At the end of the school day, Yoona walked out of school to see if Kyuhyun was waiting for her. He wasn’t, or at least not at first glance. She tried to hide the sinking sense of disappointment by thinking about Changmin. After he had taken her picture, the two walked around the campus, discussing class. Yoona realized that underneath the quirky demeanor, he was a funny and intelligent guy.

                She smiled briefly, happy to have the opportunity to make a new friend, and get a date. “Boo!” a shadow leapt out at her and she dropped her books, completely startled.

                She scowled when she saw that it was Kyuhyun, smiling like the Cheshire cat and looking completely pleased with himself.

                “Why don’t you go bother your girlfriend and leave me alone?” she asked him bluntly, not willing to play the ignorance game. He took a step back and looked disoriented. “I was there at your darling proposal.” She reminded him.

                He grinned impishly and shrugged. “Oh so you saw. Well, now you know who I like! It’s okay Yoona, I’ll help you find a date. Don’t be too upset. Our promise to each other had a condition remember? As long as we each get dates, we don’t have to go with one another. Besides do you really want to go with me?”

                She gritted her teeth. “For your information, I don’t need your pity. I already have a date.”

                He was completely taken aback. “Bwoh? The little choding has gotten herself a date? Who is this mad critter?”

                “Changmin, and he’s sweet.”

                Kyuhyun guffawed. “Changmin. Of course you would end up with the weirdest of the bunch.”

                His teasing bothered her and she poked a finger in his chest. “You stop making fun of him. He’s a hell lot nicer to me than you ever were. Shut up and go get ready for your hot date with Ms. Blondie.” She didn’t mean to come across as so obviously bitter, but she couldn’t fight against the bile that rose in .

                He shrugged and watched her walk away. She’ll turn around by tonight. He jammed his hands into his pockets and whistled as he walked home, delighted at his fortune of landing the hottest girl in the school.

                His heart soared as he pictured walking in and feeling the gaze of all the other boys on him, envious that he was so lucky. Kyuhyun grinned to himself.

                Yoona ran her hands over the plastic covering and tried to fight back tears. She had bought the dress, hoping to be able to wear it to the dance with Kyuhyun. But now he was with Jessica, and she had Changmin. She took off the cover and stared at the short red dress and pictured Kyuhyun’s face when he sees her in it. He won’t be thinking I’m a choding anymore.

                She sat down before her dresser and applied on the makeup she never dared wear to class. At exactly eight, the doorbell rang and she heard her mother open the door. “Annyeonghaseyo, Changmin-imnida.” She smiled at how polite he could be.

                Yoona took her time in walking down the stairs but when she did she felt her jaws drop a tiny bit. Gone was the dorky hair in his eyes, gone was the oversized glasses and the tweed shirt. Standing in her doorway was a tall young man with his hair perfectly styled and curled slightly. His posture was tall and Yoona could see the slight hint of muscles under his shirt.

                When he saw her, he smiled, his mouth slightly curving into the familiar clover shape. This was the Changmin she knew. “Yoona-shi, you look gorgeous! Wow, I knew I was lucky, but this is fantastic.” He lifted his ever present camera and Yoona giggled, curtseying slightly and posed.

                Her mother smiled, happy to see her daughter go out and spread her wings. “Have fun and come home safe!” She sent the two off, and Changmin graciously ushered Yoona into the waiting limo outside.

                “Wow, how did you get all this?” she asked him, completely shocked.

                Changmin shrugged sheepishly. “My brother is pretty rich, and Yunho always let me borrow whatever I needed.” He smiled at her. “Thank you for coming with me. I know you’d much rather be with Kyuhyun, but I think I can prove myself to you too.”

                She startled. Was she that obvious? She pictured Kyuhyun’s condescending position when she first told him about Changmin and scowled. “No. I’m glad I’m with you.” Changmin awarded her with another of his gorgeous smiles and she felt herself light up inside. Here was someone who appreciated her.

                They chatted until the limo pulled in front of the hotel. Changmin took her by the elbow and led her in. The room was dimly lit, but the hanging chandeliers made it obvious who was who. She scanned the familiar faces until she landed in the middle where Kyuhyun was dancing behind a vivacious Jessica. Jessica’s eyes were closed and she was sensuously twisting herself around Kyuhyun’s lean body.

                Kyuhyun looked down and smiled tentatively before placing his hands on her hips and dancing with her. Just watching them made her want to throw up. Changmin’s sharp gaze followed hers and he smiled sadly. He still had a long way to go before she would even look at him the same way.

                Changmin gripped her by the elbow and led her onto the dance floor. “Come on, Yoona. Let’s dance.” Yoona draped her arms around his neck and swayed gently against him, smiling at him with her sweet smile.

                Yoona felt bad about using Changmin but she couldn’t help it as she pressed herself into him and peered over his shoulder to see if Kyuhyun was watching. He had looked up by now and was staring straight at her. She didn’t smile, only gazed back as she felt Changmin lift her in the air.

                Yoona landed down softly and started to gyrate against Changmin again. Kyuhyun’s eyes furrowed slightly and she bit down on her lips and leaned in to nuzzle on Changmin’s neck. Her partner was an expert dancer, and he tried to ignore the fact that on Yoona’s mind was only revenge. When the various songs ended, Yoona found herself sitting at a table while Changmin went to get them drinks.

                “Yoona. You came. Changmin actually cleaned up pretty well.” She looked up at him. His tie had come undone and he was staring at her intensely. Jessica was nowhere in sight. Rather than feel herself succumb to his charms, she felt a growing anger. She was only second hand.

                “Changmin’s an excellent dancer, and I cannot have chosen a better date. Where’s yours?” she asked pointedly.

                He shrugged. “Girls and their bathroom breaks. You know how it is.” From behind them, Yoona saw Changmin appear and he hesitated but Yoona motioned him forward. He was her date, and Kyuhyun could do nothing about it.

                When he set the glass in front of her, Yoona impulsively kissed his cheek. “Thanks so much, Changminnie.” Kyuhyun’s face contorted slightly before he bowed politely and walked away.

                He didn’t know why he was so bothered. This was only Yoona for goodness’ sakes! He’s known her since forever and there was nothing between them. But why did it matter so much that she was mad? Why did it matter so much that she came with Changmin?

                He turned back and saw her laughing with the dork, her hands curling around his arm, and unconsciously leaning in as he continued to amuse her. He bit on his tongue as he tried to sort out the slight tug of his heart. There was a tug on his sleeves and he looked down to see Jessica smiling up at him. He shook his head free of thoughts about Yoona. Why was he worrying about her when he had Jessica to tend to?