Chungha said, patting Somi's shoulder. “Don't be nervous, Somi. Let loose.”

Sejeong was shocked of Chungha's approach towards Somi. She was relieved that their last date made Chungha at ease. At least she won't be tensed about Somi. 

The squad began to choose various songs and Yoojung and Doyeon led the team. Mina and Sohye munched a lot of snacks and Yeunjung made ninja moves to drink two bottles of beer.

“I see what you did there, Yeunjung.” Somi said.

“Sharp eyes.” Yeunjung gave a thumbs-up and drank. “But please don't tell Doyeon.”

It was like a party so how could she spoil everyone's fun? It was all fun and games until Sejeong pulled Somi to sing something. The rest pulled Nayoung since she was just playing Undead Slayer on her phone for the rest of the hour.

“Tell Me Your Wish? Oh, I know this song~” Somi felt excited.

“Me too. But did you really have to pull me, Sejeong?” Nayoung released her stone face.

Sejeong made a peace sign and the music played. It was different, making Somi and Nayoung shocked.

“Good luck with that, hahahaha~” Yoojung teased.

“What the , Yoo Yeunjung?!” Sohye exclaimed as Yeunjung was already drunk and hugging Sohye like a plushed penguin.

“Stay away from my woman!” Mina pushed her off.

Everyone chanted as Somi and Nayoung sang funnily. Mina was blushing hard and Sohye couldn't believe what she was hearing. Chungha decided to get Yeunjung's case and drank some, giving Sejeong and Chaeyeon a bottle.

The party went on for so long. Everyone got to sing, dance, and even drink. Midnight passed and it ceased a bit because everyone was already drunk.

Sejeong and Chungha were making out. Chaeyeon and Jieqiong were fidgeting each other. Mina and Sohye danced like strippers almost grinding at each other, and Doyeon and Yoojung fell asleep in each other's arms.Yeunjung was out cold. Nayoung was like a sleepy royal guard and Somi made fun of the cornknicks and threw some on cups. 

“Some squad we have, huh?” Nayoung asked.

“Y-Yeah... what a bunch... although I expected you guys to be more decent.” Somi said.

“True. But sometimes it's nice to have fun since all we do is study and study…” Nayoung said with a burp. “... and it's a bit boring.”

“I see.” Somi rubbed her eyes. “Is it me or are we the legendary third wheelers here?”

Nayoung and Somi looked at the couples by the front, all cuddled up against each other. 

“Sejeong and Chungha have been dating for three years. Chaeyeon and Jieqiong are always arguing but I know they have feelings for each other. Mina and Sohye do it through food, almost platonic but they really ogle about each other. For Dodaeng, they've been friends since forever. I feel bad for Yeunjung here…” She added and patted Yeunjung's head.

“She has feelings for Doyeon, right?” Somi asked.

“Yes. But she gives in for Dodaeng. Besides, Doyeon likes Yoojung. It'll only hurt her to cling onto her admiration.” Nayoung said.

“You have someone in mind, Stone?” Somi asked.

“No. Responsibilities come first. I have no time for that.” Nayoung said. “How about you?”

“Same. But my dad always told me to wait for it. Although... I feel like committing a crime.”

“Why?” Nayoung asked.

“Because I'm admiring someone with a girlfriend.” Somi said.

“Sejeong?”

Somi chuckled and nodded. Nayoung was almost shocked but the serious talk had to be disrupted when Yeunjung woke up and huddled Nayoung and Somi.

“We are the legendary third wheelers~!!” Yeunjung yelled. “How about I just kiss the both of you?”

“No.” Nayoung got herself off.

“Somi?” Yeunjung made a kissy face.

“Pass.” Somi got herself off to.

Yeunjung puked and Nayoung and Somi shrieked, causing everyone to wake up.

“KIM DOYEON, GET YOUR ING UP!! WHAT HAPPENED TO BEING A BODYGUARD, YOU POLE?!” Nayoung exclaimed.

Doyeon hissed as she and Yoojung decided to help Yeunjung out. They went home ahead and Nayoung and Somi checked their skirts. 

“Good thing we dodged on time.” Somi said.

The others were still out cold. Nayoung would be like the Daddy and wait until they were all sober. Somi decided to join her.

So far, it had the best day she had having fun with friends.

+++ 

"Yeunjung-ah, are you okay to take this shift tonight all by yourself? If it's not, I'm going to call Eunseo if you want to----"

"I'm completely okay, Manager Ong. And don't worry, this store is safe in my hands." And she gave her thumbs up pose.

"I'm going to leave now. Be careful and just call me if something happens here, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Before I forget, I'll add 50% to your monthly salary at the end of this month."

She was shocked at her manager's statement, "Really sir?!"

"I owe you a lot, Yeunjung. You deserve to gain more for your hardwork." Manager Ong said while tapping the hyperactive's shoulder.

"Thank you Manager Ong! Really..." She said with teary-eyed and her manager could only chuckle at her cute expression.

Her manager started to packed his things and left the said store to Yeunjung. She sighed hard after she saw the whole mess infront of her, "Yu Yeunjung, let's get started!" Then she smiled.

Actually, she always took her night shift with Eunseo, her co-worker. But she's pregnant and because of her co-worker's condition, she had no choice but to take the night shift at the convinience store, alone.

"I'm used to being alone though." She said to herself and got a mop on her side while listening to a song.

When you like me very very very~ very very very very very very~ Ve~~ry very very very very very very much, then tell me

When you keep keep keep~ keep keep keep keep keep keep~ Ke~~ep keep keep keep keep keep keep thinking of me, then call me

"Seriously?" Her eyes averted to the speakers, "Are you trying to say that I should confess to her?"

She shrugged and continued to do her business, "Aigoo, can you just tell me if it's hard to eat with manners? Just look at this mess, it's like a super typhoon just passed here!" And the endless rant went on.

"I want some chocolote pudding!"

"Yeah yeah, I can buy you a one year stock of it but just stop crying, please."

"Welcome to Happy Cloud convinience store----" She almost dropped the mop when she saw Dodaeng with Somi.

"Yeunjung?" 

Yeunjung started to sweat hard and scratched her neck, "What can I do for you?"

After 5 minutes...

"... 500 dollars in total."

Doyeon handed over the said bill to Yeunjung and she took this opportunity to look at her.

"Hey bamboo, stop staring at her like you're going to eat her alive." Somi exclaimed while patting Yoojung's back, she was sobbing at that moment.

"What's wrong, Doyeon?" Yeunjung asked. 

"O-Oh nothing! Thanks for this."

"Wait." Doyeon turned around to Yeunjung, which made her stunned for a second, "U-Uh here's a free chocolate bar. It's a special promo here in our store."

"Thank you again. I'll give it to this crying small bug there." Doyeon chuckled and went over to Somi and Yoojung.

Yeunjung stared at them and smiled at the scene when Doyeon comforted Yoojung by shoving a spoonful of chocolate pudding to her, and that was a very romatic scene to watch.

Yes, she was in a deep jealousy that no one would be able to understand, even herself. 

She couldn't do anything. For her, she would be satisfied and happy when Doyeon and Yoojung were happy.

"For all reasons, being a hero was great but you need to sacrifice everything to make others happy. Should I build a Yeunjung statue right now?"

Yeunjung was back to her normal self when Somi started to , "Shut it, vitamin kiddo."

"Are you not getting tired of being the martyr?"

Yeunjung stayed silent. Somi's word made her heart ache so much, "Not at all."

"Whatever your decision is, I'm here to support you. Just go with the flow." Somi said then suddenly she hit Yeunjung's shoulder very hard, "And don't dare to show that gloomy face again! Where's the old Yeunjung that's always smiling even if the world is turning her down?"

"Here!~~~" Yeunjung laughed so hard and started to give Somi some aegyo, that the topnotcher hated it so much. 

"When did you start working here?" Somi dropped another topic but this time, they were both serious.

"Last month, I struggled to tell this to my mother at first. She didn't want me to get a part time job because it might affect my study habits but I insisted. We're not that poor actually, but I wanted to earn something from my own hardwork and I will give it to my mother for additional to our daily expenses." Yeunjung stated that made Somi smiled, "And I'm saving up for my mother's upcoming birthday next month."

"That's good! But you should've told us earlier you know, we can help you."

"No need Som, I can manage by myself." Yeunjung patted Somi's head, "And the pay is awesome here too."

"Keep it up Yeunjung, as I said a while ago, I'm here to support you." Somi grinned.

They looked at Doyeon and Yoojung again who were both playing rock paper and scissors, but Yoojung always failed.

"How's life, Som? Being treated like that, it seems so hard to handle." Now it was Yeunjung's turn to ask.

"If you want a honest answer, it's all ed up." Somi sighed, "It seems that I'm going to be an outcast again, but I won't let that happen."

"That's the Jeon Somi who I met before. To be honest, I envy you a lot. You still helped the others by getting rid of their demerits... no one will have the guts to do that except you. You're truly the hero here, Som."

"I just did what was right Yeunjung, in this way we should help each other on facing this rotten school system." Somi explained.

"You're right, we're on your side Som, whatever happens." Yeunjung stated. But suddenly, Somi bursted out of laughter that made Yeunjung confused.

"O.... kay what the hell are you laughing at? Is there any dirt on my face?"

"Those cat ears suits you the most, Yeunjung-ah." Then again, Somi laughed so hard and loud.

"Aish, seriously! Manager Ong wants me to wear this trash because his peach-faced friend named Daniel said that it attracted the costumers a lot." Yeunjung hissed.

"Its effective though, meow~~~~"

"Yah, come here I will beat you hard!!!"

Yeunjung started to chase Somi but Doyeon motioned them to be quiet, "Shhh, Yoojung's sleeping right now."

"I guess it's time for us to go home now." Somi said. 

"Yeah, see you on Monday, guys. Take care." 

Doyeon carried Yoojung in piggyback position then Somi led the way. By the time she knew it, they were completely gone from Yeunjung's sight.

"Let's get back to the cleaning!" Yeunjung said happily like she was a battery that was full of energy.

But her happy moments of being alone were depleted when she saw some indecent students that confronted Somi entering the store.

"That Jeon Somi is hard to bring down, huh?"

"She deserves all ty treatment that came to her."

"I know right!"

And they laughed crazily that they didn't even notice Yeunjung's presence.

"Welcome to Happy Cloud convinience store! Where all the things you need are here!" Yeunjung said with a forced smile to her new costumers.

And you need holy water to cleanse your demonic souls, scumbags. 

"Well well well, if it isn't Yu Yeunjung. The Rank 11 of IOI Academy." Haerim gave her an amazed look. 

"And she's working here in this crappy store." Shiori added. 

"She's going to serve us right away." Woojung smirked, and she had a bad idea that would immediately make Yeunjung to lose her cool.

"You can buy our items here with 50% discount because we're celebrating our 5th year anniversary. Have fun!" Yeunjung said again and she was trying her best to hold her forced smile. 

"Please punch these items, okay?" Haerim gave all the soda to Yeunjung and after she punched it, the trio threw all the soda on the floor and they laughed again, "Clean it up, loser!"

Yeunjung's rage meter exploded and it was her time to release it by getting Woojung's collar, "You prick, my fist was heated suddenly and it just wants to land on your face. You're lucky because you're the one who will get this piece of me." 

It was going to land at Woojung's face when Shiori shoved it away and it was Haerim's cue to grab Yeunjung's hair but before it was too late for Yeunjung's hair to die, a loud voice was heard that made the whole chaos stop. 

"Pull it out or I'm going to kill you all."

Doyeon-ah...

"What a heroic scene by Rank 8." Woojung suddenly clapped and chuckled.

"I own this store actually, and I'm planning to report you guys for making my territory into a big mess."

Woojung chuckled again, "Are you threatening us?"

"I know some mixed martial arts moves but from what I saw, it seems like I will need to use it. Want me to try it on the three of you, hmm?"

"Don't come near us!" Shiori screamed.

"Then leave." Doyeon gave the trio her deadly stare that made them run outside quickly as they could.

Doyeon rushed to Yeunjung and she helped her stand up," Are you alright?" She proceeded to checked Yeunjung's arm. 

"I'm totally fine. This are nothing." Yeunjung answered, "Is it true that you owned this store?"

Doyeon nodded and Yeunjung's face diverted to a shocked one, "Just kidding, I said that for them to stop. But your manager was my cousin actually."

Yeunjung sighed for another mess that she would clean up but Doyeon insisted to help clean it. 

"Come here." Doyeon motioned Yeunjung to come closer who was getting embarrased by Doyeon's move that made her heart pound weirdly, "Those cat ears make you look prettier, so don't you dare get rid of it okay?"

Yeunjung's world stopped for a second, making her soul come apart from her body.

"I should be going now, Yeunjung, Yoojung and Somi are waiting for me. Please take care."

"O-okay, thank you, t-take care too." Then Doyeon gave her a genuine smile.

"I almost forgot." Doyeon said after she got outside for real, "Let's talk when I meet you on Monday, okay? You have a lot of things to explain to me."

When Doyeon totally left her, she was still frozen from her position and dared to digest what had happened to her today.

"Those cat ears make you look prettier, so don't you dare get rid of it okay?"

Kim Doyeon, why?

+++

"Again with the foundation, Chaeyeon." 

Jieqiong sighed as she could only stare at Chaeyeon putting foundation on and using her motorcycle's side mirror as Chaeyeon's mirror. 

"Hey..." Jieqiong called. "... you don't need to put some on, okay? You're pretty without it."

"So what?" Chaeyeon huffed as she finished. "I just want to look good. Is there a problem with that?"

"There isn't. It was just a mere suggestion." Jieqiong said. "Let's have a snack. I'll treat you."

"Pass." Chaeyeon pouted. "Because you insulted me in putting some foundation on."

Jieqiong was shocked as Chaeyeon left. Jieqiong sighed and stopped to notice two figures hiding in the bushes. Jieqiong knew one of them and sighed. "Get out of there, Park Siyeon."

Siyeon and another girl came out and went closer. 

"Why were you two hiding?" Jieqiong asked.

Siyeon nudged her friend. "Some fan here wants to get to know you but is too shy so she suggested that we hide."

Her friend reacted but she chuckled, scratching her head. Jieqiong thought she looked like a Shiba Inu. She reached a hand. "Zhou Jieqiong, Section A, Tier 1, Rank 6. Nice to meet you."

Siyeon went off and her friend sighed in frustration She was getting shy again, all while she shook Jieqiong's hand back. "Jung Eunwoo, Section B, Tier 1, Rank 21."

Jieqiong reacted. The name sounded familiar. "Jung Eunwoo?" She thought about it and it hit her. "Shiba Inu?"

"Omo..." Eunwoo gasped. "... how did you..."

"I had a best friend whom I called that... back in middle school..." Jieqiong said. "I sometimes called her Nunu."

Eunwoo gasped again. "Heol... I had a best friend that called me that too..." She rubbed her eyes and gulped. "Juju, is that you?!"

Jieqiong shushed Eunwoo and the Shiba Inu nodded. Jieqiong was still shocked as she processed everything. 

"You..." Jieqiong pointed at Eunwoo. "We need to talk."

+++

The two got to the canteen and shared a table. Some students eyed Eunwoo as they wondered on how the said meme lord of Section B was hanging out with the IOI's Number One Beauty and Favorite Pick.

"Don't mind about them. Let's get things clear." Jieqiong began. "Tell me something about yourself and how did you come up to this moment."

Eunwoo was fidgety yet she had to explain. Also, she wanted information from Jieqiong too. "I studied in the middle school branch in IOI Academy. I had a best friend, Chinese. She's from Zhejiang Province. We do things together from excelling in class to making memes. I called her Juju, she calls me Nunu. She moved after the second year because we got into an accident on Bus 321 and we didn't have contact since..."

Jieqiong was shocked, a tear falling from her eye. Eunwoo was flipping out, fearing she had offended the IOI's Number One Beauty and Favorite Pick.

"Nunu..." Jieqiong began. "... that's me." Jieqiong made a gesture saying. "I'm Pinky."

Eunwoo was shocked again. She did a meme face and Jieqiong mimicked it. Eunwoo tried a handshake and Jieqiong got it too.

She concluded that the Zhou Jieqiong was her long lost best friend. They walked away from the eyes of the students and went back to the parking lot, cheering like kids and sharing hugs.

"I missed you, Shiba Inu!" Jieqiong squealed.

"I miss you too, you Chinese hoe." Eunwoo cried then faced her. "You've changed. You've gone prettier. You even drive a motorcycle!"

"Yes. And you're still my dorky best friend, Jung Eunwoo." Jieqiong smiled.

"I can't believe I just had a crush on you." Eunwoo hissed. "It was awkward."

"Haha... but at least you liked me." Jieqiong cooed.

Eunwoo slapped her back and the two friends shared their laughters. It ceased as Eunwoo said something. "So... what happened to you and IOI's Number Two Beauty?"

"Chaeyeon?" Jieqiong asked and Eunwoo nodded. "Well, I told her not to put on foundation because she already is pretty without it. But she won't listen and got a bit mad at me because of it."

"Oh my..." Eunwoo reacted lightly. 

"You could say that again." Jieqiong mumbled.

+++

Chaeyeon went to a bathroom and washed her face off of foundation. Jieqiong told her a lot of times before to stop putting some on and she just came to her senses and got rid of it. Although she managed to obey Jieqiong, she was mad at her for the insult.

"Someone's mad." A voice said. "Lover's quarrel?"

"Watch it, Heehyun." Chaeyeon spoke. "We're not even girlfriends to begin with."

Heehyun smirked, "Well, you do quarrel with Jieqiong like you guys are dating."

Chaeyeon gave her a glare at which Heehyun immediately backed away from Chaeyeon defensively, "Chill. I'm just telling the truth. Anyways, a quarter if you want advice from yours truly."

Chaeyeon growled a bit and rolled her eyes as she stared at her reflection from the mirror, "Whatever. It's not like I need advice from someone like you."

Heehyun crossed her arms and leaned on the wall, "And that someone you're talking about has way more experience than you when it comes to these stuff."

Chaeyeon knew she was defeated when Heehyun finished that sentence and decided to remain silent. Heehyun sighed, "So, are you going to take my advice or not? I'll even offer it to you for free."

Chaeyeon groaned, "Fine."

Heehyun smirked, "Now, there's my dongsaeng! You know what? Let's talk this over with some burgers and fries. I'm starving. Of course, you'll be paying for them, right?"

Chaeyeon said nothing and left the bathroom. Heehyun scratched the top of her head and shrugged, "That's one unique girl this world has."

However, Heehyun smiled and ran out of the bathroom, yelling at a disturbed Chaeyeon who stopped walking and turned around after hearing Heehyun's voice, "Hey, wait up!"

+++

Sejeong was walking around, carrying a pack of pastries on her hand. She was looking for someone and found her by the kiosks but she stopped when another girl was with her.

Sejeong almost dropped her pack and her blood boiled as she gave her a drink. Sejeong got closer to the duo and one of them was shocked. 

"Sejeongie..."

"Yah, Shin! What are you doing!?" Sejeong spat. "That's my girlfriend you're talking to."

"Look who's talking. If you were her girlfriend, you don't hang out with other particular girls." Shin batted. "It's just like what you're doing with Somi."

"Shin! Stop it!" Chungha stood up and stopped Sejeong from landing a fist on Shin's face. "Sejeongie, please..."

"What did you just say, Shin?!" Sejeong flipped out.

Chungha hugged Sejeong tight, causing the girl to stop. Shin snickered of the scene. "I can't believe Chungha's still into a fool like you."

Shin hissed and left the two. Chungha was almost crying, almost frustrated because it was a main reason to why Shin and her hang out frequently, far from Sejeong to know about it. She felt Sejeong let go and storm off when Chungha stopped her. Sejeong looked at her.

"Sejeongie, it's not what it looks like-"

"Tell me the truth, Chungha." Sejeong said. "Did you really have to lie that you go to tutorials as an excuse as I make it up to you?"

Chungha was caught off guard and she shook her head helplessly, all while holding onto Sejeong's hand tight. "No... Sejeongie, I would never-"

"Why won't you tell me? What have I done wrong that made you do this to me?" Sejeong was almost crying. "I saw you with Shin almost every day, just as I was about to talk to you or initiate a date with you. I don't get mad at you hanging around with her yet you blow up when I hang out with Somi. Please..." Sejeong huffed. "... make me understand."

"You really want to know?!" Chungha was furious. "Yes! I'm jealous! You always study and spend time with Somi ever since she came here. You wouldn't even bother to call me when you want to hang out or date and just pop out in the wrong timing."

"Really?" Sejeong asked, almost mad. "Then why hang out with Shin? Shouldn't we talk about this?"

"It's not what it looks like, Sejeong!" Chungha defended. "She's my friend."

"I saw you lean your head on her shoulder as she wrapped an arm around you. How should I interpret it, then?" Sejeong backfired.

"How would it make me feel when you're with Somi all the time?!" Chungha spat. "You're so selfish."

Chungha stormed off and Sejeong sighed, rubbing her temples. Sejeong went on. For her, talking to Chungha forcibly would annoy her. She decided to give her some space.

"Sejeong?" She looked up to see Somi. "You look down. Is everything okay?"

Sejeong nodded and she and Somi decided to talk on the same spot at the rooftop. Sejeong still had that pack of pastries for Chungha yet she decided to give it to Somi. 

"Are you sure? It's supposed to be for Chungha." Somi spoke.

"I'm sure. Besides, we had an argument." Sejeong said. "She's been hanging around with Shin behind my back."

Sejeong didn't stop there and continued sharing. Somi was always there to listen and a part of her felt guilty. She shouldn't have spent too much with Sejeong.

"Yah, Somi. Don't blame yourself. It's mostly my fault. I should've been more attentive to Chungha." Sejeong said.

"But seriously, I can't accept the pastries." Somi said.

"You keep them and eat them, Somi. I can just buy another one for Chungha. I insist." Sejeong said.

"Thank you." Somi said and grabbed one.

She liked the taste and shared some with Sejeong. Sejeong and Somi ate and continued to share and talk about their lives.

Sejeong felt like a playgirl. Because when she's with Somi, she felt a pound by her chest, almost greater compared to when she was with Chungha. Maybe it was a reason why she mostly spends her time with the girl.

Somi had a little of that feeling towards Sejeong. She couldn't gamble it. They were friends after all.

Then again, keeping those feelings was a must. It was better that way.

+++

Time passed quickly as much as Somi's friendship with the Top 11, her classmates, and to Sejeong. Today was one nerve-wrecking day for the juniors, almost like the first day of another class. The results had been finalized and they would see their rankings today.

Somi was the last to come and Sejeong pulled her to the front. Somi greeted the rest with their hugs and they had their eyes on the big bulletin board.

"You nervous?" Sejeong asked.

"Yeah." Somi said. 

"First time I heard that from you, Somi." Yoojung said.

Somi chuckled and they looked at the rankings, Somi started from the lowest then going in ascending order. As Somi got to the 27th placer, everyone started to flip out.

"What the ?!" Juna cussed. "Is that Sejeong's name on Rank 26?!"

Every junior gasped, some rubbing their eyes to see if it was true. They were all disappointed and shocked. From Rank 2, Sejeong was now the 26th placer.

"No..." Somi was paranoid. "... that can't be."

"Impossible!" Yoojung spat.

"Sunbae... this isn't real!" Sohye flipped out. "That could be a typo!"

"I got a text from the adminstration." Stone Nayoung spoke. "It's legit but how? Sejeong could never fall on her Rank."

Most of them were shocked and were mumbling. Somi looked at Sejeong and she was confused and upset. It was a first for her to fall onto her Rank so drastically. She even saw a tear fall from her eye.

"If Sejeong is Rank 26, who's at the Top 2?!" Eunwoo wondered.

Somi looked up and was so shocked with some results. Dani was in Rank 24, Kim Nayoung rose from Rank 15 to Rank 14 and the rest of the Top 11 maintained their Ranks.

"!!" Yeunjung cussed. "Why is her name at the bottom of Somi's?!!"

Somi was still Rank 1 and she gasped of the new Rank 2.

"You got a problem, Yeunjung?" Chanmi asked as she got closer.

Everyone had their eyes on her. Some were shocked, some cheered, and some were disgusted. The new second placer was none other than Heo Chanmi.

This was the most epic revelation of Ranks the juniors of IOI Academy ever faced. For the Top 11, it left a mark full of confused emotions.

But for Somi, it was hard to believe. Sejeong would never fall onto that Rank. It was one hell of a mystery and she couldn't help but want to get her nose onto it.