what do you wish for?

From what Krystal had gathered from the conversations of the Happy Committee, she realized that they were a group of wealthy students whose parents had made the biggest donations to the school. Because of that, their parents were able “persuade” the principle into making their sons and daughters members of the student council. However, they had promptly changed their name to the Happy Committee since they didn’t want to intimidate their fellow peers.

There was Choi Jinri, the president, and face of the committee who happened to be a few months older than her. Not surprisingly, Amber was her second in command - in charge of welcoming the new students and bringing them in for a “happy orientation.” Then there was Luna, a cheerful smile seemed to be permanently plastered on her face, and although she looked like a girl who would be overly-talkative, she didn’t speak much- her role in the club was a mystery to Krystal. And finally, there was Victoria, a lady who looked too old to be in high school even with her youthful face. She, like Luna, was a woman of few words, but of course Krystal didn’t pay much attention to them, since well, they didn't really hold her attention by not saying anything. 

Every first monday of the month, the students of the Happy Committee would open the wishing well, and they would pick a few wishes made by the students to grant - this ranged from simple things like: “I want better grades”, where in, an intelligent member of the committee would take it upon themselves to tutor said student until her grades improved. Or it could even go so far as a student wanting a new car. In that case, since the council consisted of incredibly wealthy students, getting some of their family’s sponsors to give them a free car was nothing too difficult. But of course, this was also the reason why wishes were limited per month.

“So, Krystal-sshi. Since you’re a new student. You get one wish - do you have something in mind?” The taller girl, who had introduced herself as Jinri, asked, tilting her head inquisitively.

In normal situations, Krystal would've just let out one of her snide laughs, however if what they said was true - she could get something expensive like a car out of this. Of course, she didn’t have a driver’s license yet, but hey, who didn’t want a car? The eighteen year old allowed her tongue to peek out slightly as she her bottom lip, evidently deep in thought. 

Amber noticed the gears turning in the younger’s girl’s head and she instinctively leaned over to pat her back fondly, earning herself a dark glare.

“It doesn’t need to be something material you know? You could wish for popularity.”

Krystal really didn’t care for that. In all honesty, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight. 

“Intelligence.”

Her grades really weren’t that bad. 

“Respect.”

Nope, one of her usual glares usually got her all the respect she needed. 

“Love.”

At the sound of that word, a bitter laugh escaped her lips along with the words, “As if.”

Amber couldn’t help but smile broadly at her reaction. Krystal, realizing she had clearly shown interest (when she really didn’t want to) quickly dipped her head down, concealing her expression.

Anyway, how would they even get her love? Sure, they were ridiculously wealthy but she didn’t like the idea of having bought a boyfriend. Besides, the only person she had feelings for was Jonghyun and she was pretty sure he wasn't the type to be swayed by money.

Jinri also noticed the sudden change in Krystal’s mannerisms and in an attempt to bring some peace of mind to her peer, she quickly added, “If you have any problems, feel free to confide in us.”

The long haired Jung narrowed her eyes in suspicion towards the committee president, obviously unwilling to share her mini drama with a bunch of strangers.

“Really, we can help.” Amber piped up, the edges of her lips raising and forming a cheeky grin.

Pfft. All Krystal wanted to do was laugh at them. Just because they had money and had formed an overly-optimistic, albeit well-intentioned, club, they thought that they could fix any problems? Her reservations about them were pushed aside momentarily and suddenly she felt a need to challenge their pride. Maybe it was just a part of her nature to see people on pedestals fall down. Or maybe she just wanted them to face reality. Of course she felt guilty since they probably meant well, but at that moment, she felt like they were treating her as if she needed their charity, and she hated that.

“I’m certain the boy I like is going to reject me tonight. The only way for me to be happy is to get his love and approval.” Krystal finally stated in a rather uncouth and blank manner. Sure she wasn’t that lovestruck with Jonghyun that if he rejected her she would become a big crying mess, and even if she was, she would usually never admit to it like that - but she wanted to exaggerate her feelings.  

"Without paying or bribing him, I wish Jonghyun will want to be with me.”

The brunette had felt like she had made her point with that statement. She felt a rush of pride when she noticed their worried expressions when she had began her wish. But when she had finished, upon seeing the amused reactions of the girls in the committee, she felt her determination fading.

Amber was the first to speak up, “Ahhh. So that’s the situation?” She stretched her arms in front of her, linking her fingers together, as if getting ready to do something.

“Really Krystal, we get these kinds of wishes often, and I’ll tell you now, absolutely no money is involved and the couples we help stay together forever ~” Jinri chimed, standing up from her seat, holding her hands together in an overly girly manner, apparently figuring that she had known the brunette long enough to drop her formalities. 

Pfft. Forever. That got Jinri another mocking scoff from Krystal, but it fell unto deaf ears as the taller girl continued her giddy twirling.

“Really! It’s not a scam. There are many ways to obtain love. We are going to be your own posse of cupids! Like a soap opera, you know?” The girl insisted cutely, flailing her arms about, trying to make her point.

Sighing lightly at the latter’s unwavering resolve to prove the skill of the committee, Krystal could only nod wearily at what the girl said. Soap opera, cupid, what the heck. But what did she have to lose right? Besides, she felt like if she shot down Jinri too many times, the baby-faced girl would begin crying. Although Krystal had y tendencies, and as much as she disliked the premise of this club, she couldn’t find it within herself to deny Jinri’s naive tenacity anymore.

“Is that your wish?” The quiet Victoria finally questioned, interrupting Krystal’s train of thought. Her fingers gently clung onto a pen holding it centimeters above a white piece of paper.

“Yes.”

“And if we grant this wish - you’ll be happy?”

“...Hmph, I suppose.”

“Yes or no?”

Krystal was taken aback at the girl’s sudden seriousness as she quickly muttered a quiet ‘yes’.

“Granted.”

With that statement, the oldest girl scribbled something quickly onto the sheet of paper, folded it delicately and dropped it into large box filled with a countless amount of other fulfilled wishes.