- The longest prologue in the history of prologues -

 

7.30am 

 

The moment Krystal Jung Soojung set foot on school grounds, she was tackled by an unknown force that nearly brought her to the ground.

“Yah, Lee Taemin, get off!”

The boy named Taemin let go of his best friend and waved cheerfully at her, eye smile in place. “Annyeong, Soojungie~”

The younger rolled her eyes but smiled. “Next time, warn me before you try to tackle me to the ground,” she half-joked.

Taemin pouted. “Sowee Soojungie~” He was using his aegyo and he knew it. “I just missed you so much over the holidays, ya know?”

As if he didn’t just see her yesterday. The two basically spent the entire holiday together.

But Krystal (being the awesome best friend she was) played along anyway. She pulled the mushroom head into a headlock and ruffled his fluffy hair. “Naw, I missed you too Minnie~”

 

--

 

7.45am 

 

Krystal was looking at the schedule for her classes when she felt a strong pair of arms circle around her slender waist from behind. The same person then propped their chin on Krystal's left shoulder.

"Soojung-ah~" The person spoke into her ear.

There was no need to turn around for Krystal to know who it was.

She sighed.

"Jongin, please let go. We're in public."

The tall boy complied but asked in a hopeful tone, "Does that mean you'll let me hug you like that when we're alone?"

Krystal didn't reply immediately because she had gone back to studying her class schedule. Kai (being the hopeful lad he was) thought that she was actually considering saying yes. But of course, Krystal's answer was a big fat "NO."

Kai shrugged. "It was worth trying," he sort of muttered to himself.

As Krystal proceeded to scan the bulletin boards for any notices concerning her, Kai just stood there, sulking.

"What class are you in this year, Soojung?" Kai asked, trying to pry her attention off the bulletin board and unto him. 

"3F," Krystal replied absent-mindedly.

Kai's lower lip protruded. "Why do we get placed into different classes every year? Is the school trying to keep me away from you?"

Krystal only responded with a shrug of the shoulders.

Pouting, Kai decided to leave. His Soojung was obviously too busy to pay any attention to him right now.

 

--

 

8.00am

 

The students of Class 3F were chatting away, telling each other about how their holidays were spent and making noise as students do before classes started.

The school bell rang, which indicated the start of the school day. And right on cue, Mr Kim Junsu (or Mr Duck , as the student sometimes called him) walked into class. 

"Good morning children~" he sang. 

"Good morning Mr Kim," the students greeted back.

"Now before we start, I want to introduce a new student to the class." Junsu looked towards the direction of the door and gestured for the lanky boy at the doorway to enter.

"Class, this is Oh Sehun," Junsu informed. An undeniably handsome boy with milky skin walked in simultaneously.

Murmurs and whispers were heard as the students of Class 3F started gossiping about the newcomer.

"Omo, he's cute!"

"He seems quite cold though."

"Do you think he has a girlfriend?"

Such were the things said by the female students.

But sitting in the second row was a certain female student that couldn't comprehend why the others were making such a big deal about the newcomer. Besides being slightly better looking than the average person, the boy was just another new student. Their school got new students every year, so there was really no need for the fuss over this one.

Sehun (who was awkwardly standing at the front) cleared his throat. "Annyeonghaseyo, Sehun-imnida," he said in a monotone, "I hope I'll get along with everyone."

His short introduction was met with giggles. Sehun had a lisp, and most of the girls found it cute. Girls find anything handsome guys do cute.

"Why don't you find yourself a seat, Sehun, and we'll get started," Junsu said.

The former nodded and twenty or so pairs of eyes watched as he immediately headed for the closest empty seat -- the one in the second row; the one to the right of Krystal Jung's.

Girls sighed in disappointment.

Junsu loudly clapped his hands twice, and the students immediately dropped their conversations, diverting their attention back to their dolphin of a teacher. 

"Now that I've introduced Sehun to the class," Junsu began, "I would like to start today by formally welcoming you kids back to another year of fun, excitement and college entrance exams~"

Students groaned at the mention of the ever-important College Scholastic Ability Test that they would be sitting for later in the year. 

Junsu chuckled, amused by the kids' reactions. 

Oh Su-Su, you just had to ruin the mood by bringing up the college entrance exams.

 

--

 

"So, what are your interests?" Krystal asked in attempt to strike up a conversation.

Homeroom period had just ended and Class 3F was waiting for their next teacher to arrive. During this time, Krystal had taken the initiative to introduce herself to the new student. She was just friendly like that.

"I like sports," Sehun informed before adding, "But I'm sure you wouldn't understand since you're a girl."

Krystal gaped. Did he just insult her indirectly -- by calling her girl? That was definitely not alright in Krystal Jung's book. Somebody had to set this kid straight, new student or not.

"Yah, not all girls are docile princesses!" she retorted (louder than intended) causing a few of her neighbours to turn and stare at her. She didn't mean to be rude, but really, this guy was too much.

A sarcastic "Sure," and a small smirk from the milky skinned boy was all she got as a response. 

Krystal could feel her blood starting to boil in her veins. 

Who does this guy think he is? I was just trying to be nice to him since he's new but what do I get in return? A ist comment thrown at me!

She started to grow extremely annoyed. If there was one thing Krystal Jung couldn't stand, it was guys who thought that they were better than girls.

But she didn't let her anger get the best of her. No no, Krystal was never one to lose her temper easily.

"You know, you're not making a very good first impression on me," she said instead.

Sehun shrugged in such a carefree manner that it irked Krystal. "I didn't come to this school to impress you."

That's it. I'm not even going to bother trying to get along with this guy because he obviously thinks he's too good for everyone else or something.

Crossing her arms, Krystal turned in her seat to face the front again.

 

--

 

10.10am

 

"Soojungie, over here!" Krystal heard a familiar voice (among many other voices of the students in the school cafeteria) call out.

Krystal whipped her head towards the direction of the voice and found a smiling Sulli waving at her. The former couldn't help but return the smile as she made her way towards the Giant Baby.

"Annyeong Jinri~" Krystal cooed as she set her tray onto the cafeteria table and sat on the bench opposite of Sulli's.

Sulli flashed two rows of pearly whites and returned the greeting, "Annyeong Jungie~"

"How were your holidays, Ssul?"

"They were uneventful and unproductive," Sulli replied with a pout. "What about yours?"

"Mine wasn't very exciting either."

Before their conversation could continue on, a third person appeared and slipped into the seat beside Sulli's.

"Taeminnie!" Sulli exclaimed when she saw who it was. It was, after all, her first time seeing the mushroom boy since the last time all three of them (Krystal, Sulli and Taemin) met up during the second last week of the holidays.

Taemin smiled and greeted her back. 

The next fifteen minutes or so were spent discussing about the trio's holidays and Sulli found out that Taemin and Krystal had actually met up almost every day during the holidays -- and Sulli couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of their friendship. Krystal, Sulli and Taemin were all best friends, but anyone could tell that Taestal were closer than Jungli or Taelli. The two had basically grown up together so it was no surprise that they were inseparable.

Taemin was in the middle of narrating one of his banana milk adventures (in which he goes around Seoul looking for the best banana milk place) when Sulli suddenly remembered she had somewhere to be. She excused herself after promising to meet up with the other two during lunch.

"So, do you want to hear the rest of my banana milk adventure?" Taemin asked with hopeful eyes when Sulli was gone.

Krystal put her hand up as if to say "spare me", which earned a cute pout from her best friend.

"Apparently there's a new student and I heard he's in your class. Have you met him yet?" Taemin decided to ask instead, seeing as the younger Jung wasn't interested in hearing about how he came to find his new favourite banana milk place.

Krystal groaned (which she didn't do very much, in contrast to eye rolling). "He's my seat partner, and you know I'm not one to judge others easily, but the guy's a total douche."

"Why? Did he hit on you or something?" The thought of the new student trying to make a move on his best friend angered Taemin. He was very protective when it came to Krystal.

"Ani, it's nothing like that," Krystal said.

"Then...?"

"He called me a girl."

Taemin furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Are you not happy that he can tell that you're a girl?"

"It's not that!" Krystal quickly said, "He meant it as an insult."

The elder's mouth formed a small 'o' as he came to understand why Krystal seemed to dislike this new student. Taemin knew that Krystal hated boys who acted like they were more superior than the other gender. If a serial killer and a ist guy asked her to let them into her house, Krystal would probably let the serial killer in and kick the ist guy out -- that was the extent of her hate towards those sort of males.

"Just ignore him, Soojungie. You don't have to be friends with him!" Taemin said, "Anyways, you already have me, and I'm all you need~"

Krystal couldn't help but laugh at her best friend's silliness. Oh how I love you, Lee Taemin.

 

--

 

2:00pm

 

School ended early today since it was the first day of the new school year. Sulli and Taemin had gone somewhere together after Krystal told them that she had to stay in school for soccer tryouts.

That afternoon, the sun hung high in the sky and the scorching weather made it hard to believe that it was still winter in Seoul.

Dressed in her PE uniform (a white collared shirt and green shorts), Krystal made her way to the soccer field where the tryouts would be held. She saw that Coach Jung Yunho -- the Director of Physical Education in SM High, as well as the school's soccer coach -- was already there, together with a few other faces that she recognised.

This wasn't the first time Krystal would be trying out for soccer. She had done so in the past two years of her school life in SM High and had successfully made it into the girls soccer team both years. But every year, Coach Jung would make everyone try out again, just to be fair to any newcomers that might be interested in joining the soccer team.

Unsurprisingly, Kai was the first one to spot Krystal as she jogged towards where everyone else was gathered on the soccer field. He made exaggerated waving motions at her. "Soojung-ah, you came!"

Krystal smiled. "Of course I did. You know I can't stay away from soccer."

Coach Jung, who had overhead her comment, beamed. "Glad to hear my best striker is still as enthusiastic about soccer as ever," he said.

"But coach," Park Taejun (a flower boy who had been a valuable player for the boy's soccer team since he first joined two years ago) whined, "I thought I was your best striker!"

"He means his best female striker, Jun. Don't worry, you're still the number one striker in SM High!" Park Hyunseok (Taejun's twin brother and a strong midfielder) said.

Krystal rolled her eyes at Hyunseok's comment. "I bet I could still score more goals in a game than you," she said to the latter's twin. No doubt the younger Jung's competitiveness was starting to show.

Just as Coach Jung was about to begin tryouts, there was a last-minute addition to the boys who wanted to try out.

Krystal's jaw nearly dropped when she saw him. 

"Oh Sehun..." she muttered through clenched teeth.

 

--

 

4.00pm

 

A petite blonde couple be seen running across the SM College campus, screaming "KRYS!" over and over again at the top of her lungs. Passerbys turned to stare at the girl but the (supposed) Ice Princess could care less.

Krystal greeted the blonde with a hug. "Annyeong unnie~ How was your day?" she asked good-naturedly.

The older Jung made a face. "My accounts lecturer gave us an assignment today."

"Already? But it's only your first week back at college." (SM College -- the college situated right next to SM High School -- started classes a couple days earlier than other schools every year.)

"I know right?!" 

Krystal couldn't help but giggle at her older sister's exaggerated expressions. 

Meet Jessica Jung, Krystal's drama queen of a sister. Don't be fooled by her petite frame, the older Jung had a deadly dolphin scream that could (very possibly) shatter glass.

Jessica let out an audible sigh and decided to ask her baby sister about her 'feelings' on finally becoming a senior in high school.

The baby sister shrugged. "I feel the same," she replied flatly.

Seeing as she didn't get much of a reaction, Jessica decided to continue asking, "Did you see Jongin today?"

Krystal narrowed her eyes at the blonde suspiciously. "Why are you suddenly so interested in Jongin?"

And Jessica, being the extremely blunt girl she was, straightforwardly replied, "I've always liked him for you -- and you know I won't allow just any boy to date my Soojungie."

"Unnie, I've told you a million times now that I'm not interested in dating," Krystal said with a sigh.

The older playfully poked her younger sister's nose. "Then when will you start to taking interest? You're not a little girl anymore, Soojung-ah -- you're turning 18 in seven months!"

But before Krystal could come up with a witty comeback, she spotted a tall boy with frog-like eyes walking up to them behind Jessica.

"Minho oppa!" Krystal exclaimed and immediately ran to greet her favourite oppa.

Jessica turned around and gaped in disbelief. “Yah Krystal Jung Soojung, I was talking to you!” she scolded.

But Sica was completely ignored.

Meanwhile, Krystal was busy telling Minho (her fellow soccer buddy) all about soccer tryouts.

“I knew you would make it into the team for the third year in a row, Soojung,” Minho said and patted Krystal’s head, “You’re too good for them not to put you in. Heck, you could probably play in the boys soccer team and still be the ace!”

The younger girl beamed. This is why Minho was her favourite oppa -- he didn’t treat her differently from how he would treat any of his guy friends just because she was a girl. Especially when they played soccer together, Minho never went easy on Krystal.

Likewise, Minho liked how Krystal wasn’t like any other girl he knew. She wasn’t afraid to get dirty or play rough and the competitiveness she showed when she played soccer reminded him a lot of himself.

“You up for a round of soccer?” Minho asked, confident grin in place.

“You betcha.”

A few seconds later, the two soccer maniacs could be seen racing each other towards the campus soccer field.

 

--

 

“Yah Choi Minho, don’t try to distract me!”

“Choi Minho?” the older boy repeated with a raised eyebrow, “What happened to using honourifics, Soojung? I’m your oppa, remember?”

Krystal stuck her tongue out childishly, dribbled the ball past Minho and successfully kicked the ball into the goal. “Krystal: 5, Minho oppa: 0!” she exclaimed and pumped her fists into the air in victory.

“What? Last time I checked, I scored 8 goals against you today,” Minho said.

Krystal simply shrugged. “Who’s counting?”

  

--

 

5.30pm

 

Kai was waiting for the 5:33 bus at the bus stop outside SM High when a black and golden motorbike pulled up in front of the SM College gate.

He watched as the mysterious biker skillfully hopped of his bike and took his helmet off. He was just about to go back to minding his own business, (thinking that the biker was probably someone’s boyfriend) when the biker turned around.

Kai’s eyes widened. Isn’t that Kim Myungsoo?! What the hell is Woolim High’s biggest delinquent doing in front of SM College? He’s not here to cause trouble, is he?

But Kai’s thoughts were interrupted as his bus arrived. Kai got onto the bus and decided to forget about Kim Myungsoo. 

 

--

 

5.35pm

 

Krystal was walking towards the bus stop when she spotted a very familiar black and golden motorbike parked in front of the SM College gate.

I’m sure I’ve seen that bike somewhere before, she thought as she paused to scrutinize the vehicle.

Just then, Krystal felt a pair of large hands cover her eyes. She gasped in fear. “Whoever you are, you better let me go this instant,” she warned (in a not so threatening tone).

Krystal was just about to reach into her bag for her pepper spray when the owner of the pair of large hands let out a very distinguishable chuckle.

And then it hit her.

No wonder the bike looked so familiar.

Krystal pried the pair of large hands off her and spun around, effectively twisting the person’s hands in the process.

“Owh owh owh owh!” the person yelped in pain as he tried to pull away from the younger Jung’s grasp.

“Try something like that again and I’ll make sure to break your arm,” Krystal threatened with narrowed eyes.

“Okay-owh! I’m sor-owh! Not so hard, Krys!”

Krystal finally let go of the boy’s arms and he rubbed them while whining about how strong she was and how she could’ve broken his arms.

“Is this how you greet someone you haven’t seen in three months?”

“It’s your fault for trying to scare me!” Krystal retorted.

And then Myungsoo broke into a smile. “I’ve missed you, Krys.”

 

--Fin--