Not A Bad Thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8ygKnBtKAk

This will be related to chapter 2 (Let Me Be the One) but it is not a sequel...yet

Hyomin: Uhh… I hate this. I have to take Community Service alone and during summer!!

Yuri: Yeah man. You should have enrolled last sem.

Hyomin: Had I known…I should have taken this last semester with you and Sica.

Yuri: Haha.. The irony. You were trying to avoid them that you ended up being with them.

Hyomin: How would I know? I thought they will be having practice all summer with Sica.

Yuri: No idea. Maybe it is fate.

Hyomin: Shut up!

Yuri was laughing so hard before I hung up the phone. The teacher was calling the students to get in the bus. For community service, the class will go to Yuchiri Village for three days. We will live with the villagers and do farm work. Last semester, Yuri and Sica went to a school and teach the children for five Saturdays. But since it was summer, we get to stay in the village. I don’t mind being alone but being with Sunny and her friends is a different story. Sunny and I had almost had a thing. Things didn’t work out between us much to Sunny’s friends’ delight. Sunny and I are quite ok with each other but her friends especially Tiffany hate me. Well, the best thing I can do is just to ignore them to keep the peace and order in South Korea. But how can this happen? I will spend three whole days with Tiffany and friends. I sat towards the back of the bus, put on my headset trying to enjoy the peace while I still can. 

The teacher asked us to group into pairs for the home assignment. I was paired with this Nickhun guy. Before leaving, I felt a pair of eyes looking at me, knowing who they belong to, I chose to ignore it. Nickhun turn out to be a nice guy despite being a school jock.  

The next day, I am in the same group with Sunny. Our assignment is to plant trees. I greeted Sunny with a nod to which she returned with a smile. Seating next to her was Tiffany who just glared at me. I ignored her but didn’t fail to notice when Sunny nudged her mouthing ‘be nice’. The guys dig the soil while the girls help bring the trees to plant.

Sunny: “Sorry about Tiffany.”

She said while handing me glass of water. I looked at Sunny, took the glass and mouth thanks.

Sunny: She is a nice when you get to know her.

As if that will ever happen? Sunny was called by no other than Tiffany. They were talking and I saw Tiffany looking at me. It was almost dark when we all went home. Thankfully the first day ended without anything bad happening.  

The next day, we had a game. I don’t know how I ended up being paired with Tiffany. In every game, the loser will have a penalty. This round, the loser will have to plant 100 potatoes. We lost because of the obvious lack of teamwork. This day is up to no good. As we walk to our assignment, Tiffany was murmuring.

Tiffany: I hate this. I hate it that I am stuck with you of all people!

I still try to ignore her and gave her the planting tool. She just ignores it and continues murmuring.

Hyomin: Look Tiffany, just take this tool so we can finish fast.

Tiffany: Why am I stuck with you?!

Hyomin: If you listened to me, we could have won the game.

Tiffany glared at me and still not taking the tool.

Hyomin: Do you think I also like the fact that I am stuck with you? Who would want to be with person who hated you and even said it straight to your face? Let’s just do what we have to do and go on with our lives.

Tiffany took the tool. We started to plant 50 potatoes each. I was almost done when I saw her doing it wrongly.

Hyomin: You are doing it wrongly. Weren’t you listening to me?

Tiffany: Huh? How is it wrong?

I was frustrated with Tiffany. She said sorry the first time. I felt guilty but still it’s her fault for not listening to me. We have to replant the potatoes she planted wrongly. It was almost dinner time yet we’re still halfway. I told Tiffany to go ahead and I will just finish it. I just wanted to finish it early so I can go home and rest and eat. I am starving. Suddenly someone said ‘here’ and it startled me. I got more shock when I saw Tiffany giving me food. Is this real? What could she be up to? But I am starving and I will not pass up this opportunity. I said ‘thanks’ to her which really is weird. I feel weird eating alone while she is just seating beside me..

Hyomin: Join me.

Tiffany: It’s yours. I had mine.

Hyomin: Come on. This is too much. Plus it will taste better if we share it.

We ate without exchanging any words. Afterwards, we worked together to finish the task in silence. Still not talking to each other, I walked her home because it was already late. Let’s just say that we ceased fire. How long will it lasts?

I spent the rest of the vacation hanging out with Yuri because Yuri will always complain how Sica is always busy with practice. It’s the start of new semester..

Hyomin: Sir, I am sorry. It will not happen again. Please don’t penalize my grade.

Professor: Mr. Park, you are smart but I will not tolerate tardiness especially on the first day of class. But since you are running for honors, I will give you a chance... Be part of the drama club.

Hyomin: Sir?! I am not fit in the drama club…

Professor: That’s my offer. Plus you need extracurricular activities.

I had no choice but to agree. Turns out the professor is the administrator of the drama club. It must be his way of helping out the club. He asked me to fill up the form right then and there. I rushed to the next class. The day could not get any better…Mr Kim gave us a song composition project for the semester. 

Hyomin: I am part of the drama club.

Yuri: What?!

Hyomin: I was late so my prof gave me this option to keep my grades

Yuri: Hahaha.. How could you be late on the first day of class?

Hyomin: He is the administrator of the drama club. And asked me to fill up the form that’s why I almost got late just now. Hey,why don’t you join me…

Yuri: No way. I will watch your performance.

Yuri continues to tease me when Jessica came. But shortly she was called for practice leaving a bummed Yuri. I had to stay to attend the drama club. Turned out Tiffany is also part of the club!! What a day?!

We tried to avoid each other but circumstances won’t allow them. We will always bicker and argue. The members of the drama club notice this. They are curious how the fight starter but they are more curious how it will end. They started teasing us saying that we had chemistry. They must be blind. One day, we were in our fights again when the administrator called us out.

Administrator: You two will be the main lead of the next play.

What?! We were both protesting. Me and Tiffany in one production? Not to mention the next play is a love story?! We were both pleading but the administrator is firm with his decision. He said it was punishment for disrupting peace in the drama club. Before leaving, he warned us not to mess up.

Tiffany: I can’t believe I have to act in love with you.

Hyomin: That is why it is called acting.

We had to stay to practice our lines because the administrator was furious with our beyond lousy acting earlier. I feel tired and hungry and Tiffany is not helping at all. I walked out before I lose all my patience. The school cafeteria is already closed so I went to look for a vending machine. I bought drinks and snacks. I should buy one for her too. I went back but didn’t see Tiffany.

Hyomin: Maybe she already left.

Tiffany: Hyomin??

I saw her seating on the stairs at the corner of the stage. Her eyes were red. Did she just cry?

Tiffany: Why did you left me?

Hyomin: Sorry. I just needed air and I was hungry. Here I bought something.

Tiffany: You shouldn’t just left me alone…

Hyomin: Yeah.. I shouldn’t have done that. Here I know you are hungry.

Tiffany took the food and ate. Silence..

Hyomin: Tiffany, can we stop this? Even just until the play? This whole fighting thing is really pretty exhausting..

Tiffany just looked at me. I wish she can see that I am serious here. I looked at her. She was also looking at me.

Hyomin: So?

Tiffany nod and said ok. I can’t help but smile at her response and she smiled back.

Hyomin: How should we solve this… umm..who do you like?

Tiffany: Don’t you think you are pushing it, Park? We just stopped hating each other. We’re not even close yet.

Hyomin: Haha. I just thought it might help if you just picture me as the guy that you like.

Tiffany: And you will think of me as Sunny?

Hyomin: That’s an old story. Sunny and I are over..

Tiffany: You don’t have anything to begin with so how can you two be over?

Hyomin: Exactly. So why did you bring that up?

Tiffany: I just think you are still not over her..

Hyomin: I am. Why do people think I am still into her?

Tiffany: Because you really are. (giggling)

Hyomin: Yah! Well Ms Hwang, who do you like? Is it…

I keep on mentioning random names while Tiffany kept saying no. We got tired of the guessing game and decided to go home but Fany was having difficulty standing up.

Tiffany: Ouch! My ankle hurts.

Hyomin: What happened?

Tiffany: I tried to follow you to apologize. But it was dark and I got afraid so I went back. I tripped. It was not hurting earlier.

Hyomin: Sorry…

Tiffany: It’s not all your fault.. I was wrong too.

Hyomin: Let me help you.

I carried Fany’s stuff but she was still having difficulty walking. So we left her stuff in her locker so I can help her walk. We call a cab and sent her home first. It was already late when I got home. Tomorrow I have to be early to meet Yuri to give support to Sica. I saw Yuri and I was going to walk to him but then I saw Tiffany. She was staring at Nickhun and his girlfriend, Victoria. Is she…? I saw her ran, I followed her. She tripped again. So clumsy. I walked towards her and helped her seat on the bench.

Hyomin: You know you should not run with this hurt ankle. Everyone knows that.

Tiffany was still sobbing. It must be because of the ankle or what she saw..

Hyomin: Does it hurt?

Tiffany: Yes.

I went to the shop nearby and bought cold compress. I came back to tend her ankle.

Tiffany: Thank you. I am fine now. You should go.

I sat next to her.

Hyomin: Is it Nickhun?

Tiffany: He is my ex.

She still hasn’t moved on. I wanted to stay with her but I received a message from Yuri asking where I am. Oops. I forgot about him.

Tiffany: Go. I am fine. My friends are on their way here. Your date must be waiting

Hyomin: My date? Yuri? Well he is still madly in love with Jessica but I am trying to give it a shot.

Tiffany laughed. I left her before her friends arrive. I am 30 mins late. Yuri might be furious. Yuri was staring at Sica’s group. Tyler Kwon.. I never really liked this guy. He’s so well groomed, so neat for my taste. Who would hit on a girl who has a boyfriend? After the competition, we decided to wait for Sica in the fastfood shop nearby. Yuri was disappointed because Sica can’t join us. I kept on thinking about Tiffany. I hope she is ok. Why am I so bothered? So I talked to Yuri about random stuff except about love or girls or relationship.

I was walking with Tiffany, we just came from the drama club and are walking towards our next class. I offered to carry her stuff since her room was just next to mine.

Hyomin: So what did you see in him?

Tiffany: He is Nickhun. He is nice and charming and he dresses well. That and many other things.

She gave me a looked.

Hyomin: What’s wrong with how I dressed?

Tiffany: Ragged style is just not my type. You should try dressing nicely. You might get yourself a girlfriend.

Hyomin: Hey, I can get myself a girlfriend.

Tiffany raised her eyebrow.

Hyomin: I just haven’t found a girl I like yet.

Tiffany: Really? I bet you know how to sweep a girl off her feet.

I let go of her sarcastic remark. We were about to climb the stairs and Fany was having trouble. At this rate, we might be late for class. Shriek!!!

Tiffany: What the heck are you doing?

Hyomin: Sweeping you off your feet.

Tiffany: Yah! Park Sunyoung! Put me down this instant! People are looking at us!

Hyomin: Hwang Miyoung, if I don’t do this, we will be late for class. So what if people are staring?

I put Fany down when we reach her classroom. Everyone was shock especially Sunny and her friends. Fany’s book was still with me so I return and gave her the book. The whole class started teasing us again.

Fany and I got closer as we practice everyday for the play. We will also hang out in secret to avoid Fany’s friends. I don’t really mind. I mean, it’s really awkward with her friends. One time, Fany was giving me a cold shoulder. I gave a questioning look at my fellow club members but they just shrugged. I walked to Fany and sat beside her.

Hyomin: Hey

No response. I greeted her again and she looked at me. I asked why but she gave me no answer. I must have done something but I don’t remember doing anything wrong.

Hyomin: Time flies so fast. Our play is going to be in the next few weeks.. I am going to miss practicing with you.

Tiffany just looked at me. She might be wondering what is wrong with me. I pulled something out my pocket and gave it to her.

Tiffany: What’s this?

Hyomin: Just a little momento for the both of us. I mean once the play ended we won’t be hanging out that often.

Tiffany: So you are saying that you are going to miss me?

Hyomin: Haist. I changed my mind. I am not giving it to you anymore.

Tiffany: No. Give it to me. Please…

I gave her a pink bracelet. I ordered it from a friend of a friend earlier before practice. I had it custom made.

Tiffany: FAMIN?

Hyomin: Our names. Fany and Hyomin.

Tiffany: Sounds like famine..

Hyomin: Hahaha. Exactly. We were bad omen to each other. Like we can’t be in the same room together or it will be like a disaster or epidemic. See I also have mine. I bought it from a friend of a friend earlier.

We laugh upon remembering how we used to fight.

Yuri: So? How are you and Fany?

Hyomin: Huh?

Yuri: Don’t play dumb Hyo. I mean what’s happening between the two of you? There sure is something.

Hyomin: Nothing. We are just friends.

Yuri: Friends? Friends don’t keep their friendship in secret.

Hyomin: You know that her friends don’t like me.

Yuri: So what? You are not dating her friends.

Hyomin: It’s not like that. Fany and I are just friends. We can’t like each other. Can’t happen. Never gonna happen. She is like a princess while I am…

Yuri: A pauper.

Hyomin: Yah! But you are right I am a pauper.

Yuri: Did Tiffany said that? Does she sees you as a pauper?

Hyomin: No. I mean she does not say anything like that. She is nice contrary to what I used to think of her. She has this beautiful smile. And her laugh..is so loud that you can get carried away.

Yuri: Oh my… you like her. You’ve definitely fallen for her.

Hyomin: What? No. I can’t. Even if I do..She likes Nickhun.

Yuri: So, you do like her. So what if she likes her ex. But she has also been spending time with you. Give it shot. Where is the Park Hyomin I know?

Hyomin: Yah! Why are you so interested in my love life anyway?

Yuri: Cause mine . Yours does not have to be the same as mine. I will help you bro.

Yuri continues to tease me with Tiffany. Have I? Have I fallen for her?

“Perfect!” The director shouted as we were practicing. Tiffany approached me during break. We were just seating side by side comfortably. My mind was clouded. I just heard that Nickhun and Victoria broke up. Here I thought that I may have the slightest chance.

Hyomin: So…what are you doing after?

Tiffany: umm..I am going out with my friends.

Hyomin: I see.

After practice, I saw Fany meet her friends. They met with Nickhun and his group of friends. Sigh. I should face reality. He is a prince while I am a pauper.

I don’t know what will happen after the play. Will we still hang out or are we just going back to how we used to be..ignoring each other.  I decided to just enjoy the time spent with Tiffany. The play was a success. We were able to gather more funds for the club. The club decided to have a celebratory party where we can invite friends. I invited Yuri of course. The administrator demanded that Tiffany and I should perform in the party. This guy is really abusing his power. First he demanded that Fany and I act on a play. Now, he wanted us to perform in a party. I was ok with it until I learned that the party is opened to everybody!

Tiffany performed first. There were loud cheers. Her voice was really beautiful. I watch her performance backstage. I was pacing back and forth nervous for my turn. They called me out. I got out with a guitar hanging on my shoulders. I can hear loud cheers. I was wearing a suit and my hair was comb neatly. I looked at Tiffany who was seating with her friends. She was looking back at me one of her eyebrow raised. She has a satisfying smile then mouth “Goodluck”. I started playing the guitar and sang Justin Timberlake’s Not a Bad Thing. As I sing the last Bridge, I put my guitar at the back, took the microphone and walked to Tiffany. I can hear the cheers getting louder. I took her hand and continue singing the Chorus. When I finished the song, we were just looking at each other, smiling shyly. The loud cheers brought us back to the party. After a while, I went outside because it was too loud for me. I undo my tie.

Tiffany: You look great.

Hyomin: Thanks. You look beautiful.

Tiffany: Thanks. Who knew Park Hyomin can sing and act? You know a lot of girls were moved by your acting. And now more girls are swooned you.

Hyomin: I was trying to get someone’s attention.

Tiffany: Oh… Who is the lucky girl?

Hyomin: Do you remember when I said that we should picture the person we like for our acting?

Tiffany: Yes. So Mr Actor, who were you acting with?

Hyomin: I wasn’t acting at all.

Tiffany gave me a confused look asking me to continue.

Hyomin: I don’t need to act. I wanted to say those words to you. It was the same thing when I sang the song. I wanted to sing the song to you.

Tiffany: Hyo…

Hyomin: Fany, somewhere along the way, I have fallen for you.

She was looking back at me. I don’t know what to make of her expression right now. I don’t know what is running in her mind.

Tiffany: Hyo…I..

“Tiffany!! There you are. We have been looking for you. Nickhun and his friends are also inside the party. Come on. He was looking for you.” Her friend came ruining the moment. Or maybe just in the right time? I am not sure anymore. Tiffany was being dragged by her friend. But she was still looking at me as if wanting to say something. She said asked her friend to give her a just minute, which her she reluctantly gave us. Tiffany was just looking at me. She opened but her friend shouted again calling her to be quick. I took a deep breath.

Hyomin: Go. Your prince is waiting.

She was still looking at me but her friend dragged her inside the party. I just stood there. Just like that. Just like Cinderella, my time is up. My fairytale has ended even before it started. “I guess it is just you and me, bro” Yuri said as he placed his arm around my shoulder.

Hyomin: It’s over. It’s over even before it started.

Yuri: Let’s get out of here, JT

I laughed at his joke and we left the party.