Mischievous [Book II]

Frozen

Chanyeol’s heart was pounding in his ears.

When Yoora pulled both he and Haeun, he started focusing on the things that made him panicked like her cold hands and her color-drained face. It was a bit noisy in the venue because of guests chit-chatting here and there, but Chanyeol could only hear that loud thumping.

“Chanyeol...” Haeun whispered shakily.

“It’s okay, just smile and act normal.” Chanyeol whispered back. “Don’t be nervous, we’re just going to talk to them for a while.”

“How long is ‘a while’?” Haeun asked. It somehow felt like they’ve both pulled a prank on Principal Hyojung but they weren’t caught yet, and they had to stay with her in one room. Chanyeol tried to look strong though, just to get Haeun’s hopes up and encourage her. He was scared of course, still because of his failing grades and the suspension from the school trip even if it already passed.

When the two of them were face to face with his parents, Yoora placed a hand on his shoulder and patted a few times because she surely knew he was terrified. He was proud of bringing Haeun with him and no one could change that, but again, his approval of his parents would sound nice to the ears.

His mother’s arm was linked to his father’s and although their eyes screamed surprise at seeing their only son after a long time, Chanyeol’s parents were calm and composed as they eyed him and Haeun from head to toe. They both bowed down and greeted.

“You could’ve gone home by the time classes were over.” Chanyeol’s mother started, but with a flat voice. “Why only now?”

“Umma, Chanyeol had schoolwork to finish so he couldn’t leave early.” Yoora saved when she noticed Haeun and him frozen on their stances. “Besides, where would he have stayed? I couldn’t have him in my apartment.”

“He could stay in the house with us.” Now, it was his Appa, with that austere tone. He turned to Haeun and asked Chanyeol. “Who is this?”

“T-This is Haeun, Appa, Umma.” Chanyeol replied. “She’s my friend from school.”

“Haeun...” The woman trailed off, “Song Ha-eun?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Haeun nodded and bowed again. “I’m her.”

Chanyeol furrowed his eyebrows when his mother smiled slightly at Haeun, holding her hand out for her to shake, which she did with another bow.

“Do you know each other?” Chanyeol asked.

“We’ve heard your name a hundred times.” Umma nodded. “Students like you, Song Ha-eun, are the reasons why we keep our sponsorship to the school. I believe you deserve everything they award you.”

“Uh... thank you, ma’am.” She said softly.

“You should join the Physics Bowl in your senior year. They would be lucky to have you as one of the contestants.” Appa piled on.

“I’ll think about it, sir.” Haeun smiled, but she kept an anxious face when she glanced up at Chanyeol.

It was going smoothly; everything was fine, until Chanyeol felt like there was something bothering her again. The only time he ever saw her look like that was now... and when they were in Jeju and he told her they could stay there for a long time with just each other.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady.” His mother said. “But excuse us, we have to go up front and speak to everyone.”

“It’s a pleasure too, ma’am.” Haeun bowed again and Chanyeol’s parents smiled at her. Yoora was grinning like her dongsaeng always did and elbowed them both when their parents were too far to hear.