In the realm of dreams

Part 14: Match day

Baek Yoona

On the bus that would take us to SK High school Jisung and Soobin sat together so I was left by myself and opted for a window seat and put my headphones in, playing my Exo playlist. Through my half-closed I sensed a movement and realised someone had taken up the aisle seat next to me.

'Hi,' a male voice said in English.

It was Eugene Yeo. Eugene turned out to be quite fun and knowledgeable about all things English literature which isn't surprising given he spent most of his life in the States. Did he know Neruda though? He did. Well, we had a lot in common so conversation flowed smoothly. I did notice a few of the girls at the back of the bus trying to glare at me for committing the heinous crime of chatting to Mr.-admired-by-the-girls-Eugene. But I didn't care. An hour passed by quickly and I learned a lot about the great American novel as well as Eugene's preference for rare-gem mangas.

SK High School was, in all honesty, a whole lot posher than Gangwon High School. Everything we had, they had more of it or they had it better. Large trees outlined the perimeter as we crossed through their massive courtyard where the SK students milled about wearing their smart maroon and white uniforms. The school building was a glass-fronted purpose-built edifice flanked on two sides by separate libraries and auditorium. We made our way to the back of the buildings where next to a massive field with a full athletics arena stood the outdoor basketball court. I heard someone say because the weather is good they are having the match outside but they also had an indoor basketball court.

The courtside seating was divided into two sides – one each for home and away teams. We made our way to the away team side and took our seats. The seniors occupied the first row followed by the juniors and a handful of sophomores.

The home team courtside was full to the brim and they even had their home cheerleaders who were showcasing their pom-pom skills as they players were warming up. I noticed Sooho immediately, his face a mask of concentration. He knew we would be there of course and as Soobin and I took out our 'Gangwon High School' and 'Go Sooho' posters, I caught a moment when Sooho turned our way and our eyes met briefly.

I recced the opposition. Not the team but the crowd. Sitting amongst their seniors was the queen bee as easily spotted as a flower amongst weeds. Prim and perfect is how I would describe her, the kind of girl that would have no trouble securing prom queen status.

'That's Hae-won, SK's formidable 'it' girl', Soobin whispered in my ear. She was surrounded by lesser mortals whose only goal in life seemed to be to cater to her whims.

'She's stunning,'Jisung said as he produced some diet colas for us, which were much appreciated given the weather.

'Boy I can't believe Sooho left this awesome school and transferred to our little Gangwon', he said.

What? Sooho used to go here? I didn't know that.

A bunch of the SK boys were noisily trotting over to our side. They had the brash look of those who were used to getting their way with things. They spelled trouble.

'Well well well, what do have here. Looks like Gangwon have stepped up its game and got some actual pretty girls this year.' The tallest among them said, eyeing up Soobin, I and some of the other front rowers.

'Shame, the same cannot be said about SK. Looks like they let any whiffs and strays go here.' I said ostensibly in Soobin's direction but everyone knew who I meant. This guy had no right making comments like that.

He looked taken aback. 'What did you say? I guess you are new so you don't know who I am'.

'Eun Geul leave it, they are only here for a bit', one of his lackeys, pulled his shirt sleeve.