Secrets

Chapter 3: Your secret? I'll find out

The teacher came in and said," Class, I hope you all know that we have a review test today". The class groaned and Hwa Sung chuckled. Unlike the others, she actually likes tests. Weird, but true. She loves them.

Especially if you've taken them your whole life.

The test was pretty easy and it also helped that Hwa Sung loved history.

Oh, how she remembered when she used to do drills with Tae, Tal and Eomma(1). Eommeoni(1)! I miss you so much. No one understands the pain I'm going through.

Hwa Sung quickly cleaned her eyes as soon as she realized she was crying. She submitted her papers to Miss Sooyoung, who was surprised, along with the rest of the class who was having a hard time answering the tough questions. Oblivious to the attention she was yet again receiving, Hwa Sung sat down to read a book 'Mischievous kiss'. She had heard of its drama, but she'd rather read it. At first, she felt a glare at the back of her head. Not wanting to get intimidated by Nam Young, she let it slide. Soon, she got lost in the book. She almost didn't hear the bell: she was too lost in the book. Hwa Sung got up and saw Talahai outside the classroom, by the door waiting for her, but what really caught her eye was Jung trying to sneak side glances at her.

He had seen her crying during the test and was worried.

But why was he worried? It's none of his business anyway. But he just couldn't help but feel worried.

What do I feel this way? , he wondered. He's never experienced it before.

Hwa Sung got up and casually strolled towards the door, where Talahai waited for her, while stealing glances at Il Jung and they left to God knows where. Jung got up and went to the cafeteria, hoping to see Hwa Sung for a reason even he doesn't know.

Hwa Sung had been in the cafeteria at America, but the Korean cafeteria was a tad bit different but almost the same. The like, students, chatting and even hierarchy seems the same, but there was a certain aura from here that made Hwa Sung more comfortable. She checked her sling bag and was relieved to find a few dollars and won(2) notes in it.

I wonder if they accept cheques and credit cards, she mused.

She went to the counter and ordered Orange juice and a bowl each of vegetables and fruit salad. She took her food and sat down at an empty table, not wanting a disturbance, though knowing she would soon get one. Soon enough,Talahai joined her and it seemed like he was trying to suck up to her.

Jung entered the cafeteria and spotted Hwa Sung with Talahai and the way they acted close was suspicious, especially with Talahai's facial expression. He internally debated, pondering on whether to eavesdrop on their conversation or not. Finally, his curiosity won and he went closer and heard them speaking in hushed tones. What he caught was

" We've got to tell them. They're my friends".

Tell who what? Is he talking about us?

" No, we can't"

Why is she dead against telling, well, whatever it is they're keeping?

" They'll find out sooner or later"

What will who find out? Strange girl, first day and she's already having secrets.

" But for now, don't tell them".

" I always told you to give up, but you never listen. Has it gotten you anywhere? Look at yourself: you've wasted half of your life on this and you have gained nothing in return. Please, stop. For us at least ", Talahai's voice broke at the ending part of his speech.

" I know, but you know I can't just give up. Don't tell them, please, for my sake".

Talahai opened his mouth to say something, but Jung decided to chime in at that exact moment.

" Tell who what?".

"Jung-ahh...........", Talahai started, but Hwa Sung ended it, "..........it's none of your business" and left. Talahai immediately followed. He definitely did not want to get interrogated by Jung.

" I promise you", Jung mumbled as he looked onto the direction they went, " I'll find out exactly what it is you're hiding. Trust me. You just wait and watch".

Footnotes:

1: means mother

2: Korean currency