Page 28: The Cherry Blossom Festival Date(1)

Wednesday.

Cafeteria

Derrick.

Dear Diary,

After pulling Vanessa by hand, the next thing I did was search Alex and soon found him sitting with Sam at the Cafeteria.

It was a two sided table and so, there were four seats around the center table.

While Alex and Sam occupied the right side I quickly grabbed the other side of the chair and took a seat. I patted the other empty chair beside me and gestured Vanessa to sit next to me, on a chair that was the exact opposite to Alex.

Vanessa complied with me bashfully.

The utter shock on the eyes of both Alex and Sam soon subsided and were now replaced with killer glares, especially from Alex's side.

"Derrick.." Alex smiled forcefully hiding his face with a palm on Vanessa's side. "What is the meaning of this..?" He whispered angrily.

Alex had deep dark circles under his eyes. It looked like he hadn't slept well last night probably because of an all nighter for the exams. But, his glare through those dark circles and his messy hairdo didn't do anything good but, simply lay another layer to his angry and scary aura all around him.

I smiled innocently.

"Dudes.. As you know, the Cherry blossom festivals is hardly around the corner and I am planning to enjoy the holiday to my max."

I said with a sigh to the three sitting with me, Vanessa, Alex and Sam.

"So, what's that gotta do with us, dude..?"

Sam asked doubtfully.

"Why don't we all go on a double date..!?!"

I let the cat out of the bag with a sly smirk. Everyone seemed out of my mind at the proposal.

"Sorry. Derrick. You know I already have a date with my own girlfriend. I don't think.. I can.." Sam replied when I nodded and pointed to Alex.

"I know that. That's why I am asking you, Alex. You! me! my date! and Vanessa.. On a double date! What do you say? Sounds good?"

Vanessa's perplexed look immediately changed and she looked at me with stars dripping from her eyes.

Alex on the other was pissed off as hell.

"Why must I go out with Vanessa..? Is this some joke..? If it was, you have taken the joke too far, Derrick."

Alex snapped at me.

Vanessa's glimmer on her eyes were wiped out in an instant. She drooped her head like a little petite bunny.

"No no no. It isn't like that. I promise. It is only for the hope that you two would soon bond well. I know, the two of you have been best friends for so long. But, clearly there has been a miserable misunderstanding between you.."

I squeaked again. Alex started.

"It isn't a misunderstanding. It's just Vanessa's living in a stupid delusion that I.."

I abruptly closed Alex's mouth so he doesn't say anymore hurtful words to Vanessa and chuckled pretentiously.

"Besides, you two are not alone. I will be right by your side with my own date who is.."

I looked around the cafeteria for a random person who is on talking terms to both Alex and Vanessa and nice enough to join the double date with us.

Luckily I spotted her in seconds and immediately rushed towards the certain sweet girl who Alex tutors regularly three days a week.

"Amelia Jeong, so that the four of us can go on a double date!.."

I said throwing my arm around Amelia's shoulder.

Alex almost immediately got up from his chair in surprise more like shock. Vanessa's eyes widened. And, Sarah stared at the situation in confusion.

Sam on the other hand sunk of the table and mumbled bitterly.

"This is such a mess.."

I didn't quite understand him.

Amelia on the other hand, I then noticed was trembling in shock with a deep red face.

"D-D-Double date..!?! W-W-With Derrick H-Han..???!? I-Is this heaven..?"

I smirked at realisation.

Oh, so this girl actually has a crush on me?

That sounds good. Let's just take advantage of it.

"Is that okay with you, cutie? I hope I haven't made you uncomfortable with my sudden proposal..?"

I played with her.

"Uncomfortable..!!?!! N-No way! There's no way I'll ever be uncomfortable with Derrick Han's hottie offer. I-I mean, great offer..!!"

Sarah, made a face palm at the reaction of her best friend.

"Then. It's set..! I will go on a date with Amelia. While you two are out together..? Is that all good..?"

I brimmed a bright smile.

"Oh don't worry, Amelia dear. We could still go on a casual play date at the Cherry blossom date alone, if the two aren't joining us.. Do you like that..?"

I didn't want myself to sound so selfish and toy with Amelia since she is Alex's friend. It was my fault I brought her into all this. So, I had to compensate her with a play date so, Amelia doesn't feel used. Besides, since it was holiday at the bar, I really was free on the festival.

"S-Sure..!! I-I would like to go where ever you take me, Sunbae..!" Amelia squeaked with a dumbstruck fangirl.

Alex clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

"You. You. You..!" He took his empty plate with a furious expression and stalked out of the table.

"Fine! It is on. The double date, I mean.! Just don't you dare take Amelia alone anywhere, Derrick! I...I-I cannot answer her mom..!"

Alex finally agreed and walked away.

Sam drowned on the table again and mumbled again.

"What did I say again..? Everything is simply a mess.."

I still have no idea why he says this, dear Diary.

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Location: Class 2 (Fresher's homeroom)

Point of view: Lawrence.

(NOT A DIARY ENTRY)

The school bell rung around the corridors of the school freshmen campus all the students immediately started packing their bags to reach home.

Lawrence was no different from the rest of his class.

It was wednesday, the last working date after the school officially shuts down for the Cheery Blossom festival.

The bursting energy of the holiday season filled the classroom.

Though, Lawrence didn't really express how he felt he was very pleased about it too.

In a few seconds he soon saw his fellow junior best friend standing by the door waiting for him to walk out of the class. He adjusted his black mask, wiped his glasses with a cloth and pulled his black hood closer to his head before waving back Olivia.

"Shall we go..?" Olivia greeted him.

Lawrence's mask moved indicating his light smile.

"Hmm." Lawrence nodded.

It was hard to read Lawrence's emotions with his thick disguise. But, since this was Olivia his childhood friend, she easily spotted Lawrence seemed happier than usual.

"Is it the Cherry Blossom festival holidays, Larry..? You look kinda excited."

"Yes. The Cheery blossom festival is the only time where the sky is painted with beautiful pink petals. Glistening street lights, colorful Hanbok, happy faces, these sights would definately give me great inspiration for a new painting..! As a matter of fact, I have already started one. I'll simply finish it hy today!"

Lawrence looked the brightest and the happiest when he talked about art. Something that was very rare on usual days. So, Olivia took the opportunity of Lawrence's good mood and cooed to him.

"T-Then.. Do you wanna go on a date with me to the festival..?"

She asked him out brushing her hair behind her ear coyly with a flustered face.

"My mother bought me a new Hanbok. I would love to show it to you, Larry.."

Lawrence sighed and said dryly.

"Olivia.. Aren't you already dating the guy who asked you out last week..? I already said we are over. So, stop trying to hit on me."

Olivia's face twisted. Lawrence wasn't dense enough to not understand Olivia's hidden approaches. He was clear enough to set his borders especially since they were still childhood friends.

"Besides.. " A warm expression that Olivia loathes came over Lawrence's face. She could easily understand what he is gonna say next.

"Noona is gonna dance on the festival on behalf of the school. I wouldn't miss it for the world.."

Lawrence confessed.

Olivia's anger immediately pumped up.

"But! You are supposed to be avoiding her, you wacho!! You knew Sarah-shi might invite you to come to the event and ask you to hangout with her like any other day.. Isn't that why you have been avoiding her for weeks now..??

Did you forget what happened with the cheerleaders..? Sarah being seen with people like us is a danger for her reputation and our safety..! You might get seriously be bullied by the other boys if the word goes out..?? Why aren't you understanding that..!?"

"....."

Lawrence bit his lips.

"I ..know." He mumbled. "But, I just want to see her dance..? I will never meet up with her on the day. I promise."

The innocent Lawrence said confidently.

Olivia grumbled and looked away.

Stupid guy.

Of course. He wouldn't meet her. But, what if it's the other way around and Sarah forces him? Wouldn't Lawrence think ahead that much?

Olivia couldn't risk pondering much and sighed.

"If.. you say so.."

She turned to look at Lawrence and looked at the innocent flowery aura that surrounded him.

She really couldn't stop worrying about him...

____________

(NOT A DIARY ENTRY)

Point Of View: NO ONE

That weekend was an extremely special weekend for all the students.

As the day of the festival arrived the lions and swans made themselves ready of their big day with their own crushes.

Amelia couldn't help but, shop for a new pink Habok with her mother and Sarah. She imagined Derrick complimenting her dress over a million times and rehearsed in front of Sarah on how to respond to Derrick when he compliments without turning into an awkward goop like how she was at school.

And, Sarah bought all the latest make up she could get on stock, not because she was to dance at on the open stage, but because she wanted to show herself at her best beauty in front of Lawrence, the guy she liked.

Vanessa's phone was filled with captions of love with Alex's childhood photos as there was no chance Alex was willing to take a clip with her now. Vanessa didn't mind it though. She thought it was alright as long as she could spend time with her crush with unrequited feelings.

Alex on the other hand, had the most mixed feelings than ever. He was gonna go on a official date with his crush only not as her date, as she is on a casual date with her own crush. Not to forget mentioning this crush of his is also the exact same person who had just rejected him for the second time last week. He didn't even know if he should be happy or not.

But, still he is gonna spend the entire festival with her. He probably should. Alex consoled his soul while he dug his shelf for a good hoodie and his stared at his purple hair on the mirror in hope Amelia would simply just fall for his looks and immediately accept his feelings. That's just his own imagination though. Alex knew it well.

Lawrence and Derrick were the only two people who spent their fore night on different things though even they couldn't stop thinking about their own crushes.

Derrick's calculative mind were fully on the types of conversations he must make with Vanessa so that she wouldn't get bored and find him funny, as he served the drinks to the old men at the bar. He had researched that girls liked funny guys while dating and he tried implementing them on Vanessa in order to seduce her.

With his tight suit with a tie, Derrick wiped another table and thought, how to crack a smile on Vanessa's nonchalant face. He hoped he could see her laugh when she is with Alex. He couldn't wait for the day already.

Lawrence at the same time was lying on the floor adjusting the minor faults he spotted on the Cheery blossom painting he was currently working on.

He soon finished his model. His brush dipped on a black paint pot and he calligraphed a small autograph LWK (Lawrence Walker Lee, his full name) on one corner.

He captured the painting and immediately sent it on xxstagram after adjusting the filters.

It only took few seconds for a thousand likes to sweep through his phone.

He waited for a while and soon spotted the one certain special like he subconsciously waited all along.

Though Lawrence might deny it if you ask him.

SOMEONE_SOMEWHERE: Wowww!! Totally breath taken and dumbstruck!! In love with the scenary. Can't wait for the festival to come sooner..!

An instant highlighted reply appeared in his screen.

Sarah giggled as she typed the text at the post.

"LWK. Again..?" Amelia asked her with bored eyes picking a skirt.

Sarah grinned and held her phone onto her chest shyly.

"Hm. Hm.."

"You don't even know if the xxstagrammer art idol you are crushing on notices your comment. But, you still look so happy. Live a life, Sarah."

Amelia commented.

Sarah smiled and looked through the market sight.

"You might think I am joking. But, I know he will.." Sarah mumbled and hummed a happy song.

And, he did.

After, receiving the one notification from his angel Lawrence jumped on his bed and hid his face on his pillow.

"She saw it!"

He squeaked softly squeezing his pillow with a brimming grin and looked at the 'like' on his post once again.

Lawrence let a deep breath escape his chest.

"I..."

He looked at the moon from his bed.

" I Can't Wait To Meet My Crush At The Cherry Blossom Festival."

Was the one single shared mind voices of Amelia Jeong, Alexander Min, Vanessa Choi, Derrick Han, Sarah Kim and Lawrence Lee.

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