3 months later.
The new semester began with much vigor on the first day of University after Winter break yet the atmosphere in the Geumii Mogsoli Committee room was tense. Choi Minju sat on one side of the room looking away while Go Saejun sat on the other side, arms crossed.
"So, are we still going forward with the original plan?" Saejun asked.
"Yes." Minju replied.
"Okay then."
The rest of the members looked between them uncomfortable by the hostile silence.
"Come on you two.. How long are you gonna keep this up?' Jeong Hyundae asked.
Neither replied.
"At this rate this is going to be the worst Geumii Mogsoli performance in the history of Geumii University…" Hyundae mocked the two.
"We agreed to be cordial, didn't we? That should be enough to make this not the worst." Minju said. Saejun on the other side scoffed.
"Hyung, please don't be this harsh, Minju isn't the only one who created this situation, I did too." Wonsung spoke up.
Saejun glared at his younger brother, "Yeah that's what I'm wondering, how did you of all people get in this situation? You still refuse to tell me what exactly happened and why you guys hid your relationship from me, and why are you two dating in the first place!?"
"We already told you." Minju responded.
"It just happened. Is not an answer!" Saejun retorted, frustration seeping into his words.
"Hyung, that's how it happened. We realized last year we were in love and I asked Minju out. You have to accept it how it is."
Saejun looked at his brother in disbelief, "Accept it as it is?? How exactly am I supposed to accept that my best friend went after my little brother who is 4 years younger to us? Do you know what the Geumii times reported?"
"The Geumii Times printed it in the gossip section, which is only meant for creating drama, Saejun. You can't be as judgemental as them now, can you?" Yoon Arim spoke up.
"I'm not judgemental, I'm just…. Forget it. I've already been very vocal about how I feel about their relationship. I agree to be cordial but don't expect me to play nice about what's going on."
Everyone looked at each other taking in the awkward moment.
Ahn Huichul, who sat at a window near Saejun, looked at Minju who still refused to look back at them.
"Alright, we understand you Saejun oppa. You don't have to change how you feel, but we still have a very big event to plan and… Minju Unnie is still the president of the committee." Na Eunbyul said trying to be a mediator. She was often the mediator in this recurring conflict alongside her best friend Wonsung. The only difference was that Eunbyul's words worked and Wonsung's didn't.
Everyone looked at Minju who was still avoiding eye contact with everyone.
Saejun looked frustrated still but nodded. "Fine, I wont bring it up for the rest of the meeting."
"Thank you, Oppa…. Then shall we proceed?"
When everyone agreed Minju speaks up again."The plan stays the same. We will hold a tribute performance for the recently deceased founder Mr. Geum Dohyeok while the screen plays a video of the memories of the two founders Mr. Geum and Mr. Lee behind the performers. We need to have live choir so I will leave Huichul incharge of building the choir team. And Saejun can help you produce the music effects needed. Eunbyul please research and find the founders' pictures and memories as well as any tidbits from their lives that we can use in our performance. Arim and Soonjae, please work on props and costumes as well as arranging a specific Gaemmu segment once I give you the song. Wonsung and I will work on the songs and the initial choreography. The committee itself will have a special segment in this performance so….everyone, bring your best foot forward."
Everyone nodded as they noted down their tasks and continued discussing any questions and details. After an hour-long meeting everyone dispersed to catch their own classes. Everyone except Minju, Wonsung and Arim. Minju began to clear out some papers as she noticed the two and sensed that they had something to say.. As usual.
"What is it?"
Wonsung and Arim exchanged looks then walked towards her.
Arim spoke up first, "Are you sure continuing like this is a good idea?"
"What do you mean?"
"Noona, maybe… telling them the truth would make this better." Wonsung suggested.
"Telling them wont make this better. It will just… put you guys in danger."
"Yeah but, I can't watch Saejun hyung hate you when you haven't done anything wrong."
"Haha, Saejun's hate is too soft. He's too nice to actually do anything about it. You know that. It's okay."
Arim placed a hand on Minju's arm. "Minju-ya, I know you can handle a lot and you're trying to protect everyone but taking all the hate and negativity on yourself all the time, it's going to hurt you in the end. I mean the things they wrote in the article… calling you a parasite?? And questioning your dating preferences?"
"Look, the article was written before Winter break. Everyone's most likely forgotten about it by now."
"Noona… you stopped talking to everyone for a whole month after the article dropped…"
Minju sighed, "Of course I did. It wasn't a small deal, but I've dealt with it now. Let's just continue like this. Plus… you already got the one who wrote the article fired from the Geumii Times' team. So.. Lets focus on Geumii Mogsoli. That is what's a big deal. We're lucky it's the 30th anniversary during our time in this university considering Geumii Mogsoli is only held every 10 years. Organizing and performing in this event will give all of our careers a head start. You get that right?"
Arim and Wonsung looked at each other realizing that Minju wanted to put it all behind and focus on their career prospects after graduating.
"Okay we understand, Noona. We'll support you and do our best on our tasks." Wonsung reassured her.
"Yep, you can count on us."
Minju smiled. "Great then, I'll see y'all later." With that, Munji gathered her things and left the room.
Truth be told, Minju was still apprehensive of how people would be talking about her behind her back. The article really did a number on her reputation and in the world of fame… it affects your career prospects. Being called a parasite… A.K.A. a gold digger, middle class scum, lesser than the rich people who run this university, was hurtful. She had gotten into the university through hard work and networking, but to the prejudiced.. She was just a parasite. It was a genius reference to the globally famous film, Parasite actually. You couldn't deny the creativity of the insult….Yet, all she could do is cry about it alone and come back stronger. Because no stupid column writer was going to keep Choi Minju down.
~°🎶°~
Wonsung was relieved that the first day back to university was chill. As a dance major, most of his classes were technical rehearsals and general education classes which worked well with his job as an idol trainee at Wolshim Entertainment. WSent in short. He didn't have to report to his training at Wolshim Entertainment today and he only had two dance lessons for the day, fortunately. Since the meeting, he had run into three different groups of fans on campus and a reporter from the Geumii Times wanting to interview him. He was trying to keep it cool for the sake of the last class. He decided to begin on his tasks assigned by Geumii Mogsoli Committee President Minju right after his last class. As he wrapped up his class, he sat on the side to catch his breath.
"How was your break Wonsung?" One of his classmates asked.
"Oh the usual, you know. A couple get togethers, a couple days in and training at the company."
"Ah yes of course…. Man, your life is so sorted."
"Nah- it's nothing near sorted."
Another one of his classmates sat down beside him and chimed in, "Lies. You got selected at one of the biggest kpop entertainment companies right out of highschool, became the most popular trainee within a year, are getting top grades in university too. And a great rich dad hahah. You do have it sorted."
Wonsung awkwardly laughed and decided to bid them farewell instead when he got a text.
From : MJ
Hey pookie! Class done? How was day one?
Reply: Wonsung
Hi, pookie bear! It was better than I expected. Can't wait to see you later!
"OOOHH! Hey Pookie!"
"Hi POOKIE BEAR!" His classmates teased him and laughed. Wonsung laughed, embarrassed. "Hey, how is it right to read other people's texts?"
"Eh well it's not like it's a secret or anything. Everyone knows you're dating that para– President Minju-ssi." One of them joked.
"Yeah might as well reveal everything about your relationship at this point. If you know what I mean." The boys winked and high-fived each other.
"Shut the fuck up! I swear ya'll can be such assholes. You should be respecting Minju Noona. And for fucks sake… butt outta my personal life." Wonsung left, pissed off.
The boys stood back in confusion. "What's with him?"
"Yeah idk he's been weird since that article dropped."
"Yeah and what's more, she's Minju Noona to us but Pookie to him hahah. They sure are close."
They erupted in laughter again.
Wonsung scoffed as they went out of earshot. It's not like Wonsung didn't know these were fake people but they were manageable until the hot topic of their mockery was just his status as a trainee and how many fans he already had. Having a close friend and a role model like Minju be the butt of their joke was… difficult to bear with. He made his way to the empty studio room and dumped his bag on the floor. Plugged his phone into the speakers and played his music. The door to the room opened and a couple of student's rushed in.
"Oh wasn't this room empty today?" "Oh it's Wonsung!"
"Get out." Wonsung raised his voice above the music, partly in frustration.
"Oh but we just want to ask, wasn't this room unscheduled? Can we also do our thing on the side-"
"No you can't. It's booked for GMC for 2 hours. So leave!"
The confused and technically wronged group left whispering among themselves.
It was only the first day and it was starting to get to him. With a heavy sigh he sat down listening to an angsty song and bringing his phone out to text MJ again. Before he could scout songs for the Geumii Mogsoli event, he needed to calm himself down and get his head in the game again.
~°🎶°~
"Huichul! Over here!"
On the campus basketball field, one of the athletes called out to Huichul. Huichul was taking part in sports extracurricular activities with a couple of his friends.
Huichul passed the ball to his friend and they went back and forth among their temporary team mates before Huichul scored the winning goal.
Their team rejoiced.
"Ah leave it to Huichul to always deliver." One of them patted Huichul on his back.
They all sat down on the side as another class took up the practice space, even the students who were temporarily playing as their rivals.
"Yeah, the moment Huichul went to your team, we knew we'd lose."
"But ya'll played so well. No wonder you're the captain of the varsity team." Huichul responded as he drank some water.
"Hahaha Huichul, don't rub salt on my wounds. We all know you're the Ace here. There's nothing you're bad at." the Captain pointed out in a bittersweet tone. Everyone knew Huichul was the all rounder. Sports, painting, singing, writing lyrics, dancing, swimming, acting, you name it. There was nothing he wasn't good at.
"Nah- I just practice hard like you guys."
"Hey, no need to be modest about your innate talent. In fact, why don't you join the varsity basketball team?" One of the other guys spoke up.
Huichul thought for a moment then shook his head. "Nah, I'm just planning on focusing on my classes and graduating."
"Ah right you're going to graduate. Congratulations!"
"Hahahah don't congratulate me yet, the final exams are yet to be done haha."
"Ah but you have nothing to worry about. You're a class topper too. Your whole gang is…"
"Was…" The captain corrects the other player. "I mean… you're no longer friends with Choi Minju. Right?"
Huichul stayed silent.
"Ah right. Ya'll had that big fight on campus at the end of last semester…"
"Oh they did? But ain't ya'll in the Geumii Mogsoli Committee together?"
"You are? Doesn't that like make you guys enemies lol"
Huichul got up from his place and cringed slightly at their conversation. "We are in the same committee and I don't know who the heck uses these words these days but no.. we're not 'enemies'."
"Oh really? Could have fooled me. Since we don't see you guys together all that much anymore." Ths captain spoke up again. "Remember.. There used to be three of them- Ahn Huichui, Choi Minju and Go Saejun. The inseparable trio, talk of the campus."
Another player added, "Right Right, There was even gossip about who Choi Minju would end up dating between the two of you hahaha."
"Oh I know right! I think someone almost started a bet on that.That was wild lol."
"Right," The captain looked at Huichul. "Who knew Choi Minju would end up dating … younger."
Huichul pulled his bag over his shoulders and stepped towards the captain, "Captain Hanseo, gossip doesn't suit you. Saejun and Minju might be having differences right now, but we are all still friends. And I don't appreciate the way you speak about my friend. Who she dates… is none of your business."
With that he turned around and left.
In reality, Huichul wanted to punch the captain. That guy wasn't as annoying when Huichul was just participating in the basketball club as a rookie. The stupid rivalry began when he got good at the sport in 3rd year of college. But at that time, he made the decision to pursue being a producer in the future and left the club. Somehow, that rubbed the captain the wrong way.
He sighed and went to the locker room to wash up. Afterwards, he finished his class and waited at the usual place where he and Saejun meet up. He stood leaning on his motorbike as they were meant to go to a cafe and discuss the course of action on building the choir group.
Being a music major, it made sense why he was assigned to arrange a live choir along with Saejun who was a dance and music double major. He'd been brimming with ideas. As Huichul waited, a group of shady looking, grown up men showed up, surrounding him.
"Master Gangnam, having a good time?" One of them asks, sarcasm and threat oozing from his words. Huichul, who seemed like he had no care in the world, visibly tensed up and straightened up in high alert.
"Bak-ssi…"
"Ah at least you remember me."
Huichul stayed unmoving as the one named Bak put a hand on his shoulder. "You ran away again. Boss Da-e is very upset."
"I already told him, I wanted out."
"Then you should have settled your account, Bitch!" Bak punched him in the face as he spoke. "You think you can get away without settling your debt?"
Huichul chuckled as he wiped the blood off his mouth. "It's not like that, Bak hyung. I was going to make the money and return it all." Bak did not wait to punch him in the gut. Huichul stumbled back.
"You really expect us to believe that you will pay everything back? We're not stupid you know?"
"You're not?"
Huichul got kicked in the face, planting him on the ground on his butt. Bak loomed over him.
"I don't know what Boss sees in you, he's chosen to have mercy on you."
Huichul looked up at Bak, his nose bleeding.
"You have a week to show back up in front of Boss Da-e. If you don't… Your garage worker father will no longer be able to work… you get it right? I don't have to tell you what could happen then." Bak pointed a finger at his forehead aggressively and then turned around and left while his goons proceeded to beat up Huichul till he was bleeding from his head. Just then someone called out Huichul's name and ran towards them.
It was Saejun.
He jumped right into the brawl and attempted to assist Huichul but was soon overpowered by the goons. The goons left when they noticed the two boys stopped resisting.
Huichul and Saejun wreathed on the ground for a couple minutes.
"What the fuck were you doing jumping into fist-fight?" Huichul weakly asked as he propped himself on his arms and leaned in the bike.
"Who the fuck were those guys?" Saejun spat the blood from his mouth.
"...."
"Huichul...' Saejun gave him a look, propping himself up too and demanding answers while Huichul breathed heavily and shook his head in pain. "Well.. I fucked up.. Again."
After a while the two boys did manage to make it to the cafe and sat down, with some discomfort.
"So you're telling me… over the winter break.. In just 2 months… you got back into the illegal racing scene and ended up owing that Boss Da-e …. 3 Million won??"
Huichul, who was holding an ice pack to his face, nodded at Saejun who was also holding an identical ice pack to his own face.
"HOW THE FUCK DID YOU MANAGE TO GET INTO THAT MUCH DEBT IN SUCH A SHORT TIME!?"
Huichul looked away.
"Is that why you were MIA the whole winter break?"
"...."
Saejun slammed his ice pack on the table. "Damn it, Huichul! After all you went through to get outta that mess… you had to go jump right into it, you idiot? Especially after you promised Mi… That person!?"
Huichul's face fell for a second before he sighed and groaned. "I'm not here for a lecture, okay."
"Oh, okay I guess get beat up and mixed up in illegal racing again. Get killed by that Boss guy, what do I care."
"Shushhh…" Huichul looked around, "Not so loud!"
Saejun looked at him like he's mental… "We're fucking bleeding onto their seats, stupid. We're already getting weird looks."
The two boys sighed in their own kind of defeats respectively and sat in silence for a while, just icing their faces. Saejun glared at Huichul, looking him up and down debating if he should also punch Huichul to knock some senses into him but then thought better of it.
"Why did you go back in the first place?"
"..."
Frustration was clear on Saejun's face now. "What exactly is your plan now?"
"...."
"ARE YOU STUPID OR STUPID? NO PLAN, NO MONEY, NO REASON WHY YOU SOUGHT TROUBLE AGAIN…. APPARENTLY NO BRAIN CELL EITHER!"
"Okay calm down and stop talking so loudly… I'll…. Figure something out. Just don't tell anyone, okay!?"
"....There's no one to tell now anyway."
Huichul looked away knowing full well that until last semester Saejun would have only trusted Minju with this information… but not anymore. It was a different kind of hurt .. to see two of your closest friends fight, let alone…
"Do you really hate her now?..."
"...."
"Well..Do you??"
"...."
"Oh look now who doesn't have an answer." Huichul mocked.
"Yeah except I'm not the one lying, or dating my friend's sibling, or getting into illegal stuff. Honestly, it's like both of you have lost your minds entirely!"
They sit in silence for another moment.
"Why don't you just…Give your father a call?" Saejun suggested tentatively,
"That is out of the question."
"Come on. How else are you going to get that much money in a week?"
"...."
"See. Just give him a call, see what he says-"
"OUT. OF. QUESTION. SAEJUN."
Saejun sighed, he knew this was going to be the answer but it was worth a shot.
"Don't worry about it. I'll figure it out. I have tons of tricks up my sleeves."
"For your own sake, Huichul, I really hope you do."
~°🎶°~
Minju rushed to her class not wanting to get late on her first day. Her head had been swimming with plans and projects and assignments already. As well as anxiety, but it was going to have to be ignored. There were more important things to deal with. As she took a seat near the middle of the class, her phone rang.
"Hello, tell me… uh huh." She listened to the other side on the phone. "I am? Oof alright. I will. Just, get home safe okay… Who's dropping you home today?.....Okay cool. Say hi to Jinsoo's father for me… Yeah okay, bye- Oh wait! Mija-ya! There is tteokbokki in the refrigerator, cook it for dinner so we can all eat together…. Yeah okay see you." With that Minju hung up the call.
"Oh, she did show up." Someone behind her whispered to their two seatmates. Minju didn't plan on eavesdropping and they were far away from her but curse her impeccable hearing, she could hear their whispers pretty well.
"Yeah, that's the Parasite Queen for you. Never giving up."
Minju's face twitched at that word. It's not like no one had called her a parasite before. But the word had taken a new meaning since the article dropped and it was bothering her more than she wanted to admit. Yet, she ignored the gossipers.
"If it wasn't so weird, it would almost be impressive."
"To be honest, I do find her impressive. There's a reason she has been trusted to lead the Geumii Mogsoli Committee by the Deans."
"Hmm and that reason might as well be her special talents." The person laughed.
"What do you mean special talent?"
"You know.. That Wonsung is a popular guy. He's literally a trainee at Wolshim Ent. He was going to be the hot new prize of all the first years' but then he ends up dating this parasite? You have to think there's something she offered that others did not."
One of them seemed to have hit the one who just spoke but they all giggled. Here Minju was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"What makes you think she can pull something like that off?"
"I mean.. She is…." There was a pause. "Easy on the eyes.." More hushed laughter.
"Shhh hahah least she goes for you next."
"Oh that won't happen.. As we know.. Her preferences in men are a little… young."
They giggled again.
"Oh my gosh you guys are unbelievable!"
"What.. we're just saying what everyone is thinking.".
Minju had had enough. She turned around with a deadly look and addressed them straight up, "Do you guys have a problem with me? Why not say that to my face then?"
The group hushed up without further sound as the professor entered and called the class's attention.
Minju did her best to banish the stupid gossipers from her mind and focus on class. She had taken most of her final year classes in advance and was left with only 3 classes now instead of 6. A good decision considering the responsibility and mental stress she has right now. Everything she had planned was going well.. Just the rumors needed to die soon and then everything would be perfect.
~°🎶°~
The rest of the class went uneventfully. The gossipers in the back avoided eye contact and minded their business and the professor had everyone's attention. After class Minju left the class without turning back or waiting for anyone. Outside the building, Wonsung was waiting for her.
"Noona!" He waved with a weary smile. Munju returned it. Wonsung linked arms with her as they walked.
"How was your day, Noona?"
Minju sighed. "Long.."
He looked at Minju worriedly till she patted his hand. "It's alright. It's my last semester. I'm going to have long days by default. Anyway, You're staying for dinner, yes?"
"Ah Noona.. I don't know if i can-"
"Too late. We've already arranged dinner with you lol. Kid you got no choice. Haha"
"Ahh you two sisters be conspiring together against me."
"You got yourself into this heheh"
The two chatted all the way to Minju's car and back to Minju's house.
As Minju pulled up into the front of her house, the door opened and the aforementioned sister stood in the doorway.
"Hi Unnie!" The girl said and went ahead to hug Wonsung.
"Hi!" She said beaming.
"Hi!" Wonsung replied, grinning even wider.
"Jeez, at least wait till we're inside."
"Unnie… "
"What??"
They all laughed and headed in.
"Mija-ya, you haven't folded the laundry yet?.... Mom is going to be mad when she gets back." Minju pointed out as soon as she got in.
"Ughh unniee… I'll do it later." Mija, the younger sister played her doe eyes card and Minju could only smile and shake her head. "I won't save you from Mom this time OKAY!" She called out after Mija who dragged Wonsung to the living room.
"Got it, got it!"
Sighing, Minju made her way to her room. "I'll be in my room till dinner time. Don't make a mess, you two."
No reply.
Minju gave up and plonked onto her bed after shutting the door. The lights were still off and she just lay there in darkness for a while. She felt like crying but tears didn't want to emerge. Maybe.. Arim and Wonsung were right. This is all… getting a little too much. How long were they going to be able to keep the pretense up? Mija would go to college next year and Minju herself would be having a job hopefully. Would it really still fool people? But what choice did she have? She needed to protect Mija.
She vividly remembered how worried and scared Mija was when the two kids almost got caught together in public. The only thing she could do was offer to pretend to be the CMJ that people thought was Wonsung's girlfriend.
Breathing in a big sigh. "Nevermind. There's no point in overthinking. If you ain't going to cry then get up and get to work Choi Minju."
As she sat up still in the dark her phone got a notification.
From: Huichul-ah
"Minju-ya. I need to discuss some clarifications for the choir. If there's a limit to the number of-"
The message cut off in her notification bar.
Her heart hurt a little as she stared at the notification and whispered to herself. "Yah.. you don't have a right to be hurt over this anymore…" She sighed again. Somehow he has great timing, but his words… are always distant, she thought. "Get yourself together Minju!" She patted her face with both hands twice and finally did get up, turned the light on and went to clean up.
~°🎶°~