finessed | jinsoo (discontinued)

14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Are all the performers present?" Jisoo asked Jinyoung in frenzy as she flipped the schedule sheet back and forth backstage, trying to find any loopholes in their program planning even though they've already been preparing this event for three weeks straight. "We don't have any more flipping time to waste, the first performance is about to start in 10 minutes!"

She rolled the sheet into a telescope shape and began walking all over the stage, testing the microphones and its stands, making sure the chairs and every other prop used for the entire event were in its place. "I want every single person to gather at the stage for one last rollcall!" Jisoo screamed into the microphone, causing the speakers to let out a screeching, metallic shriek which made everyone shudder and cringe.

"Woman, sit your ass down and take a breather, would you?" Doyoung said exasperatedly as he sashayed towards his position next to Jisoo. Doyoung gave a fake smile to the crowd that had gathered in front them and slung his arms around Jisoo's shoulder. "Please excuse my friend's crude behavior."

"I don't claim her." Jinyoung chimed in, joining where the both of them stood.

Jisoo tried to shove the both of them, but only managed to elbow Doyoung in his stomach, earning a grunt of agony from the innocent boy next to her. "1, 2, 3, 4. . ." she began the rollcall, ignoring the two boys who were standing beside her like a pair of bodyguards. "Okay!" Jisoo dismissed everyone back to their positions accordingly once she did a headcount, then walked backstage towards the area near the red, velvet curtains as she prepared for the series of onslaught people entering.

It was already three thirty by the time the sixth person started his performance. It was going to be such a busy day today for everyone. The whole event had officially started at 2.15PM, lasting for two hours, and afterwards there was going to be a carnival of some sorts, where students set up game booths, photo booths or a booth pertaining to their club commitment. The student body official had also persuaded the principal to bring in rides from external vendors, such as the Cyclone Carnival Ride.

"Kim Jisoo," Jisoo was interrupted in the middle of her conversation with one of the students working backstage, her back instantly straightening up as her brain registered the person who was calling her name. Jisoo politely excused herself, her expression contorted into absolute misery before she unwillingly turned her back around with a smile plastered on her face and faced Miss Hana, who was already staring at her expectedly.

She bowed at an almost 90-degree angle, her hair flying back messily as she regained her posture. "Good afternoon, Miss Hana. What can I do for you?" And though she was acting respectful on the outside, Jisoo was also inwardly groaning in annoyance at the presence of a teacher.

"I'd just like to say that I'm impressed with the event so far. You've done well, I'd say," Miss Hana commented. "Everything is running quite smoothly."

Jisoo's lips finally stretched out into a genuine smile at her stone-cold teacher's remark. It has been such a long time since someone complimented her for her skills. It is honestly tiring to be complimented solely for your looks all the time, even though it was nice of them to praise her, but it also feels refreshing to be appreciated for something else instead. "Thank you, Miss Hana!" Jisoo bowed again and again, showing her respect and this time, it was honest. "I'll keep on doing my best."

Miss Hana nodded awkwardly and walked off, leaving Jisoo to her temporary bliss. Dazed, Jisoo sat down on a wooden flimsy chair nearby with the company of herself as the others in the background ran around assiduously, carrying out what was practiced the past few weeks. Before she knew it, it was already four pm. Her reveries were broken the moment a hand shockingly slammed down on her shoulders, making her jump up from her seat in utter surprise. "What the fuck, Jinyoung? Did you wanted to witness my soul transporting out of my body or what?" she almost screamed at the boy.