Hanni found herself in the principal’s office.

She was sweating non-stop, unsure of what she had done.

 

It appears that her high school experience can be quite challenging, as evidenced by today's events. Despite her dislike for it, she is grateful for the company of her friends who make school more bearable and even enjoyable.

 

An hour earlier she was just sitting on her table and trying to review her notes from the examination. She did not expect to be in the top 20, however, it seemed like fate was on her side right now, At the same time, she felt like it was her reward for working hard in the past nights together with Minji.

 

Hanni believes that Minji played a significant role in all of this. She is grateful to the girl for assisting her during the weeks of review and for being patient with her. She understands that it is not an easy task. Although she is sometimes irritated by Minji's cold and rude manner of speaking.

 

It was never easy being patient with someone.

 

Hanni has always struggled with being slow in school, causing her teachers to often become frustrated with her. Unfortunately, nobody has ever been patient enough to support her. While her parents have tried to help her with the little time they have, their busy work schedules make it difficult to provide adequate assistance.

 

This time she was patient enough to go through those mathematics books, history books, and other subjects that make it hard to ace an exam. She will not waste any of Minji’s efforts on her.

 

 Which seems to be in the questioning.

 

“Ms. Pham. I would like to discuss a serious matter with you right now.”

 

 Hanni looked down on her feet, she felt like she knew now what was coming. 

 

“I would like you to take this matter as not offending, but rather validating students' efforts on the campus. We noticed that you have climbed up to the top 20 in the examination results. However, it’s also unavoidable to question how possible that is since you are one of the outliers,”

 

Hanni felt like crying with what she just heard. Despite the disclaimer, she couldn't help but feel hurt. But the principal has a point of suspicion anyway. She can't blame him.

 

 “I’m afraid I need your parents to come over to talk about this.” The principal crossed his legs and clasped his hands.

 

The conversation with Hanni and the principal went on for a few minutes, while Leeseo was looking from a distance, she smirked victoriously. 

 

Of course, she won’t let this chance get away. She made sure that she reported Hanni and tried to explain that maybe there was something suspicious going on. She was happy that her homeroom teacher listened to her after endlessly bugging him and reported directly to the principal after.

 

“If you admit your mistake now, then we can make your sanction lighter,”

 

Sanction? Lighter?

 

Hanni, can’t believe what she is hearing, she feels like her world crashing down on her shoulders down to her feet.

 

“B-but Sir, I didn’t do anything wrong! I swear I exhausted myself in reviewing!”

 

Hanni stood there trying her best to defend herself. If cheating is the answer to everything, then she could’ve done that even before, but that was not the case. 

 

This was all due to her hard work and Minji’s patience. 

 

 “Enough, let’s talk about this when your parents arrive. Please know that if you’re proven to be cheating back in that examination, then you should be suspended. This is a grave offense. Miss Pham.”

 

Hanni thinks all of that was unbelievable.

 

 

Outside the principal's office, Lesseo decided to go home after seeing her success and eavesdropping a little bit.

 

She started walking away. She felt like tonight was one of the best nights ever. 

 

Not until she saw a familiar figure walking towards her. Her steps were heavy, and this made Leeseo feel like her happiest moment was cut too short. 

 

It was Kim Minji.

 

Minji looked at her with black orbs, this made the other girl shake in nervousness.

 

 Lately, it has come to her that Minji shows up at the most unexpected time, she looked down and bit her lip. She was ready to explain, but Minji's eyes were already darting daggers towards Leeseo.

 

Before Minji walked past Leeseo, she muttered in a low cold voice, 

 

“Didn’t I tell you to not ever lay a finger, and leave my fiancé alone? Was that not enough warning?”

 

Minji looked at her with the most disgusting look Leeseo ever received in her life. 

 

“I’ve had enough with all of your Leeseo, this will stop today. I warned you and you didn’t listen.”

 

Leeseo was taken aback.

 

“This is so unfair I’ve always been with you. I’ve always followed you, I’ve seen you worked hard, and appreciated all of your recognition, but why would you choose someone like her? I could’ve understood it if it was a Yuna, but Pham Hanni is absurd.” Leeseo exclaimed.

 

Minji suppressed herself.

 

“I never asked you to like me, I never asked anyone to follow me. It was your choice. You did not give me enough space regardless of how many times I had to escape through all of you. You have no right to tell me who I need to date, or who I choose to marry…you’re not even my friend, and you will never be…because I don’t befriend people who act like the dumbest girl at school," 

 

"You’re even worse than Hanni’s grades.” the tall girl added.

 

 

Leeseo's eyes started b with tears. 

 

 

Just like that, Minji walked past her and knocked on the door of the principal's office. She went in, leaving Leeseo, heartbroken and trying to collect herself before breaking down into pieces.

 

 

 

 

—

 

Minji? 

 

Hanni saw her fiance walking inside. Nothing unusual, but indeed surprised to her there.

 

"Oh Kim Minji, what are you doing here and how can I help you?"

 

 

Minji slowly walked and stood behind hand. She bowed to the principal, which is a sign of respect.

 

“Sir, I'm sorry for bothering this conversation. But, I would like to report a major case of bullying at school,”

 

This caught the principal off guard. 

 

“Bullying?,” He asked, his eyebrows meeting.

 

 

"Yes, Sir. I found a group of senior high school students at the back of the school, bullying one student who newly transferred here. It’s been a few weeks since that incident happened, but this was the only time I got the courage to confess it. I’m so sorry for telling you this late."

 

The principal held his temples. For him, bullying is not a good image for their school especially since they are prestigious. She asked Minji to describe the scene. 

 

"Alright, Kim Minji let’s try to suppress this issue right now. Let me know the list of the students whom you’ve caught at the back of the school. I will be calling their parents and make sure to bring the person who got bullied here,"

 

The taller girl cleared . 

 

"Sir, the victim is standing right here beside me."

 

Hanni was just in awe. But she was not sure why Minji had chosen to confess or report it this time.

 

The principal widened his eyes. "What do you mean?"

 

"A few weeks ago I found Pham Hanni, lying on the muddy ground surrounded by senior high school students, she was the one getting bullied, Sir."

 

Minji said and looked at the paper. "Then, I will be writing the other names. I know them very well." She added, leaving the principal another surprised look, he looked back at Hanni and then at Minji twice.

 

"Also, sir, I know this is not my business to intervene however, I just wanna assure you that Pham Hanni did not cheat on her examination. She asked me for help in reviewing, and it seems like it was fruitful, since she was able to get one of the highest examination results, on the campus. She was also surprised herself."

 

The old man nodded. He now could understand, and it was indeed justifiable that Hanni got a high score, If the one and only Kim Minji helped her then it's good as rehabilitation.

 

Hanni was just standing there quietly. She looked at Minji with thankful eyes, she felt like a burden lately, because Minji has been saving her in several scenarios now.

 

 For a brief moment, she wondered how she would pay back all these favors.

 

The principal heaved a deep sigh. "Miss Pham I am sorry. Why didn’t you tell us sooner about it? Bullying should not be tolerated in this campus nor it will ever be."

 

"Also, Minji I do have a question for you. I’m just curious about how you were able to coach Hanni and which getting her a high score is this.

 

"Sir, I don’t think you should be asking me. It was all her efforts and hard work of trying to study every night. She had difficulty sleeping just thinking about it and right now since she was able to get the score that she would like to reach, we can all breathe in relief, I don’t think I was the reason, but I think we should normalize students who can achieve whatever they desire in the snap because of hard work."

 

 

"Of course, Minji. I understand."

 

 

The principal smiled at both of them.

 

"Again, Pham Hanni I’m so sorry for what happened earlier and I’m so sorry for what you have experienced. This is not the experience we want you to have in the school. I want you to know that everyone is welcome here and everyone should be treated fairly as well. I’m afraid you still need your parents to come over. We have to talk about the bullies."

 

Hanni nodded. This will cause worry not only to the Pham family but also to the Kims.

 

 

 

 

 

 

—-

 

 

It was time for them to go home Hanni found herself walking side-by-side with Minji again, but this time both of them were comfortable walking. She wasn't sure if it was a Friday, the reason why there were fewer cars around, but the cold wind and serene mood were getting into her. She couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed in a good way.

 

 

"Thank you again for earlier." Hanni was shy. Minji only nodded wearing her usual blank expression.

 

"You know, I don’t want to say this, but I’ve been asking you for a lot of favors these days."

 

"Do you want something to eat? At least I can repay you from there,"

 

Minji shook her head. "I’m good."

 

Hanni frowned. "I know you haven’t eaten anything."

 

Minji was confused "How did you know? Are you stalking me?" She asked suspiciously.

 

"No, but I didn’t see you at the cafeteria this lunchtime. I wonder if you ate lunch earlier."

 

Minji felt something warm on her chest. She wasn’t sure about it but she skipped heartbeat. Her parents often don't worry about her anymore. She was sure that she had established a strong image for them. This is to help the elders worry less. She didn't like that kind of attention, she didn't want to worry people. But there's Hanni, noticing she skipped lunch today.

 

"There was a lot to do in the organization and I had to work harder today."

 

"Well, if that’s the case, then maybe we should get something to eat Besides, Mom just texted me that they had to eat out today with your parents, so I guess there’s no food at home."

 

Minji did not reply, and then Hanni took that as a yes.

 

"Let’s go, my treat."

 

 

 

 

 

The couple found themselves sitting at the bench at a nearby park. Both of them were on a swing, Minji was sitting properly, and Hanni was pushing herself, using her feet to move back and forth.

 

"Hey, be careful I don’t want any of your food on my clothes," Minji said irritatingly.

 

Hanni, on the other hand only chuckled at her. "You’re no fun. Do you even know how to have one?"

 

Minji rolled her eyes.

 

"I have fun reading at the library."

 

"Boring," said Hanni in a sing-song tone.

 

"You call me boring but that’s the reason why I guess you were able to pass your exam, right?"

 

Hanni went quiet. "I know that’s why I was thankful to you."

 

"Stupid I’m just kidding."

 

"Well, basically you’re still right if you’re not there, I’m pretty sure I’m still at the top 500."

 

Minji smiled a little. "What I said back in the office was true. Those things, it was all on you,"

 

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