A GLIMPSE OF KINDNESS

One day, Eun-woo was strolling down the school field when she saw Jan-di talking to someone via video call in her phone, she was sitting by the tree, he then stopped to watch her from a distance.

Eun-woo: [I wonder who she's talking to, by the way, why am I so concerned?]

Flashback

Jan-di: yes perfect, you know, you two really do fit each other though, like boyfriend like girlfriend, after all, you're both just jerks who goes around doing what they like without considering people's feelings, you know what? I'm feeling disgusted right now seeing your faces (leaves)

Flashback over

Eun-woo: she hasn't said anything to me since then (phone clicks) who's that (he then picked up the phone to see a message "son, why don't we have dinner together)

Jan-di: (accidentally spots Eun-woo looking at his phone) [Why is he here again? I hope he didn't come to cause any trouble] (focuses on the phone) hey, as I was saying, Ji-Yoon, we also have a basketball court and it's really perfect, i know you love basketball, do you wanna see it?

Ji-Yoon: (via phone) alright show it to be

Jan-di: alright (leaves)

Eun-woo: (raises up his head) she was here a second ago

Han-bi: who was here? (Taps him)

Eun-woo: hmm, no one, I'm leaving, bye (leaves)

Later, after school, Kim Tae-hyun and Geum Jan-di went to the restaurant which Jan-di promised to take him.

Jan-di: hello (waves)

Staff: hey, Jan-di you're here, what do you want to order?

Jan-di: (brings out her coupon) I've got a coupon

Staff: oh (collects it), 50% off nice one, if you had come tomorrow, the coupon would have expired.

Jan-di: woah, good thing I came today (looks at Kim Tae-hyun and he smiles back)

Kim Tae-hyun: (They ordered tteokoboki, and water, a bowl, they were to eat from the same plate) one bowl?

Jan-di: yes, you know, my family believes there's more love in sharing and I believe it tastes better, it's really tasty

Kim Tae-hyun: alright (picks up his chopsticks and tastes from it), it's tasty

Jan-di: (eats) do you know how I found this restaurant?

Kim Tae-hyun: not really, how did you find it?

Jan-di: one day, I got lost in the street, I cried and I was starving but when I looked up I saw the billboard and the restaurant had a nice aroma attached to it so I followed it and ordered something, it was so tasty, after which I asked for direction and made my way home (eat)

Kim Tae-hyun: please be careful next time so you don't get lost, okay?

Jan-di: okay, if only I knew the city more, I'd like a tour though

Kim Tae-hyun: alright, on Saturday, I'll give you a tour.

Jan-di: really? Won't you be busy?

Kim Tae-hyun: I can spare some time, Ha-neul told me what you did, thanks a lot for always being there for Ha-neul

Jan-di: thank you [for always helping me out too]

Kim Tae-hyun: I haven't really done much

Next day

It was raining cat and dogs and Jan-di needed to go to school quick as she was running late, she rode in her bicycle but it was not save, although she was putting on a rain coat. While riding the bicycle, a car slowed down and wined down the glass, it was Eun-woo.

Eun-woo: it's raining heavily, I'll give you a lift

Jan-di: you don't get it, do you? I'll rather get drenched in the rain than ride your car.

Eun-woo: you really are stubborn aren't you, didn't your parents tell you it's not save to ride on a rainy day, you should have just stayed at home

Jan-di: don't bring my parent, I'm not taking your offer

Eun-woo: alright (his driver then blocked her way with the car, after which, Eun-woo got down in the rain and walked up to Jan-di)

Jan-di: are you insane? You're in the rain and why will you block me?

Eun-woo: I think you're the one who's insane.

Jan-di: excuse me, you should...(he then carried her in his arms leaving her speechless). If you ride in the rain you'll catch a cold, you'll get drenched and could even get injured (he then carried her into the car while the driver carried the bicycle and placed it in the boot, after which they drove to school, on reaching school, Eun-woo took Jan-di by the hand and rushed over)

Jan-di: wo? Where are you taking me to?

Eun-woo: just keep shut (he then took her to a room which was well equipped, it had a dryer in it). At least dry your hair off before coming to class (walks out of the room while shutting the door behind him)

Jan-di: [what happened earlier? Why did he carry me in his arms? And why couldn't I scold him? Why is he acting this way towards me? He brought me here to dry myself up? Is this the Eun-woo I know or is he playing me? Oh my gosh I didn't know such a rook existed in this school but I'm not shocked] (after drying her hair and uniform she walked of the room to see Eun-woo waiting by the door) you're here?

Eun-woo: ehn, so...no one will badge in, you better hurry to class if you don't want to miss the lecture (walks ahead of her)

Jan-di: Eun-woo, why did you give me a lift?

Eun-woo: (stops) for....for granny's sakes (walks away)

Jan-di: [I'm so relieved, he really does love his granny a lot, she's quite nice to be honest but he should visit her more often, I better get to class now] (walks to class)

After school, Eun-woo went to a restaurant with his dad where they were having lunch but their conversation was suffering, they weren't talking much.

Mr. Jang: (cleanses mouth with a napkin) so, how has school been for you recently, I heard from the teachers you came out 2nd in your grade and 1st in your class, that's nice.

Eun-woo: (cleans his mouth) yes, I'm full right now, can I leave?

Mr. Jang: Kate wants you to visit us

Eun-woo: Kate?

Flashback

7 years ago

Eun-woo: (he was sitting on the couch while watching a show when Mr. Jang stepped in with Kate)

Kate: Mr. Jang, your son is so cute, he's going t9 be a lovely son

Mr. Jang: Eun-woo, say hello to Kate, she's going to be my wife, your step mom.

Eun-woo: what?

Jake: (walks in and hugs Eun-woo) and I'm going to be your step brother, I'm older than you by 2 months so you should address me as big bro, we'll have a lot of fun

Eun-woo: (runs to his room)

Flashback over

Eun-woo: why does she need me to visit when you guys already have a perfect family?

Mr. Jang: you know, we're one family so please have dinner with us on Saturday.

Eun-woo: I can't, I'm too busy.

Mr. Jang: with what? Hanging out with friend? Assignment? We can clear you schedule.

Eun-woo: I..

Mr. Jang: you what?

Han-bi: (walks in) he has a date with me (she was putting on a cute pink dress), uncle

Mr. Jang: oh Han-bi, we'll if it's a date, I guess he can't adjust it

Eun-woo: I'll leave now (leaves with Han-bi to his car), thanks.

Han-bi: I know you don't want to hang out with them, especially Jake, your step brother, so I pulled it up, you should reward me.

Eun-woo: how?

Han-bi: let's go on a date, on Saturday, okay?

Eun-woo: fine.

Jan-di's POV

Jan-di: (she just stepped in as she was coming back from school, her two brothers were sitting on the couch while Mrs. Geum was making kimchi, an envelope was lying on the desk) umma, I'm back

Mrs. Geum: (continues making the kimchi)

Jan-di: [what happened, unlike umma, she doesn't seem excited to see me] (looks at Geum Ji-min) [what happened to umma?]

Geum Ji-min: [she's really angry right now, she's angry at you, she read those papers in your room and got angry]

Jan-di: [really? Thanks] (she then rushed into her room to check the drawer which she had kept the suspension letter but it was missing) gosh

Mrs Geum: (raises up the letter) looking for this?

Jan-di: [oh no] umma

Mrs. Geum: when were you going to tell me? Suspension letter? What's going on?

Jan-di: umma, I'm so sorry, I...

Mrs. Geum: two weeks? How did you manage to pull this off without me knowing, Jan-di that i know would never lie to me.

Jan-di: umma

Mrs. Geum: you played me, wait, how do I know if your result is also true, you pulled the suspension, you could also pull this one off, think how could a suspended student get second, or did you cheat? Because right now, I don't even trust you.

Jan-di: umma, I'm so sorry, I would never cheat, I hate that, I also hate hurting your feelings , I thought you would be hurt and disappointed if you heard about it, I'm sorry mom, I spent my suspension in a library, my friend was really cooperative, my friend got me the needed resources, (kneels down) I'm sorry, umma, please forgive me, your silence is killing me

Mrs. Geum: (stands her) you poor child, how did you manage all this on your own, there's a reason you've got parent, a mother, to share your pain, I forgive you

Jan-di: (cleans tears) thanks you, I won't do it again?

Mrs. Geum: but why did you get suspended?

Jan-di: SHA is a well disciplined school, I punched a girl who insulted my mom, she's influential, so I got a suspension in return as a gift

Mrs. Geum: I'll talk to your principal.

Jan-di: that won't be necessary, everything's already settles

Mrs. Geum: alright, take your bath and come have some Kimchi (hugs her and leave)

Jan-di: [I can tolerate anything but not my mother's anger, tears or pain, it kills me] (takes off her bag).

Next day

Closing bell rings

Kim Tae-hyun: are you leaving now?

Han-bi: yes

Kim Tae-hyun: today you seem to be in a good mood, what happened?

Han-bi: I'm going on a date with Eun-woo tomorrow, it's special, we don't go on date that much, he never agrees to it except it feels in the mood, and he has hardly ever been in any mood for the past 7 years now of our friendship, so I'm leaving first, bye (hugs Tae-hyun then leaves)

Kim Tae-hyun: (he then picture the image of Han-bi happy mood when she was 7 years) [Han-bi sure has changed a lot, even Eun-woo has but my feelings haven't changed a bit] (carries his bags then leave)

Saturday

Geum Jan-di: (she then rode to the place where she and Kim Tae-hyun agreed to meet, she was dressed in a causal T-shirt and a pair of jeans, she was wearing a hat though as it was a bit cold) sorry I'm late Kim Tae-hyun I peddled as fast as I could

Kim Tae-hyun: (stands up from the spot he was sitting down and began to stare at Geum Jan-di)

Geum Jan-di: I had some chores to do so I completed them before coming, I....(notices his unusual stare). Is there something on my face? (Touches her face)

Kim Tae-hyun: you didn't bring a jacket?

Geum Jan-di: jacket? No, why?

Kim Tae-hyun: (raises up his motorcycle key) we're going to use my motorcycle, don't you know it's going to be really cold? It's going to get breezy and cold

Geum Jan-di: (notices the motorcycle) what? Motorcycle? But that'll need fuel, how are we going to...

Kim Tae-hyun: what did you think we were going to ride?

Jan-di: well, my b....bicycle

Kim Tae-hyun: you peddled from your house to here yet you're tired, what will happen when we peddle round the city, your bicycle won't even be able to resist it.

Jan-di: [

Jan-di's Imagination

They had finished peddling round the whole city with her bicycle, their clothes were dripping wet from sweat and Tae-hyun was breathing like a monster.

Jan-di: that was not bad

Kim Tae-hyun: I'm so tasty, you're a monster Jan-di, let's never hang out again (staggers away), I'm dehydrated.

Jan-di: (falls to the floor) aneeeeeeeee , what will I be without your support in school

Reality

Jan-di: w....Well...

Kim Tae-hyun: (he then took off his jacket and wrapped it around her, she was shocked and savor the short lived moment) you really should wear that, it'll get really cold, I've got a full tank, it's alright.

Jan-di: Kim Tae-hyun, I'm sorry for putting you through a lot, it most have been expensive to get a full tank, you're suffering because of me and I'm not paying you

Kim Tae-hyun: suffering? getting a full tank wasn't that expensive. Well, if you feel bad about my expenses then you'll owe me one, that would settle the scores, right?

Jan-di: yes (puts her hair behind her ear) [he's so cool]

Kim Tae-hyun: we'll have to get going, what will happen to your bicycle then?

Jan-di: well...., granny's house is not far off from here, I'll take it there, when I'll come back I'll get it (rides the bicycle), see you in 5 (she rode the bicycle to granny house, got down from it and held it, as she opened to the gate to see granny, she saw Han-bi and Eun-woo standing with granny)

Eun-woo: Jan-di?

Jan-di: [oh no, Han-bi's here too, what did I expect she's his girlfriend so he could bring her here, I'm such a dummy, I feel like I get in a bad mood real soon and that won't be good] granny, I...

Granny: good thing you're here, I was just asking about you , good thing you stopped by, now you can have lunch with us.

Han-bi: granny, what is this low class citizen doing here?

Granny: Han-bi, words please, Jan-di please come in.

Jan-di: actually granny, I didn't come here for that, I was in the neighbourhood and I need somewhere to drop my bicycle as I'm going somewhere, home is too far from here, so I came toEun-woo: Hey, low class citizen, you shouldn't follow a dark ally by this time. It's quiet

Jan-di: (stands up with a burst lips) Ouch

Eun-woo: we should get you to a hospital

Jan-di: Jeez, it's just a burst lip. Let's go, Hana

Hana: Thanks (leaves with Jan-di)

Home

Mrs. Geum: I wonder what's keeping Jan-di so long

Geum Joon-woo: I wonder, (watching TV) I need her help with my homework

Mrs. Geum: (spanks him) You haven't done it? Are you using her as an excuse to watch TV? This is a new city. You should at least try to get good grades like your sister

Geum Joon-woo: Why am I the only one getting scolded? What about Ji-min?

Jan-di: (walks in)

Mrs. Geum: Hey, why are you home this late? (Notices her lips) Jan-di, your lip, it's hurt, are you alright?

Jan-di: yes, I just tripped and fell flat tearing my lips, I'll get it dressed in the room (she then left the living room, took her bath then wore her house clothes after which she sat on her reading desk). I wonder why he was there at that moment? I know I was supposed to thank him but I'd rather it was someone other than he (phone rings) oh, it's Ji-Yoon (picks it), hello, why haven't you called me since? I missed you

Ji-Yoon: Hey, Jan-di, are you still clumsy? How's school over there?

Jan-di: it's actually terrible because I've met with my biggest nemesis, and it's great because I met a friend who reminds me of you.

Ji-Yoon: So you really are having fun without me

Jan-di: Well, i actually miss the days I spent in that city, but hopefully, I'll adapt to this place soon

Ji-Yoon: Knock yourself out, dear

Jan-di: I sure will (hangs the call). Now I have to read. Our test is coming up soon (picks up a book)

Next day

In class

7:45am

Jan-di: (arranging her book)

Hana: Jan-di, how is your lip doing?

Jan-di: I dressed it up so it'll get better soon

Hana: Well, was the punch painful? I was so terrified yesterday that I couldn't ask you.

Jan-di: Well, it was painful that I couldn't move

Hana: Really?

Jan-di: No, silly, I'm kidding (suddenly, all the girls started chanting, Eun-woo walked in and went straight to Jan-di's table) [is he here to create a scene again?]

Eun-woo: (he then put a wound cream on the desk) How is your lip doing?

Jan-di: Are you going to call me a beggar now if I accept this from you? (Folds her hands)

Eun-woo: What?

Jan-di: you probably lost your memory or something (she then kept the wound cream on his desk and walked right out of the class)

Eun-woo: Wait, what's wrong with you?

Jan-di: (stops walking and turns to him) good, that's the version of you that I know, that we all know .

Eun-woo: version, I only offered a wound cream

Jan-di: Like, we're on talking terms? You know since I started school after my suspension, I've tried not to cross path with you but you keep preventing that, you know yesterday, I preferred to be smashed to death than to be saved by you, honestly speaking, I would had prefer my face got dismantled than being saved by you, have you forgotten your policy, I was instructed by you not to get in your business and this same you is interfering in my own business without thinking, you know, I really haven't hated anyone in my entire life but my hate for you is beyond measure and is uncontrollable....

Han-bi: (walks in and holds Eun-woo's hand) What is this trash blabbing about right now?

Jan-di: yes perfect, you know, you two really do fit each other though, like boyfriend like girlfriend, after all, you're both just jerks who goes around doing what they like without considering people's feelings, you know what? I'm feeling disgusted right now seeing your faces (leaves)

Han-bi: she must be out of her....(Eun-woo angrily let go of Han-bi's hand). Babe, is everything alright?

Eun-woo: Don't call me that (leaves)

After class, on Jan-di's way home, she crossed Eun-woo's granny. She was sitting on the bench outside the cold.

Jan-di: it really is cold. She'll catch a cold (walks over to her). Granny, you really should go inside or put on a jacket if you want to stay out.

Granny: Oh, it's you, you know dear, I thought I'd never see you again, I haven't seen you in a long time now, sit with me dear

Jan-di: (sits down) [sorry but I have intentionally avoided this path, I didn't want to encounter Eun-woo but today I decided to follow this path as it is a shortcut to my house] what is it Granny?

Granny: Are you avoiding me? Why haven't you been coming?

Jan-di: I'm sorry, granny, I've been so busy.

Granny: oh dear, you know, it really is so lonely here at home, I decided to come here to watch people so I could feel some sense of livelihood but I'm stuck with the coldness out here but if I go in to take a sweater, I probably would be too tired to come out here . Being old is an illness that no one needs

Jan-di: You know, you remind me of my granny

Granny: Really?

Jan-di: Yes, but I really miss her, I used to cuddle her as a child anytime I felt bordered, but my granny left us too soon

Granny: Oh dear, you know, you also remind me of my daughter, but she died too soon. You know you could give me some cuddles anytime you feel border, my daughter would also do the same, and I've missed those hugs.

Jan-di: (she then cuddled her) it's quite cold out here, you really should get inside or you'll catch a cold

A few days later

Class

Jan-di: (They were staring at the result board as their result had just been printed from their test) [mom promised she'd get me something nice if I passed]

Hana: look Jan-di, you got the highest score in language, literature, government and the rest but got third in maths, you ranked top two in the full set, you would had came out 1st if not for maths, you really are a genius Jan-di

Crowd: wow, she's a newbie, and she's good

Hana: Everyone make way for Jan-di

Crowd: Jan-di! Jan-di!! Jan-di!!!

Jan-di:

After class ended, Jan-di was in an empty class when Kim Tae-hyun walked in. Some students were there, and she was listening to some cool music with her earpiece;

Kim Tae-hyun: Hey, Jan-di, you look so happy

Jan-di: (unplugs the earpiece and stands up) Thank you so much, Kim Tae-hyun. You were really helpful during my suspension

Kim Tae-hyun: That's what friends are for (gives her a drink), here you go

Jan-di: What for?

Kim Tae-hyun: for ranking the top two on the board as a new student

Jan-di: but you came out top 1, that means, I should get you something since you've got me something and I really can not truly repay you for all you've done since I started school .

Kim Tae-hyun: You don't have to pay me any penny, and I'm really looking forward to what you'll get me.

Jan-di: Umm? A dinner at my house

Kim Tae-hyun: Your house?

Jan-di m: No, my house, it's the name of a restaurant I found during my suspension, I've got a coupon

Kim Tae-hyun:

On Jan-di's way home, she decided to check up on granny, where she saw her in the kitchen

Jan-di: Granny, what are you making?

Granny: You're right on time, kid. I just finished making dinner, join me, will you?

Jan-di: well, It does smell nice but I'll sit for a bit, I've got to help my mom do some stuffs (she placed the dinner on the table and they both sat down to eat)

Granny: Well, how's my boy doing in school? Eun-woo.

Jan-di: he's...[I feel like telling her how wicked her son is, but he helped me yesterday, and it'll break her heart] difficult. We're not that close, though

Granny:Ohh, you should get to know him better and pardon his mistake. Please promise me one thing Jan-di

Jan-di: granny, promise? But I can't keep it because promises are meant to be broken, Granny.

Granny: Not really, but if that is true, you should be a change and keep it. Promise me you'll look after my Eun-woo for me, please, will you?

Jan-di: [I cannot promise you that granny, how will I make you understand?] fine, I promise

Granny: Thanks, you just made my day

A few days later, during school break, Eun-woo was walking down the hallway when he suddenly froze, his eyes fixed on Jan-di approaching from the opposite direction. Oblivious to his gaze, Jan-di walked towards him, and for a fleeting moment, Eun-woo's imagination ran wild - he pictured her sashaying towards him with a bright smile and a playful wink. A goofy grin spread across his face, but it was short-lived, as Jan-di simply walked past him, unaware of the brief, fanciful encounter.

Eun-woo: Seriously? I'm I running mad? What was that?

Han-bi: oppa, what happened?

Eun-woo: I'm perfectly fine, I'd like to be left alone

Han-bi: But dad just said he's been trying to contact you, so I came to ask you why you've not been picking up

Eun-woo: dad?

Han-bi: Yes, your dad, we're dating, so he's literally my dad too, right?

Eun-woo: I'm doing alright, I just don't feel like talking to him

Flashback

Eun-woo was 10 years

Eun-woo: umma, umma...

Mr. Jang: Eun-woo (walks in with a trolley), I'll be going on a business trip today with my colleagues. Take care.

Eun-woo: But dad, umma just kicked the bucket (crying). You can't leave me in this house alone and go on your trip

Mr. Jang: What's there? You used to stay here before. In fact, you lived here and still live here. It's alright. She just died, nothing more

Eun-woo: [did dad ever love mom before she died?]

Mr. Jang: You'll be alright (rolls the trolley while leaving)

Eun-woo: umma, appa (cries)

Granny: (walks in) Oh dear, he left you home alone, (hugs him and calms him down)

Flashback over

Eun-woo: You know, there's a reason we live apart, not so we can contact each other (walks off angrily)

Jan-di's POV

Jan-di: (she was walking down the hallway when she saw Kim Ha-neul walking out of the girl's bathroom drenched) Kim Ha-neul? (Rushes to meet her) What happened to you?

Kim Ha-neul: (cries) I got bullied

Jan-di: Didn't I say that if anyone bullies you, you should tell me?

Kim Ha-neul: You've already been through a lot of trouble (cries) Jan-di sunbae.

Jan-di: Did your classmates do this?

Kim Ha-neul: yes, they are your hoobae

Jan-di: Show them to me (she then took Kim Ha-neul by the hand, and Ha-neul showed them to her) so you guys like bullying, don't you

Girl: Jan-di sunbae, at least ask what happened that led to it.

Jan-di: that led to you drenching her? (With lightning-quick reflexes, she launched herself into the air, her leg cocked back to unleash a triple kick. Just as her foot was about to make contact with the girl's face, she abruptly halted her movement, leaving her leg hovering mere inches from the girl's terrified expression) [I'm not allowed to fight] if you bully her one more time, i promise you're going to regret this, let's go Kim Ha-neul (They both left and the girl fell to floor in fear, her other minions helped her get back on her feet)

Kim Ha-neul: Thanks, Jan-di sunbae. You were so cool out there

Jan-di: Thanks, now all that's left it to dry you up, there's clothes in the storage room seek permission if could leave it here.

Granny: of course sweetie but it does hurt that you won't be staying for lunch.

Jan-di: bye granny (runs off)

Eun-woo: [where is she heading to so fast]

Jan-di rushed back to Kim Tae-hyun, they both got on the motorcycle then zoomed off happily,

Jan-di: it's fast and fun, I don't get to ride motorcycle that much .

Kim Tae-hyun: if you like it so much, then you can ride it with me

Han-bi's POV

Han-bi: (she was outside alone staring at the bicycle as granny and Eun-woo were inside) I just hate you Jan-di or whatever your name is, you just don't know your place, no one has ever challenged me this much before but you have, I won't spare you (she then looked at a nail which was lying on the floor, smiled, then picked it up, after which she started staring at the bicyle)

To be continued...