The days passed like this. Dohwa acknowledged friendship of Sun Jae and apologized for showing coldness towards him earlier. The trio became fast friends not only that Sun Jae and Ani got to know that he has excellent maths skills. So, Sun Jae told him to participate with them. Dohwa first refused but then he agreed as Sun Jae told him he cannot back off as he has no choice.
The trio practiced hard for the competition after school hours mostly. Soon, the competition day came and they were fully prepared.
"Oppa I've a science competition today," said Ani.
"Okay. So have you prepared well?" asked Soo.
"Yes," answered Ani with a smile.
"Then let's go I'll drop you there. Sing Woo and I will be free today so will come to pick you up," stated Kang Soo.
Ani was feeling nervous as it was her first time taking part in a competition. She reached the school and walked inside the gate. "Ani," shouted Dohwa from behind. Ani turned back and smiled seeing him.
"Let's go to the auditorium. Jae is waiting for us there," said Dohwa. The two walked towards the auditorium. As they reached there, they saw preparation was going on. The desks were placed when Ani read the name of Seoul High School.
"Seoul High is also participating?" Ani asked from Jae.
"Yes as it is a national level competition," answered Sun Jae. Before Ani could speak their homeroom teacher Jang Hoon came there. "Jae, Ani and Dohwa are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," replied Sun Jae and Dohwa. Ani was nervous after seeing Seoul High was also participating.
"Seoul's high school is also participating. For past 6 years they are in first position. Kim Jun from Seoul high school each year surprises me with his knowledge. But don't be nervous this year we can also win. You three also worked hard. Dohwa, do your best," said the coordinator, Jang Hoon and wished them luck.
"Why to tell us about that guy. We will beat him today," Dohwa declared confidently. Jang Hoon smiled and then told them to take their respective desk over the stage. He then left from there as he was called by the School principals .
Total twenty teams have come there to participate. The Seoul high school team also arrived at the auditorium. Ani averted her gaze and turned herself as she did not want them to see her. Kang Tae's eyes fell on Sun Jae and whispered in Jun's ear, "Your cousin is also participating. Brother vs. Brother."
He was smiling when he noticed Cha Ani beside him. "Is she Ani? She also took part?" mumbled Kang Tae and told Jun that they should meet her.
"No, I am fine here. You two can meet her," stated Jun, looking at Kang Tae and Myung who nodded and went towards Ani.
"Ani," Kang Tae called her name when she turned to him.
"Who are you?" Dohwa asked with a shocking expression. "How do you know her name?" he asked further.
"I am her friend, Kang Tae. Ani how are you? You even changed your number," stated Kang Tae.
"I'm fine. My phone was lost so I had to change the number. How are you?" asked Ani.
"I am good. Cho misses you. Call her at least," asserted Tae. Ani felt bad hearing that. "I lost her number," she lied.
Myung stepped forward. "Ani, are you doing good? How is Kang Soo doing?" Myung asked.
"Oppa is good," Ani replied.
"Sun Jae, good to see you after such a long time," said Tae and shook hands with him. Myung went to the stage as competition was going to start.
"Good to see you too. Let's have a nice chat after the competition," stated Jae.
All the teams took their respective seats on the stage. The elementary, high and senior high students filled the chairs in the auditorium.
"Since there are 20 teams so first round will be elimination. Top 10 teams will be proceeded with further rounds," announced the competition organizer.
First round was written exam in which there were 45 questions in a set. Each team was given 30 minutes to solve those questions.
Dohwa first solved the maths part, followed by Jae and then Ani.
After half an hour results were announced and 10 teams made into that. 2nd round was buzzer where team has to hit the buzzer and answer those questions. Only 5 teams could make to final round.
In the 3rd round a quiz was held.
There was tough competition going on between Seoul High School and Daegu High School. They had equal scores.
A tie occurred between these two teams so to break that only 3 questions were asked. The questions asked from physics from electromagnetic induction and both teams answered that question thus again remaining at tie. The next question asked from maths where Dohwa answered that without any problem. Last question which was going to decided the win was asked from chemistry.
Jun easily answered the question. The announcer turned to Team 2 which had Ani, Jae and Dohwa, thus asking the last question.
Ani looked at Jun who was smiling looking at Myung as they talked something. "What will be the answer Ani? It is based on biomolecules," Sun Jae said to Ani.
Ani did not pay heed when the time got over and the announcer announced the winner.
"Winner of this year is Team 7 from Seoul high school. First runner up is Team 2 Daegu high school which acquired this position for the first time. 2nd runner up is Gangnum International school," declared the announcer.
Students of Daegu high school cheered for them. The prize was distributed to the respective teams by the special judges came for the competition.
"Sorry, because of me we lost," said Ani, lowering hr eyes.
"It's not about winning or losing. We enjoyed the competition. Even I do not know the answer of that molecular structure. Still we got 2nd position so I think it is good," pronounced Jae with a smile.
"Yes. Sun Jae is right. It was fun. I never won anything in my life. So, it is indeed a great prize," said Do with a smile.
Myung came to her and said," Ani sorry to say but we won this year too. It's okay to be on second as you already knows how good Jun is in studies." Myung said and then looked at Jun who was along with many teachers, smiling with them.
"Shut up girl. What's so great about him. Ani did much better than him. You yourself didn't answer any question. Those both guys were solving the question so just focus on yourself," muttered Dohwa in anger.
"Stop Dohwa and you too Myung. I know he is much better than me. No need to remind me," asserted Ani. She then walked out of the auditorium.
~~~~~~~~~
Jun after a while came to Sun Jae and hugged him tightly. "I missed you so much. Come to Seoul someday with uncle aunt," said Jun with a smile and the pulled away.
Kang Tae was also there and unknowingly put his elbow on Dohwa's shoulder. "Who are you?" Dohwa asked.
"I am Kang Tae. Ani's childhood friend. We used to study in same school. This is Myung Hee and that guy is Kim Jun, cousin of Kim Sun Jae. We all are close to Ani," Kang Tae briefed Dohwa.
"Okay. I wonder Ani has so many friends. I have seen that guy on her phone though," said Dohwa with a smile.
Jun heard that but did not say anything. "Really? Don't say this too loud," said Tae. Dohwa nodded when Sun Jae introduced Jun with Dohwa. "I am going out. You all should talk with each other," said Jun and excused himself from there.
"Did he just ignore me?" murmured Dohwa but then he got busy conversing with Kang Tae, Sun Jae and Myung.