Chapter 16
“Hello?” I answered the call from Yumi. She’s been calling me a few times, but I didn’t answer her because of the spy device. I’m already in the lobby. I tried to book a taxi, but Yumi’s call kept popping out on my phone, so I answered her call.
“Where are you, Kim Jia?!” Yumi’s voice thundered in my ear. I got startled and pulled the phone away from my face.
“Aww. You surprised me, Yumi!” I stop walking and stand at the entrance shed of the school building.
“Why are you so late? Everyone’s already here.” Yumi scolded me and didn’t even lower her voice.
“I’m on my way. I’m just looking for a cab.” I told her and resumed my walk and half-run to the main gate. It’s quite a distance, so I’m sweating after I reach the main entrance. I chase my breath while still on the phone.
“Taxi!” I called the cab, and luckily it stopped in front of me. I hurriedly get in while catching my breath.
“In Nonhyeon, please.” I said to the driver and showed him the exact address from my phone. The driver just nodded at me and started driving.
“Wait, Where are you exactly?” Yumi asked again. This time her voice is calm.
“I went to school because I received your call late.” I explained. I lean on the backrest and look at the view outside.
“I’m sorry, I thought Mr. Choi would drive you here.” Yumi’s voice is getting weaker. I tried to tell her that it was fine and I’m already near the coffee shop.
After the call ended, I manipulated my phone and opened the recordings to listen to them. Many of them are just regular conversations with the club members. The performance and mostly Yejun’s turn in playing the piano. The first record was at the start of the second semester in August. If I count the months, the day today is October 8. It's been almost two months since someone secretly installed a spy device in the music club. The competition that Yejun will be participating in will be dated in November. I have a bad feeling about this. Yejun’s fate is to lose the match, even if I didn’t interfere with this timeline. Destiny will do something about it to happen. I feel anxious, but luckily, I have the recordings now, and I already deleted the records without a trace from the tiny device. I also installed a virus so that it won't work in the future.
The cab stopped in front of the coffee shop. I pay in cash and quickly get out of the taxi. I glance at the tall building made of brick and wood. The place is spacious and has a unique atmosphere. It was my first time visiting the site, but I’m impressed. Inside the coffee shop are drawings and photos made by various artists carefully hanging as a decoration. I walk and search for Yumi. I saw her sitting on the second floor. Beside Yumi were Na Hyuk and Juno, while Penelope and Yejun were across from them. I went to the counter to order a bitter Americano before going upstairs to join them
“Jia!” I’m drinking my coffee when I heard Yumi calling my name. I smiled at her and joined them. Juno is usually noisy and greeted me happily while Na Hyuk just nodded at me. Penelope, on the other hand, smiled and welcomed me back.
“I’m sorry for being late.” I announce and look at the sitting arrangement. I'm not particularly eager to sit beside Yejun, but I have no choice. I shrugged my shoulders and sat in the chair.
“You look tired.” Yejun mumbled after I correctly sat down.
“Cause I ran to the main gate to get a taxi.” I told him and teasingly looked at Yumi, who pouted at me.
“Are you fine?” He asked, and I was caught off guard. I remember the attacks I got so far, and coincidentally Yejun is always present. Yumi looked at us while raising her brows. I laugh it off and change the topic.
“So, what do we have here?” I glanced at Na Hyuk and waited for his reply.
“Okay. We are already complete. Our club advisor wanted us to watch an orchestra concert that will be held in Japan.” Na Hyuk distributed a ticket and an invitation card for the event. I look at it and read the Japanese letters. It says that the Japan Kazenooto Orchestra is inviting us to watch their musical, and they are looking forward to our presence in the audience. The invitation also has the date, time, and address. It says that the location will be a university in Japan.
“It was originally for Ms. Jane, but unfortunately, her mother was in the hospital, and she can’t leave the country. She asked me if I can go instead of her, but I don’t want to go alone. It could be a good experience for our club.” Na Hyuk is explaining while I just read the invitation.
“I’m interested.” Juno mumbled, but Na Hyuk ignored him and looked at Yejun specifically.
“Hey. I said I’m going.” Juno repeated. He keeps insisting on trying to get the attention of his members.
“Okay. Good.” Na Hyuk answered him then ignored him again.
“Pfftt.” I can’t help but laugh because of what they're doing. I saw Juno frowned and mumbled words I couldn't catch to comprehend.
“Yejun, how about you?” Na Hyuk is overly concerned with Yejun’s decision, and I can understand why. The competition is near, and Na Hyuk is worried that it would affect Yejun.
“Hmm. Can I check for something first?” Yejun said and looked at his phone. I control my urge not to look at his way, but I’m curious.
“How about you, Penelope?” Yumi asked and stared in Penelope’s way. She’s been quiet for a long time, and I can’t even talk to her and ask if she’s okay.
“I’m not sure, but if Yejun comes, then I’ll go.” I saw Yumi nodded and just remained silent.
“And how about you, huh, Jia Kim?!” Juno asked me, frowning, then took a sip of his chocolate drink.
“I’ll come. It’s my first time to attend an orchestra.” I said and looked at the gray invitation.
“But I thought you had to work, Jun.” I asked. I didn’t mean to call him by his nickname, but I just naturally did because of his personality.
“No worries. I quit my job.” He said and smiled at me.
“You always change your job. How can you even do that?’ Penelope asked him in bewilderment.
“I’m enjoying my life.” Juno proudly said.
I sigh and look at Yumi. Now that I think about it, Yumi’s birthday is near. The duration of their trip to Japan will probably pass her birthday. In the past, Yumi celebrated it with her family, and I didn't have a chance to attend her birthday. I was busy with my evil schemes. I sigh after remembering my pathetic life.
"How about you, Yumi?" Na Hyuk asked, and all of us were looking at her.
"I think I can come." She smiles, but her expression is different. I stare at her, trying to think of reasons why Yumi is lying.
"Alright. I only need Yejun and Penelope's answers. I'm sorry for calling you guys today despite your busy schedule. If you like, I can treat you to lunch if you still have time." Na Hyuk is thoughtful enough to treat us to lunch, but Yejun has an appointment and needs to leave while Penelope will come back to the hospital. I also have plans today, and I would like to talk with Yumi.
"It's fine. I will stay here because I unexpectedly liked the ambiance of this place." I told Na Hyuk. I bid my goodbye to Penelope and Yejun.
"I also have a place I need to visit. Next time bro!" Juno is nosy again. He winked at Na Hyuk and received a slap on his shoulder.
"Ouch! Bye guys!" He laughed and hurriedly ran away. I just shook my head while my eyes followed him to the exit.
"I also need to go home early because of my younger brother. Thank you for coming. Yejun, Can you drop me off?" Yejun looked at Na Hyuk and nodded.
I wave at them. Yumi also said goodbye. I stare at Yejun's back. He is really the main protagonist of this life. People are always surrounding him, and he can quickly get them to like him without even doing anything special. I have so many problems, and now, the recording added to my stress. I shift my gaze and look at Yumi. She remains silent while drinking her melon juice.
"Tell me what's wrong." I said and looked her in the eyes.
Yumi's surprised face glanced at me. She averted her eyes to the strawberry cake and did not speak. I waited for her to talk and drink my coffee while looking at the interior of this coffee shop. This place is not bad and is comfortable to stay in. I can't eat chocolates, but their menu has many variants. I will take Haru here next time. He will like this place for sure since he wants luxurious things.
"I..." Yumi started to talk. I look at her seriously.
"I'm scared that mom will not allow me to travel in Japan. She told me before that she will hold a big party for my eighteen birthday." Yumi is so worried, and she's guilty because her mother is excited while telling her plans.
"But I didn't want to miss this opportunity. I want to watch an orchestra." Yumi stares at me. She's like pleading for my advice. I frown and look at her hopelessly. I didn't expect this to happen, and I'm flustered because I had no idea what kind of birthday she celebrated before.
"What if your mom joins us on our trip?" I suggested. I think of the simplest thing to do. Yumi's mother is regal. She never settled for less and wanted everything to be perfect. If it was the past Jia, I'm confident enough to serve her, but now that I'm busy taking care of many lives, I doubt I have time to entertain Yumi's mother.
"I couldn't do that, Jia. You know my mom has high standards. I don't want to cause trouble with the others." I understand, Yumi. Her mom is so hard to handle, and we need to abide by her rules.
"She will choose the best hotel, I'm sure." We both sigh after remembering the last trip we did on Jeju island. In the past, Jia is an enthusiast and close with Yumi's mom. The last resort they stayed in almost lost their business because Yumi's mother wanted to buy it! Even in my past life, I was overwhelmed by Yumi's mom.
"I don't want to think of it anymore. Our Jeju trip is a disaster." I mumbled. Yumi also looks stressed while eating her favorite cake.
"My mom is always impossible. I hope Dad can help me..." We stayed quiet for a while and realized something. Ureka!
"Yumi!" I called her with my eyes widened.
"Jia! Wahhh. Wait, I will call dad." Yumi excitedly calls her father.
This time it's their win. Yumi's father is the only person that can tame her mom. He is a dominant business tycoon and can easily lead his wife. Not to cause any exaggeration, but Yumi's mother only listens to her husband.
"I hope dad will help me." Yumi mumbled and looked at me.
"Hello, dad?" Yumi talks to her dad very differently. She sounded like a professional businesswoman, while her expression was serious. Sometimes I get scared of Yumi's personality. She can be kind-hearted and seriously cold at the same time. Yumi's eyes changed, and she sounded like talking about a business deal.
I sip my drink while waiting for her to finish, but unfortunately, it's already empty. I pointed it to Yumi, and she nodded. I stand up to our table and get down to order again. This time, I will eat the cake.
End of chapter 16.