More Than Just Classmates
Chapter 5
Students line up near the teacher’s desk to drop coins into the charity box. Seoyeon is siting beside it, clearly uninterested, tapping her chopsticks on her lunchbox lid.
Song Haneul
*Nudging Yujin as they walk.* ...Hey... look.
Song Haneul
I didn't even said anything yet.
Seo Yujin
I know that look. It's the "I'm about to do something dumb" look. So no.
Song Haneul
*Eyes locked on the shiny silver key resting right next to the charity box*
...It's just... so lonely... sitting there... wanting someone to—
Seo Yujin
*Firmly* Don't. Touch. It.
They reach the desk. Seoyeon barely glances at them. Haneul looks from the key... to Seoyeon... back to the key. Her hand twitches.
Seo Yujin
*Grab her wrist* Out. Now.
Yujin drags her away from the desk like a mom yanking her kid from the candy aisle. They’re now outside the classroom.
Song Haneul
Just this once I'm broke! I need it for my fine!
Seo Yujin
And? You were broke last semester too. Didn’t stop you from paying by making me buy you lunch for a week.
Song Haneul
Exactly, and see? That worked!
Seo Yujin
Haneul. This is literally charity money for orphans.
Song Haneul
Okay but... I'm like... an orphan in spirit.
Seo Yujin
...That's not how it works.
Song Haneul
Pleaseeee. I already promised I'll place it back there like always, I'll do anything! I'll carry your bag! I'll make you coffee every morning! I'll—
Seo Yujin
You don't know how to make a coffee.
Song Haneul
... Okay I'll buy you coffee.
Haneul clasps her hands together like she’s praying, eyes huge and watery.
Song Haneul
Yujin-ah... you're my only hope. if I don’t pay this fine, my mom will kill me. And then I'll be a real orphan.
Seo Yujin
*Sighs like she's aged 10 years in 10 seconds* ...Fine.
Song Haneul
*Instantly perking up* Yes! You're the best—
Seo Yujin
BUT—If Dahye sees you, I'm pretending I don’t know you.
Song Haneul
Pfft. Easy. Dahye’s too busy being a tattletale to notice.
Haneul slips back in. Seoyeon is at her desk eating, the charity box still on the teacher’s table, but the keys are nowhere to be seen. They're in Seoyeon’s pocket.
Song Haneul
*Leans on Seoyeon’s desk*
Song Haneul
Hi. I'm Haneul. You’re pretty. What's your name?
Beak Seoyeon
Seoyeon. *doesn’t look up, keeps eating.*
Song Haneul
Ooh, fancy. What’re you eating?
Beak Seoyeon
Truffle bibimbap.
Song Haneul
...Tru-what now?
Beak Seoyeon
Truffle bibimbap.
Song Haneul
Triple big impact?
Beak Seoyeon
*Pause, finally looks up.* ...what
Song Haneul
Triple big impact. Sounds like an action movie.
Seoyeon stares at her for a moment, then goes back to eating.
Song Haneul
Is it tasty? Can I have a bite?
Before she can answer, Haneul already leans forward and takes a bite straight from Seoyeon’s chopsticks.
Beak Seoyeon
*Frozen, chopsticks mid-air.* ....
Song Haneul
*Chewing happily* Mmm. Okay yeah. Not bad.
Seoyeon’s eye twitches, but she says nothing. Haneul’s gaze subtly shifts to the outline of the key in Seoyeon’s pocket.
Beak Seoyeon
...You've been staring at my pocket since you walked in. Want something?
Song Haneul
*fake-innocent smile* Me? Noooo. Well... maybe.
Song Haneul
It's just—I got a fine today... AGAIN... and I have no money... It was the third warning this week. If I didn't gave potato monster money, I'll be expelled. Worse, homeless... my poor, fragile soul—
Beak Seoyeon
Fine take it.
Kim Nari [Teacher]
**Ths potato monster👈**
Song Haneul
*Blinks* Wait, really?
Beak Seoyeon
Only if you promise you won't bother me again. Ever. And if anyone finds out, my name stays out of it.
Song Haneul
( Yeah, sure. See you tomorrow, bestie. ) ...Promise. *Crossing fingers behind her back.* 🤞
Beak Seoyeon
*Rolls her eyes* ( Does she thinks I can't see her Crossing her fingers behind her back? )
Beak Seoyeon
( Whatever. At least I'm getting rid off from this box and monitor thing. )
Seoyeon tosses her the key. Haneul catches it with a grin. At the classroom door, Yujin watches with her arms crossed, relieved it’s over—
Not noticing Dahye peeking through the window, smirking like she’s just found her next piece of gossip.)
Shin Dahye
( This time... I'll make sure you're expelled, Haneul. ) *Smirks*
![Kim Nari [Teacher]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/11502674/avatar/54821982/1754999073481.jpeg-s200webp?sign=e83ac9b3ac48fc8abad539b609f6b25f&t=689f3112)
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