AUTHORS NOTE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM WOO BIN 3 He is 29 now, and I hope as you continue to read my fic, that you send him positive energy and many birthday wishes! He made Choi Young Do come to life, and here I hope to make Young Do's life a little easier! Also, a major THANK YOU goes out to my friend and editor CalJones for making my story easier to read and just overall better.

Encounters Ch.4

Summer woke up at eight am the next day, feeling very groggy. Since she was 16 hours ahead living in Seoul, to her it felt like four o'clock in the afternoon. She got up from her bed and decided to eat breakfast before she started unpacking her things. She ordered room service and began to search for her toothbrush and other toiletries.

After breakfast, talking with her father over the phone, a nice long shower, and unpacking at least one of her suitcases, she decided to go explore the area for a bit before her next meal. She planned everything around times that she could eat. It was actually a talent.

She put on a simple boho patterned dress, no bra, and a white knitted sweater over it. She wore her favorite leather sandals and brushed her hair so it looked somewhat manageable. After all the ocean water and sun she had been exposed to, her hair had a personality of its own.

After leaving her room and taking the elevator down, she was fully able to take in Zeus Hotel. It was modern and beautiful, with grand entrances and marble floors. She looked around in appreciation as she headed for the exit.

The first place she noticed with interest upon walking down a few streets was a little corner shop that advertised ramen. She looked inside and found all her favorite snacks. It even had a little place to sit outside. She bought a few ramen cups and banana milk boxes and continued her exploration.

She walked past a martial arts school for Judo, which she mentally made a note to check out at some point as she needed to find a new hobby since surfing wasn't an option anymore. She frowned at that thought, already missing the waves and the peace she felt being among them.

The last place she decided to check out was an acoustic café, where they had live music and open-mic nights; it seemed like a cozy place to read or write. She secretly loved to sing and play guitar but was very self-conscious in front of people she knew. She would occasionally play in secret to random strangers.

oOoOoOoOo

When she got back to the hotel she was already exhausted and decided to eat the ramen she bought for dinner. She ate it while laying on her bed and watching some show on TV, some of her belongings strewn about her room. She looked around and smiled to herself in amusement, I am a hot mess.

She decided tomorrow would be a good day to finish unpacking and to see if Eun Sang wanted to meet up. After she got ready for bed, she remembered her encounter with the guy from the elevator and the expression he wore on his face.

He really did have such an intense look…I wonder what his story is. I wonder if goes to Jeguk too?

She fell asleep thinking about it and feeling a bit nervous to meet more people in the next coming days. She loved Kim Tan and Cha Eun Sang, but she knew not everyone was going to be as accepting of her, or as friendly.

She always said to herself that she didn't care what people think, but deep down she wanted to be loved by everyone and to love everyone. She was the biggest piece of mush—something she internally labeled herself and swore to never let show.

oOoOoOoOo

The next morning she woke up at nine am and felt much better this time. She decided she was going to eat breakfast at one of the restaurants she saw downstairs, attached to the lobby. She got ready for the day, and put on another dress, this time it was a maxi dress, again no bra.

She always liked feeling free in all aspects of her life, and her clothing really expressed it. She braided the side of her hair that was a bit longer and put on mascara and a little bit of blush. She wasn't much into makeup, but enjoyed it as long as it looked natural.

She made her way downstairs and took a lovely little window seat in the corner of one of the restaurants. As she was waiting for her food, her phone buzzed with a text message. It was from Kim Tan.

Summer. I can't believe this. Cha Eun Sang lives with me.

Mwo? Summer didn't understand what he meant, and texted back.

Tan what do you mean?

Her mom is our in-house maid, and now Cha Eun Sang moved in. She doesn't know I live here though. I have been avoiding her.

Omo! Talk about fate. Uhm, why have you been avoiding her?

I think she would be embarrassed that she shares a small room with her mom. I want to tell her I don't care about that and I'm happy I get to see her every day. But I need the right moment...

I see. That makes sense.

You can't say a word okay?

I won't say a word. I promise.

As Summer was typing that last text out, she noticed someone was sitting in the chair across from her. It was the guy from the elevator. He was just staring at her again.

"How long have you been sitting there?" she blinked a few times in surprise.

"You look like you found out something interesting," he smiled at her with his predator look.

"It's none of your business," she smiled back. Her food had arrived, and the guy looked at the wait staff and ordered the same thing.

"Are we having breakfast together now?" Summer asked him. He nodded, looking pleased. He sat back into his chair and put his hands behind his head. "So where did you come from?"

Summer shot up an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, not many people look like you and you seem to be alone. So, are you staying in my hotel long?"

Summer began to eat her food; she took her time and swallowed, "You sound really creepy, and your hotel?" She took another bite.

"Well if you aren't going to answer any of my questions, why should I answer yours?" He sat forward again, watching her eat.

"You're making me uncomfortable…", she said in between bites, but otherwise looked completely relaxed. His food arrived and he began to eat it as well.

"That's good," he said nonchalantly, and continued to eat.

Summer finished her food. She wasn't about to let this guy ruin her meal and thought maybe by saying he made her uncomfortable he would leave her alone. But truthfully, she enjoyed having someone to sit with, though she wasn't going to admit that.

They both finished eating in silence, but she noticed he was watching her most of the time. He really is sort of creepy. What if he is a serial killer? I mean, he is a good-looking guy, but I don't want to die.

She waved the waiter over to get her check, but he said it had already been taken care of. He bowed and walked away.

"Uhm, komawo," Summer decided to use the informality since he was already invading her space. She regretted it instantly, as the guy got a very amused look on his face.

"I didn't know we were so close already, I'm touched." He sat back against his chair.

"Well you did just invade my space, and bought me breakfast. In America, that's almost like being friends," she didn't know why she was feeding into his game. Part of her felt like she needed to leave as soon as possible, but another part of her enjoyed this odd sort of rapport.

"So that's where you're from. America," he nodded to himself. In that moment, a waiter walked over and whispered something into his ear. His amused look quickly left his face and was replaced by a more sinister look of annoyance. The waiter quickly left.

"Let's have breakfast again sometime," he stood up from his chair, and smiled at her again. Summer was now convinced this guy didn't know how to smile without looking like he had some ulterior motive. Maybe that's just how he is?

She didn't say anything back and just stared at him, still trying to figure out how she felt about the whole thing. He walked away smirking. She shook her head and got up from the table to head back to her room. She had unpacking to do.

oOoOoOoOo

While she was unpacking, and blasting angsty American music, particularly Blink 182, she texted Eun Sang:

Hey I am in Korea now! I would love to meet up sometime, when are you available?

Eun Sang texted her back about 30 minutes later:

That's great! I hope you aren't too jet-lagged. I work two jobs, but how about you visit me at the café I work at tomorrow during my break?

Summer was happy to hear from her and gladly accepted to meet her at her job. They texted a bit more about going back to school, and whether Summer was excited to attend Jeguk. She didn't know if she was, she had no idea what to expect.

She continued to make her suite look a bit homier and put up a few pictures of her dad and mom, as well as her American friends. She smiled at the picture of her and her mom, and tears filled her eyes. It's been four years since her mother passed away.

She wiped her eyes, and took a deep breath in, deciding this would be a good time to go get lunch somewhere. She decided to go eat at the Acoustic Café she found yesterday, and upon entering it was pleased to find out they had a live band playing. It was folksy sort of music which soothed her soul.

oOoOoOoOo

The next morning she woke up to a call from Kim Tan, "Hey, I need Cha Eun Sang's phone number," he sounded very demanding. "Wow, hello to you too. I'm not giving you her phone number. Mianhae, better act like an adult and get it yourself."

"Ya! Did you just wake up, you sound y. Give me her phone number!" he basically yelled it through the phone which only made Summer laugh and pull the phone away from her ear until he was done.

"Ani. I am Eun Sang's friend now, and friends don't give their phone numbers away to desperate boys. Plus, what happened to that Kim Tan charm you always talked about? Don't you think you can just ask for her phone number yourself?"

Summer could barely hide the amusement in her voice. "Aish, and I call you my best friend. I'm going to surprise her at her school in a few hours. Since you're not helpful at all, I'm hanging up." He hung up to her continued laughter.

She continued to lay in her bed for a while and then finally got ready once she realized it was already noon. Aigoo where does the time go. She put on a pair of high-waisted shorts and a black long sleeve shirt that had a low swoop in the back. She felt it was always difficult to plan outfits when it was hot in the afternoon and already chilly by evening.

She went to the ramen store and lo and behold, she ran into elevator guy who just arrived on his motorcycle. She swore at herself for feeling weak in the knees at the sight of him removing his helmet. What the is wrong with me. She pretended not to see him and walked past him into the store.

She was looking at different ramen flavors when she felt his presence right behind her, he was basically breathing down her neck which gave her goose-bumps.

"Hello America." He pointed to one of the ramen flavors, "This one is the best. I've tried them all." Summer slowly turned her head around, afraid if she moved her body she would accidently touch him. "Mwo?" she couldn't really register what he said.

He stepped back just slightly, with the usual smirk on his face. He then grabbed two ramens and her wrist, leading her to the counter. Her eyes widened at his touch and she felt the blood rush in her body, "What are you doing?" She tried to free her wrist from his grasp.

She knew perfectly well that if she really wanted to she could, but for some reason she feigned weakness. At this point she couldn't understand her actions. "I can walk on my own," she mumbled.

He let go of her wrist once they were at the counter, ignoring her comments, and paid for two ramens and two banana milks. "Let's have lunch," then he grabbed the food and walked outside to a table.

She stood there in shock, looking awkwardly at the ahjumma, and then managed a small smile. "Go on, enjoy your date," the kind woman smiled at her, but at the mention of a date Summer felt her stomach drop and she ran out of the store.

Elevator guy watched the whole thing through the window, though he didn't know what the lady said. "Are you going to eat or what?" he pushed the second ramen across the table. Summer slowly made her way to the table, as if at any moment he might pounce like a wild animal.

She sat down and started eating her ramen, and then he started eating his too. "What is your name?" Summer asked him realizing she didn't know it yet and this was already her second meal with him.

He looked up at her from his ramen and blinked. As if he was surprised she'd ask. "Choi Young Do." Summer's eyebrows furrowed together, that name sounded familiar, but she couldn't understand from where. "Mwo? Don't like my name?" he had a very serious look on his face.

She shook her head, "Ani, just sounds familiar." She began to eat her ramen again. He laughed at this, "I assure you I am the only Choi Young Do you have met and will ever meet." He had a very confident aura around him.

"So why do want to eat with me?" she looked up at him again, may as well ask all the questions and start peeling one layer at a time. He raised an eyebrow, "Wae? You don't want to eat with me?" Summer rolled her eyes at him, "Aigoo why do you always go to the negative? I'm just asking why you are buying me food."

His expression froze, and then turned into a smile. It was unlike the smile she has seen before, this one felt more real. She liked this smile. "So you do want to eat with me," he continued smiling like that while he finished his ramen.

Summer wasn't sure what to say. She supposed his company wasn't un-enjoyable, though it was always unexpected. Though he was rude to her in the elevator when they first met, she had also assumed he was a doorman. "I'm Summer by the way, Summer Bak. Bak Summer…" she awkwardly looked away, willing herself to stop talking.

He cocked his head to the side, "Summer." She turned to look at him at the sound of her name; he pronounced it with a slight accent. He leaned forward in his chair and put his elbow on the table, leaning his head in his hand.

He felt the name suited her and he was enjoying the way she made him feel. She didn't look at him in fear or seem intimidated. She didn't seem like she knew the people that would tell her he's a bad guy or to stay away from him. She didn't know anything about him. He preferred it that way.

She waited for him to say something, but he stayed silent and just bit his lip. What is he thinking? She picked up her phone to look at the time, and her eyes went wide. "!" She shot straight up from her chair, just now remembering she was supposed to meet Eun Sang during her work break in less than ten minutes.

He jumped up at her sudden movement and looked at her questioningly. "I am supposed to meet my friend during her work break," she looked down at the table again, grabbed a banana milk, then looked at him again. "Komawo Choi Young Do," she smiled and started dialing a number into her phone.

"If you need a ride, my motorcycle is quicker," he stood up and grabbed their empty ramen cups. He threw them out and walked over to his motorcycle to grab his spare helmet. He looked at her, letting her make the decision.

Summer looked at Choi Young Do and then back at her phone, and then back at him. She hardly knew this guy, but she was running late and when was the last time she rode a motorcycle?

"Well if you insist…" she smiled sheepishly, feeling very excited now, and walked over to him to take the spare helmet. She showed him where the café was on her google maps.

"Have you ridden a motorcycle before?" He looked at her and helped her adjust the helmet and strap, his fingers lightly brushing her chin. She swallowed, feeling very aware of everything. Is this reckless. Am I doing something reckless? "Ne, about a year ago."

He nodded and sat down on his bike. "Better hold on tight," he put his helmet on waiting for her to get on. She wiped her hands on her shorts, feeling her palms sweat. Why am I nervous? I've done this before. Breathe Summer, just breathe.

She took a breath in, and sat down behind him, ever so slightly putting her arms around his waist. He turned his head, "if you hold on like that, you're going to fall," and with that he started his bike and took off.

The second the bike started moving she instantly hugged him tighter, forgetting that she only met him a few days ago, forgetting that she hardly knew him, forgetting that all she actually knew was his name, and that his jacket smelled like a cologne made from fresh mountain air.

She couldn't see, but he had a big smile on his face—a smile that perhaps only his mother has seen, a long time ago.

oOoOoOoOo

They arrived at the café, and Eun Sang was already sitting outside at one of the tables waiting for her. Summer quickly got off and started to unstrap her helmet. Choi Young Do took his off too and turned in her direction, "Let's have lunch again soon," he took the spare helmet off her head.

Summer couldn't help but blush, which was unlike her as she was usually very good at keeping her emotions to herself. All she could manage was a nod. Then she quickly turned around and started walking over to Eun Sang. A few steps in, she remembered she hadn't thanked him for giving her a ride.

He had his helmet back on already and was about to take off, when she turned around and yelled, "Komawo Choi Young Do!" and gave him a smile and a wave. He turned his head in her direction, but she couldn't see his face. After a few seconds he drove off.

Eun Sang just stared at her wide eyed, "Omo! Who was that guy? I thought you didn't know anyone here besides Kim Tan." Summer sat across from her, fully concealing her blush now. "Oh he's my neighbor, I met him at the hotel. It's no big deal." She smiled big at Eun Sang, "So have you seen Kim Tan lately?" she winked.

Eun Sang blushed, "Ne, he surprised me this afternoon by showing up to my school. I can't believe he did that, he made such a scene. Now all the girls at school are going to be questioning me." She shook her head at the thought.

Summer laughed a little, "Yeah he likes to make grand entrances, but I'm sure he did that because he misses you." Eun Sang blinked a few times, "Mwo?" This time Summer shook her head, "Cha Eun Sang you're so cute."

They talked for the remaining half hour of her break, Eun Sang letting her know how awful her new commute to school was, and that sometime soon she needed to introduce her to Chan Young, her best friend. Summer really enjoyed having a girl friend as she usually did not make friends with other girls easily. She felt it was really easy to talk to her.

After the break Eun Sang went back to work, and Summer called her driver to come pick her up. While she was waiting for her driver, Kim Tan showed up. "Summer what are you doing here?"

She looked up at Tan and smiled, "Oh hey Tan, I just hung out with Eun Sang on her break. Did you come here to get her number?" she laughed.

He grinned at her, "Ne, I did actually. Did you see her facebook post about me? Looks like she thinks I'm so hot" he had a mischievous look on his face now.

Summer rolled her eyes, "I'm guessing you posted that on her behalf." He shrugged his shoulders, "Ani, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Summer's driver arrived, and she got up from her chair. She put her hand on Kim Tan's shoulder and with the other put a fist in the air, "Fighting!" He laughed as they parted ways.

Later that night, Kim Tan texted Summer with a bunch of smiley emojis, and he also wrote:

Got it! Also, I think tomorrow night I am going to let her know we live in the same house. Wish me luck.

Summer felt proud of her best friend for being honest with Cha Eun Sang.

You don't need luck Tan. She really likes you, I can tell. It will be challenging at first, but I have a feeling good things will come from this. Goodnight best friend.

She fell asleep with a smile on her face, and the smell of fresh mountain air still lingering in her mind.

oOoOoOoOo

Summer spent most of the next day organizing and buying school supplies when she got a very shocking text from Eun Sang:

I just found out I'm being transferred to Jeguk High…I don't want to go, but my umma already signed all the papers. I don't know how to feel.

Summer squealed at the news, both feeling bad for her friend who seemed upset, but also happy to have a friend at her new school.

Omo! That is drastic. But think of it this way, this school will give you a great chance at a future where you can change your circumstances, AND you will be going to school with yours truly.

Eun Sang replied immediately:

Yes I will get to be with you and Chan Young. But I am not even sure I can afford the uniform. Otoke?

Summer looked at the time which showed 6:47pm. She knew she still needed the uniform as well and an idea flashed into her mind.

I am sure the uniform won't be too costly! How about we meet at the shop in 15? We can look at it together. You are going to be fine Eun Sang, I know this is a great opportunity for you.

Arasso. I will meet you there. Komawo Summer.

Summer smiled to herself and finished buying her remaining text book before she called her driver to make it over to the shop.

When they arrived and went inside, they both could tell it was going to be expensive as they felt they stepped into a very luxurious boutique. The uniforms were displayed on mannequins and the ahjumma at the counter explained each uniform was hand stitched.

"It's how much?" Eun Sang more so said it to herself; she had heard the price but couldn't believe it. Summer was also surprised by this as back in America school uniforms never cost this much, not that she really ever had to wear one before.

She still had her idea from earlier though and this was not going to deter her. She gave her measurements to the lady and ordered herself a uniform to arrive by tonight. She tried to act nonchalant about the fact that Eun Sang couldn't afford it as they walked out of the store.

"It's okay the uniform looks bad anyway, I just had to buy one because my father would kill me if I didn't. I'm jealous, you get to wear whatever you want tomorrow," but before they made it two steps away from the entrance she put her plan in action.

"Oh no! I think I gave them my old bust measurement, my s grew you know? Wait for me here, I'll be right back." She ran back inside the store leaving Eun Sang by the entrance shaking her head.

It was in that moment that Choi Young Do pulled up to the shop on his motorcycle, with Rachel sitting on the back. She got off and when she took off her helmet, she noticed Eun Sang. She went up to her, with a look that could kill.

"Michyeosseo? Didn't I tell you to stay back in America? Did you know Kim Tan is back?" She yells at Eun Sang, and after a second realizes that Eun Sang did in fact know Kim Tan was back before she did. Rachel felt hurt, but her face did not show it.

"Of course you knew. What are you even doing here?" She glared at her. Eun Sang just blinked, "are you done? Is it my turn? Don't move." Rachel looked surprised, "Mwo?"

Eun Sang ripped off Rachel's name tag from her uniform, "you took all my information, I just took your name. You have my number, call me when you want it back."

Young Do watched the whole thing with a very pleased look on his face. He had to admit he was shocked to see this interaction, and was now curious about where this other girl came from.

Meanwhile, Summer was purchasing another uniform for Eun Sang to have it secretly delivered to Kim Tan's house. Unfortunately, they said that the second uniform could only be delivered tomorrow evening, to which a slightly disgruntled Summer agreed.

She walked out of the shop the same moment that Eun Sang finished her sentence, and immediately felt the tension in the air. She did not notice Young Do at first.

"Ya!" Rachel had a look of disbelief on her face. Eun Sang grabbed Summer's hand and started walking away, but Young Do blocked her way. Summer then noticed who it was, and her eyes went wide.

Young Do noticed her when she walked out of the shop and his amusement at what just happened turned into something else. When he noticed the two girls were friends, he felt a rush of blood to his hands which he turned into fists. Does she know Kim Tan too?

"Are you her protector?" Eun Sang looked at Young Do. He relaxed his hands, realizing if he wanted to ask questions he needed to diffuse Rachel. He made a gesture with his arms, meaning you are free to walk.

As they were passing, Summer's eyes did not leave his face, and he too looked directly at her. His expression was unreadable, and she felt tension between them. What is his relationship with Rachel?

Young Do stopped Rachel from going after them, "You lost this round. Go buy yourself a uniform and accept defeat. Also find yourself a ride home, I found I have something to do." He got back on his bike but did not put his helmet back on. He drove off to find Summer.

oOoOoOoOo

"What happened back there?" Summer looked at Eun Sang, concerned. She was still thinking about Young Do, but she tried to get him out of her mind.

"I took Rachel's name tag because she took my passport on our flight," Eun Sang smiled a little to herself at her bold move. Summer stopped walking, "Holy , that is amazing! Damn Eun Sang I didn't know you had it in you," she smiled big and started walking again.

Eun Sang laughed and shrugged her shoulders, "Wasn't that the same guy who drove you to my café? He was giving a ride to Rachel…" she looked a bit concerned now.

"Ne, I saw that. I didn't know they knew each other. I wonder—" Summer bit her lip and jumped at the sudden motorcycle to her left. It was Young Do again. They stopped walking and he stopped next to them.

"Hey," he looked at Summer, and she waited for him to continue, but it was as if he forgot what he was going to say because his face went through a few different expressions before it settled on discontent.

"Do you know Kim Tan?" he bit his lip.

"How do you know Rachel?" she crossed her arms.

"I asked you first," he smiled with no emotion.

She caved first, "Kim Tan is my best friend. I've known him since we were kids."

Young Do's fake smile faltered and now he looked genuinely upset, but it was quickly replaced with his predator look. "I don't remember ever seeing you before, and I also knew him since we were kids."

Eun Sang stood there, watching the interaction between the two. She felt the air was dense between them, and wasn't sure if they were about to yell at each other, but she was curious as to where Kim Tan played into all of this.

"We were pen pals, I lived in America and our fathers are good friends. What is your relationship with Rachel?" She tried again, feeling a desperate need to know, but not understanding why.

Young Do took a deep silent breath in, "She is my step-sister to be…speaking of Rachel" he then turned to look at Eun Sang, "I liked what you did there, looks like we're on the same side" he smiled a crooked smile.

He was fuming inside at the realization that Kim Tan had yet again ruined his day, and that it was just a matter of time before Summer would see him differently.

"Mwo? I am not on any side. I want to stay out of this," Eun Sang looked away from his gaze. He looked back at Summer, deciding on what he was going to do about his situation, "Looks like you're best friends with my enemy, so I'll just have to steal you away." He said it as if it was the only thing he could say.

Summer couldn't help but laugh. She felt in this moment that she was part of some dramatic skit, "Okay Choi Young Do." She put her hand on his shoulder, "Good luck with that," then she walked away with Eun Sang following her.

After hearing that Rachel was his almost sister, and that Kim Tan was his enemy, she realized this was a very complicated situation; wasn't Rachel supposed to marry Kim Tan? She felt the need to get away and to gather her thoughts because she couldn't think clearly around him.

The moment she grabbed his shoulder, he stiffened, as if every cell in his body was aware of her hand. It felt warm where her hand had been. He felt the anger subside briefly, and her comment surprised him. Good luck? He shook his head, feeling she was constantly doing and saying things he did not expect. He couldn't help but smile. He always liked a challenge.

He began to put his helmet on, "Does Rachel have your number too? Can I get your number from her?"

Summer turned around and looked at him, but he was already driving away. "Aish, what is with boys and not asking for numbers directly?" she shook her head.

Eun Sang looked at her amused, "You would have given him your number after that?"

Summer shrugged her shoulders, "What can I say, I find him... interesting. Plus, Rachel doesn't have my number." She grinned. Eun Sang nodded, "Right. Interesting." She laughed to herself as they continued to walk.

oOoOoOoOo

Summer had her driver give Eun Sang a ride home and on the way there she explained to Summer how the transfer to Jeguk happened in the first place. Wow I didn't know Tan's dad was so generous. Why do I feel like he didn't do it purely for her? She shook her head at the thought.

When she finally reached her suite, she noticed a note on her door:

What's your number?

That was all that was written on it in surprisingly nice handwriting, no name or anything attached to it. She knew who it was from, and smiled at his attempt. She took the note and went inside. Nice try Choi Young Do.

She was not planning on writing a note back as she felt if he really wanted her number, he could ask her directly. If Kim Tan can do it, though he didn't exactly say how he got Eun Sang's number, then so can he.

Her mind whirled back to the Kim Tan-Choi Young Do-Rachel situation, as she went to change into her pajamas. She also noticed her new uniform was placed neatly on her bed. Why are they enemies? Why does he have to 'steal' me away? She blushed at the thought, what does that even mean? She realized she told him good luck, but wasn't fully aware of the meaning behind his words.

She brushed her teeth and got into her covers, but felt that sleep wasn't going to come any time soon. Too many emotions were flooding through her mind, and her heart was racing. I know Kim Tan was an in his younger days, could he have bullied him? And why does his name sound familiar?

She decided she would talk to Kim Tan all about it at school tomorrow, and get some things straight. Right as she finally started falling asleep, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Eun Sang.

I just found out I am living in the same house as Kim Tan. Did you know?

Summer bit her lip. Oh .

Ne, I did. He told me. I felt it wasn't my place to say anything. I didn't want to get in between you two.

Eun Sang took a while to answer. She felt embarrassed and was angry at herself for living the life she was. She was tired of being poor and was afraid people would look at her differently.

Summer waited anxiously for her text back, and when she finally got it she sighed in relief.

Arasso. Komawo. I appreciate that you didn't make a big deal out of it. Please don't tell anyone at school.

Of course I won't tell anyone. It is none of my business. Also, I just want to make sure you know that I don't care about your income status, I am just happy to have you as a friend and if there is anything at all that I can help with, you let me know!

Eun Sang was crying quietly to herself while her mom slept. She felt hopeless in her situation though she knew her mom worked very hard. She felt thankful for Summer's friendship, but her pride was hurt.

Summer waited another hour to see if Eun Sang would text anything, but she did not. She decided to go to sleep and give Eun Sang a big hug tomorrow. I can't imagine how hard it must be.

oOoOoOoOo

Young Do had an alarm set for midnight, but he woke up before it went off. He wasn't really asleep; it was a state of in-between. He shot up from his bed and walked briskly to his front door. He stopped before he opened it.

He took a breath in and put his ear against the door. After hearing only silence, he nodded to himself and slowly opened it. He immediately noticed his note was gone from her door. He then looked to the front of his expecting a note back, but there was nothing there.

He sighed audibly, did she not get my note? He looked to the floor of the hallway, scanning the ground to see if it perhaps fell off. After not finding it he slammed his door and walked back to his bed.

He got under his covers, laying on his stomach, and covered himself completely with his blanket, his head included. His heart was beating fast and he felt disappointed, but that feeling was quickly replaced with newfound motivation. I will get it tomorrow.