Two Years Ago   It was between the border of Summer break and the new school year when Joy suddenly sought me out again. She was the only one who seemed to show genuine interest, asking me how my summer holiday went. Considering my loneliness, her attention rekindled the affection I once held dear for her. See? I could be forgiving if I wanted to.   She told me her progress with her boyfriend, and they were still arguing about the whole second base thing, which roughly translated to the touching of private parts. As usual, my opinion stood firm, and I was against it.   I wasn’t sure what Joy wanted me to do when she came crying to me all day, wailing about her moral dilemma whether to do it or not. I’m surprised she actually held it off for so long ever since our recent fallout. I wondered why she still seeked my advice when she discarded it almost immediately?   So I took matters in my own hand. If Joy couldn’t come to her senses, maybe I had to talk to her boyfriend instead.   After class, I walked over to Sungjae’s classroom. He was surprisingly skinny, like a stick. Everyone looked at me like I didn’t know my place. Maybe I didn’t have to. Whether or not I was the outcast, it didn’t permit anyone to treat my friend badly.   “You need to respect a woman. If she isn’t ready to have physical intimacy with you, you shouldn’t push her!” I said, emphasizing my point as I pressed my finger against his chest. I glared at him with the most menacing look I could manage, but I was a mere stray puppy in his eyes.   Sungjae grabbed my hand in one swipe, keeping it in his grip as I tried to free myself. Damn, stickboy was actually strong.   “Are you willing to take her place instead? Heard you’re doing this for a living,” he whispered closely to me ear. Had he released my hand, I would’ve slapped that underfed cheeks of him. Not only had he degraded my friend, he also insulted me.   Before I could put up a real struggle or start yelling, the classroom door opened. I looked sideways, feeling a gush of relief when I sighted Myungsoo.   “What’s going on here?” He asked using his firm class president voice.   Once Sungjae released me, I quickly ran over to Myungsoo, knowing I’d be safe with him. He was my shelter and protection.   “You okay?” He always asked me, using the gentlest voice that embedded so much concern.   I gave him a small nod, and he returned his cold glare on stickboy. Knowing how protective he was, my heart couldn’t help but pound harder.   Sungjae raised his hands midway, a faultless smile pressed his lips. It was the look of a criminal who clearly knew how to get his way around when busted.   I thought I was being a good mediator, but I fell into their trap. Rumors spread that I tried to steal someone’s boyfriend. Both Sungjae and Joy testified against me, as if I truly wanted to destroy their relationship.   Myungsoo was the only one who knew that wasn’t the case, but even he was powerless. A crowd of senseless idiots stood stronger than a wise individual.   As they accused me of a crime I didn’t commit, I could only laugh. Little did they know, I was quietly observing. Studying.   This knowledge would deem useful.   Someday.   ***   Present   Someone’s in deep trouble. I did my best to suppress my smile as I watched the tension unfold between the loving couple. Suzy had a look of guilt crafted on her face—one she would not display had she been truly innocent.   “We need to talk,” Myungsoo said, the opening line to every breakup. He quickly yanked Suzy by her arm and pulled her outside, still displaying as much gentleness as he could bear. They closed the door and I could no longer eavesdrop on them.   “Hey Soojung,” Jongin suddenly called out, and I hadn’t realized he was already next to me. “Wanna get something to drink?”   My eyes lit up, our mind connecting at once. He was inviting me to go spy on them, the drink being an excuse.   “Sure,” I said, commencing him for his brilliance. I got up from my seat and followed him outside where we’d subtly turn and hide behind a corner. The lovebirds were already in the midst of a discussion.   “Tell me the truth, do you or do you not have feelings for Jongin?” Myungsoo’s voice sounded raw with desperation, wanting to know the truth, preparing to be hurt.   “He is a good friend. I talked to him because I couldn’t talk to you,” Suzy said, using a calm demeanor in the hope it would deflect Myungsoo’s anger. How wrong she was. If there was one thing Myungsoo took pride in, it was his ability to lead. And Suzy’s answer indicated she was led by another man.   “What?” Myungsoo was fuming with anger. He scoffed a laugh, unable to contain his disbelief at her shamelessness. “Why can’t you talk to me? I am your boyfriend.”   Suzy tucked her lips, her entire body trembling like a bomb about to explode in tears. “Because,” she began the first phase of her outburst, “I needed advise on what to do about you!”   Jongin and I exchanged a look, both surprised at Suzy’s ability to yell this loud. She had always been the polite and reserved girl. Once again, it made me wonder whether she was wearing a mask herself.   “You accuse me of being close to Jongin, but you were the one kissing Soojung in the classroom. I saw it. I saw it with my very own eyes,” Suzy spoke so fast unlike the usual girl I had grown to know. She even panted from the outburst, her shoulders moving wildly with the rhythm of her breathing.   Myungsoo looked at a loss for words. Was he looking for an excuse? Was he trying to woo her? Would he blame it on me?   “Don’t accuse me when you don’t know the entire backstory,” he said instead, his face turning a shade darker, as did his eyes. In that moment, what I saw wasn’t love, but a threat.   Considering the timid girl Suzy was, she should’ve been scared. Heck, even I’d tremble in fear if Myungsoo was mad at me. But here came the great thing. Suzy was truly full of surprises.   “Then tell me,” she challenged back, not backing out from Myungsoo’s threat. “Explain the backstory.”   In that brief second, I saw their compatibility for each other in a scary way. They brought out each other’s hidden side, one that was much braver and stronger than the one presented to us. Everyone wore masks of pretenses, but these two managed to complete each other’s performance. It was as amazing as it was despicable.   It should’ve been me.   Myungsoo shook his head. “You don’t trust me. I need some time. Alone.”   The two of them walked to class in silence; not side by side, but one