It was easier said than done. Taking back the crowning glory of her education was harder than she thinks.
She studied all night, everyday. She creates spectacular book reports. She joined in multiple extra curricular activities.
In the end, it was not enough.
She lose weight for spending sleepness nights and skipping meals. Her father removes her light bulb at night so she could sleep but she still studies using her phone.
It was that day, the day they posted the result for the second year of senior high and it was the same result.
1. Kim Jihun — 99.87
2. Jeon Jana — 98.93
3. Lee Kyunghee — 93.76
Only a few points, she said to herself. If only she could ran for student council like Jihun did, it probably would've pulled her grades higher. The reality is, no one would vote for her so she didn't even tried.
She smiled at the almost victory until she noticed that someone was beside her. She turned and found Jihun looking at the same board.
"Congratulations." She said smiling.
Jihun looked at her suprised at her smile. She bowed at him. She began to leave when she heard his voice.
"Hey! Hmm— congrats too." He said when she turned around.
"Thanks. See you at math. They'll gonna give the test results today." Jana smiled at him, it was forced. Uncle Jimin was right, it's better to lose to a worthy for than to among mediocre opponents — and finally she was at peace with herself.
——
She collates her papers neatly and puts in her bag while students began to egress the room. It was the last day of school and in a matter of minutes, the room was dead silent. She flinched when she heard a fumbling of keys. When she looked up, Jihun was standing beside the door and smiling at her.
"I called uncle. I told him I'll ask you out— for coffee or something."
She was shocked at the invitation, for the whole year, Jihun never spoke a word to her. He avoided talking and joining the same clubs. There was even a time when she heard him making fun of her during recess for being alone.
"Only if you want, I mean— if you don't like going out— I could just— Forget it. Take care. Happy Vacation." Jihun said as he turned around.
"I like the strawberry milkshake we had." Jana called back.
Jihun flicker his gaze at her and smiled. "Sure, we can go there."
She sat there in silence. Wondering if she could ask her Heeyoung eonnie if she have some syllabus she could borrow so she could study early.
The waitress approached them and put the two strawberry milkshakes on the table and told them to enjoy the drinks.
"You lost a lot of weight." Jihun started. "Not that it looks bad, I mean if it's intentional— you still look good."
"I'm having trouble sleeping." She said as she sip the milkshake. "It's vacation, I'll probably gain the weight back. Drink your milkshake! You're like my brother."
Jihun smiled at her and hesitantly sip his drink.
"Yeah, you look healtier when you're fat. I don't mean you used to be fat but fatter than now— I mean, not that you're fat today. Shit. — Hmm— Jana— ahhh—" Jinhu said as he reached for his bag. "Advance Happy Birthday."
