Bring It On! HAECHAN

08 | this is all Mark's fault

It's rally day, and Donghyuck is nervous, which says alot because Lee Donghyuck never gets nervous.

And it's not because of the rally, either— the reason why Donghyuck feels like shitting his pants right now is because of the girl next to him (or rather, next to Mark who's standing in between them), smiling smugly as they face the crowd in the ampitheatre.

He had gotten his bandmates to come on stage with him for moral support the same way Chaerin did with her friends, and it would have worked, if not for Jaemin currently winking and blowing kissy faces at Sera at the other side of the stage shamelessly. Donghyuck swats his arm.

"For too long, us women have been living in a man's world. It's time to change that!" The ampitheatre erupts in cheer. "Lets just cut to the chase— this isnt about who can dance or play music better. I'm standing here today to prove that I can beat Lee Haechan at his own game. He thinks he can charm his way to the top with concert tickets and bribes, but who needs that when you can have someone who actually cares about making this school a better place?" She pauses again to welcome another round of applause before glancing at Donghyuck with a smirk on her face, clearly proud at the overwhelming response. Donghyuck rolls his eyes.

"I'm not here to give you studio passes or trade dates with friends. I'm here to show that dedication, hard work, and a little bit of sugar can win your hearts. Yes, I've got cookies and muffins— because who doesn't love a good treat? But more importantly, I've got integrity. I'm not about to let Lee Haechan's cheap tricks and slick talk win over your votes. If you want someone who will truly represent the spirit of this school, someone who believes in fair play and genuine effort, then I'm your girl. So let's show Haechan that we value honesty over gimmicks. Vote for Ko Chaerin, sweethearts!" She chirps before handing the mic back to Mark.

"Wow, what a compelling speech by Ko Chaerin!" Mark announces a little too enthusiastically. He couldn't have made it any more obvious how much he doesn't want to do this, but the event needed an emcee, so it doesn't really matter. "All yours, Hyuck."

Donghyuck snatches the mic from the president, clearing his throat. "Hi. So, like Cherry said— and I usually hate to agree with her— I'm not here to talk about my skills or my band- we all already know I rock." Someone in the audience shouts a fuck yeah!, and Donghyuck pauses to thump on his chest twice before pointing at his supporter dramatically.

He continues, "Ko Chaerin thinks she can sway you with her cookies and her goody-two-shoes act, but let's be real—what's more fun: a sweet treat, or a free concert? Yeah, I'm playing the game a little dirty with my incentives, but that's because I know how to give you what you really want. So, let's prove that playing nice doesn't always win— make the wise choice and vote for me. That being said, all of you who do vote for me are invited to 0 Mile Bar for a free show on the 2nd of August! Drinks are on us— but, oh, limited to only one per person because Jeno's paying and he's on a budget-"

"Wait, what-"

"-so be there, or be square! Mark?" Donghyuck angles the microphone back to the president, who only sighs.

"And no one wants to be a square," Mark mumbles dryly.

"Damn right! Vote Lee Haechan!"

The audience breaks in applause, and Donghyuck looks to his left to see Chaerin already looking at him, eyes narrowed like she's trying to perform a hex on him.

He returns her glare with a wink, one that makes her look away, but Donghyuck doesn't miss the pink that paints her cheeks.

If she had continued to stare at him, she'd know that his cheeks are just as bright as hers.