Like a Dream - APink

*Please do read the A/N afterwards. Thanks!

Chapter 17: Disadvantage.

“Jaera-ssi, please focus on the lesson. I know this is the last class for the day but please pay attention, okay?” Mr. Lee, the history teacher, suddenly called as all eyes went straight to Jaera. She then did a small nod before flipping through the untouched pages of her book. “Now where was I? Oh yes, the Joseon dynasty…”

“Hey, you’re seriously out of it nowadays.” Sehun whispered, his face still on the front, pretending like he’s really listening to their teacher. “Are you still in shock with the arrival of Kai-hyung?”

“Not only him,” Jaera replied, following Sehun’s actions as she watched Mr. Lee rant on about some lessons that don’t seem to get absorbed by her mind. “There’s also Jongmi.”

With the arrival of the Kims, Jaera’s currently in a love hate situation. For sure with the arrival of Kai, Lu Han and Sehun would be less uptight than before. From the way Jaera sees it, the two cousins also treat Kai with hostility, though milder than how they act around Tao, but that’s just the way how they show how their love towards their close friends. The moment Sehun and Tao saw Kai inside the unit, the smile on the youngest one’s face was very apparent, and it’s not just any smile, it was truly a genuine smile.

The smile you give for a close friend who’s dear to you.

Especially Lu Han, he may not show it in front of his younger friends but he’s definitely delighted to see the arrival of the slightly tanned man. His expression may seem the same but the air around him definitely changed a bit, like he became more cheery.

And it’s more than enough to make Jaera feel happy.

Though that happiness was only brief with the arrival of another Kim named Jongmi.

The tension between her and the rest was very noticeable. Sehun, Tao, and especially Lu Han obviously don’t like her. The only ones who probably made her feel welcomed were Jaera and of course her older brother, Kai. Sehun and Tao might not act as much as how Lu Han does to her, but it doesn’t take a genius to clearly see the disliking they have towards her.

 Up to now, Jaera’s mind is still clouded with mystery. She thought real hard about it overnight, about the reason as to why they dislike Jongmi, but no matter how hard she deliberates over it, no definite answer still appears.

In the eyes of Jaera, Jongmi’s the epitome of the ideal woman. She’s like the exact counterpart of Lu Han, with the sole exception of their personalities. Jongmi’s rich, smart, beautiful, and kind, there’s nothing to possibly dislike about her. Everyone could envy her, they could get jealous of her, but dislike and hate? They couldn’t possibly do it to a sweet girl like her.

Although there’s one particular reason that Jaera thought of. It’s the only probable reason why they dislike Jongmi, and Jaera herself, also thinks of it as the only thing she could hate about her.

Her claim of being Lu Han’s fiancée.

Jaera chose to believe Lu Han when he said that he’s not, but obviously, things are easier said than done.

Though Jaera did realize that with the happiness you feel, there’s an equal sadness in return.

“What about her?” Sehun asked, staring at Jaera blankly with his bag already slung over his bag.

Jaera’s eyebrows creased as she looked back at the carefree Sehun. Won’t he get caught by Mr. Lee like this?

“In case you’re wondering, Mr. Lee already dismissed the class since awhile ago.” Sehun explained, pointing to the already disoriented classroom.

Jaera sighed at the sight in front of her, but quickly proceeded in keeping her stuffs afterwards. Her mind was so distracted that she didn’t even notice Mr. Lee dismissing the class—not that her attention was necessary for him though.

“I was just thinking about some unimportant stuff.” Jaera sighed, closing the zipper of her bag after making sure that all of her things were already inside. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Who said I was worried?” Sehun retorted with a mocking smile.

“Okay, fine. You don’t need to bother yourself with the likes of me, is what I’m going to say.”

“That’s more like it.” Sehun said, walking alongside Jaera as they made way for the door. “I mean, I just don’t like seeing you getting all distracted and annoyed without me being the reason for it. I’m the only one who should annoy you. Well, with the exception of Lu Han-hyung, of course.”

It’s during times like this that Jaera can’t help but be glad that Sehun became her friend. His sharp tongue never fails to annoy the hell out of her, but sometimes, all she needs is that jerk attitude of his to clear her mind off of things.

Jaera may not admit it but Sehun’s constant teasing and harsh remarks were surely growing on her.

“Don’t worry, no one can annoy me as much as you do.” Jaera said, giving Sehun a reassuring smile as the latter’s lips slowly curved upwards.

Sehun was about to speak again, but dropped the idea upon noticing the piling students along the corridors. He then turned to Jaera as the latter also looked at him in confusion, but before they can fully see the reason behind the commotion, Soyeol suddenly approached them with a suspicious look written on her face.

“Oi, someone’s looking for you two.” Soyeol said before turning to Jaera with a look of pure suspicion. “You know, I’m beginning to realize that there’s so many things that I don’t know about you.”

Jaera gulped at the words of Soyeol but kept her curious face, nonetheless, not showing any nervousness or tension. “Who is it?”

“I don’t know, don’t ask me. I was about to go home since Haeri still has some after school activities when that random tanned dude suddenly approached me.” Soyeol explained, shrugging her shoulders. “The other students even thought he was my friend so they kept asking me about him, but how would I even answer them when we’re clearly not related to each other?! Geez, you two cousins really are a pain in the .”

Soyeol rubbed her temples in frustration as Jaera and Sehun’s eyes widened in realization. Tanned? That could only mean one person.

“What’s Kai-hyung doing here?” Sehun asked, a bit surprised yet delighted at the same time.

Jaera just said goodbye to Soyeol before following Sehun behind. “I don’t have even the slightest clue either.”

As soon as they reached the staircase where some of the students were gathered, Jaera and Sehun immediately jogged towards it. Sure enough, Kai was indeed there. He was seated on the last step of the staircase connected to the upper floor while fiddling with his phone, not giving even the least bit of care towards the students who were eyeing him in awe.

For any normal person, one would simply see him as a model, not only because of his tall stature but also because of the cool and y air that he gives off. He was wearing a plain black tee partnered up with white washout slim pants—just some normal attire that any normal person would wear, but the way his body carried it made the whole get-up more intimidating. His hair was combed rather sloppily but it didn’t make his demeanour any less cooler.

Upon reaching his field of vision, Kai immediately stood up and kept his phone in place. He then walked towards Jaera and Sehun and flashed a big bright smile. “Hey! Jaera! Sehun!”

The onlookers silently gasped in surprise. It was possible for Sehun to have a model material as a friend, but the fact that Jaera knows the person as well made them a tad bit envious. Jaera already has two hot cousins and now she also has this cool college man as a friend? Life’s indeed unfair.

Though they’re envious and little bit irritated with that fact, they can’t really hate Jaera. Plus, she’s friends with the ever all popular Haeri, the trouble maker Soyeol, and the Wushu expert Tao, and they wouldn’t want to get into a fight with those three.

Jaera can feel the envious stares she was receiving from the students, but she couldn’t care less anymore. Ever since the whole school knew about her fake cousin relationship with Lu Han and Sehun, she’s been the center of unwanted attention and she kind of have gotten used to it already.

Jaera could relate to them actually, more like she’s feeling the exact same thing, obviously referring to Jongmi. If they only knew how much dissatisfaction she has with herself because of the said girl.

“Hyung, what are you doing here?” Sehun asked, approaching Kai first, followed by Jaera who stayed behind him.

“Why? Don’t you want to see me here?” Kai asked, pouting.

“Stop acting like a dork and answer my question, you ert.” Sehun hissed, earning him a small chuckle from Jaera.

“Hey, don’t laugh.” The pout on Kai’s mouth remained as Jaera smiled. “Don’t you want me here too? So is that it? No one wants me here now.”

Sehun’s eyes softened at the sight as he continued to watch Jaera. At least she smiled.

“No, that’s not it.” Jaera responded, trying her best to restrain from laughing. “We’re just surprised to see you here since the college buildings are quite far from ours.”

“Ah, I only have one class today that’s why I decided to pay you two a visit.” Kai grinned. He then started going down the stairs, not bearing any attention to the high school students watching them as Jaera and Sehun quickly followed behind him. “Where’s Tao?”

“He said he has to go home early today.” Sehun answered, giving off a smug smile. “Looks like his mom found out about his Gucci splurge.”

“Wow, that .” Kai chuckled at the thought. Tao really never changes. “Well then, how about we go eat somewhere?”

Jaera just followed behind the two timidly as they slowly approach a red BMW whi