Embracing The Memories | COMPLETED | KOREAN STAND ALONE #1 ✒

제12장: Curiosity

Note before reading: If the scenes feel rushed, that means that the book still needs to be revised after completion.

As I said, feedbacks are highly appreciated if there are mistakes or anything that you want to let the author know.

Lovelots! 💕 If this chapter does not have any translations, this means that the author is still trying to find the appropriate translator to avoid any misunderstandings.

This part is still unedited and will be revised in the future.

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THE TENSION WAS RISING IN THE AIR.

Gunyeo had been staring at me the whole time as I wrote a few notes in my journal. I felt uncomfortable in my seat so I can't help but shift and try not to look back at him. My eyes wandered the room and just decided to look at the board. I guess he still wasn't over about the fact that I decided to enter that quiz bee.

Since I was just an exchanged student, I only heard that Gunyeo was the defending champion in some of the competitions in this school. Considering that I'm also the kind of girl who loves to participate in extracurricular activities, it would be challenging for me this time since I'll be competing with a friend.

"You do know the rules of the quiz bee, right?" I heard a voice beside me speak as I couldn't help but look to my right.

There sat Gunyeo with a book on his table, a pen in his right hand. There was this certain look on his face that tells me that he wasn't really in favor of me being in the contest.

As soon as he closed the book, he turned his head towards my direction and even narrowed his eyes at me. I couldn't help but show a grin as he crossed his arms in disagreement.

"Why are you suddenly asking that question? Are you scared?"

His eyes widened at me this time but kept his composure. "Me? Scared of you? That's impossible."

"Well, if you say so," I teasingly told him as he then sighed before explaining the rules of the quiz bee. I guess he wasn't expecting me to actually enter. But I could tell that he was a bit hesitant or nervous, judging the tone of his voice.

"The quiz bee isn't a written one. The speaker's going to ask us directly and a screen would project the multiple choice for the easy and average round," he said as he then gave me one of his books.

"Of course, the difficult ones wouldn't have choices so it's best to study all those general subjects that we have." A nod was the only answer I could manage as I jotted it down to my journal. It might be a piece of helpful information to keep for later.

As soon as I wrote the last word in my journal, the bell rang, and the teacher comes in. I was surprised that he called Naehyun though.

"Mr. Seo, are you ready for your report?"

Oh, shoot. I haven't finished half of it.

Looking at Naehyun, he gave me a side glance and a smile - signing to me that everything's going to be fine. As soon as he then connected the presentation and projected it, I was surprised that all of the topics had already been written on it.

Sighing, I sat back to listen to Naehyun's report. But, my mind still lingers on who had finished off his slides. It's possible that Naehyun had typed it since I couldn't finish it but judging on the additional information given, I'm sure that it wasn't just him.

IT WAS ALREADY LUNCHTIME.

I decided to walk around the school with my earphones intact - playing music to distract the noise from the students around me. Taking my journal with me, I decided to go to the courtyard and sit on one of the benches in there.

Noticing a cat sleeping, I decided to sit beside it. It was a small gray Scottish fold munchkin. As soon as it noticed my movement, I saw it flinch and opened its eyes. Smiling, I decided to try to pet it.

"Hello, kitty."

When I had tried to pet it, the cat approached me and decided to stand next to me - letting me touch its soft fur. As soon as I did this, I felt a presence behind me.

Looking back, I saw Gunyeo looking at the cat. His eyes narrowed but decided to approach it. The munchkin then climbed onto my lap, moving away from Gunyeo as soon as he tried lending his hand.

I could tell that Gunyeo was not impressed. He crossed his arms, a bit offended at the cat when it hissed at him.

"Well, that cat has attitude," he muttered under his breath as I giggled. I'm sure that the cat just hasn't seen him that much on campus.

There were a lot of students on campus that visits this spot but Gunyeo just roams at the classroom, hallway, and the field for his soccer practice.

Smiling back at Gunyeo, I shook my head. "This little kitty probably doesn't know you that much."

"And it knows you?" He raised his eyebrow at me as I pet the cat, making it purr.

"I've been visiting this spot for quite a while and sometimes feed her." Putting the kitty down, I decided to look at it before smiling. The cat, however, decided to lay his head on my lap before decided to close its eyes.

"Hmm, sounds like you alright."

As soon as he was about to leave and turn around, I then remembered what happened earlier and decided to ask Gunyeo about it.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Gunyeo turned back once again to look at me as I hesitated for a while.

"Were you the one who helped Naehyun with his report?"

I could tell from his features that he was confused as to why I was asking such a question. "No. I had practice yesterday so I couldn't be much of help. Why?"

"Just cause."

"If you're curious, you can always ask Heejun hyung. He's always the helpful one to Naehyun," he replied as I gave him a slight nod. After he answered, his alarm then got off - shocking us both.

Taking his phone and looked at it, he then apologizes right away. "Sorry, Eysee. I might leave soon. I still have somewhere to go to."

"I'll see you and that kitty later then."

When he turned around, I asked him. "Where are you going?"

"Practice," he replied and looked back to smile at me. "You can watch us if you want."