❝𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐘❞

II

(II)

As Aeri sat on the long-table, she shifted slightly uncomfortable. Ri-an's mother had called her over for a family brunch. But it wasn't exactly a family-brunch, cause neither of Aeri's parents were present there. They were on their usual business trips from which they returned once or twice  in 3 to 4 years.

It was Ri-an, her and Ri-an's mother. Ri-an sat across Aeri, with a complex look. Hera had messaged them to meet at the track in the afternoon that Aeri already knew. 

"I am sorry." Aeri had apologised to Ri-an's mother how her mother couldn't attend the family brunch. Ri-an's mother waved her hand,"It's okay. I am happy to have you over."

They ate as a piano was played by a pianist in the background. The food was delicious to be honest. It made Aeri feel relaxed for a while.

Ri-an's mother admired Aeri as she ate as she forced out a smile. Aeri hated when all unwanted attention was on her.

Ri-an's mother and Aeri's mother were childhood bestfriends. So, family meetings were common but it was always when Aeri's mother was with her. It was her first time being alone with Ri-an's mother.

Ri-an scowled at Aeri when his mother focused on eating. He hated when Aeri faked her emotions. After brunch, Aeri bid Ri-an and his mother a sweet goodbye as she left.

She walked to the nearby lake behind the open restaurant as she sat down near the bank, grass tickling her bare skin below her skirt. She took out the book that she was reading from her bag. She placed the bag on her side as she started reading.

Kang Ha, the part time-pianist of the open restaurant, walked towards the lake with a lollipop in his mouth. He had noticed the lake in the morning and had planned to spend his free time after work there. He scrolled on his phone through random messages.

He walked over to the lake and noticed someone sitting on the lake bank. He had seen her somewhere? She was oddly familiar.

 As he walked towards the person, he stepped over on a dry leaf causing it crunch beneath his feet. The girl snapped her head towards his direction.

That's when he recognised her. It was the girl from the  semester opening  ceremony! 

"Ah..Sorry." He said guiltily.

Aeri recognised the boy. It was the new scholarship student!

"Hi Kang Ha." She wished him as she smiled towards him.

She knew his name while Kang Ha had no clue related to her name. He mentally cursed himself while saying,"Hi.."

It was  almost like she had read her mind as she quickly said,"Aeri. My name is Kim Aeri." 

She stretched out her hand for a handshake. He walked near her accepting the hand with a smile.

Aeri scooted over from her place to give Kang Ha room to sit down. He muttered her name under his breath for a while.

"Welcome to Jooshin High." She wished him as she closed the book, looking at the cloudless sky.

"That's actually my first proper welcome to the school." He mumbled as Aeri furrowed her eyebrows, looking towards Kang Ha.