Chapter Text

"Should I be considered selfish for I know that there will only be you in me though there's none of me in you?"

.....

CHAPTER 1

Reminiscence

-Start of 1st Semester of the year at Hyonsei University-

Cold winter breeze brushed the already freezing hands of Shin Minrae as she struggles to open the iron gate of their apartment. It was already that time of the year where the Spring Semester starts, though ironically it was still cold for it was still early March. She breathed a heavy sigh which came out as small-sized-clouds through the freezing weather. She locked the gate and started straddling her way to school.

At the end of the street a man dressed warmly in a light blue sweater partnered with a dark green scarf was waiting for her. He was standing still staring at the pavement with a blank face.

As soon the man noticed the girl's presence, he turned his head to look at her, his face lit up in a warm smile as he ran towards her in an abrupt but playful manner.

"Hey behave yourself jeez "

The man caught the girl in his arms. He twirled her around till the world seems like it was spinning- though only for the poor girl's perspective.

The man's chuckle chimed throughout the cold street which made the very scene warm even though ironically it was a very cold day.

The girl stood unstable. The guy noticing this quickly held her by the shoulders. If it weren't for him she would fall and roll down the curved streets as her new-found-way of transportation to the university.

He then decided to wrap his green scarf carefully around the girl's delicate neck. First he removed his scarf, then he gathered her long wavy hair tossing it to the other side, next he tied the scarf securely as if it's a bow of a present and lastly he smiled proudly while admiring his work.

The girl who was looking down the whole time looked at him adjusting her sight as she held her head while frowning. "Ha the world's spinning hold on...", she mumbled.

The man who seems to be enjoying himself curved his lips. It was as if his smile was struggling in between keeping it closed since his was very close to bursting out laughing. His right hand left her shoulders while his left hand were still holding her.

He playfully showed a peace sign and asked teasingly "How many fingers ?"

The girl annoyed, slightly pushed him to the side then showed his right knuckles and afterwards she revealed her middle finger. "How many fingers?" she grinned.

The man pouted then pulled the end of the green scarf he just wrapped on her as if it was a dog's leash. He started walking first, the girl hit his hands so he let go of the end of the scarf. And just like that they walked their way to the university.

"Minmin-ah, can't you at least be nicer to me? It's my first day at Hyonsei University you know? Why are you acting like this... maybe Hailey influenced you.." He said as he pull up with a sad face and imaginary crocodile tears.

"It's a warning Jeonwoo" Minrae walked faster,

"University life is very different from high school life. You may be someone who can easily make a lot of friends the moment you open your mouth... but still, choose who to befriend with wisely" she warned

"Highschool? Eh come on I served the military for 3 years after finishing high school, at least compare it to that... Well university life is surely much better than my military service experience." The man frowned remembering his hard days at the military.

He walked faster so he could match the girl's speed. He reached for the end of the girl's scarf and started fidgeting on it as they walk side by side.

Minrae then suddenly turned her head and to look at him for a second. She started giggling at her thoughts as if she was imagining something funny inside her head.

"What? " Jeonwoo was confused

"No... it's just that you're pretty lucky your military service ended a few months before your 1st year starts. It would be such a nice sight at the university if only you have kept that cute haircut you had you know" The girl who's been trying so hard not to laugh ended up giggling, she stopped walking and just stood there as her laughter intensifies.

The boy stopped walking and frowned he pulled her hair teasingly. " It's because I really am lucky do you remember how our classmates in high school use to call me lucky all the time

" Yeah the lucky student Seo Jeonwoo from 1-A or whatever" Minrae rolled her eyes and finally stopped laughing. And so they both continued walking.

Minrae's POV

Jeonwoo is finally back after choosing to serve 3 years of military service first before college... I reminisced how I cried back then when he left for his military service.

[Flashback]

"You stupid dimwit look how weak your arms are, how are you even gonna do a hundred push ups if ever you get caught eating noodles in the middle of the night?!" I bickered as I help him pack his things.

Jeonwoo was sitting on the opposite side of me, we were both sitting on the floor with his opened suitcase placed in between the two of us.

His room felt so empty, the closet that was opened widely that is used to be filled with his clothes were now empty. Hailey who was standing at the bedside is unplugging all the lamp and air humidifier.

Tears swelled up as I continue to fold a bunch of things that I insist him to bring till it became a tall tower on my lap.

"That's easy, just don't get caught in the first place" Hailey said, she was busy tidying up the wires of the things she unplugged.

She might not show it but I know that she was just as sad as me... Since the moment we both arrived at Jeonwoo's room she started doing whatever she's doing. She's not even showing her face to us... all this time all we could see is her back while she's doing whatever she could get her hands on so she could kept her self busy doing something while we bid Jeonwoo our goodbyes.

"Hailey look at him compare him to those man you imagine when you mention the word 'soldier'" I pointed my index finger on Jeonwoo who keeps grabbing the things I'm holding, and after he grabbed it from me he puts it beside him.

He then stood up and sat beside me and started to also grab the tower of things I folded in my lap, placing it in his lap instead. He held the hand that was pointing at him.

"Hailey's right Minmin.... you know how I was known as the luckiest student back in high school right? Don't worry too much, I'll be fine."

He held my hand tighter and said " I'll call you when I can."

The hand that was grabbing me turned into a pinky finger interlocking with mine

"I promise"

[End of flashback]

'Till now I still don't understand how he was nicknamed as the luckiest student back in high school... Well he did won the Student Council Election when we were in high school because the only contender he rivals with had withdrawn. According to the rumors he needs to transfer to another school due to family problems... but still, I think he would've won even if it weren't for that....

He worked hard for it, he deserved that position nonetheless.'

'Hmm well I think it might also because of how he always win whatever raffle he partakes in....

but he also worked hard for it, just secretly. He worked hard to have a lot of entries.'

I reminisced the days I always caught him getting home very late at night from my window view.

I would open my window and shout his name and in order for me to shut up, he always have to have banana milk when he gets home very late at night. He would throw the banana milk to my window to shut me up and to not disturb his grandparents sleep by shouting their grandchild's name who suspiciously always went home very late at night for some reason.

'Sometimes I'm worried that he might work too hard after high school that he'll aim to be the president of Korea but instead he decided to serve the military for 3 years first.'

'I don't know if it is a good thing though...'

Now that he's back.....I slowly observed Jeonwoo from head to toes. His bangs still needs to grow a bit more length for it to reach his eyebrows. He Face became much more slimmer and sculpted, his nose bridge taller his neck ...his adams apple were very prominent and his shoulders were broader.... also he grew a bit i guess but apart from these changes his eyes and smile never changed.

I stared at him for too long that I hadn't notice how he is also staring back back at me and smiling at me...

"Minmin-ah... I think you grew shorter"

I face palmed and replied " His braincells forgot to reproduce though.."

"hmm?"

"hah if only Hailey's back... we would've tour you around the campus"

After s few minutes of walking, we finally arrived in front of the campus. Students were also starting to come inside the University. We continued our conversation as we entered the campus' ground.

"Speaking of her... where on Earth did she went this time?" he paused walking and rested his right hand on his left chin.

"don't ask me, I have no clue either" I shrugged off

"she often goes out of the country even when the semester's still ongoing, according to her it was inevitable...I can't even count with my fingers how many times she begged the professors to let her take prelim exams even when she missed most of the classes due to what she calls as "personal and inevitable family issue",

" Well maybe it really was that important" Jeonwoo thought out loud

The harsh cold winds once again blew. I hid my freezing hands inside my pocket.

"Damn this cold.." I annoyingly let out shivering

"I guess my scarf's not enough, here " Jeonwoo put a heat pack inside my pocket

I immediately was about to shove it back to him when he raised two more heat packs in his hands. " I have a lot ! "

"ok, thanks" I put the heat pack he gave me inside my pocket

" After all these years in Korea you're still not use to the harsh winter.." he grinned and added " You hate cold but love Korea how ironic"

"Well if you love something I guess you ought to love all the things that come along with it" I mumbled

"yeah I guess.."

"uh so don't you have any morning classes? I don't want you to end up late because of me." Jeonwoo asked

" For your first day I decided I'll tour you myself... well you can actually go to your department's faculty and ask for a student assistant there for a tour... since I am one I personally volunteer as your tour guide" I said cheeringly

"You're lucky, every year slots are usually full for it haha" I teased

"Mmm"

" I guess another one of my best friend's gonna be at the same university as me but again in another department, you don't know how hard it was... Whenever me and Hailey go to school we sulk every time we need to part ways because she's in the Business administration department while I'm an English major her department's really far from mine. We're like the modern Romeo and Juliet " I ranted

"Pffft let's look at it positively Minmin? The Filming major department also beside your department. Oh and if you weren't in the English Major department you wouldn't have met him"

"...."

"yeah..." I replied shortly

" Well Ms. tour guide, can we start the tour now?"

" alright alright "

-An hour later...-

After an hour of going around the filming major department we and looking at classrooms we finally finished looking around.

"I was right on on how you should arrive 1 hour before your first class Jeonwoo, look it's 10 minutes before your class and now you know where to navigate your classes and how many minutes it would take you to go from one room to another just like how you like to know" I proudly said purposely bumping my shoulder on Jeonwoo's arm which he miserably fail on dodging each time.

"Oh take this brochure with you it has the school map and more info" I shoved the brochure in his hands and added "Well the tour's only within your department for now since if I tour you around the campus it will take up too much time"

It's Jeonwoo's first day I'd love to tour him around by lunchtime but since it's his first day I'm pretty sure he will make friends with a lot of people in his class and they will also probably know more about each other when they hang out later on lunch time- that's how it usually goes. I'm not too worried bout him since he's like a crowd magnet whenever he goes, he gets along well with a lot of people and is surprisingly also good at leading them.

Just like on middle-school he was really popular back then and ironically compared to when we were elementary he was the most quiet kid I've ever encountered and back then I was the most loudest one.

Jeonwoo pulled my scarf as if it's my leash. He found a vending machine and some bench to sit on. I sat on the bench and he gave me banana milk and we both drink some.

"Are you worried..?" Jeonwoo asked

"Why should I?" I scoffed

"You're very good at socializing ever since when we were at high school... just do what you usually do back then" I added as I leaned my back on the bench and gazed upon the school field in front of us.

"How about you? How's university life so far here" Jeonwoo asked as he also leaned his back on the bench and continue sipping on his banana milk

The students chatter from behind slowly became louder and louder telling us that the classroom near us were slowly being filled.

I breathed deep and watched as little white clouds formed in the air " Are you kidding me, you know every little shenanigans happening in my life... you always call me whenever you have break time in your military service you already know everything that I don't even have anything to tell you now" I pouted unknowingly

"Well you could say that..." Jeonwoo looked at me and added "You don't tell me how you do whenever Hailey is not around though..."

"I do just fine even when she's not around, I learned how to be independent now so don't fret over it that much "

"I guess our Minmin's no longer a child now aww" Jeonwoo said as he curved his lips and pats my head to the point that my hair got a bit tangled.

" In a few minutes classes will start finish that quickly !" I said to Jeonwoo who's still drinking banana milk

"What how are you finished already-"

"You should come to your room now so you can talk to your classmates and introduce yourself before the teacher comes in"

"Alright alright"

He got up from his sit and left his banana milk to me

"Goodluck !" I cheered

Jeonwoo who was sprinting in the hallway stopped and turned around to look at me. He stretched out both his arms and formed a big heart while grinning.

"You too Minmin! Oh and brush your hair it's a mess!"

I turned my back at him because of second hand embarrassment from what I just saw, then walked away as if I didn't know him... sometimes he exaggerates things too much especially the way he expresses things.

I finished both the banana milks and so I could throw it in the trash. I sat there for quite some time to tidy up my hair and once my already freezing cheeks felt the harsh breeze once again I decided to walk towards the English department and spend my idle time inside the library.

I rummaged my pocket to find my mini notepad and phone but was surprised to have grabbed two warm pack from my hoodie's jacket.

"Did he gave me two..? Huh I thought he handed me just one of it..." I brushed off my thoughts and held the warm pack. I opened my phone and checked for any messages from Hailey.

"Still no reply..." I mumbled and added "Where the hell is she this time.... She's starting to worry me"

[Flashback]

-3 days before the spring semester starts...

Third person's POV

A girl dressed in a trench coat holding a luggage and a girl dressed in a pink sweater and jeans found themselves pointing at each other and asking each other

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

"I thought you're still asleep? Where are you going this early in the morning?" Hailey questioned

Minrae face palmed and answered "The teachers were calling for student assistants 3 days before the semester starts, they need people to help printing brochures for freshmen this year....and you? Where are you going and what's with the luggage?" Minrae said attacking her back with more questions

"Hailey it's literally two days before the Semester starts...don't tell me you're heading to the airport?!"

"No of course haha, I'm heading for an overnight trip vacation at Jeju Island"

"Jeju island?! Its early march you're probably gonna freeze there" Minrae raised an eyebrow

"I'm running late hah" Minrae added to the already anxious looking Hailey "Just make sure you'll be back before the Semester starts"

Minrae rushed outside and went for the run.

Hailey breathed out a sigh and continued dragging her luggage and locking up their apartment's gate.

[End of flashback]

Since my first class will start after lunch and since it's still too early to have lunch I decided to check on my Youtube channel. I am not so famous and is considered as a small account who's doing pretty well here. Three years ago when I started doing covers which evolved into me composing songs....I was not expecting that much. But since I discovered that I get to receive a decent amount of money here I decided that I'll continue to post songs and covers as my side line. Who would've thought someone who's very shy when it comes to singing and playing guitar would someday be posting vids on Youtube.

I started writing lyrics on my small pink notepad. My mind wandered off , thinking about a certain person. "I wonder where he is right now... I haven't seen him since the last semester" I mumbled

I haven't seen him since last semester I started scribbling out lyrics in my note pad. I suddenly thought of a melody so I rummaged through my bag and grabbed my wired earphones.

Since the library is pretty big and the table I chose to sit on was far away in the corner of the room, no one would look at me weirdly for whispering hums to my earphones' mic.

I stared out at the window beside me as I hummed as melodic rhythm. "That's what I'll use for the chorus part I think that would fit pretty nicely" I grinned

I brought out a tablet from inside my bag. And started looking at my commission order schedule. Another side hustle I have is that I'm an artist who draws emoji for twitch streamers. I started this way before I even started my Youtube account and my part time cafe job after school. Since I have a lot of part tine jobs already I don't accept anymore complicated art commissions, I now just accept emotes or chibis.

Time passed by and lunch time was near I put my things inside my bag and stretched my back a bit "Ah that feels much better"

I stared out the window and watched students pass by I annoyingly thought of Hailey again "She still haven't contacted me" I rested my chin on my left hand and leaned closer to the window.

Students formed a crowd at the open field near the building where I'm at. Probably because it's almost lunch time... and there's a cafeteria beside this building.

Out of the blurred faces I saw outside the window one familiar face stood out. A man tall, slender and is laughing heartily amongst the crowd. He was surrounded by a lot of people.

I moved my chair closer to the window and rubbed it a bit with my sweater so I could see him clearly. It was my first time seeing him this semester. Maybe Jeonwoo's luck rubbed on me or something.

I continued to observe him from a far.. 'He stands out a lot in a good way' I thought to myself.

Park Seunghan suddenly looked at the sky and his gaze fell upon the window of the library that happens to be the same window I was observing him from.

We locked eyes for a second and when realization came in I quickly shoved my head on the table to hide.

*THUD*

- end of Chapter 1 -

Chapter Text

*THUD*

After a few minutes I slowly raised my head... I checked on my forehead for any bumps and as expected I felt a small one. I looked around the library hoping that no one was disturbed by the loud noise I just made, 'that would be embarrassing'. I quickly grabbed my bag and left the library.

-----

-During lunch time-

When I got to the cafeteria inside the building next to where I was earlier, I walked and observed the place. The tables near the entrance were all occupied, students who formed their own cliques sat on their usual spot... while some were doing some sort of introduce yourselves— probably freshmen. I'm not a fan of the noise coming from the dense part of the cafeteria, so obviously I sat at the furthest corner.

I opened my lunch. I haven't had much time to prepare a proper meal so I just brought a can of tuna from our apartment's food stock, which is always plenty because Hailey stocks often whenever she has free time. The food shelf was supposed to be for us but since both of us loves feeding cats in the neighborhood... we always end up bringing our stock of canned tunas to the cafe—feeding cats outside the cafe.

I brought out my chopsticks and started chewing on my food. I tasted the rice first, it was still a bit raw... 'this will do' I thought so as I proceeded to open the can of tuna.

A tap from behind my shoulder surprised me. I flinched and turned around to see who it was . I unknowingly opened my mouth in surprise.

 "Hey long time no see Minrae" Park Seunghan greeted, he looked a bit confused eyeing what I brought for lunch looking at how he looked at the unopened can of tuna I was holding and the moist looking rice inside my lunch box.

 He brushed off his confused expression in a second and asked, "Is it okay if I sit beside you for a while?" 

 I never really expected to see Seunghan in the cafeteria since he often goes to the other cafeteria that is in the Film Major Department. He's someone who has a lot in his plate... I don't know how he can even handle the pressure of being the student council president, a trainee, and a dean's lister. He was truly a very talented individual.

"Sure I don't mind" I replied smiling, 'I never expected to see Park Seunghan here... from what I know he eats his lunch often inside the student council office- yes they're that busy'

"Hey, have you been well Minrae? Oh how's the Cafe doing by the way?" Park Seunghan sat beside me as he put back the right bud of his airpods. He must've removed it for a moment to greet me. 

"It's the same as always although the mini stage in the corner was removed, as we have expected no one else was interested performing in our small cafe haha" I answered, I was trying to open the can of tuna. I'm not really used to opening canned food since Hailey often orders take outs and we just heat it in the morning—that's what we often bring to lunch. The cans were often saved for the cute cats and we always open it with a can opener... I've never really opend it without one- Wait now that I think about it... I haven't really used a can opener before...or have I? I think Hailey was always the one who opens canned stuffs... nevermind.

"Let me open that for you... you might hurt yourself" Park Seunghan offered his hands so I passed the can of tuna to him. He opened it effortlessly.

"here" he said handing my tuna back.

"thank you" I shortly replied then I poured the tuna all over my rice.

'I wonder if he already ate lunch that's why he's here'

"I guess I'm the sole one who got to experience performing there I guess" He jokingly said. He looked curiously at my lunch so I felt a bit conscious.

I held my chopsticks tighter and took stiff bites. 'Why is he looking at my lunch... is he hungry..?'

"Is that mashed potato and tuna you're eating?" He asked

"Uh—It's actually rice and tuna..." I mumbled disappointingly. I can't get the rice with my chopsticks it's too soggy, what a waste of food.

"Oh..."

I set the rice aside and started eating the tuna on top of it. This is really embarrassing but I have no choice, I should save up as much money as I can.

 Seunghan who was sitting beside me opened his phone. Without much of a thought my eyes followed his hands.

I continued eating... while peeking at his phone unconsciously.

'That can't be...' A thought struck my head on what I just saw. I unknowingly moved my face a bit closer to read the name of the channel he's currently had on pause on his phone. 

Seunghan then noticed how I look so preoccupied at looking at his phone. He then said with a proud grin, "Do you perhaps... know her too...?"

I stopped looking at the phone and when I faced him I was just a few centimeters away from his face. I flinched and realized how close our face was. I stared at him curiously first.... He was re-arranging how he wore the his airpods. He put the right buds in my right ear then he put the left bud on his left ear. I moved my face a bit far, just enough space between us—just the appropriate distance yes.

"Ah i was just uh curious about what you're listening too haha..." I anxiously said.

'no way maybe it was actually a different artist he was listening too, there are tons of artist out there who does guitar covers...'

Seunghan tapped the play button.

'NO WAY, THIS EXACT SOUND.....' thoughts kept running inside my head, I kept denying that 'Maybe it was just another artists' cover', 'maybe I just happen to have the same guitar in the video he was listening to'...'maybe we have the same taste as the artist he's listening to!'

He lifted and showed his phone closer to me and enthusiastically said "You should check out her song covers oh— she also writes her own songs sometimes too, I think you'll definitely like it since I remember you telling me you like J-pop especially the Yoasobi"

I was a bit flustered hearing him say how he still remembered what I said 3 years ago.

'W-wait I have no time being flustered by what he said... more importantly that channel he was listening to...' 

I read the channel's name slowly.

'Mi....'

'Mirae...'

'Oh wow the first five letters are the exact first five letters of my channel, now the numbers next to it must be different.... yes it should be different, because it's my birthday....'

'....'

'MIRAE327......?!'

I frowned and rubbed my eyes and read it again...

'Mirae...327'

'...?!'

'...'

'that pretty much confirms it..... he was listening to my uploaded covers and songs-'

'How did it end up like this......'

-3 years ago-

[Flashback]

"The cafe's never been this busy before...could there be a school event from a university near here...?" I was skimming milk while Hailey was taking orders at the counter.

"I heard there's a sport fest at Hyonsei and Jangyan University...they're the nearest universities from here, the ones with red and white varsity jackets are from Hyonsei while I think the navy blue ones are from Jangyan....look at their varsity jackets" Hailey stated

I grabbed the cup with coffee and began pouring skimmed milk in order to make latte art. Afterwards, I put the finished cup on the counter and called for the customer who ordered it.

A man wearing a varsity jacket with red with white accents took the cup of latter I made from the counter.

"Excuse me, I saw the poster outside your cafe and I'm interested in performing" The man said as he points a small poster outside the transparent glass wall of the cafe"

"Oh... Hold on for a second" I replied smiling nervously 'I know well enough that we can't accommodate a performance inside this small caffe'

I looked at Hailey and asked "Did the boss put that poster out there again?"

"Who knows, she does whatever she feels like doing." Hailey scoffed and added, " I told her countless of times that we don't even have a mic or decent sound system here in the cafe for a performance" She said as he hands me the next list of orders.

"Uh about that..." The man in a pleasant looking smile looks very determined

"... I can provide my own mic and speaker"

I observed the tall man in front of me wearing a Hyonsei varsity jacket. He have his headphones resting on his long neck 'He was someone who you could look at and tell that they're surely famous. Like someone who will definitely be casted by an entertainment, he's looks is in par with my little brother who's also a trainee so I should know.' 

"I just wanted to celebrate my little sister's birthday here, and also sing for her since it's her request" He showed a small picture of a girl inside the silver necklace he's wearing.

"Would that be okay? Oh don't worry It's just me and my sister who'll celebrate in here so it's not like I'll invite a lot of guests. Think of it as like a performance for the customers" he added as if bargaining.

Three more people entered the cafe so Hailey began taking their orders while I was left talking to the man.

He politely smiled as he bowed slightly, "I'll wait till both of your shift ends, it's a really busy day today" He then grabbed his cup and sat at one of the tables inside the cafe. He put hid headphones on while he quietly waited.

-After half an hour...-

Once the customers finally stopped coming and our shift was about to end, I went straight to the man waiting at the table and pulled and sat at the chair opposite to him. "Hello we can talk now..."

The man who was typing something on his laptop with headphones on, immediately beamed a smile. He removed his headphones. "So what do you guys think..?"

I sighed and said, "Are you sure you really want to perform here at our cafe? There are probably bigger cafes who can better accommodate a performance." I looked outside the glass wall of the Cafe. 

'Like that cafe just  from across the street, it's also much nearer to the Universities around this area so that would mean more audience for him. They also have the perfect stage for Friday night performances as well,  If I were him I'll definitely want to perform there instead.... they could also provide an electric acoustic guitar.... As someone who loves to play acoustic guitar, that is such a dream for me. Obviously It'll be a much better choice'

The man followed my gaze outside as If he already knew what I was thinking of, he let out an honest sigh so I thought he changed his mind, but he surprisingly insisted "You know my sister actually loves this cafe, she always talks about how she loves how you guys make coffee, she told me how one day she also dreams of working at a part time job in a cafe as a barista"

"I really do hope you guys would allow me to perform here" he said as he clasped my hands begging—letting go of it immediately. "sorry haha" he scratched the back of his head

I unintentionally grinned and almost let out a chuckle so then I pretended I was coughing instead. 'He didn't notice it that much so I guess it was a success' I thought so

"My friend is currently talking to my boss over the phone about this" I started " Our boss is a very spontaneous person, she just came here one busy evening and thought of clearing up a corner at a cafe so she can build a makeshift-mini-performance-stage. That's also the reason why we have those ugly posters outside...she put it there, We thought we cleared all posters she sticked outside but it turns out that one was still left"

"Ugly huh.." He paused as If he's trying to remember what the poster outside looks like.

"As someone who had a part time job as a graphic designer before, who in their right minds would use 'Chiller', a font used often in horror comics as a font for inviting someone to sing in our cafe?" I ranted. I frowned remembering the days she pestered me to make an actual poster. 'I refused her countless of times so she went and made her own.... was it my fault that the posters outside turned ugly then...? hmm.'

"pftt...Hahahahahaha" he chuckled 

"Ah really hahahaha maybe some ghost will take interest at the poster outside the cafe hahahahhahahhaha" He continued to laughed heartily.

His laugh was definitely a sight to see. The corners of his mouth turned sharp as his laugh showed a bit of his teeth. A bit like the Cheshire cat's smile from Alice in wonderland, it's a very unique smile 

He got conscious of how his laughing heartily so he then turned bashful. "Ehem uh sorry bout that"

"So.... are you guys against it?"

"Kind of... well it's because thinking of it rationally it would not be nice if the cafe have less tables than before because of the mini stage. And we don't even have a mic or a mic stand or even a sound system of some sort so we can't really ask people to perform in the cafe. But since you said you'll provide your own I think it'll work"

"Thank you so much... my sister will be happy to hear that " He stood up and bowed really low

"Oh what's your name btw? My name is  Park Seunghan, just call me Seunghan" he raised his head

"I'm Shin Minrae, I'm fine with just Minrae though" I also stood up and was about to check on Hailey but then I suddenly heard her voice behind me.

"The boss says its fine" Hailey cheerfully announced

"So when do you want to perform? I'll prepare advertisement posters Oh and Minmin-ah you should post the performance sched in the cafe's Instagram" Hailey instructed

"That old hag was very happy to hear about your performance uh what's your name by the way?"

"Im Park Seunghan, Oh and my sister's birthday is next Friday" He said and added" I'm a 1st year English Major from Hyonsei university"

"Yeah friday evening is perfect" Hailey breathed a sigh of relief and added "If it happened to be at weekends both of us won't be here to assist you."

"Ohh and you're from Hyonsei huh..? What do you think Minmin should we aim for that university?" Hailey pulled a chair and sat beside me opposite to the man.

"Actually Seunghan-ssi, my parents wants me to take Business administration for college... Hyonsei has that course am I right?" hailey started, "Honestly I'm fine with any university as long as I get to attend the same one as Minrae..."

Seunghan crossed his legs and rested his chin on his right hands as if he was  trying to remember things ,"I'm still a first year there so I'm afraid I can't tell that much... Hmm but so far I haven't heard any negative things about the that department in general"

"What do you think Minmin? Should we just go for Hyonsei? It's a good thing that's it's just a 15 minute walk from our apartment and a 5 minute walk from the cafe." Hailey looked at me asking for my opinion.

Park Seunghan looked at me and added another question for me to answer, "Minrae what course are you going to take for college?"

"Uh about that..." I scratched my head and looked down

"She's still undecided" Hailey sighed disappointingly

"Oh..." 

"It's not that I don't know what I want to do.... I'm honestly fine with any course so now I don't know which one I should take." I explained I fidgeted my the strings of my hoodie and nervously peeked at Hailey's reaction.

'She doesn't look happy with what I just said haha of course...'

"But how come when I asked you to take Business administration so that we can be together in college you turned the idea down, so what do you mean by you're okay with anything when you're clearly not?" She ranted 

"Does the teachers in your school have course counceling, If so how did it go?" Seunghan suggested

"Well I kept lying that I'll move back to Philippines for college, so they didn't bother offering me college counceling" I explained I put both my hands in the coffee table and added "I don't think I can go back there..." I clasped my hands together 'there's no place for me there, I shouldn't force myself to fit in a place where my own blood pushed me away'

"I knew it.. That's why your face looks a bit foreign" Seunghan stated—he was looking at me as If he was observing my features. 

"Hey what are you insinuating?!" Hailey stood up as If she was ready to throw hands with Park Seunghan. I quickly stood up frantic, 'i should stop Hailey'

"W-wait I meant it in a good way! I think Minrae's pretty..." Hailey stopped for a second and the arms she just raised gradually lowered down while I froze on the spot. I'm not really use to receiving compliments so I ignored what he just said and sat on my seat awkwardly like nothing happened.

Hailey once again tensed as If she still didn't like what Park Seunghan said, and once again raised an arm " Are you hitting on her now?!" 

"Wait no- I was not " Seunghan explained frantic—he shielded himself with his arms.

My gaze fell upon the glass wall of the cafe... a white silhouette of something caught my attention. I felt my hands become cold as I felt shivers down my body. I raised my hand and pointed out the unknown figure outside the cafe.

The silhouette became increasingly clearer as it walked from the side of the cafe outside to the entrance. With my own naked eye I saw the image of what seems to be a pale little girl with very long straight hair, it was wearing a hospital gown.

"G-GHOST?!" I screamed before I dropped down the floor frightened.

"Where?! I swear if this one of your pranks again with Jeonwoo Minrae you're dead..." Hailey turned around and as soon as she locked eyes with the girl outside the dark entrance of the Cafe she ran and hid behind Park Seunghan.

"Oh yea that can't be Jeonwoo....he's currently serving the military..." Hailey mumbled

"It's a damn female ghost with long hair...hah" Hailey whispered

"Guys hold on" Park Seunghan took brave steps closer to the entrance of the cafe. 

He slowly approached the handle of the door. He stood still infront the glass door as if he just recognize someone. He opened the door then hugged the little girl wearing a hospital gown.

"Haneul what are you doing here?!" he stated in a worried tone.

- end of Chapter 2-

Chapter Text

I slowly stood up and took steps closer, in a much better lighting... I saw the little girl's face. She resembles Park Seunghan's face a lot she must be her little sister' I thought to myself.

"I see so that's her sister..." Hailey walked toward the entrance and added "Come inside"

'So that's her sister.... the one whose birthday is coming up and the one who requested that he perform a song in our cafe'

'The girl looks like a young teen—probably about 13 or 14 years old

'I wonder what's the reason, I feel like there's more to it than a simple request' my mind were clouded with such thoughts, I was observing the two siblings... the air was a bit heavy for some reason.

Hailey was making a simple coffee for Park Seunghan and a cup of milk for the girl, so I followed her to help at it since I feel like he needs to talk with her sister alone.

I stood beside Hailey.

"The surgery was moved tomorrow, I'm sorry I didn't tell you" the girl who looks like she was in middle school stared down at her feet. She was still wearing her indoor slippers from the hospital.

"Oppa I'd like to see you perform right now that's why I went here" She looked up to her brother. Park Seunghan was clenching his fist, he avoided her sister's gaze.

Since the cafe was empty and small we can't help but hear their quiet conversation.

Park Seunghan face was very gloomy, unlike earlier where he looks like he shines wherever he went, right now the dim lighting inside the cafe exaggerates the frown on his face.

"Hanuel why did you sneak out of the hospital... Does our parents know you're here?" He said in a worried tone.

"..." The girl was silent

"If I haven't sneaked out the Hospital you wouldn't even know that tomorrow's my surgery."

"I just wanna talk and see you a bit Oppa... and about the performance I requested..."

"It's okay if you sing acapella actually I still like your voice that way" She forced a smile

I grabbed the cup of coffee and milk and went near to the the two.

"Seunghan-ssi... Go and sing on the stage I'll play the guitar for you" Seunghan and his sister Haneul both looked at me

'good thing my old rusty guitar is at the Cafe's storage room— I brought it here since whenever there are not much of a customer I practice playing the guitar.'

I smiled kindly at them as I put down a cup of coffee and a cup of milk on the table where they are sitted. 'Now that I said it, there's no going back now' I thought to myself.

The girl wearing the hospital gown stood up and abruptly throw herself at me for a tight hug. Seunghan's gloomy face finally looked a lot better. He stood up and joined us for a hug. I didn't move an inch until they both finally let go

'I felt like I became a mother there for 5 seconds haha'

The lights on the mini stage suddenly turned on, the whole cafe felt a lot more brighter, the heavy air earlier also became lighter as if were about to have a mini party. Hailey who turned on the Christmas lights he got from the storage room grinned proudly.

"looks pretty right? Do you want to come with me and check out the stage?" Hailey bended down and held the girl's hand.

"Sure!"

---

Park Seunghan and me talked at the opposite corner of the cafe the farthest from the mini stage where Hailey is currently distracting Haneul. As much as possible we both talked in a quite voice—just between a whisper and the normal tone.

"I'm really sorry for the trouble" Seunghan bowed down, while I signal with my hands that he should raise his head.

"Don't worry we don't really mind"

"Because of me you guys need to do overtime... I'm sorry. Is your boss really fine with this?" Park Seunghan frowned feeling sorry about the situation.

"My boss won't mind it too I'm sure of it" I let out a bit of a laugh and looked at him " She just wanted a cafe, she doesn't even mind if the cafe doesn't do well since it's not her main source of income" I leaned over the table and sat there.

Park Seunghan sat beside me and smiled. " A month ago my sister got hospitalized, she was living her life normally until one morning she fainted on the way to school and ever since then she has been hospitalized"

"The lab results showed that her heart was premature and that one arteries is abnormally thin for her age, tomorrow is her major surgery to get it fixed. At first it was supposed to be a day after her 13th birthday but I guess the doctors wanted to do it earlier as possible."

"I'm a trainee in a small company for 5 years now, I promised to her that someday I will perform in a big stage and she will be my no.1 fan. The company I'm in right now is holding back my debut and that's the reason why I don't think I can fulfill my promise to Hanuel."

"Why not do it after the surgery... is there a problem..?'

"The survival of the surgery is very low—I'm not sure if she can survive it and I want to make sure that I could fulfill my promise to her..."

[End of flashback]

We both stayed quiet listening to my song... though I was flustered, embarrassed and is wanting to run away at the exact moment, words I have never expected I'd say came out of my mouth.

"So... what do you like about her song?"

"..."

"Everything..." Seunghan started, " How do I explain this... it's like her song sounds like it's in between Korean pop and Japanese pop. It's unique and refreshing to the ears... her vocal tone also reminded me of Ikura-san* the singer of Yoasobi, though her voice has a bit more depth compare to her."

I observed his face and the way his eyes lights up in passion while he smiles staring at the Youtube video. 

He started talking again, " I really like her voice, honestly I don't get how she's not that famous when she clearly deserves it. Her vocal tone and the way she pronounces words is very similar to Ikura-san* while her voice very neat and clear similar to Akmu's Lee Suhyun*. And she knows what songs fits her voice which is very evident in the way she compose her songs. Apart from all of that she can play the guitar !"

"I see..." I muttered, my curiosity got the best of me. I found myself smiling without myself noticing. My eyes lingered at his face and noticing every little reaction he makes as If I'm savoring the moment of being this rarely close to him.

'Park Seunghan.... 

The guy known by all teachers, staffs and students, you name it all- the guy who would someday be shining brightly in the world stage... for the world to admire and...

The guy that I'm currently admiring for 3 years now... '

'I wrote those songs for you Seunghan sunbaenim* because... ' words I quietly hid at the back of my throat... words that are forbidden for me to say. I clenched my fist and stared down the lunch box I still haven't finished. 

'I like you'

"I like it" I shortly replied

"I thought so" Seunghan turned his face to look at me then smiled bashfully. 

The corners of his mouth turned subtly sharp... his very smile lowkey reminded me of a Cheshire cat. He's the only person I know that has that kind of unique smile...I find it cute.

 He scratched the back of his head and added, " Actually she inspires me to write songs... ah- I haven't tried doing it before, I'm clearly inexperienced when it comes to it but because of her I wanna learn how to compose and write songs..."

"I've actually recommended her songs to almost all people I have talked to" He proudly stated

'Wait... WHAT?' The composed self I have turned into shattered in pieces as I turn back to the embarrassed self I was a while a go. 

I quickly finished all food I have left and drank water in a hurry.

Seunghan fidgeted on his phone scrolling through the comments under my video, " I feel like her hard work deserves recognition, as you know I hate it when someone's hardwork goes to waste" he muttered 

"Ahaha yeah I see where you're coming from" I replied putting back the lead of my lunch box and opening my bag's zipper shoving it there.

"hmm you seem in a rush Minrae. Do you perhaps have plans?"

"Uhh yes I just remembered I still have to submit something to Sir Kim." I reasoned in a bit of panic.

" haha then I'll go now. See you around" I bidded Seunghan a goodbye before he can even open his mouth

"ah... but it's literally first day of school..." he muttered

I went to  a quite corner outside and fetched my phone inside my pocket, I opened my phone and called Hailey.

The phone was ringing, though no matter how many minutes or calls I make no one answered the phone.

"she's not answering any of my calls.." I  mumbled furiously

'I need someone to tell me what to do, I'm currently in a sort of panic since I had found out that Seunghan listens to my Youtube account'

I stayed silent for a moment and observed the crowd of people from a distance. 

I thought about telling Jeonwoo but then I immediately  brushed off the idea since I remembered how he doesn't know that I have a Youtube channel.  There are only two people who knows that that account was mine and now two of the are currently far away from me. I never told him since I'm sure he will tease me about it. He was still in military service the when I started recording covers.

I gave up after calling 7 times. 

Since its's almost time or my first class I headed straight towards my department's building.

-After class-

I finally finished all my classes so I walked straight to the campus' exit...

I grabbed my phone and I wrote another message for Hailey

Minrae:

[Hey I'm reminding you in case you forgot, you're a college student and is late for the first of the semester]

Minrae sent a sticker

[Once you miraculously finally see all the texts and missed calls from me, call me immediately or else I won't help you catch up with the general subjects]

[Dude I feel like a crazy obsessive ex of yours with all these missed calls LOL I haven't even been in a relationship before..]

'I hope she realizes that there are people who cares about where and what she does right now... even though she grew up with parent who couldn't careless'

'I'm starting to feel annoyed hah'

After I sent a message I continued walking my way out of the campus. As I was walking just in front of the campus' exit a girl abruptly got in my way. I quickly turned right and tried walking past her since I thought that maybe she just accidentally got in my way. But then she purposely got in my way again even though I already changed my direction of walking.

"Hey, you're Hailey's friend right?" she smiled 

I could tell that she's up to something bad. She kept on looking around as if she was checking in case someone around knows her, it'll probably be bad on her reputation if someone recognizes her doing rude things such as the behaviour she just showed me.

'why be this cautious when I bet hers already bad though'

"me?" still skeptical, I pointed at myself and checked around if she really was referring to me. 'I can't afford anymore embarrassing moments today or I might die... a part of me was hoping that she just mistook me for someone else. I can't afford a fight right now I'm a very busy person'

"Uh yes... Hailey from the Business Administration Department right?" I answered after I confirmed that she really was talking to me. 'Of course it'll be Hailey my best friend, no other student has a name like that here, we're literally in Korea.'

She widened her dubious grin as and said, "Tell her to meet us at the usual spot next week Monday or else something bad will happen"

'That girl just disappeared on me 3 days ago....and yes me-her-very-own-best-friend doesn't even know where she might be'

Somehow I feel embarrassed considering that I was the closest person to her—my cheeks felt a little hot.

The girl in front of me checks on her fake nails and twirled the curled locks of her hair as If she's growing impatient waiting for an answer.

"...."

"That's not my problem" I mumbled in an irritated tone

'Does she even consider me a friend' anxious thoughts spilled out.

I walked pass the girl straddling my way to the cafe.

The girl shocked and annoyed as If I was the first ever person to treat her rudely—turned around and said "H-Hey what? Okay fine just tell her at least what I just said okay?" 

I stopped walking and replied without even looking back "So what's the bad thing you were talking about?"

"Hah tell her this, if she's still not convinced to show up... Professor Park just got engaged to my Aunt, good luck failing the major subject instead of us this year. "

Even without looking back I could still feel her sneer smile. I did not utter a single word and continued walking. Then from a distance I could hear few more sentences from her.

"Gosh you're lucky.. hah I would've drag you somewhere quite if it weren't..."

Her voice faded as steps i took, took me far from the campus. I continued walking my way to the cafe.

'I know what that girl was referring to...'

'She must be one of those girls whom Hailey removed from their final project for a major subject last year.'

I spent the 5 minute walk to the cafe thinking about she said.

'They were originally a group of five whom the professor grouped up himself. She ended up in a group full of girls who knows nothing but open their wallets in exchange of he usually hard earned GPA. The 4 transferees from a private college who got transferred here because of their great connections to the BSBA* dean.'

'According to Hailey something bad happened in their precious university and that's why she's very cautious of them. She ranted out for weeks how they did nothing but flaunt their wealth in front of her as If she's not wealthier than them. Well Hailey is a very decent percent while those girls got nothing inside their big heads but the idea that they can buy off everyone and everything.'

I racked my brain out trying to think of a way on how I could contact Hailey or what I should do If she's still not here by next week.

'My head hurts'

I opened the door of the cafe and greeted the 2 baristas they were the ones who does full time here in the cafe while me and Hailey does part time of at least 20 hours a week. When me and Hailey arrives at the cafe the 2 full timers end their shifts.

I went straight to the storage room and grabbed my apron, name pin and tied my hair neatly. 

I went outside prepared to take on both me and Hailey's shift.

'In the meantime I should just focus on my part time job right now. I'll figure something out later' 

I bid the 2 full timers goodbye

I took the role of the cashier, barista, server and cleaner

I worked quickly and efficiently. 

'Being alone isn't that bad'

'Yes let's keep myself busy and not drown at any negative thoughts'

I worked and worked and numbed out my thoughts,

The bell of the cafe door rang, two guys wearing a suit walked inside.

they both ordered americano with a slice of cake. In here. I brewed the coffee first and fetched the slice of cake in our glass display. when the coffee's ready I poured it over the two cups. Once the orders were ready I put them in the counter and called for their name.

Next customer was a high school student with her little sister. He ordered Cappuccino, a cup of warm milk and a slice of cake for the child. Once the order was ready the student picked it up and they sat on of the cafe tables.

The child spilled half of the milk on the floor. She also spilled some of it on her legs.

I hurriedly came over their table worried "Ah are you hurt? The milk is hot."

"Its okay Unnie I have plenty of clothing layer"

"Sorry about the spill on the floor" the student who's trying to clean her sister's clothes with the tissue apologized and bowed his head.

"Ah I'm sorry Unnie—let me help you clean it up"

"It's okay we all make mistakes, just a bit of mopping and it'll be clean again" I patted the child's head and smiled a them.

I went to the storage room to get a mop afterwards, I mop the floor. While I was mopping the floor I accidentally overhead a conversation from the table behind me.

The two guys in a suit were talking about their company, but what caught my attention was the name they mentioned.

"Park Seunghan is really ready to debut according to the manager. It's just that the group that Seunghan is going to debut in is still lacking a few more members."

I mopped slowly, eaves dropping on their conversation. 

'Maybe it's just the same name as him... what odds is it if the people talking right now is the exact company he's in'

'Well from what I know, Seunghan finally left the trash company he was in 6 months ago, and now he's in a good company. A rich company who just started to expand their business into the kpop industry'

'What's the name of it again hmm...

...I forgot'

"He's the ace of our company, I'm telling he will be big someday. Once he debuts CNC Entertainment will be in par with all other big names in the K-pop industry" The other guy in a suit stated.

'That's it. CNC Entertainment! So the Seunghan they're talking about is he Seunghan I know'

Suddenly I felt someone tugging gently on my apron. My heart almost jumped out of my chest as If I've been caught doing something bad.

"Eek!"

"Ah sorry did I startle you Unnie" 

'Oh it was just the child'

She grabbed something inside her bag. She showed me a crocheted keychain of a black cat and a white dog. The quality was a bit flimsy but it makes it 100x more cuter somehow.

"Aww that's cute did you made it?"

"Yes she just learned how to crochet. She sells these stuff to her classmates haha" Her brother explained

"Unnie we need to go now, I felt sorry for spilling some  milk on the floor and letting you mop it so I'm giving these two for you for free !"

"R-really?" I know I should've decline politely since that's not something she should've apologise for. It's just part of my work here at the cafe. But... I really find the keychains cute.

"Yes! please accept it. It's our cat Minmin and our dog Geomjong* " The child pleading in front of me is cute too so I jus gave up and ended up accepting the keychains.

They both left the cafe. While I continued mopping the floor. 'Oh yea I was still eavesdropping, I got distracted there for a bit'

"Their cake is really good here huh" The man wearing a suit took a spoonful of the strawberry cake

"Speaking of this cafe—I asked you to grab a coffee with me here because of the cafe's name"

'Cafe's name? But I suggested the cafe's name myself.... is it perhaps ugly...?' I thought so

"Oh- so this was the cafe you mentioned that has the same g-mail of the singer Seunghan keeps on asking us"

I accidentally dropped the mop.

'WHAT.'

'what is Seunghan thinking?!'

-The coversation I had earlier with Seunghan popped inside my mind-

"I've actually recommended her songs to almost all people I have talked to" He proudly stated

'So he was not joking?! What is he a walking advertisement???'

The two man in a suit flinched a bit and stared a me.

I immediately picked up the mop and bowed down to apologize for the commotion I made. I quickly put the mop back in the storage room and then I pickup up a towel used to clean tables. When I got back tot he table beside them i started wiping it.

I continued eaves dropping while my heart was beating like crazy.

"He keeps bugging the manager to scout the singer. He did send an email to the channel's g-mail using the company's official g-mail, but it's been months and there was still no response."

'I think I might be the dumbest person in this planet....'

'what. the. hell.'

-end of Chapter 3-

Chapter Text

And so as If the cold winds from outside of the cafe magically found its way to blew its wind on me though I'm inside—I froze from what I just heard from the two gentle men in suits beside the table I'm currently wiping.

'I did suggested the cafe's name because I like how it sounds back then... It was also the name of one of my spam g-mail accounts I rarely use- I mean a g-mail I use for anonymous stuffs like stalking someone—nothing else. That is why it's exact name is ' Solstice_cafeagmail.com'—I purposely named it like that so it looks like a normal cafe g-mail haha'

'I gave that g-mail to the manager years ago too since I figured that I had already made one before that has the exact name of the cafe and I gave it up easily to her since I don't really use it that much. I even felt so proud and kind when I offered boss the g-mail I have for the cafe to use.'

'But when I made my Youtube channel years ago... I forgot that that same g-mail I gave to my manager was the same g-mail I used in order to sign in my Youtube account.'

I stopped wiping the table.

I went back to the counter and sat there.

I stared at whatever I could stare at.

I thought that maybe I could process what I just heard by staring into nothingness for a few minutes till my shift ends.

After all... it's almost time to close the cafe too so no new customers were coming.

I watched the two gentlemen in suits leave the cafe.

And like a stiff person—I prepared the cafe for closing.

I cleaned the tools then put it in the drying rack, checked the inventory then neatly put my apron and name pin inside the storage room's shelf. I grabbed my backpack and was about to turn off the light inside the storage room when I noticed that the apron I just hanged still has something inside its pocket.

I quickly grabbed whatever was inside. It was the key chains the child gave me earlier.

I attached it in my bag packs' zipper.

'cute' 

I squished the both of them out of cuteness aggression and panicked when by doing that a yarn sticked out, I then poked it in order to hide the loose yarn.

'I didn't know it was that fragile'

Then, I went outside the cafe and lastly I pulled down the metal covers outside the cafe and locked it.

"Oh yeah I almost forgot" I mumbled as I rummaged through my backpack, I grabbed the catnips Jeonwoo gave me. For some reason he gave us a box of it the day we first met him after his military service ended.

I fed the cats and petted them for a bit. The white cat who regularly vists the cafe layed down and showed her belly to me— It seems that she enjoys belly rubs. As I was rubbing her I noticed how her belly's bigger than usual... not the kind of big you see on fat cats-  but the kind of big belly when a cat is pregnant.

"Congratulations Meowie you're going to be a mother now~"

"I should tell Hailey about this when I get to the apartment-"

"Oh.."

'....I forgot she's not here haha silly me.'

Third person's POV

The walk on the moon bathed view of the streets somehow gave Minrae the temporary peace of mind. Her day was surely not the best. She opened the gate of their apartment then she got inside and removed her shoes before putting it neatly in the shoe rack. Afterwards, she placed her backpack on the sofa and went straight to her room.

She grabbed a pair of comfty pajamas and a towel. She went to the bathroom for a quick warm bath which she absolutely love after a long day of work and school. Finally after finishing her skincare she sat on the sofa.

Only a small lamp lit the living room—she prefer it this way, she hates and detest light. So as long as she can keep it dim she would. Her tired gaze fell upon the keychains attached on her backpack placed beside her.

Lost in deep thoughts due to the happenings earlier she leaned her back on the sofa.

She removed the two keychains attached on her bag then placed it on the table in front of her, as if she made a make-shift meeting with them to assess her pretty troublesome situation.

"The gmail... the girl threatening Hailey and Seunghan being a fan of mine...."

She straightened her back looking determined, then declared to herself "Alright let us sort my thoughts first, I could handle this all by myself"

"The boss is out of the country as always... only Hailey knows her contact information so that means I can't deal with it since Hailey is not back yet."

"....should I just visit the entertainment and tell them that I'm the channel's owner?"

I looked at the cat and dog keychain in front of me.

"The dog's name is Geomjeong while the cat's name is Minmin huh"

'What a weird name.... also coincidentally the cat's name is the same as my nickname' She curled up and buried her head on her knees.

"I don't even know what they want from me—maybe they need a song composer for their company..." Minrae mumbled

"Hmmm I'm already juggling 4 sidelines just to make money, I'll probably drop dead If I add one more" She scoffed

The girl stared at Geomjeong and Minmin for a minute then let out a heavy-bothered-sigh.

"Silly of me to think that these keychains could answer me haha well what can I do, I literally have no one to talk to." she ranted—still slumping her head on her knees.

After slumping for a minute she finally stood up as If she realized that drowning in loneliness won't do her any good. Minrae started tidying up the living room, she grabbed and displayed the keychains in the shelf at the living room. Then she blurted out a sudden thought, "Hmm... but if I could make a decent amount of money by joining them maybe I could quit my part time jobs..."

Her face lit up a bit on the positive though she made. She hummed cheerfully while cleaning the living room for a bit. Afterwards she grabbed her phone from her bag then went back to the couch. She placed the phone on the table, Minrae stared at the messages she spammed to Hailey.

"I'll just deal with this after I finally have access to the email so I could also ask Hailey for an advice about their offer"

She frowned and let out some of her thoughts, "And for the next issue......I'm not really sure what to do about the girl that was threatening Hailey. I'm thinking of how I should wait for her since this concerns her mainly, she still haven't contacted me...I'll let her know of the issue by texting her, "

"I just hope she gets to reply as soon as possible I should have some faith on her" I grabbed my phone and lied down the sofa. I started texting Hailey the exact details from what happened earlier — I can't help myself and wrote another paragraph about the other things I have no one to tell to.

For some reason I spaced out reading the 2 paragraphs of message I sent her. I felt a bit embarrassed and annoyed at her for disappearing on me for days without a single phone call or text, so I deleted what I just sent her and wrote a new message. In the new message, the details were vague and I made it formal so it's obvious how furious I was when she just disappeared on me without even telling me proper details.

"hmph why should I tell it to you in detail when you don't even tell me where and why exactly were you going 3 days before the semester started?" Her brows furrowed while she satisfyingly stare at the short, vague, and formal-toned message she just sent to Hailey.

She smirked then whispered to herself "serves her right...I'll let her wonder about the rest of the details" 

" And for the last one..... " Minrae lied at the couch twisting and turning around until she finally found a comfortable way of lying. She  then grabbed a pillow and hugged it tightly as she recalls the scene from the cafeteria earlier.

"I did not expect that one at all.... out of all people Park Seunghan being a fan of mine? Unbelievable."

"I can't wait to tell Hailey about it, and yes I will never ever let him know that the channel was mine-"

"Hold on- " A surge of realization mixed with the thump of her heartbeat came. Minrae held her chest, she wore a shocked expression along with it.

"If ever I became a part of CnC Entertainment..... Seunghan will know that I was actually the singer from that Youtube account he's a fan of."

"hah" she shuffled her bangs and frowned,

"No—I won't let that happen" I mumbled

I sighed disappointingly, " I guess I'll need to turn down their offer though I'll still hear Hailey's advice about it"

"If only Hailey's back" Again, Minrae let out heavy sigh

"I feel like this is the worst first day of school I've ever experienced..." she mumbled then closed her eyes as if recalling something from the past.

"Well I've experienced way worst than this, but yeah in terms of all of my first days in college this is definitely the worst..."

After spacing out for a minute she decided to finally do some productive work. She went to her room and sat on her bed then picked up her tablet. She continued drawing the art commissions she currently had on queue. She went back and forth on chatting her client and locking herself in in drawing—making sure that they're very satisfied with the art.

And that's how Minrae spent her night.

She fell asleep holding the digital pen with the tablet lying beside her.

Oh right she forgot about dinner too.

----

Minrae's POV

*RNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG*

I woke up from the sound of my alarm. Still half-asleep, I turned it off then stayed lying in the bed, checking my phone for a bit before getting up. I saw a notification pop up, it was from Kakaotalk* so I immediately opened the app.

'Oh it's from Jeonwoo'

'Of course it wouldn't be from Hailey'

[Jeonwoo sent a sticker]

[Goodmorning minmin, did you get home safe last night? Sorry I forgot to check up on you yesterday TT]

'Silly, it's not like I'm still in high school anymore, I'm already in 3rd year college'

I texted back

[-,- Jeonwoo... I already said I can take care of myself]

I yawned then flinched when after I send my text he immediately responded in a flash.

[Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

[Jeonwoo sent a sticker]

I decided to change the topic.

[So how's your first day? Do you know everyone's name in your department now?]

He then replied

[Eh I'm not that sociable Minmin haha]

[just half of the department]

'what?'

'Is he freaking serious???'

I was taken back but then I thought of Jeonwoo's personality and it is to be expected but still I find it very impressive as a very introverted person.

I replied

[really???what??]

He responded

[Jeonwoo sent a sticker]

[Want me to voice message the list of names?]

[LOLOLL Ofcourse I was just joking Minmin, like I said I'm not as sociable like what you think of me]

'I swear I'm gonna smack him when I see him today at the campus'

I replied

[Ok Ok fine, I need to get ready for school now]

he replied

[see ya later then ^^]

--

-At school-

'As usual my day started with the early scholarship work at the university' I was currently tasked to make a seminar poster. After editing for almost an hour, I was finally satisfied with my work. I leaned back the computer chair and stretched my arms.

"Mrs. Jang I've already finished making the seminar posters, I sent it to your e-mail"

"Alright thanks, I know I can trust you with designing the posters Minrae" Mrs. Jang praised

"It's nothing haha, let me know if something needs to be changed or if you want me to ask Sir. Kim from the Film Major department print it along with their posters." I

"If only I have a daughter like you I bet your parents are very lucky to have such a hardworking child like you..." Mrs. Jang sighed and added "I have like 3 children and they're all boys, having a daughter would be nice too"

'a daughter like me huh...' I leaned on the desk

'My parents would think otherwise though'

"I would have asked you to meet one of my son since he's close to your age, but to be honest I don't think he's good enough for you Minrae" she teased.

"Oh what's this Minrae haven't you turned down my offer last year on setting up a date with my nephew? are you alright with it now?" Mrs. Lee who was slumped on her laptop since earlier joined the conversation 

"Ah I don't have time for any of that haha," I laughed awkwardly 

"Aww but I swear he's good looking and is graduating this year as a Chemical Engineer at Korean University" Mrs. Lee bragged, she looked at Mrs. Jang and smiled mischievously.

"Sorry Mrs. Lee but I'm gonna turn down your kind offer... like I said last year I'm currently joggling 4 sidelines along with my studies so I don't have time for that"

"Alright alright enough with those talk now you two" Mrs. Jang said and added " I checked the poster you made Minrae, go and ask Sir Kim in the Major department if you could use their printing equipment. go print the poster now"

"Alright Mrs. Jang I'll be back then" I turned off the faculty's computer and grabbed my backpack.

"Oh and after you ask them to print the poster your work for today as a Student Assistant is finished, so rest well" Mrs. Jang added.

"Alright thank you" I bowed politely then went on my way.

Third Person's POV 

Minrae left the English department and strolled her way to the Film department which was conveniently next to her department. The room with the printing equipment is next to the film department's faculty which is at the 5th floor.

She was greeted by a flimsy-made sign on the elevator saying 'Currently Out of order use the stairs' with an arrow pointing to the stairs just beside the elevator.

'I guess I could consider this as my morning walk I don't really mind' Minrae thought to herself

She then started straddling her way up to the said floor. And when she's finally almost at the 5th floor her legs were already trembling. She held the stair's railing as she kept on trying to drag herself up. A kid just half her size followed after her and soon hopped in front of her. The kid with the lollipop and a cute Pororo backpack stared at the tired student leaning at the stair's railings.

Minrae embarassed that a kid was even hopping his way up while she looked like she's taking the stairways to heaven straightened her back and pretended that she's been going up and down for the 3rd time as her morning exercise.

"Wooh hits the right spots in the calves... haha" She said awkwardly stretching and slapping her flimsy arms.

"weirdo... those are not your calves" The kid handed her a bottle of water then disappeared running away from the scene

"Ah I know that.." Minrae whispered to herself

"Huh what's with the water bottle h-hey" she mumbled but the kid was nowhere to be seen.

'I know I'm not that sporty but seriously I need some exercise'

She caught her breathe first for a brief moment— leaning her back on the railing before continue to deal with her endeavors.

She opened the water bottle and clenched her thirst. Afterwards, Minrae went walked to the first door at the floor. Oddly the door was already opened wide— still ,she knocked at the faculty's door before she entered. She closed the door after entering the room.

A man hiding behind the door of the faculty was revealed, he stepped out as he peek his head at the small window confirming if Minrae was really still inside. He kept his head close to the door and was preparing to eavesdrop but then a kid suddenly tugged his hoodie.

"What?"

The kid showed the palmed of his hands to the man in front of him as If she's asking him to give him something.

"Money"

"But I already gave you that lollipop hmm?" The man smiled at the kid patting his head.

"Oppa give me money or else I'm gonna tell my father that you're a pervert stalking the pretty noona inside the facul-"

 "mmpHh" The kid's voice muffled, the man covered his mouth and gently dragged the kid a bit far away from the faculty.

"Shhhhh" The man kneeled in front of the kid

"Listen I'm not a pervert or a stalker- I'm that pretty Noona's best friend. Hah here I'll just give you these catnips instead of money, I know your father Sir Kim has a cat at home right?"

"....... fine I won't tell anyone that you're a stalker and a pervert-"

"Shhhh lower your voice Yohan, fine I'll buy you something later at the cafeteria" The man shoved the catnips on the boy's palms and stood up.

They held hands as the man took steps near the door to continue eavesdropping.

----

Minrae's POV

"Good morning Sir Kim, I'm here to print a poster for Mrs. Jang for the English department seminar that's coming up" She greeted politely bowing down.

"Oh come here great timing I'll was about to ask one of the first year to print it, I'll make him print it for you so you don't have to worry about how you'll use the printer." Sir Kim greeted me back with a polite smile, he was looking at a power point on his laptop, he looks really busy.

 "Oh and I'll be attending a meeting in about 15 minutes..." He removed a flask from his laptop and added' "I'll leave my laptop here for the first year to use..."

" Oh have you sent the poster design to my g-mail or maybe the faculty's g-mail?"

'shit- I forgot... the poster was made in one of the English department faculty's pc—I don't have it in my g-mail account either so I can't access it using my phone'

"Ah I think I forgot to send it ... I'll chat Mrs. Jang to send it Sir" I nervously replied,

"Okay but make sure to send it before I go to the meeting next room"

'Mrs. Jang isn't replying ah what do I do' I kept on checking my messages.

----

Third person's POV

"I have to go now kid, I'll be back immediately so stay here and behave—just give me 15 minutes" the man hurriedly scooted down the stairs

And once he finished his statement, he took off and ran hastily,—even almost tripping and when he finally arrived at the English department's faculty, he opened the door panting heavily.

"Excuse me hah... Can I use the faculty's pc for a bit?"

------

Mirae's POV

"oh I received it, alright I'll get going now" Sir Kim said before he hurriedly walked next room.

"Ah yes thank you Sir" I thanked him and bowed politely as I watch him leave the faculty.

'My phone didn't even notified me of Mrs. Jang's message—If she saw my message she'll definitely sent me a response... was my phone on silent all this time..?'

I checked on my phone

"That's weird my phone's notification is on and Mrs. Jang haven't even seen my message yet hmm" I mumbled to myself

'Well at least it's all fine now—and now I get some free time before my classes start... I should for the quiz later... and I also need to progress on my current art commissions'

'I'm pretty sure the student Sir Kim mentioned would be giving the finished printed poster to Mrs. Jang so I should leave now'

'maybe I'll hangout at the library again'

-later at lunchtime-

Minrae sent a sticker

[Hey Jeonwoo]

I sent a text to Jeonwoo since I'm feeling a bit bored and have no one to talk to since Hailey's still not back. I'm wondering if he could maybe hang out with me this lunch time. Though I can't tell him about the things that has been bothering me lately I figured that maybe his presence would somehow make me feel less lonely.

'I hope he's not that busy'

'and that I'm not bothering him or anything'

The cafeteria inside the Film major's department were filled with a lot of students. Not only this is considered as the biggest cafeteria here in the university it's also the department with the most students—and so it's to be expected that the cafeteria would be crowded. The same reason why I don't hang out in any of their department's utilities...unless necessary of course.

'I cooked too much rice this morning too so it'll be nice to have lunch with him at school... just like how we spend our lunch when we're still Highschoolers'

'If Hailey's here I'm sure it'll be more chaotic...'

'All three of us hanging out at school...I miss those days'

- End of Chapter 4 -