Danica Joo

“Did something happen, ma’am?” I asked Miss Park, even though I know
exactly why she called me after the meeting.

I sat in one of the two leather chairs that were in front of Miss Park's desk.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that, my dear?” she asked back, giving me a
stern look.

I didn’t attend her meeting yesterday, you see. Thanks for that crazy bastard.

I pushed a laugh and shook my head. “Is this because of what happened
yesterday, ma’am?”

She gave me a worried look.

I smiled. “My father called me. He said he wanted me to come home

immediately. That’s all, nothing to be worried about.”

“Really?” She chuckled and took off her glasses.

Uh-oh. Now that just gave me the creeps.

Then all of a sudden, she darted me a look. “Well, I heard differently, my dear.
My source told me that you and Shin had a talk. Is it not?”

There was a pause.

Crap. I’m busted.

I hid my smile. NO. Why would I? I know where that information came from.

And it definitely came from MICO.

“Oh! That…” I laughed a little, rolling my eyes. “My father called me AFTER
we had that ‘nice little’ chat.”

I won’t get caught so easily like that. I’m an accomplished liar, you know.

“Then why didn’t you tell me first? Even Mico didn’t know about that,” Miss
Park continued to ask; like she knew that something really did happen. Miss
Park really is the type of person who you can’t simply tell a lie with.
I grinned. But I know exactly the answer for that. “It’s not that I’ve forgotten,
ma’am. I just got really nervous, I guess. You know, I thought that maybe
something happened or something.”

There was a pause again. I tried not to gulp…it would break my cover if I’d do
that. But then, she smiled.

Thank God those lies made her satisfied.

“You have a point there.”

She began to look like herself again. “Was everything ok, then?”

I grinned. “Oh yes, of course. Thanks for worrying.”

I tell you, when you know how to act, you’ll know how to lie. So that means,
when you’re good in acting…you’ll sure do well in lying. That’s one thing I
learned in this school.

“Well,” Miss Park placed her arms on her desk. “I guess you won’t need him
then.”

I stared at her. Him? What does she mean by that?

“I really thought you two had a fight yesterday,” She continued.

Now wait, who exactly are we talking about?

“Ma’am?” I asked anxiously.

But before she could answer me, someone suddenly knocked on the door.

“Oh! That must be him already,” Miss Park sat straight. “Come in!”

No. My heart began beating faster. Don’t tell me she’s talking about—

Then my question was answered just as the door opened…

Shin stepped inside and took a bow.

What’s this supposed to mean?!

*****

Miss Park suddenly stood up. “Come, Shin, let’s have a chat, shall we?”
I stood up immediately. “But, ma’am, I already told you that what happened
yesterday—”

Miss Park raised her hand a little, telling me to stop.

Now I’m really getting nervous. What if he’ll go frantic again? I totally don’t
want to see him do that in front of Miss Park.

Then she gave Shin a stern look.

“Kindly explain to me why you walked out in my meeting yesterday.”

I stared at Miss Park. He did?

“M-ma’am?” asked Shin nervously and glanced at me.

 Shin Ji-Hyun
I glanced at Danica who was looking quite perplexed.

Crap. She mustn’t know that I looked for her yesterday. Why did she have to be
here anyway?!

I pushed a laugh. “Oh yeah, uhm…”

I coughed. “I-I just wanted some…fresh air?”

There was a pause.

“Shin,” said Miss Park in her warning tone.

I laughed. “I’m really sorry, ma’am. I think it’s too personal for me.”

Damn! What reason can I tell her?!

She raised an eyebrow. “I’m waiting…”

God, I’m dead. I avoided Danica’s eyes.

I sighed. I really have no choice. “Look, y-you two…are GIRLS.”

“Can’t you understand what I’m saying?” I blurted out.

There was an awkward silence.

Then Miss Park suddenly sniggered. Danica bit her lip.

$#!+! I’m totally looking really crazy here! That’s all I could think of…what
else was I supposed to say?!

I pushed a smile. Well, at least…right?

I took a quick look at Danica. I’m looking really stupid in front of her. How
humiliating.

“Well…I’m truly sorry, my dear,” Miss Park stopped herself not to laugh. “I
really thought that something happened.”

*****

“Anyway, I’m gonna give everyone’s roles and designated things to do by

tomorrow,” Miss Park sat down. “AND…I already decided who the three main
characters would be.”
Danica quickly looked at me, amazed.

Hell…what does that mean? I mean…does that mean anything or something?

Why did Danica looked so shocked?

“That’ll be the three of you. Danica, Mico…and YOU, Shin.”

I stared at Danica. What the—!

*****

I went inside my room breathlessly.

God, I just can’t believe it! I threw myself in bed and took a deep breath.

This is incredibly cool—

“But…I will still have to observe you, you know. It’s only your first week in
this school. I’m not still sure if you really deserve that role.” Miss Park warned.

I smiled uncontrollably. “Yes, ma’am.”

I glanced at Danica again, looking at her reaction. She looks sort of nervous. I
grinned.

“Danica and Mico will help me as well in monitoring your acting skills, right
Danica?”

My smile faded completely. No way…

Danica hesitated.

Say no…say no!

She smiled.

Crap.

“I’ll show her,” I told myself. “I’ll show the two of them.”

I continued to smile.

*****

I stared at the heavy door. Ok, Shin, this’ll be it. I grinned.

“Yah…do you still have a plan in opening that door or what?” called Shing-woo
on my back, breaking into my thoughts.

“You’ve been staring at it for hours, man,” Juno pushed me aside. “Let me just
help you, shall we?”
He opened the heavy door.

“What’s wrong?” asked Yuu.

I laughed. “Nothing. You go first then.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” answered Haru, who immediately went in. “I heard that
Miss Park will announce our roles today.”

‘Right you are,’ I thought.

I took a deep breath as we took our seats. One by one, students came in. God,
I’m getting nervous.

*****

“Come to me as I call your name to get your script, alright,” ordered Miss Park.

I caught a glimpse of Danica and Mico who are taking their seats, already with
their scripts.

Bummer…I bet they’re used in performing already. But don’t they feel any
slight nervousness?!

*****

“$#%+! You got one of the main roles, man!” Shing-woo patted me on the
back. “Congratulations!”

“Freakin’ cool!” the other three cheered.

I laughed. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“Mr. Ji-Hyun…come here in front with Mr. Kyo-rin and Miss Joo,” Miss Kim’s
voice echoed.

Everyone fell silent. I stood up and started walking toward them.

Girls giggled as I pass them by again. Sheesh…girls are really weird.

Then Miss Park cleared her throat.

“Let me now announce, all of you,” Miss Park began as I stood beside Mico.
“The characters of this year’s play…”

Students clapped and started whispering. I took a deep breath and glanced at
Mico.

Crap…this guy, why can’t I see any edginess in his face?!

Miss Park told us to go up the stage as Rica, one of our script writers,
announces our roles. We nodded.

“Danica as…Kim Su Young.”

Danica started to go. Everyone clapped.

“Su Young can be simply described as ‘hard on the outside, but soft on the
inside’. She’s the leader in her class and not to mention, the toughest among the
girls.

“And unexpectedly as it may seem, or rather, unfortunately in her part, when

two young boys transferred in her school, things started becoming strange for
her and it just doesn’t seem they way it is like before. She simply calls this as a
practical joke or perhaps…she’s just too numb to feel the real meaning?”

I tried not to laugh. What’s Miss Park drama now? Getting so cheezy and all…

“Mico as Lee Ha Rim.”

Everyone clapped again. “Ha Rim…is basically the rebellious type, having the
bad boy look and all. Stubborn and arrogant, I may also add. He’s a transfer
student who will immediately make Su Young’s life change in a flash.”

My heart began pounding.

“Shin as Seol Han Kyul.”

Everyone applauded. I started to go up the stage. “Han Kyul is the silent type
but can still be cool in his own way. But when it comes to Su Young, he can be
really understanding, romantic, caring and protective. Here we’ll find him more
mysterious than Ha Rim.”

*****

My first week in my new school is somewhat weird if you ask me. I wonder if
this week will be a lot better…hmm.
“Put that table on stage…we’ll use that for today’s practice. That’ll be Ha Rim’s
deck for a while,” Miss Park grinned, looking rather excited about something.
“Alright, Mico?”

“Of course, ma’am,” answered Mico, smiling.

Psh. Whatever.

I stared at my script. I’ll be with Danica in my first scene…bummer. Why do I

feel uneasy when I think about that?

“Start memorizing your scripts, all of you who have nothing left to do,” said
Miss Park, taking a quick glance at me.

Oops.

“Yes, ma’am” answered some of the students.

 Danica Joo
I glanced at Shin. He was staring at his script.

I really wonder why Miss Park has chosen him as one of the main cast. She
doesn’t trust people so easily like that. Or is she planning something bad to him
or something?

Well, I hope not.

Wha—Wait.

What the—! What did I just—?!

I shook my head. I’m getting really weird lately. Urgh. Freaky.

Then my phone rang suddenly.

*****

“Is this Miss Joo, speaking?” an odd voice of a man asked on the other line.

“Y-yes, sir,” I answered hesitantly.

“I am President Ji-Hyun’s assistant, Miss,” replied the man.

My heart rose suddenly...

“He would like to invite you this Saturday lunch in Kyoshin restaurant,” he
continued. “I already informed it to your father, so you don’t have to worry.”

*****

I stared at my phone.

Right now, just at this very moment...I really want to kill myself. What was I
thinking?! God, I must be crazy!

I covered my face with my hands, shaking my head furiously. Danica! How can
you be so stupid?! Why the hell did you accept his invitation?!

“Anything the matter?” someone suddenly asked me from behind.

I looked up and turned my head. It was Mico.

I groaned.
“Please, Mico, I don’t want to lie to you right now,” I told him without thinking.

He laughed. “So, you mean, you were lying to me all this time?”

“W-What?” I asked, looking up at him now.

And then quickly laughed, realizing what I just said. “No, stupid. I’m just
kidding. What I meant was that—I’ll lie if I’ll answer that…you know.”

I turned my head away from him to hide my guilt. Phew, that was close!

“And I hope that’s true,” he said in his weirdest tone then placed his arms
around my shoulders.

“Of course it’s true,” I pushed a laugh.

“Uh-huh,” he answered, but the tone of his voice tells me that he still doesn’t
believe me.

He sighed. “I’ve noticed, you know…”

We got silent suddenly. It felt a little uneasy for me…

I glanced up at him. He was now looking kind of serious.

“You have so many problems that you’re not telling me,” He said at last…

I stared at him for a moment. Then sniggered.

“It’s not like it’s the first time.”

He glanced down at me.

“Yeah, I know that,” He answered back, nodding. “But you’re always telling me
your problems…if they’re totally serious.”

There was an awkward pause.

“Well,” I said, breaking the silence. “My problem is not that serious…”

“So,” I made him put down his arms and then faced him. “Don’t worry too
much about me, ok?”

I patted his shoulders. He looked dismayed but he still smiled at me warmly.

I sighed. “Look, I’m really sorry. I hope you understand.”

He laughed a little and took my hands. “It’s ok.”

I smirked. “Then why are you looking so—”

“You know,” he interrupted.

We stared at each other.

“I’ve got more things that I’ve been hiding from you.”

I stopped smiling.

Now what’s he talking about?

I smirked and pushed him a little. “Yah, you want to share our problems? Is that
what you want?”

I frowned at him mockingly. “Mr. Smarty-Pants. You really want me to tell

you, huh.”

He laughed. “I’m telling the truth.”

Psh. Liar. “Ok, stop it. I might believe you right now. So stop.”

He sniggered. “You don’t believe me?”

I stared at him again. Is he really serious? Cos come to think of it. Mico really
doesn’t tell me his problems…or his secrets even. He’s always the one helping
out…he’s always…

“What are you trying to say?” I asked him curiously.

He sighed. “Miss Park is calling me…I gotta go.”

“Hey wait!” I tried to stop him.

‘I’ve got more things that I’ve been hiding from you,’ his words kept repeating
in my head.

Now that was just creepy…what was that…a joke?

“How many things have you not told me?” I asked under my breath…

*****

Mico was standing at the top of the table…waiting for me to approach him.

I prepared myself and stepped inside with a couple of girls around me.

I pretended that I didn’t notice Mico and walked toward him, carrying a paper
plate that was supposed to have a cake on it.

He was grinning wildly like there was something on his mind while he watched
me approaching.
At last…when I reached his spot and was about to pass by the table…

He suddenly jumped in front of me. The girls around me shrieked.

“Yah!” I backed away…looking nervously at the paper plate I was holding.

I glared at him. “Are you crazy?!”

He made a seducing smile and extended his hand to shake hands. “Hi…”

I smirked as if I was pissed. “This punk…you still have the courage to say hi,
huh?!”

I shot him an angry look. “Do you actually know what you just did?”

He stared down at the paper plate I was holding. He laughed.

“What the—” I glared at him furiously.

“You…do you think that it’s funny? Huh?! What if I really DID drop this?!”

“I’m really sorry,” he smiled at me…I continued glaring at his charming face. “I
just couldn’t help myself from falling to you.”

The girls giggled.

I looked away from him. “This punk…”

But then, I smiled.

The girls cheered. I bit my lip and stared unto his eyes.

The cheer grew stronger around us.

He grinned, looking deeply into my eyes, thinking that he got me already. Then
he kept glancing at my lips and started moving his head toward my face.

I smirked at him.

Then suddenly, I slapped the paper plate on his face. The girls around me
gasped.

I stopped myself from laughing. “Oh, I’m so sorry!”

I started brushing my hands on his face…then wiped it on his shirt, like there
really was an icing on his face.

“I couldn’t help myself either!” I blurted out.

He looked really stunned by what I did.

I smiled to his supposed-to-be-ruined face.

He wiped the icing away with the back of his hand…then sneered. “That’s…
that’s really sweet of you…”

I frowned. Ok…here goes. “Psh. Yah! Pay that cake, you. Or else…”

The girls around me cheered.

I sniggered and pushed him aside. Then I started to go. The girls followed.

A cheer erupted out of nowhere. Miss Park stood up from the crowd.

“Alright,” She began.

The crowd applauded again.

I hid my smile. Really…so exaggerating.

Miss Park cleared her throat. We all got silent. “Well, I expect it to be more
striking tomorrow, alright?”

Everyone shouted happily in approval.

“I had a great time with you guys, you did great today…but I guess we have to
say our goodbyes right now.”

Everyone cheered more lauder.