471

 [Chapter 132]

[To Pluck the Flower (2)]

No Eunha is dating Choi Ga-in.

This was a rumor spread by students who had witnessed the two of them together since the second semester started.

And once spread, the rumor eventually became uncontrollable and spread throughout the academy.

Of course, people who were close to him wouldn't believe such an absurd rumor.

"Hah... It's my fault. I should have been more aware of what was going on. I haven't been paying attention lately because I've been preparing for the cultural festival."

"Why is that your fault, Minji? It's all Eunha's fault. If you say that, I have nothing to say either. I haven't been paying attention lately either."

"Sorry, same here. I was late getting information because I haven't been hanging out with Ga-in..."

Minji, Seona, and Eunwoo each blamed themselves.

They had all failed to keep their finger on the pulse of the academy lately while preparing for the cultural festival.

By the time they noticed, the rumor had already spread with embellishments.

It's the same even now.

"I hear this was actually Eunha's push and pull strategy. Showing other girls flirting with him in front of Ga-in to provoke jealousy..."

"Come on, that's going too far. But thinking strategically, I can see how No Eunha and Choi Ga-in could become that kind of relationship."

"Well, I can understand. Ga-in has been looking for guys who could raise her status within the group until now. In that sense, Eunha is the best catch."

""""...""""

Students producing ridiculous rumors that could be heard intermittently if you listened.

Kim Minji, Jin Seona, Cha Eunwoo.

The three who had gathered at the cafe for a meeting stuck out their tongues hearing those sounds.

"Big picture my foot... They don't seem to know that given No Eunha's personality, he's probably preparing to give her a big 'screw you' right now."

"That's right. Eunha must have some reason for hanging out with her. I don't know what he's trying to do behind our backs, but."

"Hmm... I think what they're saying could never happen. Unless Eunha's father switches over to Galaxy Group's side, such a thing won't happen."

The three each refuted the rumors circulating in a logical manner.

Even though it was something they knew without having to say it.

The reason they spoke up was because there was one more person sitting at the table.

"""...."""

Alice Group's direct descendant, Jung Hayang.

She who had ordered an iced white mocha latte was poking the ice with her straw, half-listening to the conversation.

The ice that sank and floated repeatedly was breaking into very small pieces.

The three watched carefully as she ground the ice and ate it like a white mocha frappuccino.

Seona, you say something.

Yeah Seona, you try talking to her.

Why are you both only telling me... No, we shouldn't touch her right now.

Before they knew it, they had moved their chairs closer together and were having an elbow fight under the table.

Regardless, Jung Hayang's gaze remained only on the drink with finely ground ice.

The presence of the smallest person among them, not even 160cm tall, could not be ignored just by being still.

"""...."""

In the end, the three agreed.

That it was best not to touch her.

But then—

"—Hey."

"""...Huh?"""

Jung Hayang suddenly spoke up.

The three who had been tense let out dumbfounded sounds.

Hayang opened her mouth, ignoring their reactions.

"The rumors going around now, most of them are being spread from Ga-in's side, right? The speed at which the rumors are growing seems too fast no matter how I think about it."

"...Yeah, that's right. When we investigated, most of the sources came from Choi Ga-in's faction."

She was upset.

So she was a bit emotional, but.

In fact, Hayang had been thinking about the situation coldly while making the frappuccino.

She put the straw in her mouth after hearing Seona's answer.

"""...."""

She gulps down the drink in the cup in one go.

Until the straw can no longer suck anything and makes a sound of air leaking.

The three who watched that scene could only blankly stare at her.

"Ga-in probably wants to use this situation to make the rumors a fait accompli."

"...That's probably it. She wants to create an atmosphere where Eunha is backed into a corner using the rumors. Though I wonder if that would work on a guy."

"Well, I can understand. Ga-in has been looking for guys who could raise her status within the group until now. In that sense, Eunha is the best catch."

Seona nodded, and Minji added.

As they said, the intention behind the rumors currently spreading was obvious.

It was to induce an atmosphere where Eunha had to keep approaching her.

It was also a warning to others, mainly girls, not to get close to Eunha.

Because it was a rumor with a clear purpose, Jung Hayang was able to find her composure.

"Then let's just leave it alone."

"""What?"""

So she was able to speak in a much lighter tone.

In contrast, the three had surprised expressions.

Jung Hayang smiled bitterly.

As if there was no other choice.

"I don't like it either, but there's no good way to deal with it. And if we try to intervene, we might accidentally make it an even bigger topic. Maybe those kids are waiting for the moment we intervene and people's interest increases."

"""...."""

"Anyway, Eunha won't care about the rumors, and we know Eunha won't date Ga-in. I don't think we need to be shaken."

"Well... I guess it is better to just pretend not to know and stay quiet until the heat dies down."

"Even if we tell Eunha to be careful with his actions, he probably won't listen to us anyway, sigh..."

"Hmm... But how about we try to minimize the time Eunha spends with Ga-in? I think it's better to give as little gossip material as possible to make the rumors disappear quickly."

Hayang suggested a direction.

Then her friends one by one opened their mouths to give opinions.

It's not the best method, but...

Hayang fell into thought while talking with the three.

It wasn't the best method.

The best way to end the rumors was to prove Eunha's innocence.

But no matter how much Eunha shouted, students wouldn't accept that he wasn't dating anyone. They would think he was just being shy.

So—

—If Eunha told the academy people he was dating someone, it would be easy to make the rumors disappear...

Reveal Eunha's lover.

The reason rumors were spreading now was also because he didn't have anyone he was officially dating.

So the best method was to have Eunha create a lover, real or fake, to eliminate any possibility of rumors arising in the future.

Eunha wouldn't allow it, but.

Probably...

But Jung Hayang didn't tell her friends the first thought that came to mind.

Because she could predict Eunha's reaction.

"—Then let's do that."

The 5th period is about to start soon.

Jung Hayang, having finished talking to some extent, decided to move to the lecture hall with her friends.

When they were about to return their trays to the counter—

""""—...."""

"Oh my, kids. Are you going to class?"

Of all times.

They ran into Choi Ga-in's faction.

Jung Hayang and her friends stopped in their tracks seeing them who seemed to have finished ordering and were looking for seats.

"I don't see the boys you usually hang out with today? Eunha's not here either. Right. Eunha told me he's with Bae Soo-bin right now."

"The class we're going to now is an elective we take with Eunha."

""...""

Very naturally.

The leaders of the two factions stepped forward and exchanged words.

It was a battle of nerves.

Jung Hayang and Choi Ga-in. The two kept looking at each other silently.

"—Well then, I'm going to class."

After they each threw jabs at each other.

Just then, the vibrating bell held by Choi Ga-in's faction rang.

Jung Hayang who heard the vibration sound soon passed by them to go to class.

But Choi Ga-in didn't seem to want to let Jung Hayang go like this.

She shouted loudly as if for her to hear.

"Ah! Come to think of it, I'm supposed to have dinner with Eunha later! Hayang, if you don't have anyone to eat dinner with, do you want to eat with us?"

Choi Ga-in giggled.

Her faction joined in.

Jung Hayang stood still and quietly clenched her fists.

The faces of the three following behind her were stiff.

As if ready to fight right away.

"—Sorry. I have dinner plans too. Oh, I'm supposed to drink with friends later tonight... If you're bored, do you want to come over Ga-in? Eunha said he's coming today too..."

But Jung Hayang confidently faced Choi Ga-in alone.

Then she turned her back on Ga-in who was grinding her teeth.

She moves forward.

In fact, it wasn't over yet.

Jung Hayang naturally opened and closed her hand that was going back and forth on her skirt hem.

She manipulates mana.

"—Kyaaaaaah!!"

"G-Ga-in!! H-How did you drink it to make it come out your n—"

She didn't need to look back.

By now, Choi Ga-in's whole body must be soaked from the drink that surged up while she was drinking.

Jung Hayang walked away humming.

Meanwhile, the three—

"—Hayang seems to have been building up stress lately..."

"She can't help but be stressed. Even I feel like pinching Eunha hard right now."

"But guys, we don't actually have a drinking party tonight, right? I was really surprised because Hayang said it so confidently I thought it was real."

☆

The fireworks, which could be called the highlight of the cultural festival, were originally scheduled for the third day of the festival.

But from this year, it's said to be changing to the fourth day of the festival.

That day was the day the comprehensive division competition finals ended.

On top of that, Seoyoung noona said she would build towers where you can watch fireworks from high places all over the grounds during the cultural festival period because of me...

Well, it's not bad for me.

Meanwhile, according to Shin Seoyoung.

Since the 031 class entered the academy, the number of people coming from outside during the cultural festival has been increasing every year.

And the instructors are predicting that even more people will come than last year now that the 031 class has entered high school academy.

For this, the instructors announced they would install towers where fireworks can be viewed all over the grounds during the cultural festival.

"—So how do you want the fireworks this year?"

"So spectacular that people will say it's the best ever. Since there will be a lot of people, we need to show how amazing the academy cultural festival is, right?"

Many people will visit.

People will be distracted and security will be lax.

It was the situation Eunha had been hoping for.

Strangely, luck is on my side this year.

Somehow luck was on his side.

That was why Eunha was eating lunch with Bae Soo-bin with a confident face.

Though Bae Soo-bin was looking at him with a blank expression.

"The instructors already asked me to make it spectacular without you telling me."

"I'm asking you to make it even more spectacular than that."

Academy lake.

The two had set up a spot on one side of the X-shaped bridge crossing the lake and were eating lunch.

Bae Soo-bin, in charge of directing this year's cultural festival fireworks, was eating a sandwich neatly.

Eunha poured a drink into a cup for her.

"Just how spectacular do you want it to be?"

Bae Soo-bin drinks the beverage in one gulp.

Then she holds out the empty cup to him.

As if it's okay to do this since she's in the superior position as the one receiving the request.

Dobby has grown a lot.

Eunha thought.

But he didn't bother to say it out loud.

"Make it so spectacular that people attending the cultural festival that day will be completely focused on just the fireworks."

"That's obviously what my job is."

"Then that's good."

He needs to divert people's attention.

So that people don't notice Choi Ga-in who will go missing for a while.

Conveniently, Bae Soo-bin was put in charge of directing the fireworks.

That's why Eunha was putting so much effort into feeding her sandwiches.

"Are you..."

"What, what is it."

In the middle of that.

Bae Soo-bin suddenly narrowed her eyes and stared intently at Eunha.

Eunha responded confidently.

There was nothing to be ashamed of or wrong about.

But she—

"—You're not asking for spectacular fireworks because you want to watch them with a girl, are you?"

"...Wasn't the reason you decided to direct the fireworks because of this? You said you'd make the fireworks really loud so couples can't make happy memories."

"Never mind that, just answer the question."

The chief of Korea's solo village interrogated Eunha who had a sour expression.

I heard the people directing the fireworks with her are also people who shout about being single.

Come to think of it, Parang hyung said he's in charge of patrolling the cultural festival this time...

He said he'd patrol with a bamboo spear...

Eunha sighed.

He didn't know where Bae Soo-bin and Jin Parang had become idiots.

Though Jin Parang was originally an idiot.

At this point, he decided to humor Bae Soo-bin's mood to handle her as he wished.

"I feel the same way as you. Like you, I hope people come to watch the fireworks and end up going deaf."

"Don't lie."

"It's true. That's why I'm asking you to make fireworks that are not only incredibly spectacular, but also so loud they deafen people."

"...Are you serious?"

"Soo-bin, I'm single too."

"Hmm... Singles don't lie."

Bae Soo-bin was convinced.

She folded her arms and nodded, welcoming Eunha's move to Solo Village.

He'll receive a bamboo spear soon, she says.

Eunha said he'd come get it later to humor her.

"Should I invite you to the chat room?"

"...There was even a chat room for that? No, that's okay."

Of course, Eunha knew moderation too.

Eunha appropriately backed off and again asked her to make spectacular and loud fireworks.

Bae Soo-bin readily agreed.

☆

Academy lake.

5th period, Underwater Combat Practical Elective.

Students had to form parties of four and battle monsters released into the lake by the instructor.

Why is he alone over there?

Eunha and Hayang's party finished the instructor's test first.

Now all that was left was to rest while watching the other students.

It was truly the sweetest elective.

Eunha planned to rest fully on the opposite side of the lake under the pretext of training.

But Jung Hayang was there.

"Hayang."

"Oh, Eunha."

"What are you doing here alone?"

"I came to rest too."

Jung Hayang sitting on the railing with her legs dangling, kicking her bare feet over the lake surface.

She splashes the lake with her toes.

She smiled happily when she saw Eunha.

But he wasn't unaware that she had a thoughtful expression just moments ago.

What is she worrying about alone?

Eunha observed her closely.

Then she patted the spot next to her with her hand.

Telling him to sit.

Soon he sat down with his legs between the railings like her.

"Why. What's going on?"

"I hear you're having dinner with Ga-in later?"

"...How did you know?"

"Tsk, there are ways to know everything."

Jung Hayang coming in with a hook.

Eunha felt stung.

Strangely, he felt like he had done something wrong.

Eventually she changed to a serious face and opened her mouth.

"What's the reason you've been hanging out with Ga-in lately? Can't you tell me now?"

"..."

"Are you trying to bring Ga-in into the party too?"

"No, that's not it."

"Then what is it?"

Eunha now knew about the rumors circulating in the academy too.

That his friends were struggling to quash those rumors.

Jung Hayang must be doing so as well.

So he was grateful to them.

"Can't you tell me either?"

Jung Hayang asks.

Eunha chose his words.

There were things he could tell her, and things he couldn't.

Eunha decided to tell her while clearly distinguishing between the two.

"You've seen the flower-like bracelet on Choi Ga-in's wrist, right?"

"...That? Moon's Blessing?"

"Yeah. It's because of that."

Jung Hayang is worried.

Eunha, not unaware of her concern, talked about the characteristics of Moon's Blessing.

That he needed it.

And that he somehow had to 'persuade' Choi Ga-in to receive the Moon's Blessing bound to her.

"So that's why you've been trying to be friendly with Ga-in."

"...That's right."

Jung Hayang muttered softly.

She just quietly looked out at the lake while slowly swinging her legs.

Eunha also lifted his head to look out at the lake beyond where students were engaging in underwater combat.

"But still..."

It was then.

Jung Hayang blurted out.

Eunha turned his gaze to her.

She was looking at him too.

Her round eyes trembled.

"—But I'd prefer if you didn't meet with Ga-in so much."

"..."

Jung Hayang said with force.

Eunha chose his words again.

Black hair reminiscent of a deep blue night.

A pink ribbon sticking up like rabbit ears on top.

Her hairstyle that hadn't changed much since childhood seemed to have a magical power to soothe people.

Even her baby hairs seemed charming.

"—Okay. I'll do as you say."

"Tsk, but you're still going today."

Eunha soon gave her the answer she wanted to hear.

Then Jung Hayang pouted her lips.

She puffed up her cheeks as if throwing a tantrum.

Eunha thought he wanted to grab those cheeks with his hand and stretch them.

Eunha reached out his hand.

"..."

"...Eunha?"

It's soft and squishy.

Eunha quietly enjoyed the sensation without stretching her cheek.

She who had closed her eyes expecting her cheek to be stretched had a flustered expression.

"Why are your cheeks so sunken?"

"...I guess they've sunken from not eating, hmph. Because someone hasn't been eating with me lately."

"Who's that?"

"The person in front of me."

Jung Hayang puts strength in her eyes.

Eunha who chuckled softly reached his hand further in.

He brushes her hair back with the back of his hand and touches her earlobe.

She didn't reject his touch.

She just smiled while looking at Eunha.

"Why do you keep touching?"

"Why, am I not allowed to touch?"

"...No. You're allowed to touch."

"I know."

"..."

"If you're hungry, do you want to eat dinner with me later?"

"Didn't you say you're eating with Ga-in?"

"We can eat as three."

"Hmph, I don't want to. I feel like I won't be able to digest if I eat with Ga-in."

"I'll give you that."

No one came around.

It seemed Minji and Seona were controlling the students.

Thanks to that, the two could have a pleasant conversation.

It was then.

"Do you have time on the fourth day of the cultural festival? Do you want to go sightseeing together with me that day?"

Jung Hayang urged with momentum.

Yet her eyes were trembling ever so slightly.

Eunha caught her trembling eyes too.

It was an invitation he couldn't refuse.

"...I think it'll be difficult during the day."

"Why? Who are you going with?"

"Yeah."

"Ga-in?"

"That's right."

"..."

"But I think I'll have time in the late evening. Do you want to go look around then?"

"...Okay."

Jung Hayang nodded.

Eunha also confirmed her mood had improved and felt relieved inside.

Soon a moment of silence fell.

Jung Hayang suddenly seemed embarrassed and avoided his gaze.

She blankly stares at the lake surface shimmering in the sunlight.

"...te."

"Hm?"

She mumbled something.

Eunha tilted his head hearing the sound that seemed to be mumbled inside her mouth.

She was still looking at the lake while holding the railing with both hands.

Then she blurts out as if in passing.

"—I hear there's a legend about fireworks at the academy."

"Huh? There is?"

"...I want to see the fireworks."

"..."

You already know the answer.

Eunha watched her splashing water with her bare feet while speaking as if in passing.

Jung Hayang had her head bowed deeply.

Somehow it seemed like her earlobes would be bright red if he brushed her hair aside.

But Eunha didn't touch her hair.

Instead, he also turned his gaze in the same direction as her and fell into thought.

'—I hope you don't become someone who just endures too much.'

Suddenly, Eun-a's words of advice flashed through his mind.

Don't hold back your feelings too much.

Sometimes try being honest with your heart.

Eun-a had said.

Really... is it okay to do that?

There's still a long way to go ahead.

It was a rough road.

There was no time to take a break.

Yet his heart throws a tantrum.

Begging to rest a little.

Eunha was conflicted.

After the conflict—

"—Do you want to watch the fireworks together? Just the two of us."

He decided to do as his heart told him.

Eunha proposed to Hayang almost impulsively.

Her eyes looking at him suddenly grew large.

Not long after, Jung Hayang who regained her composure answered with a gentle smile.

"—Yes, let's watch together. Just the two of us."