𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬

Eight

Minhyuk has been hanging around Hyemi for quite some time now. It feels like he was a totally different person.

"Hyemi, don't you think Minhyuk's been acting weird recently?" Eunji asked as she closed her locker. "Like he knows something,"

"You think he does?" Hyemi said, looking at Minhyuk from a distance.

Eunji sighed, "You really didn't find out who it was?"

"MJ tried asking Aera again and again but he just scared her away. Now, she can't even look me in the eye,"

"Why did you even ask MJ to do it?" Eunji wondered. "You could've asked Bin or Eunwoo,"

Hyemi bit her lip. She hasn't spoken to the boys ever since she was hospitalized. They were back to their usual self, avoiding each other again.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

"Students, please pass your permit," The teacher announced. "Everyone's going, right?" A chorus of yes were heard.  "I will now group you. This will be your team for the project you are passing to me after the trip. Understood?"

"First group: Jin Jihee, Choi Yoojung, Kim Myungjun, Lee Dongmin,"

"Second group: Bang Eunji, Kim Sae Ron, Park Jinwoo, Shin Wonho,"

"Third group: Ji Aera, Yoon Hyemi, Park Minhyuk, Moonbin,"

As soon as the following groups were announced, the teacher said, "Stay with your groups during the duration of the fieldtrip and jot down notes as many as you can. You will need this for the brochure you're making."

≿————-　❈　————-≾

"May I sit here?" Minhyuk motioned to the seat beside Hyemi.

"Hyemi," MJ said behind Minhyuk. He was about to ask that seat.

Hyemi looked at MJ then back at Minhyuk, "Sure." As soon as Minhyuk sat down, Hyemi mouthed to MJ, 'Act normal.'

MJ slowly nodded, hiding the hurt while he sits beside Jinjin.

"So, are you excited for the trip?" Minhyuk asked.

"Minhyuk," Hyemi suddenly had the courage to ask him what the hell is going on. "Why do you keep following me? Aren't you supposed to be hanging out with Bin and Eunwoo?"

He shrugged, "I like you. Is it bad to be there for someone you like?"

"Y-you like me?" Hyemi stuttered.

Minhyuk leaned in and smiled, "Yeah."

≿————-　❈　————-≾

Their trip started out in the museum. Everyone spread out to look for an artifact to work on for their project.

"So, what artifact do you choose?" Hyemi asked Aera who was quiet the whole tour.

"You pick," Aera answered.

"But it's supposed to be a group project," She argued. "I also need your opinion."

Aera looked at the two boys who were playing with some rocks, "Why don't you ask them?"

Hyemi looked at Bin and Minhyuk who were messing around, "May I remind you that this is a museum, not a playground!"

"We can choose this," Bin pointed at the rocks, "Easy."

Hyemi walked over to the signage. After reading, she hit Bin's forehead, "Those are fake. Now be serious. I don't have all day to deal with your silliness."

"We can choose this," Minhyuk motioned at a rifle gun used in Korea's war.

"Aera, can you copy some notes from it?" Hyemi said, handing Minhyuk a camera. "You, take a photo. And when I say photo, it means of the gun – not your face."

Minhyuk grinned, "Yes, maam!"

≿————-　❈　————-≾

"Have you noticed anything strange about Minhyuk?" MJ suddenly asked.

Eunwoo blinked and look around, "Oh, were you talking to me?"

MJ sighed, "No. I was talking to this wax figure." He faced the stand, "So, have you noticed anything strange about Minhyuk?"

Eunwoo mentally face palmed himself, "I do, actually. He acts different when he's around her."

"You think he likes her?"

"I think he knows something,"

"You know, I like my theory better," MJ nodded. "By the way, do you still like Hyemi?"

Eunwoo smiled, "That's the only thing that can never change."

"So, are you and Bin like having a silent competition? Since you know, Bin also likes her."

"Aren't you in this too?" He said. "We all know you like her MJ so what's stopping you? Both of us are out in the picture,"

MJ looked down but looked up again and smiled, "I don't want to ruin our friendship; besides she told me she doesn't like anyone at the moment."

Eunwoo's hit him, "Hey! You told us she likes someone between Bin and me!"

MJ laughed so hard, "You actually believed me?!"