The afternoon in PD University became quiet and tense. Everyone was frozen and gathered around four students involved in a crazy love situation. The perfect one hugged her beloved, the perpetrator for the said beloved’s hand was still standing, and the perfect one’s said beloved witnessed everything.

“Angel? Is she telling the truth?”

Minju couldn’t bear her tears and wept. Chaewon shushed her and Yujin drew closer to comfort her too.

“Angel, it’s okay...” Yujin assured her but she was also teary. “Forget these people looking at us. Look at me...”

Minju felt her hands held by both women. One was pulling her no while the other pulling her out if acceptance; that whatever happens after won’t matter.

Because for Yujin, she’ll always love Minju, no matter what.

“Yujinnie...” Minju cried. “...I’m so sorry...”

Yujin sighed sadly but went to comfort Minju. “I was too fast, wasn’t I?”

“N-No...” Minju sniffled. “I...I hurt you...”

“No...oh, my God, Angel – no...” Yujin hugged her again, rubbing her back. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is your well-being. How about we talk about it?”

Everyone felt happy and hurt for Yujin. Even if they were confused about everything, they see a tall treasure. Yujin didn’t care about the confession and whatever answer she got. Because to her, Minju always mattered.

It was then that Eunbi scolded everyone to go back to the usual businesses. The rest of the student council and friends within their circle did the same, leaving everyone to scatter away. They realize that it’ll be hot news tomorrow and for God knows how long but it was the only way to settle the matter.

Everyone cooperated for being calm and composed...

...but not for one.

Wonyoung pulled Chaewon away from the field and from their friends. Chaewon winced because of her wobbling steps and Wonyoung’s grip yet her mind and heart were immune to the pain.

Chaewon didn’t want it to happen this way but to the least, she had the opportunity and courage to finally be honest.

“Wonyoung, let go!” Chaewon drove her hand away. “Why did you pull us away? We could’ve talked back there!”

“Why? Because Minju was there?” Wonyoung raised. “I’d agree with you, knowing AhnYu was also there...but I guess we deserve to talk in private.”

“No, Won.” They turned to see Minju and Yujin. “All of us need to talk.”

Wonyoung was fuming. If she didn’t have the control, she could’ve slapped the out of Minju and Chaewon, even Yujin.

it, she thought. She wanted to slap herself for being an idiot.

Minju drew closer as Yujin helped her. Chaewon wanted to make sure she was okay but Wonyoung pushed her aside so they faced each other.

Both were angry and afraid. Most of all, both wanted to know the truth.

“Wonyoung-ah...I-I’m sorry for this mess. You and Yujinnie...d-don’t deserve this...” Minju started.

“Is it why you lived in the same apartment with her?” Wonyoung asked then crossed her arms. “Tell me, Minju-nim. Was Ssamu telling the truth?”

Minju nodded slowly, just as Wonyoung and Yujin slowly got their facts straight. “Ssamu and I .. we’re – “

“ – arranged in marriage.” Chaewon cuts her off. “We are arranged in marriage.”

“Were.” Minju spat at Chaewon.

“Are, were, whatever.” Wonyoung hissed. “So both of you are married?”

Chaewon and Minju nodded. Wonyoung scoffed while Yujin went to comfort her. Minju was crossed at Chaewon again for putting words on .

“I said we’re married, Ssamu!” Minju hissed. “I told you I’m cutting it off! I don’t want the situation to worsen and you run your babbling mouth again!”

“Because her royal Highness is a babblemouth.” Yujin hissed, pulling Minju away from Chaewon. “I get the whole situation, Chaewon-unnie. I understand my best friend and my crush’s feelings so stop lying!”

“I’m not lying!” Chaewon drew closer, clutching Yujin’s collar. “My feelings for Minju are true and I’ve held them longer than you ever will!”

Wonyoung calmed herself and pushed Chaewon away from Yujin. Their other friends caught up, with Eunbi drawing closer to them.

“Ssamu, Min. Your parents are coming.”

Minju was afraid to face them, especially their fathers. Chaewon returned to comfort her and batted. “Tell them to stay away from this! Let me deal with this situation.”

Wonyoung slammed her phone on the ground, breaking it together with her broken face. Everyone backed away, leaving Yujin to console her. “What else do we need to know, Ssamu?!”

Chaewon sighed and faced her. Wonyoung wanted to rant, cry, and scream but she couldn’t dwell onto that persona. Either way, she had to know the truth.

“I don’t want to get into more trouble. For the love of me, tell me what’s going on and why this is happening.” Wonyoung spoke then huffed. “You and Minju knew each other before, huh?”

“18 years... we’ve known each other since birth.” Chaewon spoke the sighed. “We were arranged in marriage since then but we were official when we reached puberty so... we’ve been married for 5 years.”

Wonyoung was huffing her breath through her nose, trying to bear her anger.

“It was fine in the beginning but when I met you, I rebelled against it. I wanted to pursue you. I wanted to be someone out of love and not out of an arranged marriage.” Chaewon began, crying. “I couldn’t accept everything my family did and at the same time, I couldn’t fully rebel because of their wishes...and...” She looked back at Minju. “...I didn’t want to leave Min behind and treat her as a replacement.”

Minju sniffled. Yena and Yuri went to console her. Most of their friends did because they realize that she was the most hurt in this situation.

“Wonyoung, I love you. I really do. It’s why I rebelled many times within my marriage against Minju. My heart wanted you...” Chaewon held her hands, begging. “I never wanted us to break up.”

“What about her?” Wonyoung asked, pointing at Minju. “Does she have something to do with this?”

“She has nothing to do with it, I swear...” Chaewon cried harder. “Min has never done anything to hurt our relationship. She gets hurt...because of me!”

Wonyoung couldn’t bear it and cried. She drove herself away and shook her head many times, even if Chaewon drew closer and wanted to talk more of the truth with her.

“I couldn’t tell you...” Chaewon reached to hug her. “I was foolish to keep my ego and pride, even this secret, just for us to always be together. I couldn’t tell you because I know you’ll break up with me...”

“Tell me...” Wonyoung added. “...you love Minju now, don’t you?”

Chaewon couldn’t say anything. Her heart did but nothing came out of her but cries.

“I couldn’t lie to myself. It has been hidden but it grew and...” She looked at Minju. “...I don’t want to hurt her anymore...

A part of her continued to console Wonyoung but Yujin got in between to protect her. Chaewon was persistent that It struck a nerve on Yujin, punching Chaewon’s face, causing her to fall. Chaeyeon and Hyewon helped her up while Sakura and Nako stopped Yujin.

“You animal! Have you got no shame?!” Yujin spat, struggling onto Sakura and Nako’s grasps. “You hurt Angel and Won for your selfish desire and for what?! To play with their feelings?!”

Wonyoung’s cries became audible that Yujin went to comfort her. Minju couldn’t hold a guilt and wanted to console Wonyoung too...

... until she pushed Minju and Yujin out of the way and slapped the hell out of Chaewon.

“You !” She aimed a good slap on Chaewon’s face and did it many times. “What did I ever do to you?! I loved you and this is what I get?!”

Minju couldn’t bear the sight. She tried to console Wonyoung since Chaewon was getting beat up. Wonyoung dragged her away, causing Minju to fall and wince because her ankle got hurt even more. The friends were there to console them, even Hyewon ran to get an ambulance for Minju as she noticed something wrong with her.

It was chaos. Chaewon was getting hit, Wonyoung continue to hit, Yujin tried to calm her friend down, and Minju was falling slowly into unsconsciousness because she was hurt too much, inside and out.

“Minju! Minju!!” Yena nudged her as she was getting limp.

Chaewon froze as Minju shuts her eyes. She went to her when Wonyoung slapped her again.

“You devil! You a huge ing lie from the devil!” She spat before running away.

Eunbi signalled Nako and Hitomi to catch up to the youngest. Yena and Yuri try to wake her up while Eunbi and Chaeyeon stopped Chaewon. For Yujin, she was in a trance because of the chaos. Even when Sakura nudged her, she was still numb.

“Yujinnie...Ssamu...”

Yujin returned to reality with that one call and got to Minju’s side. Chaewon wanted to draw closer too but Eunbi and Chaeyeon didn’t let her.

“Angel – Angel...” Yujin held her hand. “Angel, don’t give in...”

“Go to...go to Wonyoung...” Minju mumbled. “Please...she needs you.”

“But – “

“I’ll be okay...” Minju huffed. “Go to her. Go.”

Yujin couldn’t but Sakura pulled her out and made her do what Minju said. As someone who’s truly in love with her, Yujin stood up to her promise and went to look for Wonyoung. The ambulance finally came with Hyewon and Minju was taken inside. Chaewon struggled on Eunbi and Chaeyeon’s grasps, wanting to be by Minju’s side.

Adults got to the scene. Teacher Kang was there with the discipline committee and the Kim parents. Minju’s mother went inside the ambulance and it drove away. Chaewon called for her, kneeling on the dirty ground.

“Ssamu!” Her mother went to comfort her.

The fathers greeted the children and they bowed. They were facing both chairmen of the school; Chaewon and Minju’s fathers.

“Ranhee. Chaewon.” The older patriarch snapped. “Get. Up.”

Minju’s father and Teacher Kang excused the children away, leaving the first Kim family to talk. Ranhee shook her head, telling her husband not to hurt Chaewon.

“Get up!” He yelled, letting Ranhee pull Chaewon up.

He went off, following the discipline committee. Minju’s father had a disappointed look towards Chaewon, feeling the urge to also scold her because his own daughter was hurt. He followed the other patriarch, leaving the mother and child.

“Eomma...” Chaewon sniffled. “Eomma, I was wrong...”

“I know. I know.” Ranhee consoled her. “But you need to be accountable for what you did. We’ll talk about it as gradual as we can. Let’s go and patch you up.”

Chaewon got up and scraped herself off of dirt. Ranhee wiped her wounds and they walked away together towards a new time where she’ll have to face the consequence of her actions.

+++

Wonyoung was still crying as Yujin tried to calm her down. Teacher Kang was in front of them, leading them to the discipline office to settle what happened previously. Yujin tried to persuade Teacher Kang not to include Wonyoung since the feud was mostly about her and Chaewon, also because Wonyoung didn’t want to face Chaewon after what she had witnessed.

“I’d sympathize with you but both of you are the main witnesses. You’re also dealing with the school directors so I’m sorry...” Teacher Kang added. “...I can’t help you get out of this.”

Yujin sighed as she continued to comfort Wonyoung. Thankfully, it was gradually working as Wonyoung’s sniffles died down. Her mind raced of what’s to come and at same time, it raced as to how Yujin was calm and composed despite the possibilities of getting expelled.

Their thoughts had to stop when they arrived at the office. Chaewon was already there with her parents. Wonyoung and Yujin became tense.

“It’s okay, children. We won’t do thia tactlessly.”

“Kids, this is Chairman Kim Minhyun; Minju’s father.” Teacher Kang introduced the calm and considerate man before pointing at Chaewon’s family. “That’s Chairman Kim Chanwoo and Mrs. Kim Ranhee; Chaewon’s parents.”

Wonyoung bowed at them despite her shaking hands. Yujin followed suit as she never stopped comforting her. Her glare maintained at Chaewon and it took every fiber of her being to be calm.

After all, she was looking at the one who started the mess. She thought her punches weren’t enough to repay her sins.

Minhyun insisted that Wonyoung and Yujin should sit by his side, leaving the best friends to agree. Now, the two sides faced each other.

“Wonyoung-ssi, Yujin-ssi.” Minhyun began. “What exactly happened?”

“I...I was there at the field, c-confessing to your daughter, sir.” Yujin gulped. “Your daughter is a wonderful woman, sir. I admired her and I thought I should confess my feelings. I didn’t know that she was already engaged.” She bowed again. “I’m sorry, sir...”

“Did you give this bruise to my daughter?” Chairman Chanwoo asked, pointing at Chaewon’s cheek.

“I did, sir. She forced to apologize to my best friend when she didn’t want it. I was also offended that she hurt her own wife to whom I grew to care for.”

Minhyun would’ve been reasonable but hearing Yujin’s statement made him disappointed at Chaewon. He felt betrayed that someone had hurt his daughter.

“What about you, Wonyoung-ssi?” Ranhee asked. “What’s your relationship with Ssamu?”

“She...” Wonyoung looked at her, feeling many negative things. “We were a couple...”

“Eomma, she’s my girlfriend.” Chaewon defended her. “I love her...”

Chanwoo was furious. Minhyun and Ranhee try to calm him and the children down. The committee could only watch, feeling inferior of the auras the two chairmen were giving.

“I can’t believe this...” Chanwoo hissed. “You indirectly said that you rebelled against our family obligations!! And you had the audacity to keep it from us?!”

“I had no choice, Appa! I wasn’t happy!!” Chaewon spat. “Wonyoung became my happiness and whom my heart wanted. I couldn’t lie to myself!”

“What about Minju? What about my daughter?!” Minhyun snapped.

“Abeoji, I didn’t mean to hurt her. I – “

“You made her sick again! You stressed her out by leaving her out of your bubble, just so you can satisfy yourself with another woman!” Minhyun lost his cool, slamming his fist on the table that scared the children. “I feel like a fool for trusting you to take care of her!”

“Abeoji, I’m sorry...” Chaewon got to him and knelt, begging for forgiveness. “I was wrong, Abeoji! I was wrong!”

He gradually removed her away from himself. If he had no mercy, he’d kill the girl in the moment. Anyone that will hurt his family will be unforgivable.

“Not only you hurt Minju but Wonyoung and Yujin.” He added. “You broke an innocent girl’s heart!”

“Kim Chaewon!” Chanwoo yelled. “Get up!”

Chaewon obeyed with shaky limbs. Ranhee was stopped by her husband to console their daughter as he wanted to teach her a lesson. One of the members of the discipline committee gave a folder to the chairman and slapped it on the table. Chaewon could only lower her head in shame.

It was her current school records and most of them had bad remarks.

“I never should’ve invested in you. If it wasn’t for this whole fiasco that you orchestrated, we could’ve all lived peacefully!” He snapped. “You don’t show up to class, you’re neglecting your duties, you’re doing inappropriate things involving a younger and innocent woman, picked a fight with her best friend, and put your wife in harm?!”

Wonyoung and Yujin may be angry for what Chaewon did but it hurt them to see her being scolded by her father in front of many people. Ranhee couldn’t take it and stopped her husband but the patriarch wasn’t done.

“Ever since you became rebellious, you’ve been nothing but trouble!!”

Minhyun called him to calm down. Chanwoo huffed and returned to his seat, rubbing his temples. Chaewon remained on her spot, head still lowered.

“Look, Chanwoo, Ranhee.... I have the highest respect for you both. Ranhee was the star of the Glee Club and you were the top student here, back when were as old as the children.”

“I know, Minhyun. You were even the ace of the modelling club.” He added. “I can see as to where Minju got her talent.”

Wonyoung gulped. She was reminded of how she treated Minju like she didn’t belong to the club, especially when she was close with Chaewon. And now knowing she was in a bad condition, she felt ashamed for treating her that way.

“Let’s face the facts and reach a verdict, Chanwoo.” Minhyun spat. “Your daughter has slept through her accountability and involved her friends and these children beside me, especially Minju.”

“Minhyun, please... don’t do this...” Ranhee begged. “We can settle punishment for Ssamu.”

“No. This cannot be tolerated any further. I will NOT ignore this when my daughter has been hurt.” Minhyun shook his head. “I will cut ties with our friendship and network. No more arrangments.”

“Minhyun, you can’t do this!” Chanwoo spat. “PD University will go down! What about the children studying here?!”

“I just did! And Chaewon...” He faced her former daughter-in-law. “...I will allow you to settle your divorce papers with Minju. I’ll also take her away and her possessions in yout apartment.”

“Abeoji, no!” Chaewon begged again. “Minju means a lot of me...” She sobbed. “...I can’t let her go...”

“You should’ve thought about that before doing your stupid actions.” He spoke then looked at Wonyoung and Yujin. “You don’t deserve her, Wonyoung-ssi. You didn’t deserve to get involved, Yujin-ssi. I’m sorry for whatever you two are feeling right now but I’m relieved that you know the truth.”

Minhyun excused himself to go as Chanwoo chased him to not cut the deal. Ranhee remained to comfort Chaewon, who was sobbing profusely. Wonyoung looked at her messed-up state and agreed to what Minhyun said.

“Teacher Kang, can we go now?” Yujin asked.

She nodded and offered to them out. Yujin declined and took Wonyoung with her. While walking, Wonyoung cried again. Yujin hugged her again and gulped to see Mr. Cho and Wonyoung’s mother rushing to them.

“AhnYu! Won!” She went to hug hee daughter. “What happened, my baby bunny? Who hurt you?!”

“Young Master!” Mr. Cho went to her, gasping of her red knuckles. “How did you get into a fight again?!”

Teacher Kang got to them and welcomed the guardians. They were escorted inside the office to talk with the other parents. Eventually, the two chairmen were back. Not only that...

“Min!” “Angel!”

Minju was walking slowly with her mother helping her. Yujin bowed at Minju’s mother, getting a greeting and approval to help Minju. As she saw Chaewon, however, she got angry and slapped her face. “How dare you?!”

“Eommoni, I can explain – “

“Minju told me everything. She mumbled all that had happened while she was in the hospital!” She snapped. “You’ll pay for what you’ve done to Minju and her friends!”

“Eomma...stop...” Minju spoke. “Please don’t hurt Ssamu. She’s been through enough...”

“How can I not, Min?” Her mother grew worried, almost crying. “She hurt you...”

“I know. But...” Minju felt dizzy that Yujin helped her. “...she doesn’t deserve to be hit again. Please...let me explain my side.”

“Mrs. Kim Minjung.” Teacher Kang greeted her then hugged Minju. “Minju, you’re okay...”

Wonyoung witnessed the scene and felt bad. She was hurt not getting attention but it hurt her most when she had done more horrible things to Minju. She felt like she wasn’t meant to be in the same place as her. She had to leave.

“Wonyoung?”

The taller girl froze, feeling tears drop from her eyes. Yujin consoled her again while not leaving Minju.

“A-Are you okay?” Wonyoung asked, looking away.

“I am. I should be asking that to you...”

“How can I be okay when I was betrayed?” Wonyoung asked.

“We both were...” was all Minju spoke as she got inside the office with her mother.

Chaewon was frozen, her heart breaking as she was ignored by Minju, like she didn’t exist. Once the door closed, Wonyoung and Yujin made their leave when Chaewon called for Wonyoung to redeem herself further.

“Save your apologies out of the window, Ssamu.” Wonyoung spat. “AhnYu, I need to rest.”

“I’ll call your chauffeur and inform your mother.” Yujin spoke. “I’ll you to the exit.”

“No need. I want to be alone.”

“Call me when you get home.”

Wonyoung nodded and walked away, looking graceful despite her broken heart. Yujin sighed and remained by the door, leaving Chaewon to face her.

Yujin had enough of being calm and composed. She had to show how furious she was.

“What are you still doing here?” Chaewon asked. “Do you want to laugh at how despicable I’ve become?”

“I wouldn’t laugh. I feel sorry for you, for Wonyoung, and most of all, for Angel.” Yujin answered. “It would’ve have been so difficult to admit but here you are, testing your ego to new heights and yet, you fell.”

“I could say the same thing about you and Min.” Chaewon chuckled. “There’s no way she’d agree to your confession.”

Yujin chuckled back. “Ah...trying to be Miss Perfect once more. I care for Angel. Who cares if she accepts me or not? Her well-being matters the most.” She drew closer, growing angrier. “Everyone’s well-being should’ve mattered but I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that.”

“Not here, AhnYu.” Chaewon grew crossed as she drew closer.

The door was heard that Chaewon and Yujin looked back, seeing Minju with the parents behind them. Judging from their looks, they’ve finally come to an agreement of what their consequences will be, especially Chaewon’s.

“Come on, Yujin-ah.” Wonyoung’s mother patted her back. “Let’s go.”

“But Angel...” Yujin mumbled, worried about her.

“It’s okay, Yujinnie.” Minju assured her. “We’ll talk when we’re ready, okay?”

Yujin nodded. “I’ll wait for you.”

Yujin bowed back at everyone as Wonyoung’s mother and Mr. Cho went off. Both of the Kim families rifted, even Minjung made a snide comment.

“If only Chaewon was as gentle as Yujin there.” She crossed her arms, glaring at the other younger Kim then faced her husband. “Darling, how about – “

“Enough, Minjung!” He spat. “Not in front of the kids.”

“What a failure...” Chanwoo cussed. “Second children are indeed miserable.”

“Say it again and I’ll file us a divorce instead!” Ranhee spat then held her daughter’s hand. “Let’s go, Ssamu.”

“No...” Chaewon got her mother’s hold off. “I want to talk to Min.”

“You are NOT having a word with her after what you did!” Minjung spat then held Minju’s arm. “Let’s go, Min. That way, you can rest early.”

“I’m okay with it.” Minju slowly lets go. “I won’t take too long. I promise.”

Minjung was against it but Minhyun insisted to obey their daughter’s wishes. Ranhee thought it was a good idea, with Chanwoo not giving a damn. The pairs of parents left their children to talk. Chaewon was relieved yet Minju wasn’t going to get her hopes up.

To her, it will be the last.

“Min...Min, I’m so sorry...” Chaewon reached to hold her. “This is all my fault. Please don’t blame yourself. I don’t want you stressed out again.”

Minju nodded silently. Chaewon checked if she was okay, asking many questions as to how she was at the hospital.

“Ssamu.” Minju spoke, the coldness making Chaewon silent. “Save your guilt and pity. I don’t need that from you.”

“Min...” Chaewon sniffled and knelt, begging. “...what must I do for you to forgive me?”

“Let me leave out of your life forever.”

Chaewon stiffened. She hastily got up and was against it. Minju maintained the cold look that became more evident thanks to her pale and sickly face.

“I’m filing a divorce. Appa made it for us and I’ve signed my part of it. You better sign yours after I move out so we can end this properly.” Minju spoke. “And once it’s done, don’t come for me again. Stay away and don’t get involved with my life anymore.”

“Min...”

“Please...” Minju spoke, almost like a fainted whisper. “...I want to live in peace now...”

Chaewon shook her head and hugged Minju. She held her in her arms like a treasure. She couldn’t care if Minju will do the same or not. All she wants now is her and nothing more. Her heart won’t bear it if she completely lost her.

“I’m sorry for the last time, Chaewon. This...” Minju pulls her away slowly. “...is my answer to your confession.”

Minju didn’t spare any tears, sweat, blood – everything. She had been bearing it and she has no more part of her being to bear even more.

She needed to go. It was for her own good.

Chaewon froze yet her eyes never left her gaze towards Minju, rven if she already disappeared. One moment, she had her ego get the best of her, swallowing the easy pride, dream, and grit Minju had. And the next thing she knew, it was all gone.

Fate was too late for Chaewon to redeem herself. She had a little plan on what she would do to regain Minju’s heart, from a vacation with just the two of them to a gift composed of a new guitar so they can have more jamming sessions like when they were children. That way, she can also live happily with the one she truly desired.

Sad to say, she wasn’t given the chance anymore.

Chaewon’s pain began. She felt something on her hand and looked to see Minju’s ring. The night sky became her signal to go home to a new future without happiness in it.

God had given her that but she blindly ignore it. Of course, God can also take that away from her and for the rest of her days, Chaewon will have to savor it.

+++

Another day has come yet the news wasn’t gone. The hot news was about two students in their university that were the school directors' daughters and arranged in marriage-then-divorce. The students talked a lot about it, even if the said two students were within the campus.

Minju arrived at school first and all eyes were on her. Most of the mumbles were of shock and awe. They never thought that the silent fox lady was actually a powerful one; an heir to a corporate and a potential candidate to be the next top model of the university. People who doubted her suddenly wanted to become close to her yet true friends would shoo them away.

“Go away, you s.” Yuri spat.

“Yeah! Leave Minju alone before I kick your asses!” Yena joined in.

Minju mumbled her thanks as the couple hugged her and checked her well-being.

“Still dizzy but I can manage.”

“We’re only one call away, okay?” Yena added. “The student council approved your leave of absence in the modelling club so you can rest.”

“Let’s go.” Yuri escorted her to the classroom.

Another wave of gossip came as Chaewon arrived next. Most of the mumbles were of shock and awe with a mix of anger and disgust. They never thought that Miss Perfect was actually full of trouble; an heir to the university yet a two-faced two-timing . People who respected her suddenly became distant to her yet true friends wouldn’t be quick to judge.

“Okay, you fools. Show’s over.” Eunbi spat. “To your classes. Now.”

“Ssamu, hey...” Chaeyeon comforted her. “Don’t mind them because they’re ignorant.”

Chaewon nodded. Eunbi then patted her back, saying. “I’m sorry if it had to be this way, Ssamu. The university activities will be halted like your extra curriculars. For now, please don’t get into trouble.”

“Yes...” Chaewon sighed.

“I’ll be watching you.” Chaeyeon added. “See you, love.”

Eunbi waved and went to her classroom. Chaeyeon patted Chaewon’s back and they went to their classroom together.

The third wave didn’t stop there as Wonyoung arrived, looking angry. Most of the mumbles were of shock and pity. They never thought that the graceful and glamorous freshman became dull and disoriented. She was supposed to be the next top model of the university but it was all gone because of the rumors. People laughed at her because they believed she deserved it while others took pity because she was played. However, true friends would be there to protect her, no matter how small they were.

“Morning, haters! At least she looks more fabulous than you!” Nako spat.

“Wonyoung-ah...here.” Hitomi gave her a scone. “You need to eat.”

Wonyoung couldn’t thank them enough and ended up crying. Nako and Hitomi consoled her. They couldn’t care if they were late as long as Wonyoung will be okay.

“Neesans, I’ll take it from here.”

The last wave was heard as Yujin arrived. Most of the mumbles were of awe and approval. They never thought that the dorky puppy was actually a mature dog; an heir to a corporate and a truest example of being perfect. People respected her and wanted to be her fans yet true friends knew she didn’t want it and that it didn’t matter.

“Classrooms. Now.” Hyewon pointed out and everyone dispersed.

“How’s everyone?” Sakura asked and checked on them. “Wonyoung-ah, I’ve settled your leave of absence. You need to rest and destress, okay?”

“Yes.” Wonyoung nodded.

“Call us if you need anything.” Nako made a motion, pulling Hitomi as they needed to go to their class.

Sakura and Hyewon also excused themselves, leaving the maknaes. Wonyoung was still nervous to face the day yet Yujin held her hand, saying. “It’ll be okay. I’m right here.”

Wonyoung looked at her for a while before nodding and taking courage. They smiled at each other for a bit and walked to their classroom together.

Four students, one misery. Each of them faced the day without any care of what their institutional society wanted. Each of them calmed themselves as they address any challenge just so they can live on.

They wanted peace but one wanted to start a potential war, even if it wasn’t her intention.

The morning classes ended and it was time for lunch. Chaeyeon cheered in the class about the new menu that everyone was excited to go out. Yuri would’ve gone to check on Minju when Chaewon held her shoulders from the side.

“Please stay.” Chaewon spoke. “I want us to talk.”

“Umm – Chaewon.” Yuri crossed her arms. “Her lady doesn’t want to.”

“Yul, go on. Take Chaeyeon with you.” Minju spoke. “Please. I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

“We’ll let you talk but we’re not leaving until you’re done.” Chaeyeon spoke for them.

Chaeyeon and Yuri went out, closing the door as they kept a distance. Chaewon and Minju were left in the room, still seated next to each other. Chaewon couldn’t help but look at how Minju changed from being bright to dark.

“Why are we doing this again?” Minju started as she didn’t bother looking at Chaewon. “Were my words unclear to you?”

“I thought about it for the rest of the night, Min. It’s as clear as the waters.” Chaewon answered. “I understand what you feel but you could take it as redemption. Why does it need to be complicated? Why do you have to take my pride and redemption so easily?”

“Why not? You can take my pride easy but I don’t get to take yours? That hardly seems fair.” Minju added. “Come on. What do you want me to do?”

“You could’ve just let me do my second chance. We can still live under the same roof and you could do whatever you want with me.”

Minju laughed. Chaewon couldn’t understand the sudden mood until she scoffed. “Well, sorry to rain on your parade but I’m not having it again.”

Minju got up to leave but Chaewon was in front of her. Chaewon got a box from her pocket and gave it to her. Minju sighed, scratching her head and whilw reminiscing the first day she saw the box.

“Please...” Chaewon begged. “Marry me again.”

“Then what? You’ll hurt me all over again?” Minju asked back. “This is the thing, Chaewon. You only care about how you feel! You can’t even face Wonyoung after what you did to her and you do that to me?! Get a life!”

Minju handed the box back. Chaewon would give it again when Minju threw it across the room, leaving Chaewon to hastily catch it.

“Just so you know, I had to bear my insanity that maybe, we’ll work out; that you’ll be able to love me. But now, I realize that I was an idiot to do that. I deserved better, Chaewon.” Minju pointed at herself. “I deserved better.”

Chaewon placed the box in her pocket. The tables have turned. Chaewon used to be strong but is now weak. Minju used to be weak but is now strong. And yet, Chaewon used the little courage and face left in her to make amends.

“Min, does my sin weigh that much for you to not forgive me forever?” Chaewon asked. “I know it’s spontaneous to change but just so you know, I hesitated many times, even when I was with Wonyoung.”

Chaewon couldn’t bear the fear, guilt, and self-blame she put upon herself. It was evideit through her shaking mouth and tears. Minju would’ve comforted her and become the victim in a instant. Now, she only looks at her like she was nothing.

The heart never lies. A part of her was hurt seeing Chaewon hurt too.

“Even if I loved Wonyoung, something was still missing, like the void in my heart was never full. It wasn’t like that with you. That’s why I wanted you to stay.” Chaewon began. “However, I couldn’t sleep without being uncertain of what you felt. What if I made you uncomfortable? What if time will come that you’ll finally have enough? What if I try this again with you, you’ll reject me? Everyday became sufferable. My perfect image was crumbling down and it gave me anxiety, so how can you say it was easy?!”

“Okay. I’m sorry for that.” Minju spoke directly. “It flusters me knowing you still had the decency left in you to say this.”

“That’s all you’re saying to me? I was desperate, Min! To the least, I tried, right?” Chaewon spat. “I wanted to connect with you, I wanted to correct my mistakes, and I wanted to understand why I’m doing this – to why you’re suffering!”

“Chaewon...” Minju spoke, silencing her again. “Do you understand that I’ve lived that life? I tried to connect with you, to correct any mistakes, and to understand you – to why you’re suffering. But no.” She inched closer, her fiery eyes making Chaewon’s own turn into mush. “You didn’t do anything. You’re a coward.”

Minju went off. Chaeyeon and Yuri saw her and they checked if she was okay. Minju felt dizzy, even her shoulders hurt.

“Pres, keep an eye on Chaewon, will you?” Minju asked.

“Sure, Min. Whatever you guys need.” Chaeyeon agreed and went inside the classroom.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Yuri asked.

“I’m okay, Yul. I won’t lie if I’m not. I promise.”

Yuri nodded and they went to the canteen together. Minju looked fine but her conscience couldn’t lie. Even if it was a new better leaf to stand up for herself, she didn’t like anyone hurting...

...even Chaewon.

+++

“Come on, Ssamu. Leave the office. Now.”

“Can’t I contemplate at my own desk?” Chaewon hissed. “Even Chaeyeon rests here! She’s not even an officer!”

“She’s the appointed secretary, you fool.” Hyewon hissed. “Unless you've finally woken up from this mess you made, Chaeyeon will do your job!”

“So technically, that’s her desk.” Sakura added. “Switch. Now.”

Chaewon sighed and went to the couch. Chaeyeon sat on the desk, facepalming. “Did you at least talk to Wonyoung?”

“Wonyoung’s a tough case to crack, Yeon.” Chaewon said. “Even if I try, she wouldn’t want to see me again.”

“Are you sure?” Eunbi asked. “Look, Wonyoung may be bratty and intimidating but the kid means well. She’d want you to talk and explain things. She’s the most confused here.”

“Minju may have been the most hurt in this but Wonyoung also had her share, even Yujin.” Hyewon shared. “You have to talk to Wonyoung and Yujin too. They deserve to understand.”

“And I suggest you do it today with your community service.” Eunbi waved their forms, shocking Chaewon. “Don’t think that we didn’t forget. Yujin almost started violence and your treachery is inexcusable. You two will clean the entire gym.”

A knock disrupted them. Chaewon went to open it, seein Yujin. But what shocked her more was that Minju came with her.

“M-Min...” Chaewon stuttered. “What are you doing here?”

Minju shoved a box towards her. Eunbi signalled the others to go to her office to give them some time. Yujin decided to wait by the door, leaving the two to talk again.

“I can’t believe you’d pull this off.” Minju answered. “I just came here to return it because I don’t have a reason to take it.”

Chaewon nodded and threw the box to a trashcan. Minju couldn’t believe it. “What are you doing?”

“Whar I should’ve done a while ago.” Chaewon huffed. “You wouldn’t take it, right? I don’t have a reason to keep it either. But if you need it, go get it.”

Deep inside her heart, Minju felt heavy. Those rings were expensive and were a reminder of the life they lived. Seeing Chaewon throw them away was like throwing the lives away.

Minju nodded and finally went out. Chaewon was not having it.

“Why are you being so difficult?!”

Minju stopped and turned out, raising an eyebrow. “What?”

“Let me apologize. Give me a chance or hear me out just this once.” Chaewon said again. “Will you truly devote yourself to ignore me until the end? Will you wreck my pride again and again by ignoring my true feelings? Does it make you feel good to pay back everything I did wrong?”

Minju had none it to and left. Yujin saw her and became worried that she followed her.

“Angel. Angel...” Yujin pulled her in her embrace. “What happened? Did she hurt you?”

“Your Chaewon-unnie has a very hard head. How did Wonyoung even bear with her?” Minju stated, causing Yujin to have mixed emotions.

“You’re unwell again. Let me come with you.” Yujin spoke.

“Yujinnie, you can’t. You have to do your community service, remember?” Minju said, hugging Yujin back. “After that, okay?”

“Okay. I’ll have Yuri and Yena unnies come pick you up.”

Minju nodded in the hug. Yujin would want to stay like this forever but there were responsibilities to do. Minju lets herself go and went on her way. Yujin looked at her and sighed.

She and Wonyoung were hurt. It gave her more sense of responsibility to be there for them. At the end of the day, she hopes that all of them will be okay.