Chapter 17: Rumor

Yun Shin?

I woke up from the strange dream and steadied my breathing. I grabbed my bottle from my bag and drank distilled water. The thought of him made me anxious all of a sudden. He looked sweet and innocent, yet the intimidating side of him was scary enough for a thriller movie. No one might have noticed, maybe it was just me. Besides, it happens in an alternate universe so I don't need to worry.

I looked at the time on my phone's screen. It's already 8:30 PM, maybe I should study for my upcoming long tests. I took out my colored worn-out notebooks, my index cards, and my gel pens. I almost forgot about the upcoming long tests for next week. I took my black ball pen and began listing down the important formulas for our physics class.

Elisha and our roommates sat in a circle on the slightly cold floor. As usual, they’ll be talking about the latest rumors, updates, and news. I tried to focus on rewriting my notes while eavesdropping on their conversation, just to be safe that there are no rumors about Dong-Yul.

Elisha spoke, “I have some chika. There has been a rumor circulating that a female freshman saw a handsome-looking Korean around the campus, who’s around mid-twenties. The surprising part is he’s always going home with a dormer.”

Most of them gasped upon hearing the rumor. “Did she tell you who the lucky girl is?” one of them asked. I stopped writing and felt sweat dripping down from my forehead. They won’t know, right? The students who saw me with Dong-Yul never interacted with me. I don’t think they know me at all.

She responded, “She doesn’t know the dormer but she saw her from afar. She said that this dormer looked friendly and cute. Also, she said that the dormer isn’t from her batch, so must be the seniors.”

“Oh, like the grade 11 or grade 12 students. Too bad, we haven’t seen them.”

“Well, maybe one of us has.”

They all turned their heads to me. Elisha asked, “Since you go straight ahead to your tutorial center, have you come across any Koreans?”

I took a short breath and bluntly replied, “Of course not.”

“Aww, too bad. If you ever come across one near our campus, tell us.”

“Sure,” I replied while trying to look uninterested. Rumors really spread fast, and I’m not ready to take any risks before leaving this school. I don’t want to leave any unresolved issues that involve me.

I took out my phone and texted Dong-Yul with speedy fingers.

Me: I have bad news. Someone spotted you and spread rumors. Though they haven’t collected specific details, we need to be more careful.

I put my phone back to sleep and concentrated on reviewing. “Don’t worry, Mia. You have a few weeks before you leave the school,” I reminded myself.

They continued their conversation with giggles and smirks. I didn’t mind them for the entire two hours. I would occasionally glance at them from my bed. Won’t they review? Or aren’t they reviewing because I always review a week before long tests?

I glance back at them before finishing up my notes. Elisha looked at her cell phone and scrolled through the contents of her Twitter timeline. Her eyes widened and immediately showed everyone her screen. “PFM Entertainment is holding their first global audition, mainly for females 13-19 years old. Should we try to audition?”

One of them replied, “Let’s not. Manila is already too far and we have classes during those days.”

Elisha “If only we lived in Manila or didn't have school during the audition period...”

I rolled my eyes and laid down on my bed while looking at the slightly worn-out paint on the wall. Pfftt, I'm definitely sure that there are tons of talented and young girls who will audition. They might not even stand a chance. Yet, I don’t even know if I’ll be accepted or not. I’ve been scouted by an idol, not the staff of PFM Entertainment.

I took a peek at my phone as a notification popped up on its screen. It was Dong-Yul

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Don’t worry, I haven’t posted any selcas yet. Nobody would notice.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: But if it will make you feel safe, I’ll ask for a driver to pick you up instead. Sir Vito will inform you about important information, such as whether practices are canceled or not so that he won’t get involved. Also, I’ll let him monitor your academic performance. Do you have any other concerns?

Other concerns? Should I just send them here?

Me: Actually, I tried to hide my laughter a while ago. Some of my roommates wanted to audition too, but they couldn’t find the time. Maybe, you should squeeze them in too?

After a few seconds, his reply came in a flash.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Unfortunately, the members and I are tasked to recommend only one participant for the audition. And I already found her. It’s already obvious, right?

I grabbed my other spare white pillow and buried my face in it. Why am I acting like this? I’m sure that he might have given compliments to his fans before. Another message popped up on my screen.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Are your parents coming this Friday? I’ll need to speak with them as soon as possible. As much as I want to bring you to South Korea, I need your parents’ trust.

It took me a few minutes before responding to his text. Eventually, my parents have to know. Yet, will they let me audition and become a trainee after the incident before?

Me: Depends. They don’t get swayed easily. Are you sure that you can convince them? They might not know K-pop.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: I have powerful convincing powers, remember? Don’t worry about anything, I can handle them. All I need is their permission. Also, don’t think about the expenses, I’ll take care of them as well.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Also, are they living under a rock? My group, 7AD, already has massive hits and charted top #1 on the Billboard. I’ll show them proof if they won’t budge.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Anyway, look at the time. You have to rest, we’ll meet again on Friday with your parents. I hope I make a good first impression hahahaha.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Don’t forget to follow your diet plan and continue with your skincare routine. You’ll look less like a chipmunk and more of a star because you’re gradually glowing ;)

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Just kidding, you’re already beautiful the way you are. However, we live in a judgemental society and it’s difficult to align with South Korea’s beauty standards so we’ll try to adjust a bit for the audience.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Before I forget, next week, Min Shin will give you a few tips before auditions.

My right wrist suddenly felt sore. What’s this? I didn’t even injure my hand a while back.

Dong-Yul-sunbae: Anyway, I’ll let you sleep. Good night Mia :)

I replied before going back to sleep.

Me: Good night sunbae.

***

Lee Mi Ra POV

*2 years ago*

“Mi Ra, could you please take this pile of our classmates’ assignments and leave it on our teacher’s desk later?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t it supposed to be you? You’re our class president.”

She wore her black beanie and pale pink sling bag. “I’m sorry for the trouble but I have to go. There’s an important event that I have to attend. I’ll treat you with lunch tomorrow, promise.”

Before I could talk back, she hurriedly ran out of the room, leaving me in this room all alone.

“If you knew that I have a condition, you would feel guilty,” I murmured under my breath.

I strolled along the hallway and looked for the faculty room. On my way, I heard a faint sound of classical music being played on the piano. The sound was coming from the old and dusty storage room.

I took a turn and glanced at the room from afar. When I looked away, someone’s shoulder had bumped onto mine and made me stumble. I got on my knees again and collected the scattered papers on the floor. I looked up and saw a pair of apologetic yet beautiful eyes. It was like his gaze froze me on the spot.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

His round eyes complimented his slicked-back brown hair and fair complexion. He held my hand and helped me stand up.

I gave him a reassuring smile. “No worries, I’m a bit clumsy sometimes. I forgot to introduce myself, I’m Mi Ra. Lee Mi Ra. I haven’t seen you much around the campus.”

“Oh yeah, I don’t usually attend school activities. I’m Dong-Yul. Son Dong-Yul”