Bring It On! HAECHAN

05 | colour my senses Cherry red

Donghyuck still hasn't made his move, and it took Chaerin a couple more days of walking on eggshells to realise that that was what the asshole wanted all along.

There's only around two weeks left to monthly evaluations, and as if juggling practice with her campaign isn't already tough as it is, now she has to deal with Donghyuck and his stupid mind games as well.

Case in point, now.

"The fuck?" She mumbles when the line moves forward, and Donghyuck slides in the chair before her with a boyish grin on his face.

She's sat at the far end of the cafeteria, choosing to make use of one of the two-seater tables instead of setting up a whole booth for her campaign today. It's to no surprise that Donghyuck had still managed to find her, though— the queue before her that's snaking through the crowded space must have led him here.

Satisfaction swells in her chest. Without even having to overdo it (like somebody over here), her campaign seems to be off to a strong start, and all she had to prepare was nothing but a sign-up sheet and a pen.

Chaerin had gotten the idea to offer her makeup services for free (in exchange for a vote) even before Donghyuck orchestrated his whole free-pass ensemble, but she knows the reason why he's here is probably to accuse her of stealing his idea... or so she thought.

"This Friday, 5pm."

She frowns. "Huh?"

Donghyuck sighs before spinning the clipboard towards him, eyes scanning through the list of names and appointment times. He smiles gleefully when he sees the available spot, picking up the pen to write down his own name— but not before Chaerin beats him to it.

"What, are you doing?" She hisses as she snatches the pen from his hold.

"What? I wanna look pretty too," he pouts. She returns his gesture with an unimpressed gaze, to which he finally gives in with a dramatic sigh.

"I have a gig at 0 Mile this Friday night and I need someone to do my makeup for me."

Chaerin snorts. "Why? The Valak look just not cutting it out anymore?"

"Ha ha," he laughs dryly. "It's only fair, isn't it? I give you a free studio pass, you make me look even more devilishly handsome with your mediocre skills. It's a win-win."

Just as she's about to tell him off for his less-than-unnecessary comment, her eyes catch sight of the people in line behind him, watching their interaction curiously.

It brings Chaerin back to high school, all the times when she would argue with Donghyuck openly in front of everybody to see. She isn't necessarily embarrassed by it— Chaerin would gladly chide and degrade the boy openly if she has to— but she realises she'd probably have to take on a different approach if she wants a shot at winning this time.

Even with most of her supporters being girls just like she had intended, the whole girls-support-girls notion could only take her so far if she doesn't stay professional. Plus, with Donghyuck's 'charm', it's likely that people are still able to switch sides until the rally is over. Chaerin isn't about to take any chances.

So, she puts on her best smile (though she's sure it comes off more as a grimace) before turning the clipboard around and jotting his name down under the 5pm slot.

"That's my girl!" He clicks his tongue. "I'll see you this Friday, sweets. It's a date." He winks, nudging her cheek with his fist leaving.

Chaerin could only afford to scoff in disbelief. Her heart is pumping about a hundred miles an hour, effects of Lee Donghyuck and the freaking audacity he has.