Kyungmi was walking with the girls toward the school with no energy in her system. Ever since she found out that the story might be changing because of her appearance in the story, she was worried that because of her the story would take a whole upgrade. “Don’t worry….It might not be something serious….at least I know he doesn’t have feelings for me and he just did it as a friend would don’t worry Kyungmi “. She was so distracted that she didn’t hear her friends calling her. 

 

“Huh? “. She blinked as she stared at her friends. 

“What’s with you? We called you like five times “. Ahram complained. 

“Sorry...I was kind of distracted “. 

“We were asking you about what you would wear for the retreat “. Minji explained it to her again. 

“Retreat? “. Kyungmi asked. 

“Yeah, the retreat that we will have in the next few days “. Ahram explained. “Where has your head been running for the last five minutes? “. Kyungmi blushed in embarrassment as she scratched her chin. 

“Anyway, have you decided what to wear for the retreat? “. 

“Don’t we all just wear our gym uniforms? “. Jarim asked.

“No, I mean on the way there “. Minji responded. “Also, even with our gym uniforms, we have to make it seem like we effortlessly look good “. 

“Is it possible to do that with our school’s gym uniforms? “. Jarim chuckled at the thought. Ahram then snapped her fingers to catch their attention. 

“I am capable of accomplishing that very difficult task “. She replied with a smug expression on her face. 

“Oh~ “. The girls expressed their amusement when they heard a familiar voice calling for Jarim. The latter rolled her eyes as she turned around to face Jooyoung smiling sweetly at her. 

“Hello! Hi! “. Jooyoung greeted them as she bumped into them from running. Then he faced Jarim. “I dreamt of you yesterday “. 

“I didn’t ask “. Jarim replied unamused as the girls began walking. 

“Should I tell you what kind of dream it was? Aren’t you super curious? “. He asked. 

“I really don’t care at all “. She said. 

“Really? Then I’ll just cherish it all by myself “. He replied with a sulked expression. “Anyway, it made me so happy. Thanks for coming out in my dream “. 

“Then give me my appearance fee “. 

“An appearance fee? “. He asked. “Okay, I have an appearance fee for you. Appearance fee…”. He opened his backpack to look for something. “Tada! This is a very precious thing that my mother prepared especially for me. It’ll probably be good for acne, too “. He explained as he passed her a mini bag with some kind of powder of vitamins in there. Jarim took it and Jooyoung smirked with pride. “I happened to have something like this on a day your acne was acting up. As expected, we are meant to be- “. He stopped short when Jarim fed the powder to Ahram. Kyungmi and Minji couldn’t help but laugh about it. “Hey! “. He whined. 

“Ahram likes it. Bring some again next time, too “. Jarim told him. 

“I brought that for you “. He kept whining as the five of them continued walking. 

 

The four girls arrived at their classroom and took their seats. Kyungmi noticed Kyungwoo sleeping so she decided to be quiet to not disturb him. She didn’t feel like talking to him anyway after what happened. As she was taking her notebook for the class out of her backpack, she heard Jarim and Minji’s conversation. 

 

“Wang Ja, something happened on the day it rained, huh? “. 

“What the hell are you saying? “. Jarim asked with confusion written on her face. 

“I’m just saying because you and Gong Jooyoung seem to be a little different these days “. 

“I think you’re kind to him “. Ahram nodded in agreement. 

“At least the lines haven’t changed, for now, it means that it was a small change “. Kyungmi nodded with relief that nothing big had changed. 

“Are you sure we were walking together? When was I nice to him? “. Jarim questioned since she didn’t find any sense about what they were saying. Then Kyungmi began speaking. 

“Even just a few days ago, you ignored him. But now you respond to everything he says “. 

“I’m not responding to it, but retorting “. Jarim explained to her. 

“Good. On a scale of 0, no interest, to 10, would date, where are you? “. Minji suddenly asked. 

“Zero “. Jarim immediately replied. 

“Awesome! “. Minji gasped while gently hitting Jarim’s arm with her fists.

“What the hell? I said zero “. Jarim replied dumbfounded by her reaction. 

“I mean, you always start at -10, so 0 is quite far “. 

“Hmm, if it continues like this, you’ll be dating in no time “. Ahram responded. 

“Stop talking about Gong Jooyoung. Why do you keep trying to pair us together? “. 

“It’s just because it’s good to see you get along with him “. Kyungmi replied to Jarim. 

“There’s no reason not to get along with him since he’s not a bad kid “. Jarim responded. 

“Then there is at least a small chance you could end up dating him “. Minji concluded but then she was interrupted by Ahram when she nearly pressed a finger on her lips. 

“Be quiet. A rat is listening “. Ahram said and the three of them focused their attention in Kyungmi's direction. Kyungmi frowned in confusion and turned around as well, only to find that the rat Ahram was talking about is Kyungwoo. 

“Hey, Lee Kyungwoo. You’re awake, aren’t you? “. Jarim asked. Kyungmi turned back to Kyungwoo to see him in his sleeping position but at the same time moving away from her and acting normally while walking out of the classroom. Kyungmi let out a long exhale while shaking her head. He sure wasn’t good at pretending. 

 

 

After classes ended, Kyungmi was looking through her closet for some clothes she needed for the retreat. While looking for some comfortable pajamas, someone knocked on her door. 

 

“Yes? “. She distractedly responded as she just found the perfect pajamas. 

“Busy? “. She looked up to see her mother smiling softly at her. 

“Not at all “. Kyungmi beamed as she placed her pajamas in the suitcase. “Just choosing some clothes to take with me “. 

“You seem very excited about this retreat “. Her mother commented as she sat at the edge of her bed while watching her daughter getting some supplies like toothpaste and perfume. 

“Of course, it will be my first trip with my friends “. Kyungmi giggled with excitement just by the thought. 

“I see “. Her mother mimicked her gestures as she took out something behind her. “That’s why I brought you a present “. 

“What is it? “. Kyungmi put her stuff inside the suitcase and sat next to her mother. She gasped in surprise when she saw the set of skincare she wanted to have a few days ago. “Oh my God! You got me the skincare products I wanted! It must have been expensive though “. She pouted at the thought of her mother spending too much money on her. 

“It was nothing, plus you were running off skincare products anyway “. Her mother explained. “I hope you like them “. 

“I LOVE them “. Kyungmi beamed as she threw her arms around her mother and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you, really. I really love it “. 

“Aigoo...my sweetheart “. Her mother chuckled as she rubbed her daughter’s back with affection and love. Something ticklish ran in Kyungmi's heart as she was unfamiliar with this feeling. She couldn’t recall a time she hugged her mother like that in her previous life. Now she kind of feels regrets not being expressive toward her mother before. Forcing a smile, she separated from her and looked at her with gratitude. 

“I will use them well “. She promised. “I have to use them little by little “. 

“Don’t try to use a little, I can buy another one again “. 

“Still, it’s my mom that gave it to me. I should appreciate it “. Kyungmi smiled as she hugged the products. Her mother softened by the sight of her daughter. She noticed her attitude changed after the accident and she couldn’t help but feel happy that thanks to that, their relationship got closer. She reached a hand toward her daughter and caressed her hair with love. Kyungmi stood frozen and slowly looked at her. 

“No matter what you did or you do, I’m always by your side, okay? “. Her mother told her. Kyungmi suddenly felt her eyes getting spicy as she tried to contain the upcoming tears. She forced a wide smile as she nodded in knowledge. 

“I know “. She giggled with her eyes focused on the products now. “I know “. 

“Well...I will leave you on your own since you need to finish packing “. Her mother stood up as she made her way to the door. She faced her daughter and smiled at her. “I love you, good night “. Kyungmi broke into a small smile and nodded. 

“I love you too, sleep well “. Her mother smiled as well before closing the door. Kyungmi sighed as she wiped some dots of tears from her eyes with the sleeve of her hoodie. She then looked at the products with so much affection and happiness. “Thanks for being an awesome mom, although I’m not your real daughter….”. She thought, thinking she didn't deserve to get such treatment from her. She wondered if she ever happens to go back to her life, would Kyungmi ever appreciate her efforts of trying to be a good mother?. She jumped out of her thoughts when she heard the vibration of her phone. She took it and saw the upcoming messages from her friends. 

 

Yang Min: How is this? 

 

Minji asked as she showed a photo of her black leather jacket. 

 

Jarim: It’s a bit aggressive. 

Ah Rong: What about this instead? 

 

Ahram then showed a photo of her taekwondo uniform. Kyungmi broke into a laugh as she began typing. 

 

KyungM: So my style. Approved! 

Yang Min: LOL. You’re crazy. 

Jarim: Is this a competition to see how aggressive we can look? 

Yang Min: Wang Ja, what are you gonna wear? 

Jarim: I dunno. I’ll just decide whatever when the day comes. 

Yang Min: Whatever what? We can’t match. Hurry up and give a pic. 

 

Kyungmi waited for Jarim to respond but nothing came so she decided to lock her phone and go back to get her clothes chosen.  As she did that, her phone buzzed and she distractedly pulled it out to check if Jarim responded. She stopped short of what she was doing when she saw a message from Kyungwoo. 

 

Lee Kaeng: What are you doing? 

 

“Don’t panic, he’s just talking to you, nothing that can change the story anyway, right? Relax “. She cleared as she nodded with determination before writing him back. 

 

KyungM: Packing my things for the retreat, and you? 

Lee Kaeng: Trapped in a cell and forced to practice dancing. 

KyungM: Huh? What do you mean dancing? Are you going to participate in the retreat talent show?

Lee Kaeng: Yeah….Gong Joo deceived me into participating after offering me a pair of AirPods, but they ended up being coffee beans.

KyungM: Jeez….such a slave of capitalism haha

Lee Kaeng: Yah, don’t even say that….Anyway, I’m going to dance so you better cheer up for me. 

KyungM: Sure~ just make sure to not ruin the dance. 

Lee Kaeng: Aish...this girl seriously….

 

Kyungmi chuckled after reading his message. Then she realized what she had done and wondered if this wouldn't change the storyline of the drama. “Let’s hope it doesn’t “. 

 

 

On the day of the retreat, all students began heading toward the buses to load their suitcases in the trunks of the buses. Kyungmi and her friends went to their designated bus and began loading their suitcases with the help of Ahram. as they were putting their suitcases, Jooyoung appeared again with a smile on his face. 

 

“Jarim-ah! “. He called her before throwing her a can of peanuts. “Eat some on the bus when you get bored. Nuts are good for acne “. 

“Wow, how thoughtful “. Ahram complimented as she took the can instead. 

“It’s for Jarim “. Jooyoung emphasized. Ahram's smile slowly fell as she returned the can to Jarim and scoffed. 

“Rude. Let 's go, Minji “. Ahram said as she walked away along with Minji. 

“Jarim-ah, let's go “. Kyungmi suggested as Jarim looked at him one more time before heading toward the bus. Kyungmi gave him a wink before following her behind. As she hopped on the bus, she spotted Kyungwoo already sitting with an empty spot next to him. 

“Oh, you came? “. Kyungwoo smirked at her. 

“Oh, hi “. She waved at him. 

“Do you want to sit with me? “. He offered. 

“Huh? “. She blinked as she wondered if it was part of the change of the story. She looked up to see an empty spot next to Jarim. “No thanks, I will sit with Jarim “. She replied before heading toward her friend. Kyungwoo slightly frowned and turned around to see Kyungmi sitting next to Jarim while smiling at her friends. He tilted his head to the side as he felt like she was trying to avoid him. “She was fine just yesterday….did I do something to her? “. 

“Yah, Lee Kaeng “. He looked up to see Kyungmin standing in front of him. “Is this spot taken? “. 

“Huh? “. He glanced at Kyungmi one more time before sitting back on his spot. “No…”. 

“Then I will sit with you “. Kyungmin smiled as he took a seat next to his friend and pulled out his cell phone. “Yah, let’s play a round “. 

“Sure….”. Kyungwoo distractedly responded as he thought of reasons why Kyungmi would avoid him. 

 

The buses began moving, heading toward the retreat’s location. It took them three hours and a half to arrive at the destination, with everyone leaving the buses and heading toward the field of the place. Kyungmi stood beside her friends while holding her suitcase. 

 

Just then, a man looking like a sergeant suddenly yelled. 

 

“Everyone put your hands above your heads! “. All students followed his instruction. “Close your eyes! “. Kyungmi sighed as she closed her eyes. “I hate this scene the most. This is some kind of a military camp….All we are going to do is exercise “. She pouted. “I ask all students hiding forbidden objects to reveal them now, voluntarily. If you hand them over now you won’t be liable. However, if they are found after investigating your belongings, there will, of course, be penalty points but also an excruciating physical training. Alright. At ease! “. Then everyone dropped their arms down. “Teaching assistants, guide them “. 

“Class 3. Open your bags and wait “. Kyungmi’s homeroom teacher said. Everyone from class 3 complained as they began opening their bags and suitcases. Kyungmi, who happened to be next to Kyungmin, saw how the homeroom teacher was taking the can of potato chips. “Aigoo~ “. 

“They’re snacks “. Kyungmin explained with a convincing smile. 

“Of course, they’re snacks. Anybody could see that “. The teacher said. “Close your eyes “. Ahn Kyungmin then closed his eyes as the teacher opened the can of snacks, revealing tons of cigarettes. Kyungmi stared at Kyungmin with dropped to the floor by the number of cigarettes. “It’s smoke snacks? “. The teacher asked. “Why are there so many? Are you operating a business? Do you think it’s the first or second time I’m dealing with guys like you? “. The teacher then began hitting Kyungmin with a can of snacks. “I know all of your methods, so just take them out in advance “. Kyungmi suppressed her laugh and focused back on looking at her stuff. 

“I didn’t bring it “. Jarim replied with a sigh. All the girls looked at her. 

“What? “. Ahram asked. 

“Cleansing foam “. 

“Can’t you just use mine? I use hypo-allergenic too “. Minji suggested. 

“My skin is sensitive when I have pimples, so I can only use my products “. Jarim explained as she sighed again. “I’m totally screwed “. Kyungmi looked at Jooyoung staring at Jarim and she bet he heard the conversation. “I’m sure he will skip dinner to get that cleansing foam to her “. She thought. She looked through her stuff to see if she had everything. Her eyes widened when her med-kit wasn’t in both of her luggage as she searched for it again. 

“I’m sure I put it here “. She mumbled as she looked for it again. “I’m doomed….”. She sighed when she couldn’t find it and rubbed her tummy. She has been having stomach ache since riding the bus and she hoped to take some medicine after arriving at the place. “There must be a pharmacy here, right? “. She mumbled. 

“Hey “. She looked up to see Kyungwoo next to her already. “The inspection is over “. 

“Oh...right “. She thanked him before closing all her bags and suitcase before walking away from him. Kyungwoo frowned a little at her change of attitude but he decided to ignore it. 

 

 

The three girls plus a girl named Jinhee from their class arrived at their designated room and sat on the floor out of tiredness. 

 

“What’s with our homeroom teacher all of a sudden? Everyone else is resting but we’re the last ones out! “. The girl named Hong Jinhee complained in annoyance. 

“It’ll already be dinner time in a little bit “. Minji sighed at the thought. 

 

Suddenly, an announcement could be heard through the megaphones. 

 

“All students are to stand out in the hallways against the walls. We will take attendance “. Kyungmi and the rest of the girls sighed in tiredness. 

“Take attendance again? They did it already “. Minji complained. 

“Hey, apparently someone disappeared “. Ahram came over and dropped her bag before sitting on the floor. “I think it’s Gong Jooyoung. Lee Kyungwoo was asking where he was “. Kyungmi’s eyes widened as she glanced between Jarim and Minji. 

“Why? Do you know him? “. Jinhee asked as she stared at Jarim. 

 

All girls stood out of their rooms as they leaned against the walls while the teaching assistants checked the attendance. Then the teaching assistants proceed to let everyone go have dinner since it was late. At the restaurant of the place, Kyungmi and the girls plus Kyungwoo, Kyungmin, and Byunghoon were sitting at the table while having their dinner. Unfortunately, Kyungmi sat next to Kyungwoo since there were no seats left between the girls. She felt kind of uncomfortable by his presence although she didn’t want him to notice that. As she was poking her dinner, she saw him still calling at Jooyoung, who wasn’t answering his call. 

 

“Kim Baeng. Did he not say anything to you? You’re in the same class “. Kyungwoo asked while staring at Byunghoon. 

“I’m not sure. He was there when we were emptying our bags, but all of sudden he was nowhere to be seen “. Byunghoon explained. 

“What is he? He normally doesn’t do this “. Kyungmin replied. “Surely he didn’t go to buy alcohol- “. He stopped talking when Kyungwoo slapped his hand over Kyungmin’s mouth to shut him up. 

“Come on! “. 

“So you ordered him to...and then you’re pretending not to know….”. Byunghoon looked at him with accusing eyes. 

“Hey, Wang Ja. Did he not say anything to you? “. Kyungwoo looked at Jarim for answers. 

“He didn’t “. She replied. 

“I don’t know about you guys but Gong Jooyoung really didn’t seem like that type of kid “. Minji commented. 

“What do you mean, ‘I don’t know about you guys’? I live a very proper life, you know? “. Kyungmin defended himself. 

“A proper smooth-talking life, you mean? “. Ahram asked while munching on her nuggets. 

“I don’t smoke! “. He cried out. 

“Good for you. Why’d it come out of your bag, then? “. Ahram retorted. 

“I only brought that to sell it “. He confessed. 

“Why isn’t he answering his phone? “. Kyungwoo sighed for the nth time as he checked his phone was still ringing. 

“Maybe there’s no signal? “. Byunghoon guessed. “We’re in the mountains in the middle of nowhere, he could have no phone signal “. Kyungmi sighed as she wanted to tell everyone that Jooyoung just went to buy cleansing foam for Jarim but if she said that she might change the storyline so she suppressed it. 

“Hey, there “. Ahram pointed at the window, with everyone turning around to follow her finger. They saw Jooyoung coming over with a teaching assistant in front of him. 

“Wow, that bastard really….”. 

“Where did you go, princess? “. Byunghoon said with concern in his voice. 

“He 's Cinderella, Cinderella “. Kyungmin retorted. “Why doesn’t he come back as the clock strikes midnight, while he’s at it? “. Kyungwoo shook his head as he began eating when he noticed Kyungmi poking on her food. 

“What’s wrong? “. He asked while staring at her. 

“Huh? “. Kyungmi looked at him surprised before composing her expression. “It’s nothing “. She doesn’t know why she suddenly got a stomach ache in the first place. “I’m dying from hunger but you decided to give me indigestion? Writer, you are so mean “. She mentally pouted in sadness at the thought. “Sorry, I will go first “. Kyungmi told them before grabbing her tray and leaving the cafeteria after putting her tray in the residual area. 

“What’s wrong with her? “. Kyungmin asked after watching Kyungmi leave. 

“Maybe she has indigestion? “. Minji guessed as she watched with concern. “She’s been complaining about a stomach ache during the ride “. Kyungwoo exhaled as he stared at the door Kyungmi just left. 

 

Kyungmi walked out of the bathroom as she tried to throw up from feeling nauseous but nothing came out so she decided to give up. 

 

Jinhee, who was lying on the floor while looking at her cellphone, looked up at her. 

 

“Yah, are you okay? “. She asked once Kyungmi sat on the floor. “I heard you retching “. 

“I tried but nothing came out “. Kyungmi sighed in tiredness as she wiped the sweat away from her forehead. “I’ve been having a stomach ache since riding the bus “. 

“Shouldn’t you go to the infirmary? I’m sure they would have medicine for that “. 

“It’s alright, maybe having a walk would help. I’ll be back “. Kyungmi told her before standing up and heading outside. She began walking around the place, thinking it might help with her nauseousness. She decided to take a break as she sat in the large stairs of the field while admiring nature. As she took a deep breath, she heard the ringtone of her phone and looked who was calling her. When Kyungwoo’s name appeared on her screen, she was doubting whether she should answer him or not. Shaking her head, she decided to not respond to him and focused on the view of nature. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in the right side of her head and moaned in pain. “Is this some kind of side effect of the accident? “. She wondered as she rubbed her right temple to ease the pain. Then she saw the sunset scenario and she was amazed by the view of it. “Wow...so pretty….”. She took her phone out, ignoring Kyungwoo’s missing call, and began taking pictures, unconsciously smiling at the beautiful scene she was witnessing. She proudly smiled when the photos came out and decided to send one to her mother. 

 

KyungM: I’m doing well. The sunset here is so pretty. We should go to someplace like this one day. 

 

She locked her phone and decided to go back since it will be bedtime soon. She stood up and turned around to find a box of painkillers for stomach aches and a bottle of ginseng to relieve that pain. 

 

“Oh? “. She took them and looked around if someone left them behind. She saw no one near her and noticed that the box and the bottle were untouched and completely sealed. “Who left this behind? “. She questioned as she tilted her head to the side. Then she smiled as she took a painkiller out and took it while drinking the ginseng drink. “I hope I can eat something tomorrow “. Kyungmi murmured as she walked up from the stairs and began heading toward her dorm. Little did she know that behind the tree she was near, Kyungwoo was hiding there while hearing her talking to herself. He stepped out of his hide as he watched her head inside of the building. With a last look, he walked away as well. 

 

 

The second day of the retreat was a hell of a start. All students began their morning with a round of exercises starting with jumping jacks.

“Jumping jacks, ten times! “. The sergeant guy yelled. “Do not count the last number out loud. Start! “. Everyone started to jump while counting as the sounds of whistles helped the counting. As they reached the ten jump, someone screamed the number ten. Everyone complained and whined trying to find the culprit who said that. “Aren’t you going to focus? “. Kyungmi sighed as she recalled this scene. “Of course, the culprit is my homeroom teacher, but everyone will blame Kim Byunghoon. Sorry for not saving you from this Kim Baeng “. “Twenty jumps this time! Same thing, do not say the last number out loud! Start! “. Everyone started to jump again while counting the number of jumps. Again someone shouted the number twenty and Kyungmi swore that if she weren’t a student, she would have given the teacher a piece of his medicine. 

“Gosh! Who is it?! “. Kyungmin complained. “Hey, Kim Byunghoon, it’s you isn’t it? You jerk! “. Feeling unfair about this, Byunghoon tried to defend himself. 

“No, it’s not me! Everyone is being tricked! “. 

“Let’s go for lunch, come on. Stop it guys “. Kyungwoo sighed in tiredness. 

“Who is making noise? Do you still have strength left? “. The sergeant exclaimed. “This time, it’s a hundred jumps! “. Everyone complained about the large number. “How many? “. 

“ Hundred”. Everyone responded. 

“One-hundred jumping jacks. Start! “. 

 

After the morning exercise, everyone went to get their rest or have their lunch. 

The girls decided to have lunch since they were starving. Fortunately, Kyungmi was able to eat this time. 

 

“Wow~ our Kyungmi is eating well “. Ahram complimented as she patted Kyungmi’s back. 

“Yeah. I was feeling desperate since I left my med-kit at home but miraculously someone left some stomach ache relievers so I’m feeling better now “. Kyungmi said after swallowing the food she had in . 

“Really? Who? “, Minji asked. 

“No idea, I was alone at that moment “. Kyungmi replied. 

“Ah….I guess I know someone who did it “. Jinhee said, earning Kyungmi’s attention. “It was Lee Kyungwoo “. 

“Ah? “. Everyone looked at her with disbelief. 

“Lee Kyungwoo, that cold hearted guy? No way “. Minji shook her head in denial. 

“I’m telling you the truth! Yesterday, Lee Kyungwoo stopped by our dorm looking for Kyungmi, and apparently he was holding a box and a bottle. Didn’t you bump into him? “. Jinhee asked her. With that explanation, Kyungmi then matched the pieces. Kyungwoo called her the moment she was at the field and with the medicine appearing right behind her, it must have been Kyungwoo was the one who gave it to her. 

“No….I didn’t “. She shook her head. 

“But it’s really surprising from Kyungwoo that he’s taking care of you. By his personality, he wouldn’t do that “. Jarim commented. 

“That’s true, maybe he has something toward you “. Minji commented. Kyungmi nervously laughed as she shook her hands. 

“It must be because we are friends, that’s all “. Kyungmi insisted. Everyone agreed to that and decided to not talk about the topic. Kyungmi inhaled through her nose while thinking about it. “Was it really Kyungwoo? What are his intentions? “. 

 

After lunch, the girls headed outside with Ahram wanting to show them a trick of opening a bottle of cola with a backward kick. Jinhee was holding the bottle in the distance so Ahram could do the kick properly. 

 

“Ah Rong, new attempt! “. Minji announced. 

“Oh~ will she really make it? “. Jinhee questioned. Ahram jumped a few times before turning around and kicking the cap of the bottle, opening it. The girls squealed with excitement as they were celebrating her achievement. Just then, Jooyoung came over calling Jarim’s name. Kyungmi slapped her face with her palm when she noticed the grain of rice stuck on his face. 

“What is it? “. Jarim asked. 

“Jarim-ah~ “. He called her with a cute tone as he showed her his cheek. 

“Yah, go while I’m talking nicely “. Jarim warned him. Jooyoung cutely hummed as he shook his head, not wanting to leave. Minji then rested an arm over Kyungmi’s shoulder while speaking. 

“Master, what might this be? “. She looked at Jinhee for answers. 

“The grain of rice on his cheeks, the desperate look and Jarim’s disgusted expression. If we put all that together… I think he’s asking her to take off that rice for him “.

“Bingo, thank God she knows the answer “. Kyungmi thought while mentally clapping. 

“No, no “. Ahram shook her head. “It’s degeneration due to lack of affection “. “Well…..that might be true….”. Kyungmi slowly nodded in knowledge of Ahram's theory. “Friends, prepare for suction “. She said as Minji and Jinhee began massaging her hands. 

“Jarim-ah, just this once please “. Jooyoung begged her with pleading eyes. Jarim stood behind him and firmly grabbed his head while showing the cheek with the rice on. 

“Take care of it “. Jarim said. Ahram smirked as she pushed her friends behind to get ready for the kick. She did it again, the grain of rice coming out of his face. 

“Oh~ “. Kyungmi and the rest gasped with amusement. 

“Wow~that’s level up! “. Minji complimented Ahram. 

“It would have been better if Jarim did it “. Jooyoung complained while sulking about it.

“If I did, I probably would’ve kicked your face “. She replied. Jooyoung let out a laugh.

“It 's fine. Since if I get kicked by you, it’s a physical exchange of affection “. 

“Aigoo~ this crazy bastard “. Kyungmi shook her head in disbelief. 

“If getting kicked is physical affection, then boxing matches must be blind dates? “. Ahram mocked as she laughed. 

“Then UFC must be- “. Jinhee started talking. 

“Socks, like these ones “. Minji joked. 

“You crazy girls! “. Ahram laughed. “Let’s stop here “. 

“Anyway, he's nothing ordinary “. Jinhee said at Jooyoung. “I also want a guy to obsess over me “. 

“I hate this. Come here “. Minji said as she tried to separate Ahram from being lovey-dovey with Jinhee. 

“Yah, you should go now. Free time is almost over “. Jarim suggested, quite annoyed by Jooyoung’s presence. Jooyoung sulked as he stared at the ground. “Next thing might be….”. Kyungmi thought. 

 

The next thing on the schedule was an activity that requires strength and balance. The girls were lining up to get on the balanced string to pass through the water. Kyungmi was behind Ahram as she looked at Minji going first. 

 

“Yang Minji, good luck! “. Ahram said as Kyungmi clapped to cheer her up. Then the latter looked up to see Kyungwoo waiting for his turn. “There’s no way he has feelings for me. He was just trying to be nice. Yeah, it’s that “. Kyungmi nodded at herself. Then it was Kyungwoo’s turn. 

“Here I go “. He looked at Kyungmi with a smile as he began taking steps through the rope. “What’s the meaning of his smile? “. She wondered. As she watched her friends heading there, Kyungwoo decided to play a prank on Minji by jumping in the rope. 

“Hey! Don’t do that! “. Minji screamed in fear. 

“Is that a melodrama, or a thriller? “. Ahram asked while staring at both Minji and Kyungwoo. Kyungmi and Jarim smirked at her comment. 

“It’s definitely not a melodrama “. Kyungmi commented. As Kyungwoo continued teasing, Ahram decided to go in. Kyungwoo did the last jump as Minji lost her balance but he held her on time to avoid her from falling. Kyungmi watched the scene and suddenly the light bubble of ideas suddenly lightened up. “Wait a moment! My purpose for being here! That's it! My purpose is to make Kyungwoo fall in love with Minji instead of Jarim! Oh my God! Why didn’t I think about it earlier?! “. Now Kyungmi understood her purpose of being inside of the story. It was to help the heartbreaking second lead to fall in love with the main female character’s friend. “Writer, it would have been nice if you said that earlier “. 

 

“Hey “. Kyungmi saw Ahram calling at Kyungwoo, who turned his head around to face her. Then Ahram, while hanging from the upper rope, lifted herself, swinging her body backward before kicking her leg into his ankle, making him fall on the water. Kyungmi gasped as she covered with both hands while Jarim laughed next to her. “I’m sure his ankle will hurt “. She thought. 

 

Meanwhile, Jooyoung and Byunghoon finished the course as they made their way back to the dorms to rest a bit before going back to practice their choreography. 

 

“It’s not as feasible as I thought. I’m actually the only one who didn’t fall in the water “. Byunghoon showed off with a smile of pride on his face. 

“Tsk “. Jooyoung scoffed with disbelief. “Anyway, just don’t clown around and get hurt for nothing. Okay? “. He told him. “If you guys get hurt, my confession is doomed. Got it? “. 

On the other hand, Kyungmi and Ahram aided Kyungwoo, who got hurt because of Ahram and the latter felt bad for injuring him as she tried to help him. 

“Are you okay? “. Ahram asked with concern as she kept touching his ankle, not noticing that doing that made him feel more pain than usual. 

“Yah, yah! Ah, ah! “. Kyungwoo shouted as he slammed his hand over Ahram’s helmet to stop her. “Yah! It really hurts. It really hurts “. He told her. 

“Ahram-ah, just put it down “. Kyungmi suggested while Ahram did what she told her to do. Then Ahram stood up and looked at him with her lips pursed out. 

“I’m not the one who did this “. She said. 

“Yah, that was totally attempted murder there “. Kyungwoo retorted.

“What the heck “. Ahram said as she slammed her hand over his helmet before walking away. Kyungmi sighed as she bent down to Kyungwoo level before carefully lifting his ankle to check his injury. He hissed in pain at the touch but it was bearable than when Ahram held it before. 

“It seems kind of swollen “. She sighed as she looked at him. “Shouldn’t you go to the infirmary to check on it? It might be worse than a sprain “. 

“Yah, then this guy won’t be able to participate in the talent show? “. Kyungmin asked while pointing at Kyungwoo with his thumb. 

“At this rate, he won’t be able to even walk around “. She explained, hearing sighs from both guys. Then she turned around when she heard footsteps and saw Jooyoung and Byunghoon running toward them at the same time she stood up. 

“What is this? Lee Kaeng, did you get hurt? “. Jooyoung cried out with disbelief. 

“He was messing with Ahram and she retaliated “. Kyungmin explained in his stead. 

“Thanks to her, I’m off the boot camp training so it’s nice “. Kyungwoo joked. 

“I asked you not to get hurt! “. Jooyoung whined. 

“Thank you for your warm-hearted words of worry, you jerk. Damn it ....”. Kyungwoo retorted with a sigh. Jooyoung cleared his throat before asking. 

“Does it hurt a lot? “. Kyungwoo glared at him as Kyungmi scoffed with a chuckle before standing next to him. 

“Come on, I will take you to the infirmary “. She said as she helped him stand up before putting his arm around her shoulders for support and guided him to the way out of the training camp as the guys followed behind them. 

 

 

After the activities ended, everyone headed back to the dorms to take a shower and change clothes. The boys were practicing their dance for the night. While Jooyoung and Byunghoon were practicing their choreography of EXO ‘Mama’, Kyungwoo appeared in their room with gauze around his left ankle. Jooyoung saw the sight of him and sighed. 

 

“How is it? “. Kyungwoo asked. “Don’t you think I would look like the visual of the group if I danced with this? “. He tried to joke. Jooyoung bent down and uncarefully grabbed Kyungwoo’s ankle and the latter whined in pain. 

“So much bluffing. It’s fine, forget it. I’m fine, so don’t push yourself “. Jooyoung told him. “For the dance...we’ll do what we can “. 

“How? “. Byunghoon asked. 

“We should do it just the two of us, I guess “. Jooyoung said. 

“But Kyungwoo’s part will be empty. And there are movements we put together for three “. Byunghoon commented with a concerned expression. Just then, Kyungmin stood up as he began dancing. 

“We don’t have a choice then. I’ll have to take action “. He replied. The rest of them outcast him while talking about a plan B. 

“If Gong Joo takes my part- “. Kyungwoo started. 

“No, he can’t “. Byunghoon said. “He has the part just before, the moves will clash “. 

“Don’t ignore me! I watched you practice all the time “. Kyungmin insisted. “I even completely memorized all the moves “. Jooyoung then stared at him for a long time until Kyungmin said. “The longer you think about it, the more I get hurt “. 

“Let’s try to do it for now “. Jooyoung concluded. 

“Great “. Kyungmin beamed as he went into position. “Hurry up. You in the center, and you on the right “. He said to Jooyoung and Byunghoon. Before they could practice, someone knocked on their door. They saw a classmate from theirs standing in front of the door. 

“What is it? “. Jooyoung asked. 

“Someone is looking for Kyungwoo “. The classmate said. 

“Me? Who? “, 

“It’s Choi Kyungmi “. The classmate responded. “She’s waiting at the entrance of the building “. With that, he left. Kyungwoo looked puzzled at first before facing his friends. “I will be back “. He said as he made his way out of the room. It took him a while to get to the entrance because of his injured ankle. He thought that by this speed, Kyungmi would have been gone. Luckily, he found her still waiting at the entrance of the building. He slowly walked toward her as he called her. She turned around and for a moment, he was amazed by her beauty. She was wearing a simple short white dress along with a dark grey cardigan and a pair of white sneakers. Plus, she wasn’t wearing heavy makeup, so he found her image so pure and innocent like an angel. Clearing his throat, he approached her. 

“Why did you call me? “. He asked. 

“How is your ankle? “. She asked while pointing at his injured ankle. 

“It’s fine. Just some kind of a sprain “. He assured her. “Why? Were you worried? “. He . 

“Tsk “. She scoffed while smiling a little. Then he took the courage to ask her. 

“At the beginning of the retreat, why were you avoiding me? “. 

“Huh? “. “So he must have noticed my behavior….”. She cleared before denying it. “I wasn’t! “. 

“Then why did you ignore my call yesterday? “. 

“That….I wasn’t feeling well “. She partially lied, but some part was true too. “I got a headache so I didn’t notice you called me “. Kyungwoo looked at her and recalled the time she was feeling pain in her head. He wanted to go there when he heard the word ‘accident’. He was curious about what she referred to as an accident, but he didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable so he pretended to not know about it. 

“I see “. He nodded in understanding. “So, that’s why you called me? To ask me if I was alright? “. 

“Ah! “. She then reached her arms toward him, handing him a bottle of cream. “Minji told me to deliver this to you “. 

“Yang Minji? “. Kyungwoo asked her as he stared at the bottle. “What’s this? “

“It’s a muscle pain reliever. It can also be used in case of the sprain. It was because she felt bad that you got injured because of her ....”. “Actually...it’s mine but if I do this, he might get a hint that Minji got worried about him and perhaps they begin having feelings for each other, what a smart move, Choi Kyungmi “. She thought as she smiled with pride. Kyungwoo stared at her and chuckled before nodding in understanding. 

“Thank you, tell her I will use it well “. 

“Well...I could say that we are even “. She responded. 

“Huh? “. He looked confused now. 

“Weren’t you the one who brought me medicine for my stomach ache? “. She asked which made him slightly blush in embarrassment. “I heard it from Jinhee. Thank you “. 

“It was nothing “. Kyungwoo cleared his throat. 

“So that’s why I’m paying my debt to you “. She smiled at him. “By giving this, but of course doing the favor for Minji at the same time “. She pointed at the cream. Kyungwoo stared at her in disbelief before scoffing. 

“Seriously, you are a unique person “. He commented. 

“I heard that a lot “. She chuckled at his comment. “Anyway, I have to go. See you at night “. She waved at him before heading back to her room. Kyungwoo watched her leave and stared back at the bottle. What Kyungmi didn’t know was that that bottle had her name written on it. 

“You are so bad at lying “. He scoffed. “But I will let it slide this time, just because you are cute “. Smirking, he made his way back to the room where the boys were.