Chereads / The hidden hour / Chapter 4 - CHAPTER 4: UNSPOKEN AGENDA

Chapter 4 - CHAPTER 4: UNSPOKEN AGENDA

_SCHOOL BELL RANGS_

As Eun-ho walked alone, the sounds of chatter and laughter from her friends faded into the distance. She was lost in thought, her mind consumed by a mix of emotions.

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the emptying school grounds, but Eun-ho didn't notice. Her eyes were fixed on the path ahead, her feet moving mechanically as she navigated through the familiar surroundings.

What was on her mind? Was she worried about something, or someone? Perhaps she was struggling with her own feelings, she was unsure of how to process them.

As she turned a corner,dan-oh turned and ignored her,the school buildings gave way to a small park. Eun-ho found herself drawn to a bench, where she sat down, still deep in thought.

Why all of sudden jihoon cares and all of sudden why tae-oh care why everything is changed in one day is that so I have travelled or skipped the days they were unaware of me when we first met.

It seems like Eun-ho has stumbled upon a mysterious fountain that might be connected to her past or her memories. And just as she's trying to figure out what's going on, a group of girls appears, seemingly protective of two guys named Tae-oh and Jihoon.

The girls' reactions suggest that Eun-ho might have unknowingly crossed some kind of boundary or social hierarchy. It's clear that Tae-oh and Jihoon are popular or influential figures, and the girls are warning Eun-ho to stay away.

Don't you think you are doing too much

Be in your limits or we should be out of are limits.

Eun-ho, taken aback by the sudden confrontation, might feel embarrassed, confused, or even intimidated.

Eun-ho's situation has taken a dark and disturbing turn. The girls' behavior towards her is completely unacceptable and cruel. The physical and emotional abuse they're inflicting on her is heartbreaking.

"OHH!! Whom we are taking to,sorry.(Laughed)"

Another girl speak "Yeah! Sorry,why you guys are bullying a girl who don't have a father.(They laughed at her so hard)

The fact that they're using her family situation as a way to belittle and humiliate her is especially devastating. Eun-ho's inability to speak up for herself suggests that she's feeling overwhelmed, shocked, and possibly even traumatized by the experience.

Why!what is this,I can't handle this situation,why I can't speak.

My dad!! Now I get it I am here to cry again

I am in past because I deserve pain.

Eun-ho stood frozen, her eyes wide with fear as the group of girls closed in around her. The girls' faces were twisted in cruel grins, their eyes flashing with malice.

One of the girls, clearly the leader, sneered at Eun-ho. "You think you're so special, don't you?" she spat. "But you're just a dirty girl from a broken home."

The leader's words were followed by action. The girls began to push Eun-ho around, their hands shoving her against the wall. Eun-ho's head spun as she stumbled, her eyes blurring with tears.

One of the girls pulled out a carton of eggs from her bag. With a cruel laugh, she began to crack the eggs over Eun-ho's head. The sticky, gooey liquid dripped down Eun-ho's face, matting her hair and staining her clothes.

The girls' taunts and physical assault proved too much for Eun-ho. She felt her heart shatter into a million pieces as the girls' words cut deep into her soul. She couldn't speak, couldn't move, couldn't even breathe. All she could do was stand there, frozen in shock and humiliation.

Just as the girls' taunts and physical assault seemed to be escalating, a strong, familiar voice cut through the air. "Hey, leave her alone!" the voice shouted.

Eun-ho's head remained bowed, her face hidden behind a curtain of hair. She was too humiliated and scared to look up, even as she recognized the voice as Jihoon's.

The girls, taken aback by Jihoon's sudden intervention, exchanged nervous glances. "It's him," one of them whispered, before they all turned and ran away, abandoning their cruel game.

Eun-ho remained frozen, her eyes fixed on the ground. She couldn't bear to look up, couldn't bear to face Jihoon. What would he think of her, after witnessing such a humiliating scene?

Jihoon's footsteps approached, his voice softening as he spoke. "Eun-ho, are you okay?" he asked, his concern evident in his tone.

Eun-ho's silence was her only response. She couldn't find the words to answer him, couldn't find the courage to face him.

Eun-ho slowly lifted her head, her eyes meeting Jihoon's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them.

Then, Eun-ho's expression changed, a mix of surprise and curiosity crossing her face. "It's...the first time you've ever spoken to me," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jihoon's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze intense.

Eun-ho's heart skipped a beat as she gazed up at Jihoon. No one had ever spoken to her like that before, with such gentleness and concern. What was happening here? Why was Jihoon being so nice to her?

It seems like Eun-ho's emotions are overwhelming her. She's experiencing a mix of shock, gratitude, and possibly even fear as she processes Jihoon's sudden kindness.

As she stands there, frozen in uncertainty, Jihoon takes a step closer to her. His eyes are filled with concern, and his voice is soft and gentle.

"Eun-ho, are you okay?" he asks again, his words barely above a whisper.

Eun-ho's eyes widen, and she takes a step back, her heart racing. What is Jihoon doing? Why is he being so nice to her?

Eun-ho turned and ran, her feet pounding the pavement as she desperately tried to escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume her. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision as she dashed through the crowded streets.

In her haste, she failed to notice a boy standing in front of her. She collided with him, her body bouncing off his as she stumbled backward.

The boy's eyes widened in surprise as he reached out to steady Eun-ho. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

But Eun-ho was beyond consolation. She shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears as she turned and ran away, leaving the boy staring after her in confusion.

As she disappeared into the crowd, the boy's eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful. Who was this mysterious girl, and what was troubling her so deeply?

Eun-ho burst through the front door of her home, her eyes brimming with tears. She didn't say a word to her unnie (older cousin sister), instead rushing past her and dashing up the stairs to her room.

Her unnie's expression changed from surprise to concern as she watched Eun-ho's hasty retreat. She quickly followed Eun-ho to her room, knocking gently on the door.

"Eun-ho, what's wrong?" her unnie asked, her voice soft and worried. "You need to talk to me. What happened?"

Eun-ho didn't respond, instead collapsing onto her bed and burying her face in her pillow. Her body shook with sobs, her tears soaking into the fabric.

Her unnie's concern deepened, and she sat down beside Eun-ho on the bed. She gently stroked Eun-ho's hair, trying to comfort her.

"Eun-ho, please tell me what's wrong," her unnie pleaded. "I'm here for you, and I want to help."

But Eun-ho remained silent, her emotions still raw and overwhelming. What was troubling her so deeply? Would she eventually open up to her unnie, or continue to suffer in silence?

Eun-ho's unnie sighed softly, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. She gently patted Eun-ho's shoulder before standing up.

"Okay, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," she said softly. "Just know that I'm here for you, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She paused, looking at Eun-ho with a warm smile. "Aunty and Eun-mi are out right now, but I'll make sure to have dinner ready for when they get back. If you're feeling up to it, you can join us. If not, I can bring something up to your room."

With that, Eun-ho's unnie quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. Eun-ho was left alone with her thoughts, the silence a heavy blanket that wrapped around her.

As she lay there, Eun-ho's mind began to wander back to the events of the day. Jihoon's unexpected kindness, the girls' cruel taunts, and her own desperate escape all swirled together in a jumbled mess.

She was thinking very hard through out of her thoughts.

Suddenly,Eun-ho stood up on her bed, her eyes blazing with determination as she wiped away her tears. "Yes, I know about everything," she declared, her voice firm and resolute. "I'm here to uncover the truth, no matter what it takes."

She sat down at her study table, pulling out a new notebook and pen. With a steady hand, she wrote down the names of the two students she already knew: Jihoon and Dan-oh.

"Now, let's see...who are the other five students?" Eun-ho muttered to herself, her brow furrowed in concentration. She began to scribble down notes, her mind racing with possibilities.

As she worked, Eun-ho's determination only grew stronger. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with nothing but her courage and her conviction.

"I'll find out what really happened to those seven students," Eun-ho vowed, her eyes burning with intensity. "No matter what secrets I have to uncover, no matter what dangers I have to face...I'll get to the truth, no matter what."

Scene: A Nighttime Meeting Between Business Partners

The scene shifted to a luxurious, dimly lit restaurant, where two middle-aged men, Mr. Kang and Mr. Park, sat sipping whiskey and engaged in hushed conversation. They were joined by their sons, Kang Jihoon and Park Tae-oh, who exchanged awkward smiles as they took their seats.

Mr. Kang, a stout man with a commanding presence, gestured to his son. "Jihoon, you know Mr. Park's son, Tae-oh?"

Jihoon nodded curtly, his eyes flicking to Tae-oh before returning to his father.

Mr. Park, a slender man with a calculating gaze, smiled warmly. "Yes, our sons will be attending the same school soon. It's essential they get along, considering our...business partnership."

The atmosphere around the table grew heavier, the air thickening with unspoken implications. It was clear that Mr. Kang and Mr. Park's relationship went beyond mere friendship or business acquaintances.

As their fathers continued to discuss business, Jihoon and Tae-oh exchanged a brief, hateful glance. Their eyes flashed with a deep-seated animosity, a spark of tension that seemed to crackle with unspoken hostility.

But in an instant, their expressions transformed. Jihoon's scowl softened into a charming smile, while Tae-oh's eyes gleamed with false warmth. They both turned to their fathers, their faces masks of friendship and camaraderie.

"Hey, Tae-oh, how's it going?" Jihoon asked, his voice dripping with insincerity.

Tae-oh grinned, his smile as fake as Jihoon's. "Not bad, Jihoon. Just looking forward to school."

Their fathers beamed with pride, oblivious to the tension between their sons. "That's great to hear, boys!" Mr. Kang exclaimed. "You two are studying together and supporting each other."

Jihoon and Tae-oh nodded in unison, their smiles fixed on their faces. But beneath the surface, their animosity simmered, waiting to erupt at any moment.

The air was thick with tension as Jihoon and Tae-oh locked eyes, their hateful glances sparking a palpable sense of hostility. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the two adversaries.

Tae-oh's smirk grew wider as he spoke up, his voice dripping with malice. "How's your relationship going with Mr. Goo's daughter, Jihoon?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I've heard you're dating Dan-oh. Congratulations."

The room erupted into a chorus of shocked gasps and whispered murmurs. Jihoon's eyes widened in confusion, his face pale with surprise. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Tae-oh's smirk grew even wider as he savored the moment. He glanced around the room, taking in the reactions of the others.

Mr. Park and Mr. Kang exchanged confused glances, their faces furrowed in concern. But Mr. Kang's expression quickly changed to one of delight as he turned to Jihoon.

"Jihoon, is this true?" Mr. Kang asked, his voice filled with excitement. "Are you dating Dan-oh? Ah, that's wonderful news!"

The room fell silent once again, with all eyes fixed on Jihoon. His face was still pale, but a hint of a smile played on his lips. Tae-oh's smirk faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure.

"Well, well, well," Tae-oh said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Looks like Jihoon's got a new girlfriend. How sweet."

Jihoon's face twisted in anger, but he forced himself to remain calm. "No, I am not dating her," he said, his voice low and even, but his emotions betrayed him.

Mr. Kang's face dropped, his expression turning from delight to anger. "Why didn't you date her?" he demanded, his voice rising. "I told you to date her!"

Mr. Park watched the exchange with interest, his eyes darting back and forth between Jihoon and Mr. Kang.

Jihoon's eyes narrowed as he turned to Tae-oh. "What about you, Tae-oh?" he asked, his voice dripping with venom.

Tae-oh's smirk returned, and he leaned back in his chair. "I have a girl in mind," he said, his voice casual. "She's in your class, Jihoon."

Jihoon's eyes flashed with anger as he realized who Tae-oh was talking about. He knew Tae-oh had set his sights on Eun-ho.

Without thinking, Jihoon lunged at Tae-oh, grabbing him by the collar. "You're talking about Eun-ho aren't you?" he snarled, his face inches from Tae-oh's.

The room fell silent once again, with all eyes fixed on Jihoon and Tae-oh. Mr. Kang's face turned red with anger, while Mr. Park watched with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Mr. Kang and Mr. Park, still scolding Jihoon and Tae-oh, led them towards their cars. The two fathers were determined to teach their sons a lesson about fighting over a girl.

As they walked, Jihoon and Tae-oh exchanged angry glances. The tension between them was palpable.

Mr. Kang opened the door to his car and gestured for Jihoon to get in. "Get in, Jihoon. We're going to have a talk."

Jihoon reluctantly got into the car, still fuming from the confrontation with Tae-oh.

Meanwhile, Mr. Park led Tae-oh to his own car. "You're coming with me, Tae-oh. We need to discuss your behavior."

Tae-oh got into the car, his expression still smug and defiant.

As the two cars drove away, Jihoon and Tae-oh couldn't help but think about Eun-ho, the girl who had sparked their rivalry. Little did they know, their lives were about to become even more complicated.

_Scene changed to a park and it was a beautiful scene of sunset_

Eun-ho sat on the bench, her eyes fixed on the ground as she delved deep into thought. Her mind was a jumble of emotions and questions, all centered around her time-traveling experiences.

She thought about Jihoon and Tae-oh, and how both of them seemed to have feelings for her. But did they truly care about her, or were they just caught up in their own rivalry?

As she pondered this, Eun-ho's thoughts turned to the mysterious seven members of her class who will die. She knew that Jihoon and dan-oh were two of them, but who were the other five?

She racked her brain, trying to remember any clues or hints that might reveal the identities of the missing students. But her memories were hazy, and she couldn't seem to grasp the information she needed.

Eun-ho's eyes narrowed as she concentrated harder. She thought back to her time-traveling experiences, trying to recall any details that might seem insignificant at first but could hold the key to unlocking the mystery.

As she sat there, lost in thought, the sun began to set behind her, casting a warm orange glow over the park. But Eun-ho didn't notice, too caught up in her own little world of thoughts and questions.

Just as Eun-ho was getting lost in her thoughts, a boy with a hat walked into the park and sat down beside her on the bench. He picked up a newspaper that had been left on the side of the bench and began to read it, or at least pretend to.

Eun-ho barely registered the boy's presence, too caught up in her own thoughts. But then she heard the screams.

At first, Eun-ho thought it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. But then she heard the screams again, louder and more urgent this time.

Eun-ho's eyes widened as she stood up, her heart racing with fear. She looked around, trying to locate the source of the screams. That's when she saw them - a group of girls running towards the park, their faces filled with terror.

The boy with the hat, still pretending to read the newspaper, chuckled to himself, clearly amused by Eun-ho's reaction. He was wearing a mask, which added to the mystery of his identity.

Eun-ho's eyes darted back to the boy, her mind racing with questions. Who was he? What was he doing here? And what was going on with the screaming girls?

The boy slowly folded the newspaper and looked up at Eun-ho, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Zombie apocalypse?" he replied, in his voice low and husky.

Eun-ho's eyes narrowed, her fear giving way to curiosity. "What's going on, then?" she demanded.

The boy smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You'll see," he said, his voice dripping with mystery.

As the girls approached the park, their faces contorted in terror, the boy with the hat grabbed Eun-ho's hand and pulled her into a sprint.

"Let's run from these zombies!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with amusement.

Eun-ho's eyes widened in surprise as she stumbled after the boy. "Zombies?" she repeated, her voice shaking with laughter. "What's going on?"

The boy chuckled, his eyes glinting with mirth. "You'll see," he said, pulling her along as they weaved through the park.

As they ran, the screams of the girls grew louder, and Eun-ho caught glimpses of them chasing after... something. But what?

The boy suddenly darted to the side, pulling Eun-ho with him. They hid behind a large tree, panting and giggling.

"What's going on?" Eun-ho demanded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

The boy grinned, his mask glinting in the fading light. "Just watch," he said, nodding towards the park.

As Eun-ho turned to look, she saw the girls chasing after... Minwook, a member of the pre-debut group Lumina. The girls were all screaming his name, their faces filled with excitement and adoration.

Eun-ho's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to the boy with the hat. "You're Minwook?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minwook grinned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Guilty as charged," he said, chuckling.

Eun-ho couldn't believe it. She had heard of Lumina, of course - who hadn't? - but she never thought she'd meet one of its members in person.

Eun-ho and Minwook peeked around the large tree, watching as the security guards tried to corral the screaming girls.

"It's going to take more than two guards to handle this crowd," Minwook whispered, his eyes shining with amusement.

Eun-ho giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "I think you're enjoying this," she teased.

Minwook grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe a little," he admitted.

Eunho was thinking about her inner thoughts "why I am meeting him,why I am feeling so good.

Just then, two more security guards arrived, and together, the four of them managed to herd the girls away from the park.

As the crowd dispersed and the guards gave the all-clear, Eun-ho and Minwook emerged from behind the tree, brushing off their clothes.

Minwook chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that was fun. I'm glad we got to experience that together."

Eun-ho smiling up at Minwook. "

As they walked out of the park, Minwook turned to Eun-ho with a curious expression. "So, now that we've escaped the chaos, can I ask you something?"

Minwook's eyes sparkled with amusement as he asked, "And what's your name?"

Eunho's face lit up with a bright smile. "I'm Eunho," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minwook's grin widened. "Nice to meet you, Eunho," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Eunho's eyes shone with excitement. "I'm such a big fan of yours, Minwook," she gushed. "I've been following your journey since the show started, and I'm so excited to see you debut."

Minwook chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Eunho," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot to me."

Eunho's smile faltered for a moment, and she looked at Minwook with a curious expression. "Do you know Naein unnie?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Minwook's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded. "Yeah, but why are you asking about her we just metand you are asking sudden questions

Minwook hesitated and speak up she was our ex-manager and dance coach. But she left..."

Eun-ho's eyes widened in shock, and she felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She was left speechless, her mind reeling with memories of Naein unnie's words.

Eun-ho remembered asking Naein unnie during one of their conversations.

"I'm still working with them, Eun-ho," Naein unnie had replied, her voice laced with a hint of sadness,"I am getting paid."

Eun-ho's memories came flooding back, and she felt a wave of confusion wash over her. Why had Naein unnie lied to her? Why had she told Eun-ho that she was still working with Minwook's group when, in reality, she had left?

Eun-ho's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. She looked up at Minwook, who was watching her with a concerned expression.

"Is everything okay, Eun-ho?" Minwook asked, his voice soft with concern.

Eun-ho hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't know what to make of Naein unnie's lies, or why Minwook seemed so oblivious to the whole situation.

As Eun-ho struggled to process her thoughts, a sudden chill ran down her spine. She felt like she was being watched, and her instincts proved correct.

Naein unnie stood a short distance away, her eyes fixed intently on Eun-ho and Minwook. Her expression was unreadable, but the tension emanating from her was palpable.

Eun-ho's heart skipped a beat as she locked eyes with Naein unnie. She felt a mix of emotions: shock, confusion, and a hint of betrayal. Why had Naein unnie lied to her?

_few minutes before_

Eun-ho's mom had been worried sick, pacing back and forth in the living room. "Where could she be?" she muttered to herself, her brow furrowed with concern.

Just then, Naein come to her aunt sitting near her."Don't worry, I'll go find her," she said, her expression calm and reassuring.

Eun-ho's mom nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Naein unnie."

Naein unnie set off at a brisk pace, her eyes scanning the streets as she searched for Eun-ho. She finally spotted her standing near a tree, talking to Minwook.

But as Naein unnie approached, she saw that Minwook was with Eun-ho.

Naein unnie's expression darkened with anger. "Minwook!" she shouted, striding towards them.

Minwook turned to face her, his eyes flashing with defiance. But Naein unnie was having none of it.

"How dare you talk to her like that?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing. "I told you to stay away from her. Why are you so obsessed with her?"

Naein unnie's voice cracked with emotion as she continued, "I know you liked her, Minwook, but don't fool her! Why did you tell her those things? I specifically told you to stay away from her, to not date her. I didn't want her to get hurt, to be the target of hate from your fans. I know what will happen in the future - the scandals, the rumors. I've been through it before, Minwook. I once loved an idol, and I know how it feels."

Naein unnie's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke, her voice shaking with emotion. Eun-ho watched in shock, her mind reeling with the sudden revelation. Minwook, the idol, was in love with her? What was happening?

Eun-ho's eyes darted to Minwook, who looked like he'd been punched in the gut. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide with shock. He took a step forward, as if to protest, but Naein unnie's expression stopped him cold.

"Don't, Minwook," she warned, her voice firm. "Just leave her alone. She deserves better than to be hurt by a idol like you."

Eun-ho felt like she was in a dream, like everything was happening in slow motion. She couldn't process what was happening, couldn't wrap her head around the fact that Minwook, the idol, was in love with her.

Are Tae-oh and Jihoon genuinely in love with Eun-ho, or is it a rivalry-driven infatuation?,Who had feelings for Eun-ho first, and why did they keep it hidden?What secrets might Tae-oh and Jihoon be hiding, and how will they impact the plot?What is Naein unnie's past experience with an idol that makes her so adamant about keeping Eun-ho away from Minwook?,Why does Minwook seem to be so drawn to Eun-ho, despite Naein unnie's warnings?,What secrets is Naein unnie hiding about her own past and her relationship ,How will Eun-ho react to the revelation that Minwook has feelings for her,Is Minwook genuinely in love with Eun-ho, or is there another motive behind his actions?