Mrs. Clara's voice cuts in, firm but gentle.
Her voice was caring a gentle authority turning attention towards her, she smiles warmly her eyes crinkling at the corners
'' I stood here and listened to all your presentation. And I want you all to know that am very proud of you all for the first time'' she sighed and continued,
''You all have great ideas, And I'm very excited for your project this month... not to mention the last project...'' she shivered thinking about it.
Mr. Petal chimes in with his usual deep voice and humor '' I guess all those exercises did not only help.. you physically... but also mentally I will increase it to fifteen laps then...'' he joked arching an eye brow.
The class erupted into laughter, the mood light and cheerful.
Mrs. Carla then added '' Okay class we will see you again in about a week, we will provide you the cameras, and all, And since you're heading off to different cities you can take care of your transportation Good luck''.
After her speech, Mrs. Carla gracefully exist the class, her expression serious yet composed.
As she steps out, Mr. Lee watches her go with a proud gentle smile on his face.
Not wanting to miss the moment, Mr. Lee quickly gave the class a playful thumbs up earning a few amused glances.
Mr. Petal always encouraging, gave a fist bump and a spirited nod, motivating the class to do their best.
After all the teachers were gone, the class let's out collective sighs, all hoping Mrs. Carla will like their project.
But, admits all that Se-Jin, the group A's leader turned to Ha-Joon and In-Su with a gentle shy smile, ''Ha-Joon!'' He called out softly. Then added with a smile.
'' Uhm... I wanted to say that.. your project's idea seems interesting...'' He said this was the first time, anyone has ever said something nice not totally bad or teasing to Ha-Joon, No wonder why Se-Jin was embarrassed.
Se-Jin didn't stop there, he even gave a tentative thumbs up, which Ha-Joon giggled in response.
With a warm smile '' Thanks... Your's is nice too... I will like to see all of you being happy...'' He said softly and returned the thumbs up, Se-Jin flustered, scratch the back of his neck, is he shy or embarrassed? only he knows.
And then suddenly Ji-Soo stood up, her eyes shinning with so much energy her smile wide but warm, her ponytail bounces as she stood up.
She glances at In-Su and then back to Ha-Joon '' And please maybe you should film...In-Su without his mask...'' she said her tone enthusiastic.
In-Su nodded he didn't know how to respond to that, but Ha-Joon did.
Ha-Joon smiled and winked, '' You will surely see In-Su's face I promise....'' he added chuckling. '' And also I will love to see your movie... it sounded interesting..'' he added smiling.
Suddenly the bell rang, it was always time for lunch in their school, the student exchanged hopeful glances before standing up to walk out.
In the bustling cafeteria Ha-Joon sits on his seat, eating casually, across him was Joy beside her Ji-Hoo then beside Ha-Joon In-Su all with confuse and curious expressions on their face, as they watch Ha-Joon gaze intently at a table a bit far away.
At the table- two boys and a girl sat- together their uniform were different from Ha-Joon's, indicating they are seniors their confident, slightly mature, and calm demeanor sets them apart.
Ji-Hoo leaned forward with a teasing smile, '' Hey grandpa.. do you need your glasses to see their face properly?'' he jests, smiling teasingly.
Ha-Joon rolled his eyes good naturedly but couldn't hide a smile.
Joy adjusting her glasses and her freckles dancing as she leaned forward too '' Then why are you starring at them intensely?'' She asks, eyebrow raised.
Ha-Joon nods, his gaze still fixed on them ''I was just thinking... they will all be perfect for our project..'' He murmured as he threw a grape in his mouth.
In-Su leaned closer and he said softly '' Yeah Ha-Joon-ah... I was also thinking the same thing..'' he too starred at the trio.
''weird'' Ji-Hoo mutters under his breath leaning back on his chair.
Ha-Joon was about to step forward, his hand pounding a little.
He slowly reached out and took In-Su's hand, without anyone telling him to do so.
In-Su sensing his nerves, didn't hesitate he gently but firmly took Ha-Joon's hand, their fingers intertwined, as they approached the three seniors.
Ha-Joon softly cleared his throat ''Hi... I'm Kim Ha-Joon... am from the junior class and this is my friend In-Su...'' he glances at In-Su who nodded and bowed slightly in politness.
The girl with her piercing blue eyes looked up, her long soft brown hair almost covering her face, she looked at them with a warm smile but a curious expression crossed her face,
''Yes... I've seen you around... but I don't think we've met officially I'm Nira suwannee but you can call me Nira...'' she said softly nodding with friendliness.
She then gestures to the boy beside her, who has a tousled blonde hair and lively brown eyes '' And this is Yuki, Yuki Tanaka '' she said cheerfully.
Yuki grinned widely raising a hand on a casual wave '' What's up?'' he said with a carefree smile, Ha-Joon waved back feeling a little more at ease.
Nira, then turned her attention to the other boy across her, pointing at him '' And this is Joon-Seo Kim '' she said.
Joon-Seo, with his jet brown hair, that covered part of his eyes, was leaning back casually scrolling through his phone his headphone drenched over his shoulder.
He didn't looked up his thumb moved silently across the screen as he murmured dismissively ''Hmm.... Don't bother me'' His tone was rude almost like he didn't care.
Nira chuckled softly and shook her head '' Don't mind him-he's not the warm type'' She said lightly, amusement in her eyes, Ha-Joon nodded politely trying to mask his irritation and replied '' I understand.''
But Ha-Joon could tell In-Su wasn't pleased, his hand now are crossed tightly on his chest and he stared intently at Joon-Seo, his mask hiding his expression but he could tell he was serious.
Annoyed by Joon-Seo's behavior ready to defend them if needed.
Nira sensing the tension, broke the ice '' How can we help you?'' she asked politely and Ha-Joon nodded.
Ha-Joon smiled trying to keep his cool '' We're working on a project about filming, and we need your help in playing some roles'' He explained '' That is if you're interested.''
In-Su chimed in his voice calm and steady '' we would really appreciate it if you help''.
Joon-Seo still scrolling on his phone muttered without looking up '' Not interested'' his words felt like a slap to the face.
In-Su's eyes flashed with fury, his hands crossed even tighter, he said in a cold almost menacing tone '' I don't think you can talk like that'' His voice was calm, but carried the weight of something that showed he wasn't to be underestimated.
Joon-Seo just glanced at In-Su and then smirked, returning back to his phone once again, his attitude fueled In-Su even more, but he held back.
Yuki, the peacemaker grinned and said '' Don't worry we will help you- just tell us what we need to do'' he said enthusiastically.
Ha-Joon nodded feeling a bit more confident '' Yes... but is better we discuss it when you are all free'' he added.
Nira smiled warmly '' Alright then. We will meet at the popular Café after school'' she said kindly.
Both Nira and Yuki nodded in agreement and they waved good bye to each other.
Then In-Su, gently reached out and took Ha-Joon's hand, his eyes flashed with frustration, but relief still lingered in them. Ha-Joon looked down on their linked arm which In-Su kept squeezing as his frustration grows, he felt grateful for the ohm... quiet support.
As Ha-Joon and his friend walked away, Nira turned to Yuki and said softly ''It's not everyday we get ask for help by two cute juniors.''
Yuki grinned '' Yeah right,'' he winked.
But Joon-Seo sneered again '' You guys are bunch of fools.'' Then without another world, he got up and walked away.
They both watch him walked to where ever he was going, with confusion and surprised on their face.
''Oh my..'' Nira muttered under her breath.