TRUST || STRAY KIDS

PART XIV - REQUEST

"So, I just use this formula again after I got the result on the first step?" he asked, reconfirming.

"Yup, and then substitute it to the x right here," she added while eyes still scanning the problem. "And that's it. You'll know the result once you do this formula after substituting the x." As usual, she went to the library to finish off some of her assignments. Seung Min surprisingly joined her a few minutes after she arrived, asking about his assignment. It was hard, really. She was surprised herself that she can come up with the idea of solving his problems. Her major was not even that close to him. The only similar thing, they used calculation on their assignments. She was an accounting student, while Seung Min took Chemistry major. Not relatable at all. "You can solve problems harder than this," she finally looked at him. "Why did you ask me for help? You're already smart enough." He gulped, trying to give an acceptable excuse to her. She laughed after noticing his panicked state. "Relax, I'm not even interrogating you."

"What are you doing anyway?" he tried to change the topic, closing his books since he has done with his assignments. "I think I interrupted you. I'm sorry."

"Not at all, that's okay. I just need to do a small revision anyway," she replied and focused back to her laptop screen. She moved her laptop to the side so he can look at her assignment. Well, he did help her though. Changing here and there a little bit until her presentation was better than before. He suggested a few things to change and make the presentation better as he has seen people presenting at one of the competitions. They got first place in the end. He's not helping her on getting the data but helping her presentation to be more in sequence and more presentable. "Well, that's the first time you're helping me. Maybe you can help me next time if I have another assignment."

"Sure, I'll be more than glad to help," he smiled at her, staring at her eyes deeply before she looked away feeling her cheeks getting hotter the minute he stared.

"Hey, guys!" the familiar voice interrupted them. "Seung Min, I can't believe you left me at the class!" Seung Min just laughed flatly after noticing his presence. While Y/N on the other side, quickly put up her hoodie to block her face from his view. Hoping he won't recognize a thing about her since it was still embarrassing enough for her.

"Sorry, bud. I have an appointment to do," Seung Min reasoned. "You're stuck with the girls, anyway. There's nothing I can do. You know how thirsty our department girls are."

"You're right," he nodded before taking a seat across them. She gulped nervously as he took his seat leisurely, opening his books for his assignment. She wanted to leave. Right now. This moment. But he'll know right away once she stood up or even talked to Seung Min. "So, Y/N." Shit, here we go again. "You're quite the talk after you left immediately."

"Yeah?" she asked unamused.

"No one dare to raise their voice while the game still in play. You're the first one," he giggled, leaning his back to the chair and admiring her face. "The challenger was quite furious at my family for bringing you to the event, to be honest."

"Look, I'm really sorry about losing my control the other day, but someone need to speak up," she massaged her temple, trying to control her emotion again.

"That's why I need your help," his face now looked serious than before. Seung Min and her looked at each other before looking back at Hyun Jin.

"What do you mean?" Seung Min asked, curious.

"You already know my suspicion about Ye Ji's case, right?" he looked at Seung Min while he just replied with a nod. "Well, you might think she's fortunate that she got to leave outside to study overseas after losing her first game. Since she really hates poker after all. But turns out, she was sent there to train. She can come back to Korea if she has reached 100 million won."

"Why 100 million?" Seung Min asked.

"That's the amount she lost at that night," he explained. "So, I want you to help me getting her out of there. She's suffering there."

"And how was I supposed to do that?" she raised an eyebrow before she realized something. "Right. You want me to play in the next game night." He smiled at how quick-witted she was. "That's not going to happen."

"Wait. Why?" he was beyond surprised. Didn't expect she would reject him right away. "I'll give you money, if that's what you want."

"Yup, not going to happen," she nodded while still looking at him flatly. "I've decided not to get involve with your family again. Your family sounds bad news. Especially your grandfather." The other reason she denied him was because she needed to play with those wealthy people, betting more than money and gold before getting into the main event. It would be very tiring. Definitely not going to happen.

"Even if Ryu Jin asked you to save her?" her head shot up once he mentioned about Ryu Jin. "After witnessing how you saved her that night, she's sure you're the only one who can save her. Save our family."

"Do you realize this plan can destroy your family?" she asked, rather worried. "From what I heard, you guys relied on poker very much. You helping Ye Ji out of there is the same as rebellion."

"She's right," Seung Min agreed. "You can't ask her something like that. She might be in danger after doing all of that."

"I know!" Hyun Jin sighed, stressed out. Seems asking for her help was his last resort. He knew how powerful his family hold. However, Ye Ji's still their family. Sending her out to train her like slaves really not family-like. He just wished he's born on a normal family. Not wealthy. Just normal.

Seeing how stressed he look, she sighed. It was not because his request, but Ryu Jin sometimes mentioned about Ye Ji. How she felt her like her own sister. She was really sad the moment she heard Ye Ji was sent overseas. Like she lost a part of her. If it's for Ryu Jin, maybe she'll try. She still owed her too much. It's the least she can do for her, right?

"If there's any other way rather than playing on the game night, I'll try," she sighed, looking at him. His head shot up, looking at her. Smiling brightly. While Seung Min only looked at her, widening his eyes. It was not like her, to accept the request she really hate. It's not because of him who asked, was it? Questions flew around his head as he still tried to figure her out.

"Thank you so much! I really owe you!" he said, holding her hands tightly. "I'll tell you immediately if I figure something out!" He froze. The minute he grabbed her hands, he froze out. Eyes not leaving their hands. Especially how his hand grabbed her hand gently.

"I'm coming too," he blurted after looking away from their hands. He can't stand this. "There's no way you can do this alone. We've worked together before and it'll help us to carry out the plan easier." She softly took away her hand from his grip and looked at Seung Min with a soft smile. She thought he might notice her uncomfortable decision and decided to join.

"Thank you."