REMEMBER ME ʲᵒᵒ ᵍʸᵉᵒᵏᶜʰᵃⁿ

chapter three

     hurt by the west

- ten minutes after roll call -

Roll call took an unexpected turn, with Yeong-ro left behind in a hilarious pursuit of a runaway box filled with dumplings. Climbing through the window was an amusing spectacle that left us all in stitches. Miss Pi remained oblivious, and we managed to escape her notice for the time being.

With Yeong-ro back, the dumplings became the center of attention, and our resident hero, Man-dong, came to the rescue. I can't help but sigh as I rise from my bed, opting to grab one of Jeong-min's books to stave off the boredom that creeps in during these dormitory lulls.

As I'm about to open the book, Yeong-ro returns with Seol-hui, holding a mysterious box behind her. I eagerly rush towards them. "Are those the dumplings?"

"Yes, but we can't eat them yet," Yeong-ro teases, keeping the box out of view.

I pout in disappointment. "Why not? We're supposed to have fun today, remember?"

Hye-ryeong joins me, extending her hand. "She's right, so get those dumplings ready."

"No," Yeong-ro shakes her head. "First, we dance. After that, we eat. That was the plan."

"Damn you, Yeong-ro," I mutter under my breath.

And so, our impromptu 'girls-night' begins with a lively dance and sing battle. Later, we indulge in the long-awaited dumplings, and the night culminates in a cozy slumber on the floor. It's a simple joy, but it's been too long since we've enjoyed each other's company without a care in the world. I revel in the warmth of friendship, grateful for these moments that bring a sense of normalcy to our lives.

-

The next morning greets me with an unwelcome headache, a persistent pounding that echoes through my skull. Though we didn't indulge in any drinking the night before, it feels like an invisible force is relentlessly hammering away at my head.

Alone in our room, I realize my friends have already departed for breakfast without bothering to wake me. I stretch my limbs, wincing at the throbbing in my temples, and gather my outfit, toothbrush, and toothpaste before making my way to the public bathroom.

Completing my morning routine, I return to our room to find Yeong-ro, seated at her desk, absorbed in writing. A palpable frustration emanates from her. "Hey, what's wrong?" I inquire, taking a seat on my bed.

Yeong-ro sighs. "I haven't received a letter from Yeong-u yet. He doesn't take a leave or write me back."

"Maybe he's busy, or perhaps he didn't get your letter?"

She shakes her head, a frown etched on her face. "No, I'm sure he received my letter. He just doesn't want to write back." She scoffs before folding the paper into an airplane. Marching towards the room's only window, she releases the paper aircraft into the morning breeze. "You're so mean, Yeong-u!"

I can't help but laugh at her pouting expression. Despite the frustration, Yeong-ro's adorable demeanor adds a touch of lightness to the morning.

-

I observe in silence as Hye-ryeong carefully removes her earrings and other sparkling accessories, her expression shifting to one of disgust as Yeong-ro recounts the day's events.

Allow me to fill you in.

A phone call to the dormitory today changed the game. A boy, proposing a blind date to Hye-ryeong, offered to include four of her friends along with his own group. However, Jeong-min, true to her nature, declined the offer, leaving Bun-ok to volunteer to take her place and join us.