Indifference | MiShu

Part V

Wednesday morning, I've waited for Minnie to change her clothes so we could go to our class together. Minnie said that they've slept at Soyeon's house last night, which is somehow near our school and that the three already went to their respective classes. Shuhua left early as well when I told her Minnie texted me to stay.

I would have asked Minnie why Soyeon prefer staying at the dorm when she has a house nearby, but I stopped myself when I realized that it's mandatory to live inside the university.

As Minnie and I were walking towards the Performance Arts Building (PAB), she apologized for leaving without me. I told her it's fine since I came home pretty late yesterday, anyway.

"But Shuhua's really upset that you guys left her alone."

Minnie laughed, "Shuhua-ya? She's not gonna be upset for too long, and besides, Soojin's the one who told us to leave without her. Shuhua can't stay mad at Soojin, so I think we're alright."

"Speaking of those two, they seem really close, no? How did you guys met up, anyway?"

"Well, Shuhua's a foreigner, same as Yuqi and me. As you already know. She came to Korea at a very young age. She started studying here since, I don't know... maybe in her first year of high school? But yeah..." Minnie opened the door to a recording studio. There are at least ten people in here, chatting quietly.

Minnie pointed at the two vacant seats near the corner, "I came here as a Freshie in an exchange program, and that's when I met Soyeon. She's a third year student in a nearby highschool, at that time, and we met when I watched their group's street dance performance at our university, as an invite, during the school festival... Then, I've finally decided to transfer at CUBE for the rest of college on my second year. It was maybe fate that brought us together again, or maybe just a total coincidence that we even became roommates. Amazing, right?"

Minnie giddily talk, glad to recall the past, "It was hard at first, though, because I can barely speak Korean, but Soyeon's really patient with me." Minnie blushed and looked down, but glanced at me seconds later, "Anyway... Where was I? Oh yeah, Soojin originally came from another dorm room, but she changed her room to us at the beginning of the second semester, I don't know the exact reason why though."

Minnie tried to remember the events of their past. I waited patiently for her to continue while the instructor's not here.

"So, all things considered, the three of us got along pretty quickly even though they're both younger than me..." Minnie chuckles, "Sorry, what was your question again? I've been carried away by the past that I went off track to your question." Minnie scratched her head in embarrassment, smiling shyly. I laughed at how cute she is.

"You're Hangeul is great, by the way. I was just asking how Soojin and Shuhua became really close?"

She nodded, "Right. It was the time when the university started accepting students from the nearby highschools did Yuqi and Shuhua started living with us. Shuhua was on her second year in highschool, while Yuqi's on her third. Yuqi came to our dorm first, and a few months after came our youngest. Both couldn't speak Hangeul at a conversational level back then, but because they were younger, Soojin felt the need to take care of them, and always tries to communicate using a translator application. Though, Shuhua became more attached to her over time, and Yuqi to Soyeon and me."

"I see.. But, the way Yuqi talks, it seems like she already mastered speaking Hangeul, though? When they just both came around the same time?"

"I know, right? Yuqi is a bright kid, she's never too shy to ask about things she doesn't know, on the contrary, Shuhua was really quiet when we first met. She doesn't initiate conversation with others, and would often sit at one corner, away from us."

"And that's how she got the title of a cold person?"

"Yup. The students around Shuhua's age were all close to Yuqi right from the start. She's really shy, that kid. But, after some time, when she can finally speak the basics of the language, through Soojin, Shuhua started to trust and opened up to the rest of us."

"She seems to be so possessive."

"Over Soojin, you mean? Yeah. All of us got used to that side of her. It's cute, really. Although, sometimes, we become wary of our actions because she would always be watching us either from the side or afar, and would come out, out of nowhere, to stop us, say for example, from hugging Soojin, or even just a touch."

"Wow. I wonder how that feels for Soojin."

"Soojin, seriously, seriously, hates it. At first, at least. But now, she's riding along to Shuhua's trip."

"They suit each other well, then."

"Yep. Their chemistry is undeniable, that's for sure."

Yeah, opposite of mine and Shuhua's relationship. I'm kinda jealous.

Minnie stopped talking when the instructor arrived, the same woman who gave me the brooch on my major counseling session.

"Ooh.. Glad to see you in this class, Ms. Cho. Seems like you already made a friend?" She smiles at me, nodding her head towards Minnie's direction.

"Ah.. Yes, Ma'am. I'm glad to be here, as well."

"Anyway, have you introduced yourself to the class yet?"

The other students answered for me, urging me to sing alongside my introduction.

"Oh, you heard them. Please sing for us."

I hesitantly stood up, looking around at their unfamiliar faces. Minnie touches my hand, encouraging me, and I hold onto her for some strength before I started singing.

The class clapped and cheered, while the instructor and Minnie seemed to be pleased.

"That was beautiful, Ms. Cho. And I guess that's enough inspiration to start this class. So, shall we begin?"

***

It was a busy morning, but it was fun. At lunch, the six of us finally gathered together at one table.

"What do you think of our section, Miyeon-ah? Pretty cool, right?" Minnie asked, full of enthusiasm that it was hard not to smile at her.

"It's great. Ms. Park was so kind, and our classmates are easy to get along."

"Of course, our class is the best among all of the Vocals' seniors. Just wait till the school festival begins, and you'll see how good we actually are. And this year, we'll be having you too, so we'll be more powerful." The others were just quietly eating, listening to Minnie and I.

"Oh-ho.. Minnie-unnie, you're slowly becoming Yuqi. Full of bluff. Soon, you'll be declaring to the world how perfect you are." Soojin jokes.

"Yah! Soojin-unnie! Do we have a problem?" Yuqi said with her loud voice while laughing, which gathered us some nearby onlookers.

"She's right, though? I think you should stay away from Yuqi for a while, Minnie-unnie." Soyeon added, trying hard to hide a smile.

"Ahh.. Really, this two. If only I was older than you, I'll give you both some smack in the head."

"Oh, by the way, Miyeon sang in our class today. She's really good." Minnie smiled proudly at me.

The others looked at me with curiosity.

"Sample! Sample! Please show us a sample, unnie!" Yuqi chanted.

"Shh! Yuqi-ah, not here..! I-I'll show you guys some other time."

"Or.. you know, you could show it to us this Friday. Weekly evaluation, remember?" Shuhua reminded all of us.

Oh, right. I need to prepare something for that. With all the things going on, I almost forgot that we have to perform something every week. It's so hectic, and I've only been here for almost three days. Geez.

"Yeah, Shuhua's right.. We'll be expecting it, then. Do well, unnie." Soyeon touched my arm.

Oh, no. I only have little time to practice, maybe I should ask Seo Ho-oppa for help? Yep. I think it's best to ask him for some advice.

Note to self: treat oppa better so we could always ask for help.