CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: Here Comes Trouble

{ His heart rose in intensity when he spotted her turning the corner. } * Click for BGM!

With sweet chirping of the pretty birds and the gentle breeze flowing from the slightly ajar window, Kai's morning seemed to be completely flawless and harmonious. Dreaming of the wonderful day he had spent with Hyejung, his handsome face seemed to glow in soft happiness with his full lips curved up ever-so-slightly.

Oh, yes. Nothing could possibly ruin this restful morning. 

"Ha ha ha! Hey let me introduce myself! Here comes trouble! Woo~! Ttara Hae-"

Kai slammed his hand on his dreaded alarm clock, incoherently growling something on the lines of 'damnit, my dream was getting to the good part' as he palmed his sleepy, suddenly contorted face. He really didn't mind waking up to Tiffany's gorgeous voice, he actually enjoyed it, but he'd honestly rather endlessly dream about Hyejung feeding him chocolate covered strawberries instead. Yup. 

Letting out a long, agonizing yawn, Kai slowly rose into a slouching sitting position in his white covered bed. He scratched the back of his neck, his eyes hooded, and trailed his same hand up into his disheveled tresses. The boy honestly didn't mind the mornings, but when his dormant fantasies were disturbed, he would become noticeably cranky. 

With a few reckless kicks, Kai shoved the white covers off him. He shifted his body so that his sun-kissed feet dangled off the side of the bed, and with a heaving huff he stood up whilst lazily stretching. While he did this, the constant ringing of a cellphone was vibrantly heard. 

Kai groaned, a hand in his locks as he drew his glare over to his desk. He stormed over, stumbling along the way, and picked up his own phone. But to his abrupt surprise, it was not ringing. 

"What the-" Kai furrowed his brows, assuming that he slept too long and must've gone a little loopy. His hazy, befuddled eyes speedily wandered about his desk, but then he sighed when he realized it was Hyejung's phone ringing. It seemed like he forgot that he brought her phone home yesterday night to charge it. "Oh. Right."

Kai glanced back over at his clock, realizing the incredibly tardy time with a ribbon of agitated ramblings escaping his chapped morning lips. He rushed into his bathroom, ignoring the phone that vibrated against the wooden desk. 

~*~

Meanwhile, Hyejung was surprisingly up and getting ready at her leisure. Open-mouthed yawns constantly spilled out of as she dressed herself up into that regular ol' uniform of hers. It took her awhile to finally sleep last night since too many thoughts on White Day were plunging into her brain. But honestly, she really didn't mind it. She kinda liked it, actually.

With a habitual huff of her bangs, Hyejung muttered, "Okay, time to go." She spun around and looked at her desk, but her phone wasn't at its usual spot at the corner. "Ah, right. Kai has it. He better not forgot it, or else I'll kick his ," she mumbled. Like any cellphone owner, Hyejung couldn't help but feel empty without it. After all, that was a major tool for contacting Aunt Jae, and Hyejung seemed to be worried about the woman. 

Snatching her backpack off the floor and whirling her body around, Hyejung was just about to walk out of the bedroom when she remembered something. She stopped in mid-step, turning around and focusing her attention back on her desk. She bit the inside of her cheek, staring at Kai's white wrapped present with a baby blue ribbon and bow.

Hyejung glanced at her wall clock, and sighed almost defeatedly. "Eh, I still have time." She trudged over to desk, snatched the gift, and plopped down at the foot of her bed. Attached to the pretty blue bow, there was a little hand-written note.

Happy White Day, ma boo. :)

From me to the wonderful you, Kai

Hyejung snorted, her heart warming up even the slightest to the rather cheesy words. "Who spells 'my' like that, aish." With knitted brows, she slipped the ribbon off the box with one swift tug and started ripping the wrapping paper. She lifted the box's lid anxiously and pushed the baby blue tissue-like paper away.

"What the heck," she breathed, pinching a black piece of clothing and raising it in the air with a contorted expression. Using her both of her hands, Hyejung held it up in front of her. It was a y short sports bra, and in bold white letters, it read, KAI'S BIGGEST FAN. 

Abhorred, Hyejung's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the bra. "Why that little-" With the black bra crumpled in her menacing grasp, she immediately stood up to feet and stormed over to window. Letting the cool morning air soar inside, she forcefully lifted it up, stretching the bra like she would a fling an elastic band. Without a second thought, Hyejung fiercely shot it to who-knows-where, hearing the distant screech of a cat from the house next door.

While shaking her head with a huff, Hyejung shut the window close and turned around, sitting back down at the foot of the bed. She picked up the unwrapped box, knowing that there was something else awaiting her, and dug her hand inside. "Huh? What's this?" She lifted up the item, and her eyes widened with a pleasant surprise; it was a brand new pair of white high top converse. 

"Woah," Hyejung caressed the shoes in her grasp, almost in a delicate fashion. Excited, Hyejung immediately kicked off the raddy converse she was already wearing and slipped on her new shoes, hastily tying the laces. Shortly after, she stood up to her feet, walking over to floor mirror and to stare in admiration. She grinned, exhaling incredulously. "Wow, nice. No more crappy blisters for awhile." 

Once she made it downstairs, Hyejung sped into the kitchen and snatched a freshly baked fibre muffin from a platter. "Looks like you're ready to go," Suho cheerfully commented, coming into the kitchen when Hyejung was just about to leave. "You're a bit earlier than usual. Is something happening today?"

Hyejung shrugged. "Nah, not really. I didn't feel like sleeping. See you at school, Suhoho." She gave a small grin, swinging the front door open and running out. She didn't exactly know why, but she felt excited today.

Suho blinked, sipping his orange juice languidly. "Didn't feel like sleeping..? Huh. That's strange."

Hyejung dashed down the walk-way, her backpack bouncing against her lower back. Stopping in her tracks, she unlocked the gate of house and stepped out. 

As she closed the gate behind her, Hyejung heard someone call her name from the right. "Hyejung!"

Hyejung turned her head, taken aback by the deer-eyed boy appearance. "Oh, hey Lu," she greeted, offering a small smile. "What are you doing here?"

Luhan smiled handsomely, strolling up to the girl. "Looks like I'm right on time. I'm here to pick you up for school."

"Pick me up..?" Hyejung uttered the words like they were foreign. "Huh? Why? I can go by myself." Her hands trailed up to the straps of her backpack as she mumbled, tightening them up just a bit. 

Luhan chuckled sweetly, "Yes, of course you can, Hyejung. But I want to accompany you, if that's all right."

Hyejung slightly raised an eyebrow. Compared to the boys growing up, this gentleman-like behavior was rather unfamiliar to her. It felt nice, she guessed. "Um, well, sure I guess," she mumbled, unsurely.

"Aw, don't worry Hyejung. You know I don't bite," Luhan assured, giving her a playful wink. Hyejung bowed her head, hiding her small, growing blush as they started walking down the block.

Hyejung liked Luhan. No, not as in 'I have legit feelings for this person' kind of liking. Right now, she didn't see that. Hyejung just thought Luhan was fun and nice to be around with. She couldn't help but like the way Luhan's face scrunched up when he laughed, or how his golden hair bounced as he walked, or how his big almond eyes brightened when they talked about something hilarious or exciting.

Luhan was cute, and Hyejung knew that there was no doubt it. Of course, she kept those kind of things secret and to herself. 

"Oh! You're shoelaces are untied," Luhan spoke up, stopping at the corner right by the high school.

"Huh?" Hyejung looked down at her shoes, seeing that her right shoelace did indeed come undone. "Oh, whoops. I'll just go ahead and-"

Quickly, Luhan faced Hyejung and got down on one knee. "It's okay, Hyejung! I got it." He smiled, taking a hold of the crisp laces and deftly tying them.

Hyejung opened and closed it repeatedly, but no words came out. She sighed and let her arms drape loosely by her sides, knowing that Luhan was a bit of a persistent one when it came to helping. 

"There you go," Luhan finished, standing up to his feet while Hyejung mumbled a small 'thanks'. Observing his handiwork, Luhan asked, "Did you get new shoes, Hyejung?"

Hyejung blinked up at Luhan. "Huh? Oh, um, yeah I did." She shuffled her feet against the pavement, slightly self-conscious. "How did you-"

"Notice? I just do, Hyejung," Luhan said, chuckling. "They're very nice! Did you buy them yourself?"

"Huh?" Hyejung blurted the stupid response yet again, her fringe covering her eyes. "Uh, no. Actually, it was-"

"It was a gift from me!" Kai's voice hollered. Hyejung and Luhan turned their heads, their eyes wide in surprise as Kai suddenly sped up to them on his cobalt blue road bicycle. He screeched to a dangerous stop right at Hyejung's side.

"Yah, what the hell are you doing?! You could've run me over, !" Hyejung protested, thrashing her arms about. Luhan placed a curled fist up to lips, chortling at Hyejung's burst-out. 

Kai smirked, letting out a languid sigh as his hands gripped the handles. "Well, good morning to you too, honey." His hand gripped the handles, ignoring Hyejung's snort. "How about I take you on a ride to school on my incredibly fancy horse and carriage?" he suggested, jokingly.

Hyejung scoffed. "Thanks, but no thanks. I have legs if you didn't notice," Hyejung muttered, lifting her leg up and pushing Kai's bike with her foot.

"Legs?" Kai wavered, regaining his balance on the bike shortly after. "Oh yeah, you got legs. Nice legs might I add." He craned his neck in sly observation, grinning boyishly when Hyejung's face heated up.

Luhan nodded approvingly, a playful smirk tugging his lips. "I must say, I definitely agree with Kai on this one."

"Hey! Would you cut it out?!" Hyejung protested, wanting to punch both boys in the faces. "Freakin' retards." Without another word to them, Hyejung started stalking towards the school alone while muttering a string of random incoherent curses.

Kai and Luhan blinked, staring at Hyejung's back until she disappeared into the crowd of various students.

Luhan sighed nonchalantly, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he started walking away. "It's your fault, yknow."

Kai scowled, glaring childishly at Luhan's figure till he was out of his line of sight. Starting to pedal earnestly on his bike, Kai sped to the school as the bell rung vibrantly. All the while, Kai knew that he was noticeably growing more protective over Hyejung now.

~*~

Kai strolled down the halls, making way to dance class with his hands stuffed in his pockets. 

At the familiar sound of a huff and approaching footsteps, Kai glanced back and his deep eyes glistened. If he was some sort of furry creature like a puppy or something, his ears would have perked up and his tail would be wagging happily. 

Hyejung trudged up to Kai's side, popping a grape flavoured bubble gum into . She briskly blew her fringe out of her eyes, Kai noticed, and glanced down at her new converse shoes.

"Nice shoes," Kai commented. "I'm sure you got them from someone special in your life."

"Yeah, sure," Hyejung mumbled, but she couldn't help but feel that what Kai said was partially true. Maybe more than that.

Keeping his enticing gaze focused solely on Hyejung's side profile, Kai tilted his head slightly. It was a simple, handsome gesture. "You had to speak with the principal again, didn't you?" His lips quirked up slightly, proud that he knew Hyejung all too well.

Hyejung didn't spare Kai a glance as she fixated her eyes ahead with an irritated visage. "Yeah," she muttered. "It was for a stupid reason though." 

Kai sighed, and Hyejung could have swore it had a sprinkle of teasing mockery. "What happened this time?" he asked, his curious eyes on her never wavering.

"I shoved a first year into the janitor's closet," Hyejung grumbled, and before Kai could exclaim his thoughts, she quickly added, "Yah, don't say anything! He was picking at his -crack while he was at his locker and I just-"

"Couldn't stand it?" Kai finished, giving Hyejung a straight face. He scoffed, mentally amused. "Hyejung, that is a stupid reason. Geez, you're so strange."

Hyejung snorted, finally whipping her head and staring at Kai incredulously. "Strange? Yah, he was the one who was scratching his freakin' bu-" 

Kai ignored Hyejung's protest, coming to a slow stop in the middle of the hallway. He laughed quietly as he reached out to subtly pick a piece of lint out of her hair. "You got something here," he murmured, looking at her face after glancing at her dark brown tresses. A languid smile appeared Kai's full lips as he pulled away, still staring at her. "Hyejung, just loosen up. Please?" 

Hyejung's eyes rounded, ruffling her head to remove any remnants of lint from the janitor's closet. Her face was tinted a petal shade, feeling Kai's touch lingering in her locks. She cleared , averting Kai's warm, gleaming gaze. "Whatever." They continued to walk. 

Kai smiled, pinching Hyejung's cheek and making it deepen its color. He chuckled, focusing his attention ahead when a teacher strutted pass. "You're cute when you're frustrated." He smiled at the words flowing out of his mouth. 

Hyejung's brows furrowed, and she stared at Kai's side-profile with an aghast, flustered expression. "Wh-What?"

Kai turned his head and gave the girl a quick, innocent wink. "Nothing, honey."

Hyejung scrunched up her nose, letting the nickname pass. She didn't want to say she liked it or hated it. "Hey, uh, do you have my phone with you?"

"Oh, yeah. I do," Kai replied, slipping the device out of his back pocket. "Do you want it now, or..?"

"Eh, keep it with you. I'll ask you for it after class," Hyejung said, pulling room 214's door open and striding inside. 

Kai nodded. "Ah, so you trust me now, huh?" He smirked slightly as he followed after Hyejung, right at her heels. 

"I trusted you before this, what are you saying," Hyejung muttered, glancing her over shoulder. She stopped, standing in front of the girls' locker room. "I got to go get change now, so."

Kai ceased on walking as well, a mischief glowing on his handsome visage. "Oh, can I come with you then?"

Hyejung's eyes widened at the sly suggestion, blatantly waving her hand towards the opposite locker room. "Get the hell out of here, Kai."

Kai laughed, trailing a hand through his locks before walking away coolly. Hyejung snorted while shaking her head, trudging into the locker room with an amused, slight curve of her lips.

This playful, accustomed attitude of theirs didn't go unnoticed with a certain trio of girls looking at them questioningly. One of them was especially moody, a frown of utter disapproval molding her pretty pink lips. 

"What's wrong with Heejin?" Bomi carefully asked, stretching her arms in preparation.

Kyungmi sighed nonchalantly. "She's just being jealous again."

Heejin whipped her head around and glared at her two friends. "I am not!"

"See? Told you." Kyungmi continued to touch her toes. 

Heejin huffed, crossing her arms with a contorted, pondering expression. "I don't understand. How on earth did they end up being that close?"

"Things happen, I guess," Bomi timidly mumbled, shrugging. "By the looks of it, I think Kai likes her."

"What? Yah, how can you be so sure?" Heejin earnestly demanded, her eyes lightly red as she gripped her clammy fists

Kyungmi snorted, all-knowingly. "Well, for one, do see how he looks at her?"

Heejin raised a brow. "So? What does that have to do with anything?"

"It's just different, okay? Sheesh, I'm just saying." Kyungmi raised her hands defense, rolling her eyes.

"Heejin, if you want to know what's going on with them, you can always just ask," Bomi suggested, softly.

Heejin sighed, tucking a stray black lock of her hair behind her ear. Enviously, she stared at Kai and Hyejung as they talked, laughed, and even jokingly slapped and punched each other. Indeed, her heart sank when she watched Kai sneak loving glances at the tomboy without the latter knowing. 

Biting the inside of her cheek, Heejin tried to convince herself that all of this wasn't true. It wasn't. It couldn't be.

~*~

After dance class, Yuni met with Kai and Hyejung and Heejin's trio team into her office. 

"Okay, so!" Yuni clasped her hands together on top of the wide desk. "The Gangnam competition is tonight. I'm sure you all are ready for that, right?"

The five teenagers nodded, mumbling 'yeah's and hums of agreement.

"Good! You guys know the routine. I know the competition isn't till later tonight, but I wish you all good luck beforehand." Yuni smiled, standing up to her feet and gesturing her hand to the door. "You may be dismissed."

Once they were out of the office and in the dance studio, Heejin walked right up to Kai and clasped his arm with a cute, friendly smile. "Kai! Wah, you did really well in class today." 

Kai returned the smile and chuckled lightly. "Thanks, Heejin. You didn't so bad yourself."

Heejin giggled, ecstatic at the response. "So, do you want to, you know, go get some waffles or something?" She grinned hopefully, batting her thick lashes a couple of times.

"Ah, that sounds nice. But I really need to head home and rest." Kai scratched the back of his neck with Hyejung watching curiously from the side. "I really need to watch what I eat, so y'know, that my stomach won't have malfunctions during the competition."

"Oh. Okay," Heejin mumbled, disappointed.

"Some other time, okay?" Kai suggested, and Heejin vigorously nodded. "Arasso! I look forward to it." She sweetly smiled before hopping onto her tippy toes, planting a full, lingering kiss on his cheek. 

Hyejung's eyes widened, taken aback by Heejin's sudden move. She was probably more surprised than Kai was, her heart stirring badly at the sight.

Heejin pulled away, leaving Kai standing their wordlessly an