012: PRAYER FOR LOVE

"Happiness is like a mirage. It doesn't really last, so cherish it while you are still in it."

 - ItsNadiaToYou pov

. . . . .

012: PRAYER FOR LOVE

Ha Eun-bi pov:

I cocked my head up as I looked at him, bored.

He turned to me and smirked as the teacher introduced him. The female students went wild seeing him. 

They giggled like middle school teenagers at the sight of him.

After his introduction, the teacher went ahead with the announcement for the next Cheong-ah representative. Right, I know this thing. My mother did it during her days, but I have no interest in it. 

It's not even that worth it.

I had no interest in it, so I just laid my head down for some nap, but someone held my arms up.

"Okay, Ha Eun-byeol and Joo Seok-kyung will be joining."

I turned to the side and saw Seok-kyung sitting beside me, raising my hand with a smile on her face.

"I will also try."

Everyone looked at Bae Rona, and some snickered.

"Yah! Do you think you have what it takes to be a representative? You?"

"Anyone can do it, right?" She is right about that, but I wouldn't try if I were her.

This thing is rigged anyway.

"Well, anyone can do it. However, this is about representing Cheong-ah high. A high level of elegance and beauty is necessary for it!"

"I will do it!"

I smile at her determination.

. . . .

Seok-hoon pov:

I glared at the new guy as my sister decided to give him the tour. He seems to know Eun-byeol as well. They keep glancing at each other. He keeps on smiling at her as she openly ignores him.

"Do you know him?"

"I know of him."

I look at Min-hyuk, who is also ignoring the situation. He doesn't seem shocked about him or his arrival here.

The fact that he could even transfer here means that he is similar to us.

"He seems close to Eun-byeol. . ."

"Close? Him? I guess. Eun-byeol has wide connections after all."

"Tell me more about him."

"You don't have to worry about him too much. He's practically harmless."

Min-hyuk walked away, still playing on his phone, without looking at me.

. . .

Min-hyuk pov:

The appearance of that guy bothered me too much, so I went and looked for Eun-bi.

As much as possible, I want to graduate without fuss.

Rather than finding Eun-bi, I found him instead.

"Han Seo-jun."

"Leon."

Our eyes stared at each other seriously for minutes before I let out a deep sigh and closed my eyes.

"What are you doing here, Han Seo-jun?"

"You know what I'm here for."

"They have nothing to do with anything. Don't bother them."

My stare hardened at his words.

'He won't stop.'

"Stop."

We both turned to our side.

Eun-bi walked toward us with a stern look on her face.

"Are you children? Why are you acting like toddlers?"

"He's not supposed to be here."

"Says who!!?"

"HAN SEO-JUN!"

"I said stop!"

"Both of you, stop acting like toddlers that can't control their emotions!"

"Min-hyuk! Leave him to me! Seo-jun, leave the kids alone!"

"Tsskk!!"

"Tssk!!"

I turned to Seo-jun, who imitated me, glaring at him for a long time before leaving.

. . .

Eun-bi pov:

I watch the two walk away from each other.

I shook my head in disappointment.

I was going to return to class when I saw Gu Ho-dong lurking in an empty room, so I entered quietly, watching him watch a piano from afar.

"Are you not going to play one song?"

He turned to me with a sad smile on his face.

"playing only reminds me of her. . ."

I answered his smile with a smile and went to him.

"She's definitely in a happier place. A place without cruelty and pain."

"Yes. . . She's definitely happier now!"

. . . .

Seok-kyung pov:

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Everyone was amazed by how Seok-hoon delivered the song serenely and soothingly. He will definitely top again.

"Next, why don't we hear it for the first time, Han Seo-Jun."

My ears perked up, and my eyes followed him, smiling while walking toward the grand piano.

Our eyes locked with each other as he looked at us, and then he smiled.

"Good luck!" I mouthed to him with a smile.

"Thank you." He mouthed back.

I smile widely as he moves his fingers, breathing deeply, and starts playing.

He started his song strong with a loud tenor. We all noticed that he was playing the same music my brother played, only different.

The way his fingers press the keyboard. When his Adam's apple bobbed and his intense and lonesome stare at the piano. I could feel all my hair in my body standing at how he delivered his song so powerful and strong.

'I've never been attracted to anyone else's playing other than my brother's. The way he played, it made me feel jittery. The butterflies in my stomach dance around, and it tickles me inside.

He turned to me again and smiled before continuing playing as I got mesmerized by his powerful interpretation. As he finishes the song, he slowly plays it serenely, as if he is patting your back and assuring you that everything will be fine.

Silence.

A long silence before Jenny broke a clap filled the room as he looked at us with a charming smile.

"Wow!!"

I also smiled widely as he bowed and headed back to his seat. As he stopped by me, he smiled and leaned forward.

"Did I do well?"

His face is a few inches toward mine as he asks with his charming smile.

I nodded in response, and he smiled even wider.

"That's good to know."

. . . . .

Eun-bi pov:

She's smitten.

She's definitely fallen.

"He's definitely hot, isn't he?"

I turned to the girl sitting beside me, another fool who got scammed by his looks.

'Him? Hot?'

Our eyes met when I looked in front. He smiled playfully at me.

'That problematic, moody, and histrionic guy who has an attitude of the 5 years old boy? Hot? I'd rather stay single!'

I ignored him and just grabbed my wallet to get something to drink.

"Is he your type?"

I coughed at his presence. In a bad mood, Seok-hoon is looking down on his feet. I coughed a bit more, and he offered me a handkerchief without looking at me.

I observed him closely, how he kicked the floor, his expression, and how he bit his lips.

I silently laugh, hiding it with the handkerchief.

'He's jealous.'

"He's not bad. He's handsome, and very. . . . sexy. . . when he plays, plus. . ."

I led on his ears and loudly whispered into his ears,

"He's very hot as well. . ."

I smirk at his sour expression as he tries his best to not show me his irritated expression.

I try my best not to laugh at him as I walk away, still stifling my laughter at a new expression I saw from Seok-hoon.

'You've gone crazy, Ha Eun-bi. . .'

I was walking when I found myself staring at the handkerchief he gave me.

I smiled at this small thing.

I turned to the window glass of a room I passed by and saw an unfamiliar yet familiar expression on my face.

'you've really gone insane, Ha Eun-bi. . .'

. . . .

Eun-bi pov:

Call. . .

SK: Do you already have a talent for the part 1 challenge for the representative of Cheong-ah?

EB: We're singing, right? (I started my warm-up for my ballet practice as I listened to Seok-kyung).

SK: Do you already have a song?

EB: Hmmm. . . I'm still thinking about it. (I started stretching my body in preparation for my practice)

Sk: hmm. . . what do you think is good?

EB: How about you try singing a love song? (I got reminded of Seo-jun, it would be good if he could bring out the best in her).

SK: Love song?

EB: Yes, choose a love song that best described your first crush. . . (I smirked as I playfully tease her very unlikely behavior toward Seo-jun.)

SK: Ha Eun-byeol!

EB: I need to go now. I haven't eaten yet. See you tomorrow at the audition.

SK: Let's go to school together?

EB: I'll tell my driver. Are you driving in with me or will I go with you?

SK: hmm. . . just go with us.

EB: okay! See Ya. . .

End of call. . .

I turned my phone off and finished my warm-up before turning the music on to practice dancing Giselle.

I started swaying, visualizing Giselle's feelings and experiences in my head as I continued to dance, remembering her story and her pure and mad love.

As I dance, I imagine Seok-hoon in front of me, looking at me with a lonely look.

'Seok-hoon. . . .'

. . . . .

Seok-hoon pov:

"Did she say she'll join us?"

"Yep! I'm excited for tomorrow."

"Did you already decide on a song?"

"Yes! Just now!"

She's been smiling these days. I'm happy that she and Eun-bi got closer in a brief time. Her mood is getting better and better as she and Eun-bi bond.

'Looks like Eun-bi is a better sister than I am to Seok-kyung. . ."

'Give us more time, Eun-bi. . .'

'Seok-kyung and I will definitely be able to do what your sister can.'

. . . .

Eun-bi pov:

I yawned at this overrated audition for Cheong-ah representative. I laid my head on the table, not minding Seo-jun's loud voice.

"Bae Rona, it's your turn."

My ears perked at the call, but remained passive as I lie my head on the table, waiting for my turn.

"Are you conscious of her?"

"She's a dark horse. She has enough talent to win competitions given a chance, so watch her carefully."

I explained this to Seo-jun, who focused on her performance as well.

"Hmmm. . ."

I closed my eyes, listening to her powerful delivery.

"She's good."

I look at Seo-jun, who is currently focused on Rona.

"Well, not as good as you though."

I smack him on the head as Rona finishes her song.

"Joo seok-kyung. . ."

"Good luck, kyung-ah. . ."

"You can do it, Seok-kyung. . ." She blushed at Seo-jun's words and ran away to the stage.

As Seok-kyung enters the stage, Rona comes in here with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Good song choice, Rona!"

We smile at each other as we listen to Seok-kyung's song.

She chose a love song, after all.

The way she sang it melodically, swaying her voice, seemed like a hum. A beautiful hum meant for someone.

I turned to Seo-jun and saw him smiling at her.

For someone with hidden agenda, his expression tells me otherwise.

'I guess I don't have to worry too much with these two.'

Seok-kyung finished her song powerfully.

I sit up straight and clapped in praise at the end of her performance.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Everyone in the dressing room followed in clapping until the twins arrived in the room, smiling at us, who were clapping at them.

"I'm so proud of you! Kyung-ah!" I raised my hands to my side, waiting for her to get into my hug.

She skipped toward me and hugged me tight as we enjoyed each other's comfort.

"Of course!"

All of them turned to me as I got called to the stage.

"Good luck!"

"Good luck!"

I smiled at my friends, who all wished me luck as I left the room.

. . . . .

Min-Hyeok pov:

"How do you think she'll do?"

Jenny focused her eyes on the stage, waiting for Eun-byeol to come up to the stage.

"She's the child of the Cheong-ah director. Of course, she'll be chosen. It's obvious that all this is faux, anyway."

I smirked at that girl's comment on her. Indeed, this is an unfair game; we obviously have the upper hand since our families are closer to each other. But really, in a competition like this, can they blame this on us?

'It's not like it's our fault our parents spend their money on us! We didn't even ask for it.'

"It's true that Eun-byeol will win, but it's not because she's the director's child."

I answered Jenny's question loudly so that everyone could hear it. They all turned to me as I killed the last boss in my current game.

"It is unfair for her to be allowed to join. It's obvious that people will favor her more since she's the director's child."

"Yah!"

I turned to Seok-kyung, who was also glaring at our classmates who had joined the competition.

"If you're not that confident, you shouldn't have joined!"

I smiled at her as she stood up for Eun-byeol.

. . . . .

Seok-hoon pov:

I closed my eyes as I waited for her to start.

A soft, low, and soothing. As if she's lulling someone to sleep. A comfortable hum that naturally makes you comfortable.

As she starts singing, you can hear different emotions in her song.

From slow humming to fast singing, her voice continuously rises higher and faster.

"He's good. . ."

I turned to Min-hyuk, who was watching Seo-jun perform.

"Not many can harmonize well with Eun-byeol's fast singing, but he's not having a hard time. They're synchronized with each other so well. Like they're only one person performing."

'He's right. I don't think I can play a song this fast, this good.'

"You need to work harder, Mr. Joo Seok-hoon."

He playfully nudged me as we continued to hear her sing.

. . . . .

Seok-kyung pov:

"I lost this one."

I smile as I hear her voice get higher and higher.

A perfect end with a powerful, confident look to her audience.

Even though I just lost, I don't feel bad or scornful. Instead, I feel peaceful. Is it because we've become closer? What will I do at the Cheong-ah festival?

"Then, I'll give it to you when you truly want it."

"A time when you truly want to sing, enough to not give it up, no matter who tells you too."

I remember her words to me back then.

'If I truly want it. . . Can I really ask it from you?'

I smile at her finish as I stand up and clap at her performance.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

She bows to her audience with Seo-jun at her side. They held hands and smiled at the audience, the parents, and the judges.

My heart winced in pain at their intertwined hands.

'They're just friends.'

'Eun-byeol knows that I like him, so there's no way she has any feelings for him.'

She smiles as I greet her the same way she did. I raised my arms for a hug, and she went into my arms as we hugged each other tightly.

"You were amazing."

"Let's grab a snack later?"

I nod as Seo-jun puts his arms on her shoulders with a playful smile.

"I will join as well. You owe me for playing for you."

"I only treat my friends."

He put his hand on his chest and acted hurt.

"Even though I played for you? Don't I get a treat?"

"Shut up! Don't think that you're pitiful act will work on me."

"Seok-kyung-ah, she's bullying me."

I smile at Seo-jun as I put my hands on his hair, patting him.

"I'll treat you instead. Good job out there."

"What a piece of trash, making a girl treat him."

The other laughed at her remark as I smiled.

'I like these moments. Happy and light.'

. . . . .

Ho-dong pov:

I smile at Eun-bi's performance. She and Seol-ah will have been best friends if she's here. They would've enjoyed going to school, playing at school, and competing with each other like this.

The winner is quite clear at this moment.

'Rona and Seok-kyung did really well, but Eun-bi is just too good.'

I turned my eyes to the judges, who had unanimous thoughts with each other.

'The question is, who will be their choice among the boys?'

'Seok-hoon did really well. He was synchronized with his sister, but that is to be expected.'

'Seo-jun's performance today is harder than Seok-hoon's, and honestly, he did better.'

After the judges finished deciding, they called the students back and called each student who made it to the next round.

"Kim Sara. . . . Yoo Jenny. . . Bae Rona. . . Joo Seok-kyung . . . and the one who scores highest this round, Ha Eun-byeol!"

The Emcee smiled at the students as the judges clapped at the girls who were called.

I turned to Seok-kyung. Instead of looking scorned, she smiles at Eun-bi. I smile at her reaction as well.

'I guess she can still be saved.'

'Seok-kyung can still repent.'

'I'll make sure she does, Seol-ah.'

I took my phone out as it vibrated and saw the file I've been waiting for.

'We can finally know who killed you, Seol-ah.'

. . . .

Shim Su-ryeon pov:

'Seok-kyung and Seok-hoon both passed round one, with Seok-hoon winning the first round.'

And . . . .

'The video. . .'

I immediately opened the file as I watched the video in anticipation.

'Seol-ah, tell me who killed you?'

. . . . .

Eun-bi pov:

My phone vibrated as I changed.

'It's the video.'

I locked myself in the cubicle, took out my earphones, and clicked on the video.

'Who is it?'

'Tell me who?'

As I watched the video, my hand covered my lips as I continued to watch the video.

'Why?'

I repeated it again and saw the same person over and over again.

'Su-ryeon-shii. . . .'

I immediately took off with my bag, running through the halls with my hands holding the gown up.

"Eun-byeol?"

"Let's take a rain check. I have to be somewhere else."

I left immediately without giving them a chance to retaliate. I took the key from the driver and drove the car myself.

I called Logan on the way to Su-ryeon.

"Find auntie now!"

. . . .

Jenny pov:

We all watch as she drives the black car, leaving all her bodyguards and driver behind. We stare at her, shocked, as she drives away.

Her bodyguards ran in panic as they tried to follow her.

"I didn't know she could drive?"

I turned to Min-hyuk, who only returned to playing on his phone.

"Did you know that she can drive?"

"Well, we are childhood friends."

He only replied as I turned to Seok-kyung, who looked worried.

"Let's go back to Hera palace. Something must've happened."

She immediately went to her car with her brother following her. Min-hyuk also got into their car as their driver drove away as well.

"Well, it looks like we'll have dinner another time."

Seo-jun got into his motor as he wore his helmet and took off.

'Am I the only one that didn't know she could drive?'

. . . . . .

Eun-bi pov:

I found Su-ryeon at Min Seol-ah's tomb. Crying, sobbing, and hitting the grave with her bleeding hand.

Her hair is scattered as the cold wind blows through her.

"Auntie. . ."

"All this time, I had the murderer beside me. I laughed with her. I ate with her. I bonded with her. . . ."

I slowly walked toward her and hugged her.

"Auntie. . . Get a grip! We finally find her killer. . . you can't break here."

I saw her break down more. She cried even more as I hugged her and listened to her weeping heart.

'Min seol-ah. . . please give your mother the strength she needs to move forward. . .'

. . . .

TO BE CONTINUED