better

final chapter

Every year when the school year was done and finally over with, Suho always threw the biggest party. It was to celebrate the end of another school year, and for his birthday, which was a week after. Suho came from a very successful family, so he was always able to plan his parties to the way he liked it. There were no financial limits to his ideas. He liked to find a theme that caught his eyes, and let his creativity figure out the party. He loved things to be very extravagant, nothing of the ordinary. Nothing that has been done over a hundred times.

He walked down the halls and handed out the invitation cards to nearly everyone in the school. He reached Jennie and Taeyong sitting on a bench.

"Hey, guys! You know its that time of year, again." He held up his cards with a playful grin plastered on his face.

"Oh, I cannot wait! What would you like as a gift?" Jennie grinned, holding the card in her hand.

"Please, Jennie. I don't need more things than I already do. I just want you guys to just celebrate another good year."

"Are you sure?" Taeyong questioned.

Suho nodded. "Of course. Though, if you insist, bring a gift for Irene. I'd rather enjoy seeing her recieve delightful gifts. Now, I'm looking forward to seeing the two of you there. I'll see you both later," he patted Taeyong on the shoulder and waved goodbye before making his way down the hall.

It was the last day for classes, and there was one week left until graduation, for those finished with their education. Jennie had arranged a little gift for Mrs. Nam as a final goodbye.

"I never thought I'd be so hesitant to leave a class before," Jennie chuckled. Taeyong laughed along with her and agreed.

"I'll see you later in class, okay? I'm going to stop by the office real quick," Taeyong stood as Jennie nodded. Jennie headed in her own direction as they parted in different directions.

Later, in their last class with Mrs. Nam, Jennie sat her gift bag onto her teacher's desk. At the sudden notion, Mrs. Nam looked at her soon to be graduated student.

"Oh, you didn't have to bring me anything," Mrs. Nam gasped, eyeing the present on her desk. Jennie just smiled in response, and pushed the gift towards her. Mrs. Nam grabbed the gift, and set it behind her desk to open up later. "Thank you so much, Miss Kim. I hope you really enjoyed taking my class."

"I most certainly did. I should be thanking you."

Taeyong came back from the office, and smiled at Mrs. Nam.

"Well, I'd love to hear from you two after you've gone on in life. Whatever it is you decide to do."

"We will. I promise."

At lunch, Joy invited Jennie and Taeyong to sit with her and Sungjae. This took them by surprise, by they happily obliged.

Jennie noticed Joy looked a lot different in the time she and Sungjae started dating. Her clothing choices were a lot different. She still looked stunning as ever, maybe even a bit prettier. She chose to wear soft pastel colors, instead of neon tank tops and heels. She opted for cute sandals that showed off her fresh pedicures.

Joy never admitted it, but the way she used to dress, was a way to deflect her insecurities. She thought all she had to offer was her physical beauty. Society made her believe that way for as long as she could remember. She pushed down her real beliefs and personality to be seen as the perfect doll.

In the time spent talking to Sungjae, she'd realized that she could truly be herself, and would be praised and respected for it. He liked her most authentic self.   So did she.