Rumor Was Floating Around
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks! But, why does your face look like you are unhappy my team won?” he said, teasing DT who had been showing a lot of emotion on his stoic face than usual.
DT didn’t reply to Grand’s taunting. He just gave him a look of displeasure. He couldn’t understand why this obnoxious guy is so popular with girls, and it seems like Miss E is one of those girls who fell for his happy go lucky attitude.
“Listen up! The Big Boss will be treating us to a barbeque dinner tonight.” Ghost informed the team, “Move your asses to the shuttle bus, we will be going to Myeongdong.”
The team was all lethargic after a mentally draining game, bursting with energy with the news of food. They all hurried out to get into the waiting shuttle bus. However, they were not able to ride on the bus easily because a bunch of fans was waiting for them outside.
They were all asking for autographs, pictures, and basically just to catch a glimpse of DT and Grand. The two polar opposite characters of the WIZ team, -- both were equally good-looking and amazing players.
Miss E, watched the commotion of young girls screaming like the boys were members of some famous K-Pop group. She covered herself with the team hoodie and made a dash to the waiting shuttle. She made herself comfortable, watching the boys handle their fans from the safety of the bus.
It took almost an hour before all the members were able to get on the bus. As expected, Grand and DT were the last ones to escape from the throng of energetic fans.
The shuttle slowly made its way to the famous shopping district in the city of Seoul. Miss E, wondered why they have to go there if they are just going to have a team dinner. Why couldn’t they just do it at the hotel, she wanted to ask Ghost, but she wasn’t able to do so because she saw the excitement of everyone.
Maybe going to a barbeque is fun for everyone. She doesn’t like it though. The smoke in those kinds of restaurants clings to the fabric of clothes for the whole day. She also doesn't like the idea that she has to do the cooking of her own food.
She didn’t express her opinion because she knows that her opinion does not agree with anyone. They would just think of her as someone strange. She scoffed inwardly.
--
“Congratulations everyone for a good game! We are now part of the team that will participate in the world elimination round.” Mr. Wan was in an extremely good mood, proposing cheers for everyone.
She raised her water bottle for the cheers, she won’t touch the shot of soju the boys were passing around. She used to drink a lot, but soju was never one of them. She grimaced watching Grand sitting across from her, drinking the shot of soju like it actually tasted good.
“Stop being such a snob. Give it a taste!” He poured his shot glass some soju and put it in front of her. The corner of her lips curled up in disgust, but she tried to keep herself neutral. She doesn’t use something that has been used by other people, she doesn’t even use things twice!
DT who was sitting next to Grand leaned over Grand and grabbed the shot of soju that he put in front of her. He drank the soju without saying anything.
Mantis and One who was sitting next to her exchanged a meaningful look. Before the two could open their mouths, Mr. Wan asked them to pay attention to what he is about to say.
“Ask a reward for a game well played today, each of you will get $1000 shopping money tonight, and tomorrow we don’t have any practice.” he declared the good news with another toast.
Everyone boisterously hit their chopsticks on the table, with the idea of a shopping spree and an off from practice.
Miss E, clapped her hands softly and took another drink of water for the toast.
“Keep your voice down before the other patron of the restaurant complained about us. Whoever makes a sound would be the designated griller for everyone.”
Mantis and One groaned in protest. They picked up the thong and started grilling.
“Can I talk to you in private?” she asked Grand who was already starting to pile up grilled meat on his plate.
“Now? Can’t it wait?” he asked with his mouth full.
She just stared at him meaningfully instead of answering him and stood up from her chair.
Grand shook his head watching Miss E, exit the restaurant. He wiped his hand on a wet tissue, drank some water, and stood up from his chair to follow her outside.
“Don’t you think there is something with the two of them? They kept on disappearing on their own,” he said to One who was stuffing his mouth with more meat.
“Ugh,” was the only sound he was able to make, nodding in agreement.
“Stop making stories!” he pointed his finger to Mantis in annoyance. “Drink up!” he slammed a glass of water in front of One, “You will end up killing yourself with the way you eat.
“But, you know that they really keep on acting suspicious,” he insisted after drinking the water he gave him. “Grand even went inside Miss E’s room at the WIZ, they disappeared at the airport, now they went out of the restaurant,” he said, being gossipy.
DT didn’t answer One’s assumption. It has been floating around, but the news of Grand entering Miss E’s sleeping quarter is news to him.
He stood up from his chair rather noisily that Mr. Wan and Ghost threw him an inquiring look.
“Where are you going?” Mantis asked, surprised.
“Toilet,” he told him off so he would stop asking every goddamn question he could think of.
He mumbled some words of excuses before going to the bathroom located on the first floor of the restaurant.
He clearly understood what Mantis and One were discussing. He, himself, thinks that there is more to Grand and Miss E’s relationship other than being friends since he knew Miss E didn’t keep friends. Being in the same team is the only reason she could think of why the two are acting so close to each other.
He used the excuse of using the toilet but he wanted to see where Miss E and Grand went. He was feeling ashamed of what he is doing, but he can’t help it.