pretty flower | 강새벽

019

When we reached the boys again, they were discussing a plan with serious looks on their faces. 

"That's true, but probability-wise, men are better at most games. We're betting our lives right now." I hear Sang-Woo say and the hand I was holding tense slightly. 

"Men are better at most games?" She asks, her porcelain-like features scrunching up angrily. "Did you know, that women are quite the asset to have? They're strong, both physically and mentally and they can think strategically in tough situations. They can also assess things quickly, making sure everyone is accounted for." 

Sang-Woo turns his head to face the smaller girl that stood next to me. I look down towards her, finding her face incredibly angry, but incredibly cute at the same time. 

"We already have two women and an elder. Besides, depending on the game, men might be better for the team." Sang-Woo answers, making Sun-Hi glare at him more fiercely. 

"Fine, but as you said, we're betting our lives on this." Sun-Hi scoffs "Men always think that just because women are smaller and more 'fragile' we aren't strong. We literally push children out of us!" 

I chuckle slightly and wrap an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to me, whilst placing a small kiss on the top of her head "I'm sure you have enough feminism for this whole place." 

She rolls her eyes and leans into my side. 

"There are six of us. This means we only need four more people." Sang-Woo states, causing everyone to look at him with a nod. "We can each go and find someone" 

"That will make an extra person." Sun-Hi interrupts. 

"You and Sae-Byeok can team up if you'd wish." Sun-Hi nods. 

I turn around, Sun-Hi still in my grasp, and start walking away. We continue walking until I spot a girl sitting on the steps, alone. I pull Sun-Hi with me, not saying anything. 

"I thought Sang-Woo said to recruit men." Sun-Hi notices where I'm headed. 

"Does it look like I care what a man says?" I reply and Sun-Hi smirks. 

"And that's why you're so amazing." She giggles and I feel butterflies in my stomach. It was such a simple task, but it was like listening to the most complex song. Her giggle was soft and kind, but also suited her fiery personality. 

We make it to the steps and stop in front of the girl. The girl sitting in front of us was cute with her hair coming to her shoulders and slightly curling outwards. She had a small nose piercing on the left side of her nose and her face was ovalized.

The girl looked up, her eyes widening slightly as she saw us. "What?" she asks, and her voice was smooth and suited her perfectly. It was kind but protective and was somewhat familiar. 

"Join us," I say, staring into her eyes. 

That's how we stay, staring at each other without saying anything. Our eye contact only breaks once her eyes look downwards, looking me over. 

She looks beside me, causing me to do the same. The person we found was the small girl who was still holding my hand, watching the interaction between us nervously. She was fidgeting with her sleeve in that hand that wasn't surrounded by mine, looking to the ground as we turned our attention to her. 

"She's pretty." The girl in front of us says, tilting her head slightly as she watched Sun-Hi carefully. 

"That she is," I contain my smile as I glance at the girl before me. 

"We should... um, get going. Are you joining us or not?" Sun-Hi looks up at the girl with big eyes. The girl nods and stands up, standing next to me as we start walking. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯

( 𝗞𝗜𝗠 𝗦𝗨𝗡-𝗛𝗜 )

"One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine?." Gi-Hun counts as he points to each person. "We're missing someone." 

"I'm sorry. I didn't bring anyone, I thought we would have too many." the old man said, glancing at the floor pitifully. 

"Who brought you here?" Sang-Woo asks, pointing to the girl between Sae and I. 

"This one." The girl says, pointing her head towards Sae. I scoff slightly, crossing my arms. 

"I told you that we're only getting men." Sang-Woo stares at Sae. 

"Well, this is pretty awkward. Did I join the wrong team? Then I'll see myself out." The girl starts to stand up, but Sae grabs onto her thigh and pushes her down slightly. I stare at the two of them and bite the inside of my cheek. 

So much for only belonging to me.

I roll my eyes, looking away from the two. 

"Wait, just sit there." Gi-Hun pauses before speaking again "We don't even know what we're going to play next. We don't have much time either. Let's just go find one more person to get ten."

"We already look pathetic. Who would volunteer?" Sang-Woo's tone was cold "Once everyone finds a team, we'll end being with the person left over." 

"I am not a leftover!" The lady from the bathroom yelled, walking over to us with sass. "Boys, I grace you with my presence. Consider yourselves lucky." She pushes in between me and the girl, giving the girl a look of disgust. "My gosh. I bet I'm way more useful than these scrawny girls. On top of that, I'm good at everything except the things I'm not." 

She was crazy, but her personality lightened the mood. I wrapped my arm around her with a smile "I like her." 

The lady smiles and wraps an arm around me as well. 

Before anything else is said, the timer hits 00:00.

Time for team selection is over. All teams, line up at the entrance of the game hall.

"Wait, we're not playing here?" Gi-Hun asked, looking around the room. 

I shrug and stand up, lifting the crazy lady with me. "I guess not."

I start walking with the crazy lady and we start to line up, leaving Sae and the girl behind us. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Word Count: 1001