_Monday Crystal Academy Music Class._ “Leave me alone, Kanye. "Areum grumbled. Ever since she entered music class, he's been pestering her. Kanye rolled his eyes," Whatever. Anyways, I didn't see your crush today. Didn't he come? " "How would I know?" Areum rolled her eyes, trying to be nonchalant. But she was actually worried. 'Is he okay? You're not supposed to worry, Areum! No, he's still my friend. ' Kanye pursed his red lips, "You should have hit on me, beautiful. I wouldn't have rejected you." He said jokingly. Areum ignored him. He patted her head, "It's okay. Rejection helps you move on, darling." Areum placed her head on her table, "I don't see myself moving on anytime soon." Kanye chuckled and that was when Mr Blooms, the teacher, entered the class. They all sat properly. "Good morning class." "Good morning. " " I hope you are all preparing for your auditions. It's by Thursday."" Yes sir! " " Good. Let's start today's cl
"It's been a week. And my life hasn't been the same." Areum muttered to herself, slumping on her bed. She breathed out in frustration. "How long am I going to live like this?" She murmured pathetically. Yes. It's been a week. And it hasn't been the best to be honest. The fact that she sees him every single day, yet can't even smile at him, makes her heart hurt like ever. Every time she sees him, her mind would go back to what she'd heard and that motivates her to keep her distance. That's what he wants anyways. And he didn't even bother to ask her why she's acting that way towards him. Maybe it's because that is what he wants to happen and maybe because she's been avoiding him. He's hanging around with his chicken-like best friend.Hmp! Areum grumbled, kicking off her sneakers. Anyways, she's been spending more time with Kanye. He's the best type of friend anyone could ever ask for. Unlike Riel... Who would definitely jeer at Areum if she knows all that is go
Areum closed her book and stood up from the bed. She went down to the kitchen and poured herself apple juice. She leaned on the counter and sipped the cold juice. She has auditions tomorrow and she hasn't even prepared. In fact, she could barely focus on the book she was reading. Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she brought it out to check. It a call was from Kanye. "Hi, Kanye." "Hey, beautiful. How are you?" "Very fine. Are you home yet?" "Well, not home but yeah." Areum nodded, "Prepared for tomorrow or you're too busy thinking?" Kanye asked. Areum rolled her green eyes, "I wasn't thinking. Who cares? "Kanye smiled," Are you sure you don't want me to talk to... "" Don't you fucking dare, Kanye. You don't even know him. "" Well, probably not. But I think you misunderstood. " The Arizona he knows can't say that. " What does it matter? Just leave it, Kanye. Stop reminding me of him. "Kanye hummed " Hmn . I'll take you out tomorrow, okay? "" Alright. Goodnight. "" Goo
Kanye was leaning on his car, staring intently at his phone screen when someone suddenly screamed so loudly in his ear. "Heyyyyy!" He jumped, the phone almost slipping off his hold. The person burst out laughing at his disorientated state. He turned to her with a glare, "What was that for, silly?" She pouted," Payback! That night you almost gave me a heart attack! " Kanye smirked, flicking her forehead playfully," Silly rat. " She smiled, leaning on his car. " At least you laughed a bit. What's up? "Kanye teased her and she smiled at him," I can't be sad forever can I? They say rejection..." " Helps you move on."Kanye said, finishing the statement as she did. She nodded, "But it's hard though." Kanye looked at her, "You haven't spoken to him at all?" "Why should I? " She murmured. He made a face," But I... " " Don't even tell me anything, Kanye! "She suddenly snapped at him. He sighed, holding her hand
Areum quickly looked back at the waterfall in an attempt to ignore him. Her hands clenched on her laps as he gently took his seat beside her. Areum made sure not to look at him. Even though she's missed his cute face, she's so sure that if she looks at him, she'll break down into tears and she didn't want that. She has to show him that she's not a weakling. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Arizona was the one that spoke. His voice was so cool and casual and Areum suddenly realised she's missed his voice, his smile, his everything! The way it makes her heart flutter, the way it makes her stomach flip weirdly... "Hmn. "She merely hummed despite her feelings . Arizona turned to look at her but she kept her gaze ahead, a stoic expression on her beautiful face. " Why are you here? " " Its none of your concern. "She said with a cold tone. Arizona looked at her in devastation," Why are you doing this to me, Areum? "He questi
"Hey, beautiful. What's kicking? Why are you so bright this morning?" Kanye grinned, plopping on Areum's bed. Areum giggled, "Oh! Is it that obvious?" "Uhh, Yeah. "Kanye replied," So give me some gist. " He pried. Areum grinned," Well, yesterday after school, I bumped into Arizona. " Kanye's smile faded," Oh? " Areum nodded, beaming happily," I know right? He explained everything to me and we made up. " She then added with a cackle," He said he loves me too. Oh my God! " Kanye said," Wow. He came back sooner than I'd expected. But I'm happy for you, beautiful. At least I'll get to see your pretty smile more often. "He finished with a grin and Areum laughed," Oh, shut up! " Kanye laughed too but inside, he wasn't feeling so happy. Why? If Arizona dates her and still does the THING, she'll never forgive him. Ugh! He shouldn't have taken up the task. Kanye didn't want his brother nor his best friend to get heartbroken in
The door bell rang and Areum stood up to get it, although the maid was faster. The door opened and Arizona took a step in, his electric blue eyes searching the beautiful living room before they finally landed on Areum, who stood there, grinning. He smiled, walking up to her, "Hi." Areum giggled, "Hi." The two paused in an awkward silence and it made Areum chuckle, "You're late." "I had a visitor. "He responded," So, where do you suggest we go? " Areum pursed her lips," Let's just stay here and maybe talk. I miss talking to you. " She smiled. Arizona smiled, holding her hand gently," You're talking to me right now. " " Duh. "She rolled her eyes and he laughed." Come on! "She beamed and pulled him along. Her room was like any other teenage girl's room. Neatly arranged and it has a nice smell, just like her. The plain white walls were decorated with glittery music note stickers and there were some paintings on t
"Let's go to the park tomorrow! Or maybe that museum I wanted us to go!" Areum grinned in excitement as she and Arizona descended the stairs. "Anywhere you want. "Arizona smiled softly. She smiled back at him. Just then, the two heard a voice calling," Areum? " Areum looked up and her eyes lit up as she rushed to embrace him," Dad! " Mr Kyung smiled at her, patting her hair," How are you, daughter? " " Fine daddy. You didn't come home last night. I missed you. "She pouted cutely, making her father laugh," I'm sorry my girl. " Arizona stood on a spot, watching the two. His heart clenched and pounded at the same time. He hates himself for this. " And who is the young man? "Arizona heard Mr Kyung ask. He looked up, their eyes meeting. Areum beamed at her father, going to Arizona and she pulled him before Mr Kyung. " Dad,this is Arizona. He's... ", she felt her face flush and Arizona did his best to suppress his s
"I think I'll just go to the bank tomorrow, Daddy," Areum smiled at her father, brushing his now grey hair off his forehead. The urgency of his operation weighed heavily on her mind; losing him would be the worst thing imaginable. James Kyung held her hand, squeezing it fondly. Tears glistened in his eyes as he spoke, "I'm sorry, Areum."She shook her head, tightening her grip on his hand. "No, Dad. It's not your fault. Please.""It is. I was so consumed by work that I neglected myself, turning to alcohol as a crutch. Now, I've put you in a difficult position when you should be living freely. I'm so sorry, Areum.""Please, Daddy. It's okay," she sighed, hoping to deflect his self-blame. "It will be over soon, I promise. I'll secure a loan, and we'll pay it back after the successful operation. Just stay strong for me, please," she urged, to which her father nodded."I won't let you down, Areum. Not this time," he vowed.Areum offered him a faint smile, reassured by his determination. T
Areum could hear screams as she walked down the halls. It was a guy and a girl obviously and the guy's voice sounded so familiar that it made her heart skip. But then she concluded it was the terrible conversation with Mr George that's affecting her. It didn't go well for real.The further she walked, the louder the voices got. "You're annoying me! I want to sleep!" She heard the guy's voice. She frowned now. That sounds like... Arizona. 'Is it him? 'She could never mistake his voice for anyone else's." Why?! It's not like you want to use female accessories! " The girl screamed and that was when Areum reached them. Surely it was Arizona. She didn't see his face but the back view was enough to convince her. He barked at the pretty girl before him, "I have a girlfriend okay? And its hers."Her heart fell. Did he just say he has a girlfriend? Areum watched as he pulled something off the girl's hair. He turned to Areum, causing her to freeze.Immediately Arizona saw her, his ey
After Areum pulled herself together, she walked up to her father, "Daddy." "Areum... Did you see the doctor... What did he say..." Areum sat with a frustrated sigh, "It's too much, daddy. We can't right now. We can't." She looked like she was about to cry again. James sighed. The two drowned in the uncomfortable silence, lost in thoughts. Suddenly, James asked "Darling, there's a solution and I want to know if you'll be willing to..." "... Why not?!" Areum cut in. She's willing to do anything for her father. James nodded, "You'll have to go to his house." Areum raised a brow, "His? Who?" "George Black." Areum looked genuinely confused, "Who is George Black?" James frowned at her, realising Arizona hasn't told her everything. James sighed, "He's someone I used to know. He's behind all of these." Areum stared at her father in confusion. George Black is the one behind all of these? Then how about Arizona and Kanye... "Here. " Areum heard her father say, giving her
Arizona flew up from his seat in alarm, screaming into the phone, "Hospital?!" Kanye frowned, "Hospital?" "What happened to her? Why is she in the hospital?!" Arizona rushed out, his heart pounding at the possibilities. Did she hurt herself? Did she try to... His heart shook. Immediately, he asked, "Which hospital?" "GoldBlue General. Are you going over?" "Immediately." Arizona said, rushing up the stairs of the mansion. Kanye rushed after him, worried also. They entered Arizona's room and he began to search through his wardrobe. "What happened to her?" Kanye asked him. "I don't even know." Arizona murmured, his voice trembling. He wore a shirt and jeans as fast as lightening. Picking his phone, he dashed out of the room. Kanye went after him, down to the garage. Arizona unlocked his car and was about to rush in when Kanye grabbed his arm. "Before you go,you need to keep something in mind. She might push you away." Arizona's heart fell, "I know that. But I st
Luella poked her head in to the living room and scanned around. The television was on but mute, leaving the house silent and gloomy. Arizona sat on the floor, his head casted down. She walked to him, squatting before him, "Arizona? Are you okay? What happened to you?" Arizona didn't reply but his shoulders trembled, making Ella frown, "Arizona. Please tell me. Then I can know what to do. I saw you with Areum earlier and..." "... She's gone." He whispered. He looked up to see a surprised looking Luella, "Gone? Where to?" Arizona closed his eyes and threw his head back, chuckling like a crazy person, "She left me. She's gone like...gone!" He barked at Luella, who flinched. "Oh my! I knew she was bad news immediately you started hanging out with her. Is that why you've been moody these days? What happened between you two?" The way Luella asked, her voice and facial expression would clear her off any suspicion. Her act was so perfect like she knows absolutely nothing about
"I need to talk to you real quick." Kanye said, walking up the Arizona who had just left the gent and was returning to the hall. With his usual plain face, he asked, "What?" "Dad needs us to..." "I'm not interested." Arizona growled at his brother. How can he talk about their father now? It's annoying. "Come on Arizona! It's important!" Kanye snapped making Arizona roll his eyes. Before he could say anything else, he heard footsteps. Looking up, to his surprise, he saw Areum... . . . Areum's eyes widened when she saw the two of them. Her throat became dry as she looked down, hating to see them right now. "Excuse me." Areum murmured with the intention passing between them and going her way but she should have known better. Someone stopped her by grabbing her arm. The touch was electrifying but she was so sure it's the anger working. "Let go, Arizona." She spoke with a low voice, trying to hide the pain. "Areum... Please, listen to me... " Areum rolled her eyes,
Graduation Day. The sun poured through the tall windows of the graduation hall, casting long shadows across the rows of empty chairs. The air was filled with a buzzing anticipation as the graduates and their families filed in, finding their seats and chatting excitedly. The stage was bathed in a warm, golden light, ready to welcome the next generation of graduates. As the ceremony commenced, the air grew hushed with anticipation. The performances began , each class getting reading for their own presentation. Mr Blooms and his students were getting prepared to go on stage and sing their hearts out for the guests. He looked around frantically, "Okay! Areum is here! Dallas too... Indie.... Where the heck is Kanye?!" Indie looked at Areum, who looked away immediately. Indie found that weird but she replied Mr Blooms, "I'm sorry! I'll call him now." and she excused herself. Areum also left the waiting room. She went to the restroom to co
"Good evening, Young master Black." The beefy bodyguards bowed as Arizona stormed into his father's office. He didn't acknowledge them which was unusual. They stared at each other and shrugged. Entering the office, Arizona met his father and brother, discussing. George smiled immediately he saw Arizona, "Son! I was just about to call you. Cornard Bills is proposing a contract and I'd like you to handle it while Kanye works on Gold Blue's project. What do you think?" Arizona clenched his fist, "I'm not interested." Kanye raised a brow, "What? It's a big contract, stupid." He teased a bit but that didn't change Arizona's hard countenance. Arizona scoffed, facing his father, "Are you satisfied now?" George Black narrowed his gaze,wondering what his son was so mad about. He's never been this angry at him. "What do you mean? " Kanye asked, now confused. "Because you couldn't let go of the past, I've lost literally everything! What I thought
Arizona stands there, frozen in place, his own emotions swirling inside him. He doesn't want to leave, but he knows he has to respect her wishes. Slowly, he steps back, his eyes never leaving hers. He can see the hurt and anger in her eyes, and it breaks his heart. He steps through the door, closing it behind him. Arizona leans against the door immediately, sliding to the floor, his head in his hands. He can hear Areum crying on the other side, and it feels like his heart is being torn in two. He wants to help her, to make things right, but he knows she needs space. And so he sat there, listening to the sound of her grief, feeling powerless to do anything to make it better. His head throbbed with a headache, the pain only adding to his distress. He felt sadness and regret. But he needed to give Areum space. She's too angry and sad to listen to him now. Maybe he should let her calm down... . . . There Areum sat, against the door