❝𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐘❞

V

(V)

"I have a brief announcement to make." Miss Han announces as she walks up to the class podium and looks up at everyone. "This year's Healing Forest will go ahead as planned. Make sure to check the notice in the group chat. And notify me beforehand if you can't attend. That's all." 

With that she walks out of class, and again the noise of the chatting class erupted. As Hera, Jae-i and Aeri walked out in the corridors, a voice called out.

"Aeri."

As the three girls recognised the voice, they fastened their pace. But the height of the voice owner gave him an advantage as in a matter of two strides the girls were already in grasp reach.

"Can we talk for a moment?"

Aeri stopped as she slowly turned around with a small smile creeping on the corner of her mouth. The other two girls passed Kang Ha a glare as they stood focused on their phones.

"Talk." Jae-i spoke up as she saw Kang Ha eye Hera and her. "It doesn't matter. Just speak up. We won't leave."

His eyes lingered at Hera as she said,"You heard her. Speak."

He heaved a small sigh as he looked at Aeri and spoke up,"I am sorry about the other day. If I startled or offended-"

He was cut off as Jae-i spoke grabbing Aeri by the hand. "Scholarship Kid."

"Kang Ha. Not scholarship kid, Kang Ha." He corrected as Jae-i looked at him in utter disbelief as Aeri tried her best to break free from Jae-i's hold.

"Kang Ha. Whatever your name is. You both had fun at the party. That's all. Don't overreact. She hates clingy people." And with that she pulled Aeri with her as the three girls walked away.

Kang Ha's mood dropped as he saw Aeri walked away. But Jae-i stopped, she whispered Hera to take Aeri away with her and then Jae-i walked back up to Kang Ha.

"Can I give you some advice?" She asked as she continued without hearing or waiting for his answer. "Drop out of school."

"Drop out?" Kang Ha looked at her in disbelief. "Why should I drop out of school?"

"You provoked Ri-an, and this is the only way you can stand up to him." She said as Kang Ha smiled.

"If that's what you mean, I'll take care of it myself and.." His voice trailed off before speaking up again,"..I liked it. That Aeri didn't push me away that day."

He said loud enough that Aeri, who was being walked away by Hera could hear. Jae-i scoffed as she walked away. 

Even though Kang Ha couldn't see her reaction, he knew she was giggling.

And she was.