It was already May, which means the exam periods were about to begin. At school, Kyungmi was reviewing some notes while staying with the guys as Jooyoung was practicing his confession for Jarim. Seeing him so eagerly practicing it, she guessed that the misunderstanding between Jarim and him was solved. 

 

“You already know that I like you, but I haven’t been able to tell you the important part. Without realizing I might have been afraid to say it “. Jooyoung said and Kyungmi couldn’t help but giggle when he was practicing in front of Byunghoon, who was looking at him with shyness. “But, I think I can tell you clearly today “. Then Jooyoung grabbed his hands and looked straight at him. “Do you want to go out with me? “. 

“I’ve been waiting for you to say that “. Byunghoon commented before trying to kiss Jooyoung’s hands. 

“Hey, hey, hey! “. Jooyoung exclaimed with disgust. “Don’t get too immersed in practice. The mood got weird “. 

“Yah. Why are you practicing that, dumb*ss? “. Kyungwoo interfered. “If she likes you, it will work out even if you’re not smooth. She doesn’t like you, that’s why it’s not working “.

“I’m sure she likes me “. Jooyoung insisted as Kyungwoo stared at him with a blank expression. “After yesterday’s meeting, I could see what kind of girl Jarim is “. 

“And what kind of girl is she? “. Kyungmi chuckled as she closed her notebook, curious about his response. 

“She looks cold on the outside but she is sweet inside a tsundere “. Jooyoung explained. “The fact is the more she seems not to like me, the more she actually cares for me “. 

“What the hell are you on about? “. Kyungwoo asked before looking at Kyungmi. “Do you even understand him? “. She just shrugged her shoulders. 

“It's true! “. Jooyoung insisted. “Yesterday while she treated me to a meal, she said I was like a puppy. Aren’t puppies adorable? She was looking at me as adorable “. 

“Don’t you mean you are like a dog? “. Kyungmi joked as Kyungwoo and the rest of the boys laughed at her comment. 

“Don’t tell me “. Kyungwoo said. “Didn’t you mistake the son of a as puppy? “. 

“Correct answer “. Kyungmi thought. Jooyoung scoffed with a sulking pout. 

“But if Gong Jooyoung confesses, it’s likely to work “. Byunghoon commented. “It also made my heart pound “.

“Why are you getting excited? “. Jooyoung whined. 

“Then you two can just date, . You’ll make a totally crazy couple “. Kyungmin retorted.

“What a joke “. Jooyoung hummed in denial. Just then, he heard his ringtone and pulled out his phone from the pocket of his pants and checked who was calling him. When ‘Noona Jang Haeri’ appeared on the screen, he ignored the call. 

“Who was it? “. Kyungmi looked at him with curiosity. 

“Jooyoung-ah! Why don’t you pick it up? “. Then, a model-like girl with long raven hair and green eyes came. “Let’s go to the snack bar. I’ll buy you something “. She said as she linked arms with him. “Right….there’s a senior called Jang Haeri, who is interested in Jooyoung after seeing a video of him singing at the retreat “. Kyungmi mentally sighed. 

“I’m okay “. Jooyoung said as he tried to retrieve his arm away from her, but she tightened her grip around his arm.

“I’m not okay. Let's go! “. She insisted as she dragged him away. 

“Who is she? “. Kyungmin asked as he stood up. 

“What’s going on? That punk and a girl “. Kyungwoo added. 

“It seems obvious that she’s trying to hit on Gong Joo, right? “. Byunghoon guessed. 

“I can’t believe such a delinquent is flirting with a naive boy like Gong Jooyoung “. Kyungmin said as he fixed his glasses. “She should flirt with me instead! “. Kyungmi rolled her eyes while shaking her head before standing up to leave. 

“Where are you going? “. Kyungwoo asked. 

“To class “. She simply replied without looking back as she waved at them and left. 

 

Meanwhile, the girls were at the snack store enjoying their free time. 

 

“This Saturday is Rose Day, and there is no way a boy like Gong Jooyoung would just let it pass “ (T/N: May 14th, a day couples exchange roses). Minji commented as she smiled at Jarim. “I look forward to it, Jarim “. 

“Don’t look forward to anything. I want to spend at least this one weekend calmly “. Jarim exhaled through her nose. 

“With his personality, he’s probably preparing a surprise “. Ahram tried to guess while munching on some snacks. “Calmly~ “. 

“Are you talking about Gong Jooyoung? “. Jinhee came over and joined them. “Actually, he asked me when Jarim and I were going to hang out on Saturday “. She explained as she tried to take some cookies from Ahram but the latter wrinkled the bag to prevent her from taking them. 

“Don’t you think he will be waiting until Jarim goes out on Saturday? “. Ahram frowned at the thought. 

“That’s why I’m planning on staying home “. Jarim concluded. 

“Really? “. Minji pouted with a frown at the idea. 

“How disappointing “. Jinhee commented. “You should accept it sometimes when he does something for you. Let us experience it vicariously through you “. She then leaned forward with her arms crossed resting on the table. “If he confesses, maybe you should try dating him for a while “. 

“Am I supposed to date anyone just to please you guys? “. Jarim retorted with disbelief at the proposition before she stood up to leave. 

“Are you going? “. Ahram asked at the same time the rest of the girls stood up and followed her behind. They were walking back to the classroom when they saw a girl linking arms with Jooyoung, who seemed to be uncomfortable around her.

“Oh! It’s Gong Jooyoung “. Minji announced. “ Who is that girl, the one stuck to Gong Jooyoung? “. 

“Hmm, she must like him “. Jinhee responded at the view. 

“She is a second-year at our school “. Ahram replied. 

“Jarim-ah! “. Jooyoung got excited when he saw Jarim and ran toward her, leaving the girl behind. He arrived there and got between the girls as he stood next to her. “Are you going somewhere? I see you’re on the way from the snack bar “.  He said after seeing the can of cola in her hand. “If you’d told me, I would have bought it for you “. Then he turned around to see Ahram glaring at him while standing up from picking the snacks she let them fall after bumping into him. “Hi! “. 

“Hi “. Ahram muttered between her gritted teeth. 

“It looks tasty “. He commented after seeing the snacks. “Let's go “. He suggested as the group began to head back to class. 

 

Kyungmi glanced at her friends being on her desk while staring at Kyungwoo for some answers. 

 

“Okay, tell me. Who is she? “. Minji asked. 

“I have so many women that I don’t know who you are talking about “. Kyungwoo chuckled. Kyungmi rolled her eyes and shook her head at how childish his response was. 

“Did I ask about your relationships with girls? “. Minji complained. “I’m talking about the girl who was stuck to Gong Jooyoung before “. 

“Ah~ Jang Haeri. She’s a second-year at our school “. He said. 

“What’s her connection to Gong Jooyoung? “. Jinhee asked. 

“She has been acting close for several days but I have no idea “. He replied as he tried to reach a dried squid from Ahram’s when she slammed the bag to stop him from taking one. 

“Do I look like a dried squid vending stall? Don’t touch it or I’ll rip your hands off “. She threatened him as she yanked his hand away from it. Kyungmi sighed as she pulled out two bags of dried squid that she had bought earlier to eat later from under her desk before passing each of them to Ahram and Kyungwoo. 

“Take this and don’t fight “. She murmured in tiredness, not wanting a bloody fight from Ahram and Kyungwoo again. Ahram sent her a heart finger while he just stared at her while holding the bag. 

“But does Gong Jooyoung just allow that? “. Minji asked, going back to the topic. Kyungwoo regained consciousness before talking to her. 

“If it’s nothing bad, should he tell her to piss off? “. 

“Even so, while he likes Jarim, isn’t getting involved with another girl a little…? “. Jinhee asked as she glanced at Jarim, who was at her desk while playing a videogame on her phone. 

“Yah. She’s coming on to him as she pleases. What do you want him to do? “. He asked if it was logical. “And what business is it of yours whether Gong Jooyoung does it or not? “. 

“Even if it isn’t ours, it is Jarim’s “. Minji tried to reason with him. 

“Ah~ “. Kyungwoo nodded in understanding before turning his attention to Jarim. “Yah Wang Ja “. He called her as she looked at him. “Do you care? You are not even dating “. 

“No, I don’t really care “. She shortly replied as she went back to her game. 

“See? Don’t do this to me. Go complain to Gong Jooyoung “. Kyungwoo insisted. “But again, does he have any reason to stop someone who likes him? “. He then looked at Jarim. “She says she doesn’t care “. The rest of the girls looked at her as well and wondered if what he said was right. Without much more to say, they returned to their seats. Kyungwoo sighed as he looked at the bag of dried squids and opened it. He took one out and put it in his mouth before passing the bag to Kyungmi. 

“What? “. She looked at him with confusion. 

“Eat “. He said. 

“I’m fine “. She replied as she pushed the bag away from her. 

“I know you want to eat this. That’s why you bought two bags, right? “. “Am I really that transparent to him? I should really hide my emotions “. She sighed as she took one and began eating. He smiled a little as he put the bag on the desk. “You know, you shouldn’t be that nice “. 

“What do you mean? “. She asked as she kept biting the leg of the squid. 

“Like helping others when those matters aren’t yours, giving your food like it’s nothing “. He gave examples. She scoffed as she tried to take the bag away from him when he stopped her. “I will just accept this time because you gave it to me “. He told her as she shook her head and passed him back the bag. “What I meant is that, you should take care of yourself before taking care of others. That’s what matters “. She looked at him and reviewed his words. It was true. Ever since she came to this world, all she has been doing was trying to help the others around her that she didn’t have time to take care of herself. “If you don’t take care of yourself, then you won’t be able to help others “. 

“Okay, I got it “. She mumbled as she took another leg of squid from him. “I’m taking it because I really wanted to eat this “. She gave him an excuse before munching it. He couldn’t help but laugh at her cuteness and passed her the whole bag. 

“Don’t worry. I’m not so bad at sharing food “. 

“What the hell are you saying? “. She scoffed but smiled at him anyway. Surely, she was glad that she could talk to him comfortably like they were siblings. Even though he is smug and teases her a lot, she knew that inside of him, he was a good friend and she will always be grateful toward him. Then she remembered something and turned her attention to him. “Yah, by the way….are you not interested in dating someone? “. 

“Why the sudden question? “. He blinked at her with confusion as he let out a scoff. 

“It’s just….I have someone I would like to introduce to you “. She replied with a smile. 

“I’m not interested “. He immediately replied. 

“Eh? “. She blinked before frowning at him. “Don’t answer that fast and let me finish “. 

“Whatever you say, don’t “. He said as he pointed his finger at her as a warning. “I’m warning you, don’t say it “. 

“Tsk “. She scoffed with disbelief as she nodded in understanding before focusing her attention on her phone. “At this rate, I won’t be able to set him up with Minji….why is it so difficult to play cupid here? “. She mentally sighed. Kyungwoo glanced at her before shaking his head while looking away. 

 

Kyungmi left first since she decided to meet with Seri after school. She remembered that around this time, Jang Haeri will meet Jarim and tell her to stop meeting Jooyoung. She just hoped the scene would go as smoothly as she remembered. She hopped off the bus as she headed toward the coffee shop Seri told her to come. She finally arrived at the place and entered as she looked for her friend. She spotted and walked toward to apologize to her when she saw two guys in school uniforms, probably from the same age as well. Puzzled, she slowly looked at the table. 

 

“Oh! You came! “. Seri beamed as she stood up and walked toward her. “You came on time! “. 

“Seri...what’s this? “. Kyungmi asked her while eyeing the guys from Seri’s shoulder. 

“That….”. She bit the bottom of her lip with guilt. “Sorry, I know you didn’t want to have blind dates, but they kept insisting….”. Kyungmi ran her fingers through her hair as she tried to leave. 

“I’m leaving “. 

“Please, don’t be like that “. Seri pouted as she stopped her from leaving. 

“I told you I wasn’t interested in dating someone! “. Kyungmi whined. “Besides, I’m not ready for a relationship “. 

“That’s why you can just meet them, have some coffee and then just tell him that you had fun but you aren’t interested, done! “. 

“Are you kidding me? “. Kyungmi stared at her blankly. 

“Please do me this favor “. Seri begged as she clasped her hands together. “I really like this guy, he said he could only meet me if I invited a friend to match with his friend “. Kyungmi closed her eyes while thinking deeply about the situation. “I know I’m going to regret this….”. She thought before facing her friend. 

“Just two hours “. She concluded. “After that, I’m going home “. Seri squealed as she clapped. 

“Okay! I will tell them to take the orders meanwhile “. She said before heading toward the table again. Kyungmi sighed as she was about to go there too when someone was calling her. She checked the ID and saw that it was Kyungwoo. Clearing , she answered. 

“Yeah? “. 

“Where are you? “. He asked. “I was going to ask you if you wanted to hang out at Jooyoung’s house to help him at an event for Jarim “. 

“Sorry, I was supposed to meet my friend from middle school today- “. She was cut off when Seri came over. 

“Kyungmi, what are you doing? Your blind date is waiting for you “. 

“Hold on, you said you were meeting your friend from middle school “. Kyungwoo said as he sounded betrayed about the lie. Kyungmi sighed as she rubbed her forehead in tiredness. 

“Look, I’m also confused right now by the situation so I will explain to you later. I have to go, bye! “. 

“Yah, wait! - “. Kyungmi hung him up as she was guided to the table by Seri. 

 

 

Meanwhile, at Jooyoung’s place, the Jooyoung, Byunghoon and Kyungmin were already making paper roses for an event the former was planning for Jarim on Rose Day. 

 

“I don’t know much about this, but are you sure this is how you confess? “. Byunghoon questioned while folding the paper. Kyungmin nodded in response. “Is this really the trend nowadays? “. 

“This is the least I should do! “. Jooyoung insisted. “Jarim keeps getting the wrong idea because of Jang Haeri or whatever so I have to make myself clear so there aren’t any more misunderstandings “. 

“By the way, why is it 99 flowers? Shouldn’t we fold 100? “. Byunghoon asked. 

“Ah~ Kyungmin told me something, that’s why “. Jooyoung responded while Kyungmin scoffed with a smug smirk. 

“You fool, there’s a reason for everything. Read a book! “. 

“Yeah, read a book “. Jooyoung joined him.

“If you date according to a book, aren’t you 100% screwed? “. Byunghoon wondered. “I think going with 100 flowers would be better “. 

“You think? “. Jooyoung pursed his lips out while grabbing an already made paper rose. “This is making me think seriously “. He frowned as he scratched the back of his ear while deeply thinking about whether he should make 99 or 100 flowers. “Lee Kaeng, what do you think? “. When there was no response from him, the three guys looked at Kyungwoo spacing out while playing with his fingers. “Hey, Lee Kaeng! What do you think? “. 

“Huh? “. He blinked as he looked up at Jooyoung. “About what? “. Jooyoung sighed at how inattentive his friend was. 

“Weren’t you paying attention? What’s better, 99 flowers or 100? “. Kyungwoo scoffed before responding. 

“It won’t matter. I told you at school. How you confess doesn’t matter if she doesn’t reciprocate your feelings “. He replied while he was bothered by the blind date Kyungmi just mentioned a few minutes ago. “Why am I feeling concerned about her? It is clear that she doesn’t have feelings for me but….why do I feel so angry about her being with another guy? “. 

“That’s why I’m checking her feelings through this confession “. Jooyoung replied. “Come on, which one is better? “. 

“I don’t know~ “. Kyungwoo sighed. “Just do whatever it feels like it’s correct “. He responded as he laid down on Jooyoung’s bed while closing his eyes. “Right, I shouldn’t be concerned about her being with other guys. Who am I to think like that? “.

 

 

Kyungmi sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. Today is Saturday, which is the day she promised to go to the coffee shop with her friends, BUT Seri came with a pleading favor to go out with her along with the boys from yesterday’s blind date to watch a movie for Rose Day. At first, she refused, but Seri wouldn’t stop insisting on dragging her along since to her, Kyungmi was the only real friend she had. And as a kind-hearted person, she couldn’t just let it slip like it was nothing. Checking her outfit which was a pink T-shirt combined with denim shorts and a white knitted cardigan, she grabbed her purse and walked out of her apartment. As she walked out of the building she saw a firetruck and grew confused as firefighters stepped into the building. 

 

“What’s going on? “. She mumbled as she saw the concern of the people. 

“Kyungmi-ah! “. She looked up to see the boys heading this way. 

“Yah, are you okay? “. Kyungwoo was the first one to arrive and check on her. 

“Yeah, I’m fine, but what’s going on? “. She asked as she looked around to have a grip of the situation. 

“Didn’t you know? There was smoke coming out from the building! “. Jooyoung exclaimed. Her eyes widened at the news as she lifted her head up to see the smoke coming up from an apartment a few floors above hers. “Wow, thank God mom went to get the groceries “. She thought as she sighed with relief. 

“And Jarim? “. He asked.

“Jarim? “. Kyungmi looked back at him. “She went out “. 

“What? I thought she said she would stay at home “. 

“And you really believed that? “. Kyungmi sighed. “I was supposed to meet her along with the girls but I suddenly came up with other plans “. 

“Other plans? Like what? “. Byunghoon blinked with curiosity. 

“Huh? Well…..”. She then glanced at Kyungwoo, who was eyeing her with confusion and suspicion. “Anyway, what are you guys doing here? “. 

“Ah~ we came to set Jooyoung’s event for Jarim “. Kyungmin explained. She stared at the baskets filled with rose petals while Jooyoung was holding a bouquet of paper roses. 

“I guess you are going to confess to her with a path of roses….”. She guessed as she slowly nodded. Jooyoung smiled with shyness as he nodded in confirmation. “Good luck then “. She patted his arm before staring at the boys. “I’m running late so I will see you later “. With that, she left. 

“She must be going on a date “. Kyungmin guessed. 

“What? “. Kyungwoo’s eyes widened as he looked in the direction Kyungmi headed. “Why do you think that? “. 

“There would be another reason to dress nicely like that? Just by seeing her, it’s obvious that she’s going on a date! “. Kyungmin replied. Kyungwoo frowned with annoyance as he looked back. “Wait a minute….and why do you care though? Do you perhaps...like Choi Kyungmi?! “. 

“W-What are you saying?! “. Kyungwoo shouted in surprise. “It’s because I’m worried she will meet some bad stranger since she’s so naive. That's all! “. 

“Yeah, yeah, sure~ “. He chuckled before heading toward the floor to arrange the path of roses. Kyungwoo sighed as he rested his hands over his hips. 

“I’m being serious though “. He murmured and went to help his friends. 

 

 

After the movies ended, Seri decided that the couples go their own ways. Kyungmi feeling betrayed by being abandoned toward her friend, cursed under her breath as she was left alone with her ‘date’. His name is Kang Jihoo and he is a member of the baseball team of his school. He was tall and handsome, plus he had an amazing personality and he was a gentleman when it comes to attending her. Kyungmi would have fallen for him right away if she was really interested in dating. 

“Kyungmi-ah, should we go have something to eat? “. Jihoo asked. 

“Sure…”. Kyungmi forced a smile as they began walking around Myeongdong, one of the crowdest streets in Seoul. 

“What would you like to eat? “. He asked. 

“I’m fine with anything “. She replied. 

“Then would you like to have pasta? “. 

“Sure “. 

 

They ate pasta at an Italian restaurant as Kyungmi was listening to Jihoo’s stories about his life and she nodded as she understood what he was saying. 

“Wait here “. Jihoo said as he suddenly left. Kyungmi frowned with confusion but decided to patiently wait as she took her phone out to check missing new messages. She sighed when her friends bombarded her phone with tons of messages. 

 

Ah Rong: Yah Kyung~ Did you go on a blind date? 

Yang Min: Wow, I feel betrayed~ 

Jinhee: Tell me about it! 

Ah Rong: I had my suspicions since the moment you rejected our invitation to the coffee shop. 

Yang Min: Who is he? Is he cute? 

Jinhee: Send a pic! 

 

Kyungmi shook her head as she uploaded a photo of Jihoo in their group chat.

 

Jinhee: Awesome! Kyungmi won the lottery! 

Yang Min: As expected from our Kyungmi~ I want the details later~

Ah Rong: Then are you going to date him? Does he come from a wealthy family? 

 

“Give me a break “. She sighed as she put her phone back into her purse at the same time someone placed a bouquet of roses in front of her. Puzzled, she looked up to see Jihoo smiling at her while holding the bouquet. 

“For you “. He said. Kyungmi scoffed as she accepted it and Jihoo went back to sit down. 

“What’s this? “. Kyungmi questioned as she looked at the bouquet. 

“Today is Rose Day “. 

“Ah~ “. She nodded in understanding. “When did you prepare all of this? I’m surprised “.

“I thought I should at least give you something for the day “. 

“Thanks….”. Kyungmi chuckled as she admired the flowers and took a smell of them. 

“I know that you don’t like me “. He suddenly said, which Kyungmi got frozen by his words and slowly looked up at him. “And I’m not expecting you to accept me as something else but….I wish you could accept my real feelings, by who I am “. He explained. “Everyone thinks of me as the great guy who is perfect in everything and has everything...but at the same time I’m just a guy with the same insecurities and concerns everyone has “. She softened by his words and suddenly felt bad for acting distant and cold toward him because of her uninterest in dating. “I’m okay being friends with you since I took a liking to you “. Kyungmi exhaled as she looked at the flowers before staring back at him. 

“That’s the most inspiring thing I’ve ever heard from a blind date “. She chuckled as he mimicked her gestures. “I’m sorry for not showing interest in you, I’m sure you prepared a lot for this date “. Jihoo scratched the back of his neck with shyness as he smiled. 

“As long as you enjoyed it, it doesn’t matter “. 

“Yeah...I did enjoy it “. She nodded in affirmation with a soft smile. 

 

After dinner, Jihoo walked him toward the bus stop Kyungmi needed to take. 

 

“You don’t need to walk me home “. Kyungmi told him while wrapping her arms around the bouquet. “I will feel bad if you do that “. 

“Then, I’m hoping we can meet sometime again “. He said as he held out his hand for a handshake. She giggled and grabbed it before shaking it. 

“Thank you for being understanding “. She said. “I’m sure you will find your right partner someday “. 

“Same goes for you “. Jihoo grinned as he let go of her hand and looked at the bus that just arrived. “It must be your bus. Have a safe ride “. 

“Thank you. Stay well “. She waved at him before taking the bus and sat down before turning her attention to Jihoo. The latter waved at her with a gentle smile as she mimicked his gestures as the bus departed. Leaning her back against the chair, she sighed and looked back at the roses with a sulky expression. “He didn’t seem that bad….I would have fallen for him in an instead, but why couldn’t I accept his feelings? “. Then she thought of the moments she kept thinking about Kyungwoo during the date. Her eyes widened as she slapped her cheeks. “I must have gone crazy! Why would I think about him?! My mission is to get Minji and Kyungwoo closer! Not me falling for him! “. 

“Don’t tell me….am I falling for him? “. She wondered as her eyes widened in horror.