This was more like it. A bit of studying and after, getting all riled up for a sweaty drill.
I missed this!
The boot camp, of course, was my idea, the suggestion I presented to Mr. Im. And surprisingly, it worked!
Now, walking through the halls of the school felt different. There was a sense of order, a sense of purpose that hadn't been there before. The military initiative had changed things, and while some students grumbled about the extra work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
I expected for some of the parents to launch a full-scale assault or start a rally to complain the whys and hows of this idea but for another surprising turn of events, they even supported the school for taking a huge step of disciplinary action. Now, we've gained a lot of sponsors and all that we needed.
As for my friends — Giselle and Felix — after the day that I finally told them I'd planned all these, they stayed away from me. I still remembered that guy's face after just a minute of running around the oval. I knew from that look, just how much he despised me. While Giselle seemed sulky about it, I knew I could talk this through with her; she needs me with her mission with Ms. Yizhuo. Speaking of that Chinese lady, I heard from Dad that she's planning to transfer here to Korea since their company's expanding here in Seoul too.
And Yu Jimin, well... we haven't speak to each other again because sometimes, if I will try to approach her, I got a little out of control. Like I'm just going to make a fool of myself. So I retreated.
It's not that I'm scared, exactly. Okay, maybe a little. But it's more like... I don't know what to say. How do I make her feel comfortable around me? How do I make amends for the things I didn't actually do?
Every time I see her, my mind will immediately shut down. And I'm left standing there like an idiot, staring at her like she's some kind of a masterpiece in a museum.
And she doesn't make it easy, either. Jimin always seems to be surrounded by her friends, those two loyal sidekicks who glare at me like I'm about to throw real daggers on their precious friend. And honestly, I can't blame them. If I were them, I'd probably do the same thing.
So,for now, I'm keeping my distance. Trying to focus on other things, like studying and the thing with Yizhuo Corp. which is, for a commander like me, the job's too basic. All I need to know is this and that and viola, done.
But I know I can't avoid her forever. Sooner or later, I'm going to have to face Yu Jimin.
And that is right now.
Standing beside me, looking as diligent as a role model student should be.
I did really study hard to avoid being a failure on the Kim family and also to make Kim Winter's parents proud for once.
But this girl, I do believe that she tried her best. I saw her everyday, in the library with those pile of books, notes and everything. Maybe she couldn't study properly with all the traumatic events that brat Winter made her do and feel. I'm so proud of Jimin.
I glanced at her sideways.
"Congratulations, Jimin." I blurted it out without even thinking! Oh man, this is embarrassing!
I just... I want to avert my gaze somewhere else but I just can't. Her small face... that perfect nose, the cute glasses, I also noticed the mole below her lips, it made her look attractive even more and her eyes, those are staring at mine intently that was making me feel different kinds of things inside of me. My heart feels like a grenade that will about to explode.
"Hey..." Once again, my mouth slipped.
Jimin flinch, " Uh... thanks — you too." Her voice was femininely deep.
" Alright girls. Let's hear what our top students have to say. Winter, why don't you start us off?"
Right.
I look away from Jimin, giving a little nod to Principal Im.
I stepped up the podium and started my inspirational speech. It wasn't that long.
"Thank you." I finished mine as the crowd erupted in applause.
It's Jimin's turn. I looked her way and noticed her small hands slightly trembling.
I leaned in, just enough for her to hear me and not to gain attention from the public.
"Hey... its alright. You can do this." I whispered.
She didn't glance at me but she nodded.
Jimin took a shaky breath before stepping up the podium. For a moment, she just stood there, silent, her eyes scanning the faces in the audience.
"Good morning everyone. I'm Yu Jimin and I'm honored to be standing here today."
As she continued her speech, I found myself captivated by her words. She spoke about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. She spoke about overcoming challenges, about learning from your mistakes, and about the power of believing in yourself.
Her words were simple, but they were filled with such genuine emotion that they resonated with everyone in the room.
Jimin finished her words and I can't help myself but to applaud to her.
She's a fighter. A brave one at that.
~•~
"Please Winter... you can help us big time if you run for the council... or I can give you spot, I'll talk to Chan. Please." The vise president, Shin Ryujin, were tailing me right after I left the auditorium.
"I am not interested." I say for the millionth time. She gaze at me, pulling a puppy look.
Oh man... this kid was persistent!
"Fine."
"Yes! What position do you prefer? President?" And she was willing to kick out Xi.
"No, but we can do a council meeting. Tell Chan, I'm not a threat." Ryu nodded aggressively.
"Yes, ma'am!" I like the salute, every time someone's negotiated with me.
"Alright, no need for that seriously. Just set up the meeting, I'll be there."
"When? Tomorrow? Tonight? Right now?" She was practically vibrating with energy.
"Tomorrow. After class." I said, trying to keep a straight face. Her enthusiasm was almost comical.
"Got it! Tomorrow, after class, student council room. You're the best, Winter!" And with that, she spun around and skipped away, leaving me standing in the hallway, shaking my head and smiling.
I didn't want to be on the student council. I had enough on my plate as it was. But Ryujin was right. I could help. I could use my influence, my resources, to make a real difference in this school.
Just as I was about to walk away, someone called out.
"Winter!"
Oh?
"Giselle... what is it?" She stopped in front of me, looking like a nervous tigress.
"I'm sorry... I know you've changed. A lot. For... for the better and as your best friend... I — I should be there for you... I do really feel guilty about all the mess that we made before and I realized that your much more important than my useless pride... so..."
She trailed off, her eyes darting around nervously. I could see the sincerity in her face, the genuine remorse for her past actions. It was a far cry from the spoiled, entitled girl I used to know.
"So...?" I prompted gently, wanting to hear her say it.
She took a deep breath and met my gaze. "So... I want to be your friend again. If you'll have me."
Despite everything that had happened, despite all the mistakes we had made, Giselle was still here, willing to put aside her pride and apologize.
"Not as a friend pabo, you're my best friend and of course I'll have you."
Her face lit up, and she threw her arms around me in a tight hug. "Oh, Winter! I'm so glad! I was so afraid you wouldn't want anything to do with me anymore."
"Don't be ridiculous!" I pulled away.
"How about you and the jock?" She's absolutely referring to Kim's boyfriend.
I shook my head," I dislike him the first time I saw him."
Giselle raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Oh really? So, it's not just because he's glaring daggers at you every time he sees you?"
"That too, obviously. But even before all this military initiative stuff, I just got a bad vibe from him. He's got that whole 'alpha male' thing going on, and it's just... ugh."
"Ugh indeed," Giselle agreed, wrinkling her nose. "He's always been a bit of a jerk."
Silence.
Then we erupted into a full on laughter.
Oh man, so Giselle doesn't like the guy either.
We started walking, now, her arm linked on mine.
"So, no Felix. Anyone else catch your blue eyes?"
I hesitated for a moment, my mind flashing to a certain girl with a mole below her lip and eyes that could pierce through my soul.
"No one." I said quickly, perhaps a little too quickly. "I'm too busy with school and the student council and Operation Yizhuo to even think about dating."
Giselle gave me a skeptical look, but she didn't press the issue. "Alright, alright Winty. I won't pry."
I need to focus on getting to know her, for mission purposes only, nothing more.