Mischievous [Book II]

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Friday came and Haeun stuck a note on the fridge saying she’d be home by night instead of the usual.

When she went out the door, her father was still fast asleep on the couch, probably dreaming of some success he’d achieve even though he didn’t do anything in his life at all. Seeing him in that state everyday made Haeun wish the days would go by the blink of an eye, and that school year will be over.

She took a closer look at her injured hand when she passed by the ninth stoplight, already healing and about to give her skin a mark. It wasn’t the first one, although she hoped there wouldn’t be more in the future.

School wasn’t exactly the most heavenly place for Haeun, but it definitely provided a better atmosphere than her own home. She lived with her drunkard of a father. In school, at least she had books to study.

However, Haeun was most anxious whenever the eleven o’clock bell rings, and that had been a problem ever since her first day of high school. If the popular people had reserved tables placed in the best spots inside the cafeteria, Haeun had her own as well. The only difference was that she was the only one who sat there, eating lunch alone and trying to ignore the loud people around her.

“Hey, genius.”

Haeun looked up from her tray, finding a bright smile flashing at her. Students from the other tables started to whisper among their groups, staring at her like she was fresh meat thrown in a cage of tigers.

“Why are you here?” Haeun asked.

“Do you want me to leave?” Baekhyun asked back, placing his tray beside hers. She glanced at the other students again and Baekhyun noticed, copying her action. Quickly, they darted their eyes away so they wouldn’t get caught, partly in fear of him being a part of the notorious gang K. “Don’t mind them.”

“That’s impossible.” Haeun mumbled, shaking her head. “Wouldn’t your friends be angry?”

“Why would they?” Baekhyun asked again before he started stuffing his mouth.

“You’re sitting here.” Haeun stated blankly. “I thought popular people sat together in groups.”

“Is that so?” Baekhyun grinned. “You should seat with us then.”

“Why?”

“People have been talking about you, you know.” He shrugged. “I think it started when they found out you’re Chanyeol’s tutor and buzzed more when someone saw you being rushed to the clinic. All I ever heard during lunchtime that day was your name.”

“It wasn’t even that major.” Haeun rolled her eyes. “People take things too seriously.”

“Well, how often do you see students coming into the clinic with an actual injury? Not those who fake their illness just so they can get out of school before time.” Baekhyun pointed out. “And what do you mean it wasn’t major? Mr. Y told us you needed stitches.”

“Mr. Y?”

“Mr. Yongjin.” Baekhyun replied. “He’s our math teacher.”

“Oh.” Haeun nodded. “Yeah, I did. I needed stitches.”

“If no one told me about it, I’d probably think you were stabbed on the stomach because of all those stains on your clothes.” Baekhyun said, almost amazed of how Haeun was oblivious of the fact that she had that deep cut and slapped it against her desk. “What were you thinking?”

“Yeah, what were you thinking?”

This time, both of them looked up from their trays to see Chanyeol staring them down, looking genuinely curious as to why Baekhyun was there with her. He looked like he was on his way outside the cafeteria instead of in, with one strap of his bag slung on his shoulder.