Jeguk High

Slow Burn

Summer woke up and got ready for school, feeling proud for waking up on time. She put on her uniform and chided herself for not ironing it the night before. She then laughed at herself for feeling that way; Did I just become an adult?

She made sure to eat breakfast, brush her hair, and put on a little make-up. She took a deep breath as she put on her ankle boots, “boots are okay right?” She always spoke to herself when she felt nervous.

She opened her door just as Young Do opened his, they both stepped out, too into their thoughts to notice each other until they both looked up. They both froze and looked at each other in surprise.

Young Do regained composure first, “America you go to Jeguk?” he just now put the pieces together, that’s why she was at the shop with that other girl.

She nodded and looked at his uniform, “looks like we are classmates, also the name is Summer, remember?” She smiled and started to walk down the hallway.

He wasn’t sure how he felt about this, as he knew she would get to see who he really was at school now, regardless if Kim Tan spoke to her. He had a reputation to uphold. Funny enough, he was still unaware of the fact that he was more at ease when he was around her.

But the feeling was too unfamiliar to him, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt he didn’t need to take control of a situation, or that he didn’t need to respond with anger or intimidation. In his world, any moment of weakness meant defeat. His father made sure he knew that.

“You coming?” she peeked her head out of the elevator. He looked like he was having a very intense conversation in his mind. He was broken out of his reverie and made his way to the elevator. Summer pressed the button for the lobby.

Once inside he remembered what he told himself last night. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he cornered her in the elevator. His forearm was above her head against the wall, his face was inches away from hers.

Summer was pressed up against the wall, and since she was completely caught off guard, she felt like she was having a heart attack. She could feel her heart in , but her eyes kept darting back to his lips to which she was trying very hard not to make it noticeable.

“You forgot to give me your number,” he continued to look at her and made no attempt to move. Summer closed her eyes and took a breath in to calm herself, she could smell his skin, and this was better than the jacket.

After a few seconds of silence, she opened her eyes and smirked, “I only give my number to boys who have the courage to ask, you know, directly?” She put her hand on his chest and pushed him away just as the elevator doors opened. She walked out and went to meet her driver up front.

As she got into the car she took a few more deep breaths to ground herself, he really doesn’t understand personal space...holy . She put her head back against the headrest, reeling in confusion at both why she liked that fact about him, and that high she felt from him standing inches away.

His gaze followed her and he smirked to himself, ahhh this girl. He his lips and walked out of the elevator towards his motorcycle. He was starting to genuinely enjoy his mornings.

oOoOoOoOo

When Summer arrived at the school she could not believe how immensely beautiful, modern, and huge it was. To her it felt like a university rather than a high school, and for the first time in a long time she felt excited for school.

She arrived early, so she decided to go exploring for a bit, finding a few spots she deemed good for reading. Then she decided it would probably be good to find Kim Tan or Eun Sang, as she had no idea where to go for her first class. She texted them both.

Eun Sang are you at school yet? I am here.

Kim Tan where are you? I am just wandering around.

She put in headphones and started listening to music, and could see students trickling in now with their private drivers. She examined how all the students here seem very rich, and haughty. Don’t judge without knowing. She repeated that to herself as a reminder.

Before her mother passed away, she gave Summer a booklet of wise sayings, or mantras she would call them, and said it will help Summer be the best person she could be as she goes through life. She always tried to live by this little book.

She was heading towards the main entrance again when she saw a bunch of students starting to crowd around, and then she noticed Eun Sang. She was walking obliviously with her phone.

Probably texting me back!

Suumer ran after her and when she finally caught up to her, they were in the middle of the crowd, which at this point was more of a circle of people. “Cha Eun Sang!” she grabbed her arm gently to get her attention, to which Eun Sang turned around and a wave of relief washed over her.

“Summer!” she smiled, and then quickly noticed all the people staring at them. Summer noticed this precisely at the same time and started to look around. Her gaze fell on Kim Tan, who was staring at them with an unreadable expression. She turned and saw Choi Young Do on the other side.

Eun Sang and Summer shared an awkward look between each other and then stared at the opposing boys again. Young Do whistled and then spoke first, “It’s like a holiday gift set.” Tan ignored his comment and spoke to Cha Eun Sang, “you came without wearing your uniform?”

There was another awkward silence as everyone was watching, but then Eun Sang’s best friend Chan Young came into the circle and grabbed her by the wrist. He took her out of the crowd and Summer followed, feeling thankful for the rescue.

They walked away from the scene, but in the distance could hear Kim Tan and Young Do continuing to have their standoff. Summer fell into her thoughts again wondering what was happening and whether she should go try to help her best friend.

Chan Young broke Summer out of her thoughts when he extended his hand for a greeting, “I’m Yoon Chan Young, but just call me Chan Young. I am grateful for all the help you’ve given to Eun Sang.” He smiled sweetly at her.

Summer felt his energy was really refreshing and she smiled back. He motioned for them to sit down on the bench as there were a few things he wanted to explain, starting with the hierarchy. Eun Sang looked at him in surprise, “Mwo?”

He just nodded as if it was completely normal and explained the four tiers:

1) Management Succession

2) Stock-Shares Inheritance

3) Honor-Inheritance

4) Social Care Group

He went on to give an example for each, stating that Choi Young Do, Kim Tan, Rachel…and Summer are part of Management Succession as they are the heirs and heiresses of very wealthy companies.

Summer sighed at this realization; Chan Young did his research. He continued, stating that his girlfriend, Lee Bo Na, is part of the Stock-Shares Inheritance group, and children of law enforcement, doctors, and such, are part of Honor-Inheritance.

He lastly described how he is a part of the Social Care Group, which is what Eun Sang is a part of too. She frowned in defeat at this statement, stating that if he is the lowest tier then she must be an untouchable.

Summer smacked her arm, “Don’t say things like that. This whole system is ed and frankly who gives a ?” She stood up all of a sudden, feeling very annoyed. “Why does everyone care so much about wealth? It doesn’t bring happiness.”

Chan Young and Eun Sang stared at her in both understanding and a bit of surprise at her outburst. She looked at them with sadness in her eyes, “When you lose someone, no amount of money will bring back the real joy you felt with that person. It brings things into perspective.”

She sighed, and sat down again.

Eun Sang put an arm around her, and Chan Young stared at her with sympathy. After a few minutes he broke the silence and told them that they both needed to go to the teacher’s office to fill out paperwork before their first class.

They both sighed and reluctantly followed him to the office.

oOoOoOoOo

After having filled out the paperwork, their seonsaengnim walked them to their first class, letting them know they have to introduce themselves.

Upon walking in, the class grew quiet with intensity; of course Kim Tan, Rachel, and Choi Young Do are in my class. Summer bit her lip and the teacher motioned for her to go first. Summer took a breath in and looked out at everyone before focusing her attention on Kim Tan, who smiled at her.

“Annyeonghaseyo, my name is Bak Summer. I just moved here from the U.S. to learn how to one day properly run Bak Entertainment. I like to surf and watch the stars. I dislike petty conflicts and ignorance. Let’s all get along.” She smiled.

When she mentioned Bak Entertainment, everyone in the class looked at each other with big eyes. They all knew the company that brought to life stars like Beyoncé in the west and Suzy in the east. Her father was famous for running a company that has such influence in both parts of the world.

Choi Young Do was staring at her very intently, his brows furrowed together. Having learned this new fact, he realized it was surprising to him that he did not already know this nor had the thought to investigate it. Usually the first thing he was interested in was a person’s wealth and inheritance.

The teacher motioned for her to go sit down at an empty desk. There were only two—one in front of Young Do, and the other in front of Kim Tan. Summer knew Kim Tan would want Eun Sang to sit by him, so she went and sat down in front of Young Do. Her heart was beating fast, but she did just present herself in front of the class.

Eun Sang began her introduction, “Annyeonghaseyo, my name is Cha Eun Sang. I am a transfer student as well. I don’t want any trouble—” A student interrupted her, “What do your parents do?” Another student spoke up as well, “Ya, why don’t you have a uniform?”

Summer rolled her eyes at the student’s remarks and looked over at Kim Tan, who already had a plan in motion. He stood up, “Seonsaengnim, I am new too, so I should introduce myself as well” he walked up to the front of the class. The teacher mentioned how everyone already knows him, but he pushed Eun Sang out of the way and began his introduction.

“I’m Kim Tan…”, while everyone was amused at his antics, they were also curious as to why he interrupted Cha Eun Sang, as they all wanted to know the answers to those questions. He ended with, “I, too, don’t want any trouble.” He looked directly at Choi Young Do after he finished that statement.

Summer turned around and looked at Choi Young Do, who had a sinister smile on his face and was looking back at Kim Tan. She sighed and turned around, why do I feel like this is going to be long year. She put her head on her desk, trying to shut everything out. Kim Tan and Eun Sang went and sat down.

“Okay everyone, turn to page 46 in your textbooks,” the teacher began the lesson, ignoring the tension and whispers going around the room.

oOoOoOoOo

The moment the class began, Summer sat up and opened her textbook. She swore to herself she was going to do really well and impress her father. She tried to concentrate on everything the teacher was saying.

Young Do stared at her, debating whether he should pull her hair, kick her chair, or poke her in the back. He felt the urge to touch her in any way he could, not because he wanted to make her his next target but because…well he didn’t really understand why.

She looked really into what the teacher was saying, so he resigned himself to doing nothing and put his head down on his desk. He felt calm and fell asleep.

Kim Tan looked over at Summer, as he was worried Young Do would antagonize her during class, but after finding Young Do asleep he smiled in relief. Must have had a rough night, it’s unlike him to not use this moment to ‘introduce’ himself.

Eun Sang was also paying close attention, feeling relieved she was in front of Kim Tan and not next to the sinister motorcycle guy who she had a feeling Summer found more than just ‘interesting’. What was his name, Choi Young Do she said?

Class ended and Eun Sang laughed at her thought, but then saw the students all look at her, so she got her things quickly and made her way out. Kim Tan followed behind, not wanting her to get out of his sight.

Summer packed up her things, and as she did she could hear the students whispering about her and Eun Sang. She turned to look at them and they just stared at her and gave her looks. Some of them looked cold, and others interested. She turned around to find Choi Young Do still asleep.

She shook him on the shoulder, “Ya wake up.” Some of the remaining students audibly gasped at her action. He sleepily looked up at her before noticing the other students and showing her his predator smile.

“Ya America, why are you waking me up?” She just stared at him and after a few seconds, shrugged her shoulders, “Guess I didn’t want you to be late to your next class.” She stood up, grabbed her backpack and walked out.

He stared after her, feeling lost in the moment. He felt his head spin. He shook his head slightly to stop it, “Aish these new transfer students don’t know their place yet. I’ll have to change that.” He smirked as he got up from his chair and walked out.

The two remaining girls, who had watched the whole thing, looked at each other with goose bumps, “They better watch what’s coming for them” one said to the other.

oOoOoOoOo

After their second class, Summer followed Kim Tan to the broadcasting room where she met Lee Hyo Shin, the senior student who Kim Tan spoke a lot about.

“It’s really nice to finally meet you. Kim Tan told me about you when we were in America,” Summer smiled and extended her hand. Hyo Shin smiled back and shook her hand, then looked at Kim Tan curiously, “I hope all good things?”

Kim Tan laughed, “What good things?” he said jokingly. Summer thought Hyo Shin was very attractive and had a nice charm to him. She started talking to him about what it was like to work in the broadcasting room, when another student ran in.

“Mwo? Kim Tan what are you doing here?” She looked surprised to see him and was blushing.

Kim Tan turned around and smiled at her, “Hey Lee Bo Na!” She quickly ran back out.

Summer laughed at the whole situation and then decided to follow her as she seemed interesting. That’s the girl who dated Kim Tan in middle school! She caught up to her when they were by her locker, “Hey Lee Bo Na, I’m Summer. You used to date Kim Tan in middle school right? And now you’re with Chan Young? You two look so cute together!”

Summer smiled at her. This was her attempt at making new girl-friends. Lee Bo Na gave her a pouty side eye look, “Ya! How do you know these things and yes I know we look cute!”

“I’m childhood friends with Kim Tan,” Summer continued to smile at her.

“Oh did he talk about me?” Lee Bo Na seemed excited now, but quickly hid it. “I know he is still not over me, but I am with Chan Young now! He needs to understand.” She crossed her arms and pouted some more.

Summer laughed out loud, “Oh Lee Bo Na you’re so cute!” She continued laughing while Lee Bo Na just looked at her curiously. Then another student came over to them with his camera and took a picture of them.

“Annyeong! I’m the handsome Jo Myung Soo! You must be Summer the new transfer student. I can’t believe you’re going to take over Bak Entertainment! Daebak!” He looked at her full of excitement. Summer smiled at him happily, she really liked how carefree he is.

He then noticed Eun Sang walking by, “Hey other transfer girl! Are you new money?” he waved for her to walk over. Eun Sang didn’t understand what he said, and when she saw Summer she walked over. “Mwo?”

Myung Soo took a picture of her, “Are you new money or social care?” Summer’s smile faded at his question, and Eun Sang looked nervously at Summer and Lee Bo Na. Lee Bo Na scoffed, “Don’t look at me” and looked away.

Before Summer could say anything, Kim Tan came out of nowhere, “Hey new money!” he addressed Eun Sang and walked over to her, “Follow me.” He began to walk away expecting her to follow him.

Everyone was staring at Eun Sang since they got their answer, though Summer and Lee Bo Na knew the truth. Summer took this time as the perfect moment to escape the commotion, and she quietly snuck away. Eun Sang did not follow Kim Tan and walked the other way, to which he looked back surprised.

oOoOoOoOo

Summer managed to sneak out of the building and walk outside. She felt she needed some air after all that. Aish people are so invested in who makes what here. New money? Is that even a real term? She was lost in her thoughts when someone tripped her.

Her eyes widened as she felt herself falling, but then she was caught by the wrist. She looked up in shock at her assailant, “Ya!” It was Young Do, who was smiling in amusement now, “Gwenchanayo?” he still held her wrist.

“Choi Young Do! You tripped me,” she shook her head still recovering from the almost-fall. “I can’t save you if I don’t,” he looked directly at her now, still smiling. Summer shook her wrist free, “You’re strange.”

His expression turned to one of curiosity, “just strange, not scary?” She laughed at his statement, and put a hand on his shoulder, “What is there to be scared of? How tall you are? Your long eyebrows?” She laughed again.

Young Do once again felt the heat of her hand on his shoulder and his stomach felt weird, “I am going to trip you again and again,” he continued to look at her, feeling like he had tunnel vision.

“Well as long as you catch me, geez,” she imagined what would have happened if he didn’t catch her. She took her hand off his shoulder and he grabbed her wrist again; subconsciously afraid she was going to leave.

“Can I have your number?” He smiled again. She looked at where he was holding her wrist and noticed how surprisingly gentle his grip was. It felt like a paradox to his sharp edges and attitude. She gently took her wrist away and took out a pen from her bag.

“Well, since you got the courage now,” she took his hand and began to write her number on his skin. She knew she could have just given him her number to put into his phone directly, but for some reason this felt like the better thing to do. More old school and intimate.

Young Do felt his hand tingle, and then slowly his whole body felt the rush of blood. He wasn’t used to feeling this way, but he enjoyed it. No one has held his hand before. No one has been this gentle with him before. Once again, her actions were completely unexpected.

Once she finished writing her number she let go of his hand and smiled up at him. She noticed how his features looked soft, like he was in a daze. She had never seen him look so soft. In that moment, Kim Tan ran up to both of them and grabbed Summer by the arm, “Have you seen Cha Eun Sang?” Summer looked up at him in surprise, “Ani, I thought she was following you.” He looked at who Summer was standing with and immediately his face turned into a frown. Young Do was also glaring at him, all softness gone from his face.

“Stay away from her,” he told Young Do as he walked away, dragging Summer with him. “Ya Kim Tan!” Summer stopped them from walking, “What’s the deal between you two?” Kim Tan sighed, “That’s the old middle school ex-best friend I told you about back in 7 th grade. Was he bothering you?”

That’s why his name sounded so familiar! I remember now! Summer had a look of realization upon her face. Then it turned into a look of sadness. She remembered what Kim Tan wrote to her so long ago. His mom left him when he was 12, and his father isn’t the nicest guy. He started bullying Kim Tan after he shared his secret with him. “Ani, he wasn’t bothering me.”

“Well, stay away from him, because he will take any chance he gets to make your life miserable or try to use you to make me angry. Anyway, I gotta go find Cha Eun Sang.” Summer felt a pang in her heart at his words. She felt that wasn’t true. He looked her over once more to make sure she was okay, and then proceeded with his search.

Young Do was watching them interact once Kim Tan dragged her away. He felt his blood boil the minute he interrupted them. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he noticed her facial expressions change from some sort of understanding to sadness. What the did he tell her?

He wanted to walk up to them and punch Kim Tan in the face but thought it would be better to see how this ended and plan something for the future. His hands were in fists at his side, his knuckles white.

He looked down at his hands and noticed the number she wrote on his hand. He almost forgot about that, but the second he noticed it, his stomach felt weird again. His anger subsided ever so slightly. He felt bothered now, not knowing how she would react to him after Kim Tan talked to her. He put her number into his phone, but decided to keep it on his hand awhile longer.

AUTHORS NOTE: Just wanted to say thank you again to my editor CalJones for helping me put this story together! It is a lot of fun to write and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. I know I am late on the Heirs train, but any reviews, comments, thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Would love to know how my readers feel.

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Thank you!
lalalalazhenya
UPDATE.
Just wanted to let my readers know that I didn't abandon this story.
I contracted pneumonia and have been having a very difficult time.
I have the outline for 21 chapters-and WILL FINISH THIS STORY.
Don't lose faith and know that Young Do and Summer will be back!

Comments

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Millenium2468 #1
Chapter 10: Ermmm......... I am still waiting?
DreamyGongju
#2
Hi Authornim. Just here to remind you we are still waiting for your update
Arxynth
320 streak #3
Chapter 1: Ohhhh, just finish with first chapter. So this is gonna be between Young Do and Summer fic. Gonna read more on this! and definitely will wait for you to finish updating this story. :)

p/s: hope you are doing well now and in a good health!
DreamyGongju
#4
Chapter 10: Young do making progress in his relationship (?) with summer *-*
I am so happy for KWB
DreamyGongju
#5
Chapter 9: Thanks for the translations :)
DreamyGongju
#6
Chapter 8: Kim tan is just as evil!
I don't know Korean words. Can you give meanings to them
lcar19 #7
Looking forward to next chapter!
DreamyGongju
#8
Chapter 7: Young do don't be stubborn and take summer's help
DreamyGongju
#9
Chapter 6: Summer don't listen to Kim tan. Help young do
DreamyGongju
#10
Chapter 5: Kim tan, you evil kid! Stay away from young do