strawberry kisses 🍓 -- ricky

chapter nineteen

~ the next day ~

"oh shoot, DID WE HAVE HOMEWORK YESTERDAY??" ricky gasped as we were walking in the school hallway together.

"YES RICKY HOW COULD YOU FORGET?!" i said, hitting his arm.

"IT'S HOMECOMING NIGHT WHY WOULD THEY GIVE HOMEWORK?? it's okay, i'll just copy off of beomgyu"

i shook my head with a sigh as we entered the classroom and walked to our seats.

"are you sure there's nothing going on between you and ricky?? the matchmaker in me swears you are looking at him with heart eyes" jungwon asked, like he does almost everyday.

i looked around the room to see if anyone was listening, then whispered into his ear, "don't tell anyone, but i might have recently realized that i have feelings for ricky..."

jungwon gasped dramatically, slapping his desk repeatedly.

"ohmygodohmygodohmygod i knew it i literally called it i'm so psychic"

i shushed him quickly as our teacher walked into the room.

"good morning everyone, how was homecoming last night?" mrs. lee greeted.

everyone cheered in approval with a thumbs up.

"i'm glad to hear that. anyways, i have an announcement. so as you all should know, we are having the semester exams in a few days. this will have a significant impact on your grade."

everyone sighed in disappointment.

"i know, i know. but at the end of next week, we are having a school festival as a reward. students of all grades, other nearby high schools, and parents are invited to enjoy the event. unfortunately, all senior students are required to help out at a booth. the senior class will be split into two groups, one will be working the first half while the other is participating in the festivities, and then the groups will switch. our class will be working the first shift."

the students groaned in stress as some commented, "right after the exams? that's not a reward."

"i know i'm sorry you guys, this is what the principal requests. but on the bright side, this is a reminder that the senior trip is next month. if you want to attend, remember to sign up soon."

a student at the front raised her hand and mrs. lee nodded her head in approval.

"but mrs. lee, why are we doing the senior trip halfway in the school year? isn't it usually at the end of the year?"

"the school board decided it was best to do it early because the area of the campgrounds we chose is predicted to have heavy rain and weather most of the year. we were not able to change the location unfortunately, so we chose the time in the year that supposedly will be clear and sunny. don't be relaxed on your grades just because the trip is earlier though. your grades will also determine if you are able to attend other end of the year activities."

the class chattered among themselves for a few moments, before mrs. lee brought back the attention.

"moving on with the project, you will have partial input on your groups. you must work with the person sitting next to you, however your pair will choose another pair in this class to be a group of four with. in a moment, i will allow you all to pick your groups, and then i will be telling you your assigned booths. all you have to do is design your booth's decorations and your strategy to promote it. you may pick your groups now."

"c'mon" jungwon said, standing up.

"who are we going to?" i asked, following.

"thank me later" he whispered, running to the middle row.