Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 10

Juhwan flip page by page to the book he is currently reading. A great book titled "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
 
"It’s odd for a people like you to suddenly read this kind of book that talks about equality, Lim Juhwan." Kwangsoo came near Juhwan as he flips to another page.
 
"This book shows an amazing perspective.." he smiled while continue reading through it. Leaning his back against the sofa located in their personal resting room, reading this wonderful piece while collecting his own thoughts over it.
 
Kwangsoo looked at him weird.
 
Juhwan seems to have different perspective on their levels and ranks lately. He has been talking to others more frequently rather than just people from his 'league'.
 
Kwangsoo came nearer to where Juhwan is sitting. "There's rumors flying around the campus lately.. Did you know about it?"
 
Juhwan lift his head looking at Kwangsoo. "What rumor?"
 
"About you and Kang Sora.." Kwangsoo monitors any difference in his facial expression when he mentions that name.
 
Juhwan look back at the book that he is holding.
 
"Have you heard about it?" Kwangsoo asked again.
 
Juhwan sneered. "I have.." He knew those baseless rumors started after people has been seeing him and Sora for a couple of time doing their assignments.
 
Kwangsoo sit nearer to him. "So, is it true?" He looked at Juhwan. "Is that why we're not fighting them anymore lately?"
 
Juhwan frowned looking at Kwangsoo. "Do you really believe in that??"
 
"Anie.. I doubt it." Kwangsoo crossed his arms and lean his back. "But she looks extraordinarily pretty these days. So, there might be a possibility too." He added.
 
“Don’t be absurd.” Juhwan put down his book and got up from his seat.
 
"I'm going to the library.." he said.
 
"Library again? You visit library quite often nowadays Lim Juhwan.." Kwangsoo is passing his remarks.
 
"This jerk.. I need to do more research for my project.." Juhwan glares at his friend that might knew his feelings more than he does.
 
Kwangsoo sneered. "I know Kang Sora likes to spend time at the library.."
 
Juhwan ignores the remarks as he walks out of the room heading to the library.
 
* * *
 
"Don't play innocence you bitch!" Kim Jiwon flipped the books and papers in front of Kang Sora.
 
Sora lean her back while calmly watching at Jiwon frantically showing her anger. She sneered.
 
"Did you just sneer at me?" Jiwon moves nearer to Sora.
 
"Jiwon, people are watching.." Yoo Inna is trying to pull Jiwon from continuing with the fight.
 
She knows Kang Sora is a person who will not waver with threats. She is a person that are well known for her confidence and self-defense skills.
 
"Let me go.." Jiwon brushed Inna’s hand off her before she looked at the person that was rumored to be in relationship with Lim Juhwan, again.
 
"Listen carefully Kang Sora, this is my warning. Lim Juhwan is my boyfriend so don't you dare be near him!"
 
Sora get up from her chair and moves her face nearer to Jiwon. "If you're so insecure, why don't you tie him like a dog?"
 
Jiwon sneered. "All this while I've only heard about your arrogance." She grabs the collar to Sora's jacket. "You will meet your match one day, Kang Sora."
 
Sora pull her hand off her jacket. "Don't be so pathetic over a man Kim Jiwon."
 
She walks off from the conversation. There is no use for her to stay longer and involved in a ridiculous fight like this. Especially over a man who is nobody for her.
 
"Ya Kang Sora!" Jiwon throws a hard-covered book that was sitting on the table earlier.
 
Joongki pulled Sora and blocked her from being hit by the book. Tightly grab her in his arms.
 
"Joongki Shhi.." Inna surprised seeing Joongki appeared out of nowhere.
 
"You're playing dangerously Kim Jiwon.." Joongki looked at Kim Jiwon. Juhwan ex-girlfriend.
 
Jiwon grunts. It would have been wonderful if the book perfectly hits Kang Sora earlier. "
 
You're just lucky today bitch.." She said before walked away from them.
 
Yoo Inna took a glance at Joongki wondering what he is doing there, before following Kim Jiwon. Her best friend.
 
"Are you okay?" Asked Joongki towards Sora looking at her surprised face.
 
Sora nodded as she let herself go from Joongki arms. Feeling embarrassed with the situation. It is the first time she was ever saved by a man.
 
"That's great then.." he said as he grabs her hand.
 
"What are you doing?" Immediately Sora pulled her hand off his. Shocked with Joongki's sudden action.
 
Joongki smiled to her. "Don't you need to pay for what I've done earlier? It’s really hurt.." trying to caress his back.
 
"Seriously?" Sora looked at his back and caresses it. “Are you okay?” She asked.
 
Joongki subtly smirk looking at her worried face before holding her hands. "Just have lunch with me. I didn’t get to eat since this morning.."
 
Sora pulled her hand back again and hold it near to her chest. "Where's your friend?"
 
"In front of me.." He is pointing his lips at Sora.
 
Sora slightly smiled to his jokes.
 
"Did you just smile?"
 
Sora cleared her throats as she pulls her straight face again. "No, I'm not.."
 
"Eyy... Don't pretend to be so cool." He nudged her shoulder. "Let us go for some lunch.. I am seriously hungry right now.." He is pulling his cute face in front of her.
 
Sora frown her eyebrows. "What is wrong with this person.." She thought to herself as she sighed deeply. "Alright, let’s go.." she replied.
 
"Woohoo!" Joongki jumps as Sora agrees with his invitation. His patience pays at last.
 
"Hey, we're in library.." Sora punch his shoulder.
 
Joongki caresses his shoulder while smiling. "I'm sorry my friend!" He grins.
 
She smiled while shaking her head looking at Joongki’s behavior that she never saw before.
 
"Let us go.. Before my hunger is going to kill me.." He pulls her hand again.
 
Sora looked at Joongki as she was dragged away from the library.
"Did I just agree to become his friend?" She thought to herself.
 
Being a friend with one of The Chaebols was never something that she would think will happened. But somehow Joongki changes her perceptions and opened her heart to accept him.
 
Juhwan looked at Sora and Joongki as they walk out of the library holding each other’s hand.
 
He has been watching from the moment Kim Jiwon came to Kang Sora and started attacking her.
 
Seems like things has started to change surrounding them. Surrounding him. Including his feelings towards one person.
 
Juhwan sighed as he walked away from the library.
x

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 9

Juhwan looked at the cafe menu and ordered his coffee. He can feel every eye is on him right now. He knew it.
 
It is not a normal thing for him to come to the cafe alone either. The four of them were always together, however his friends need to attend their family business matters and leave him alone attending the classes today.
 
"Let's go.." a couple who initially seated at the end of the 8-seats table got up from the table leaving the cafe as Juhwan approach to seat on the opposite end.
 
Juhwan sneered looking at how those people behave towards him as he took the seat and sipping through his newly brewed coffee. “Seems like I need to teach these guys a lesson soon..” He smirks.
 
"Kang Sora! Join us!"
Juhwan took a quick glance at Kang Sora who just entered the cafe when a group of people calling for her and make a friendly conversation with her, showing how easy going and approachable she is.
 
He started feeling envy with how she is being treated, it is totally different with how people are coldly treating him.
 
Sora took a glance at Juhwan who is sitting alone at that large table. Without his friends around, somehow he looks rather lonely.
 
"He seems alone today.." a student whispered to Sora when they realize Sora is looking at him.
 
"Nobody wants to go near him.  That’s the price to pay for being such a snobbish jerk.." the other student added some flame to the words.
 
Sora looked at them. "I'll join you guys later.." she said as she walks towards the counter to order her Chai.
 
She turns to look at Juhwan who just ignores his surrounding while all eyes are cynically looking at him with them whispering bad things about him. Some can even be heard clearly.
 
"It must be hard for him.." Sora thought to herself.
 
"Your Chai.." the waiter gave her the cup with a smile on it. "Enjoy it miss.."
 
Sora smiled to him back as she walks to Juhwan's table and took an interval of one seat from him.
 
Juhwan took a glance at her while silently sipping his coffee.
 
Sora caught his eyes. "Where's your friends?"
 
"What about yours?"
 
Sora sneered as Juhwan is answering her questioning with another question instead. "Another class.."
 
Juhwan put his chin on his palm and look at Sora. "Why did you sit here? Are you trying to make fun of me?"
 
"There's no other empty seat around.." She replied.
 
Juhwan looked around and nodded. Agreeing to the fact. 
 
Sora took a sip to her Chai before moving to sit right in front of him. 
 
"What are you doing?" He flinched with Sora's sudden move.
 
She bit her lips. She cannot stand looking at people being bullied, and she feels like Juhwan is being bullied psychologically right now.
 
"You look rather pathetic being alone.." She replied.
 
Juhwan looked at her. "Why do you have to care?"
 
"Not that I care.. I'm just stating the fact that you look pathetic being so." she crossed her leg and lean her back. Wearing a wrap dress fall/winter collection by Diane Von Furstenberg makes her feels confidence with her figure.
 
Juhwan took a glance at her long legs. She got a reason to be confident with it.
 
"Your dressing changes a lot lately.." He said. "And it doesn't seem like it from a common brand wears by students.."
 
Sora widened her eyes looking at Juhwan before straightening her posture.
 
"My mom's employer gave it to me.." she immediately answered.
 
She has been lying to people around her about her family status. Thus, she needs to be extra careful with people like Juhwan who seems to be able to differentiate well between normal and branded items.
 
The items that her mom always splurge her with lately when she decided to follow.
 
Juhwan smiled looking at her expression. Even though they never declared to be in a good term, but lately it seems that he has lost the reason to keep fighting with her and her group.
 
"Sora.. we are going to the library first. You should join us later ok?" A group of female students approaching Sora. 
 
Sora looked at them. "Okay.."
 
They took a glance at Juhwan and Sora who seems friendly with each other before walking out of the cafe. They did not seem like how they used to be. "Are they making up now?" They whispered to each other.
 
"People likes you a lot isn't it?" Juhwan asked.
 
"I'm not a person who treated people in accordance with their level.. like certain group in this campus.." cynically she replied.
 
Juhwan smirked. He knows she is referring it to him. "World is created with layers which has their own purpose that indicates how they are more important than the others.."
 
Sora lean her face closer to him. "Those layers existed with the purpose to complement each other. Not to overcome one another Lim Juhwan.."
 
Sora got up from her seat and lift her Chai. "If not those layers will feel so lonely without any other purpose of existing. Just like how you are now.." 
 
Sora walk out from the cafe leaving Juhwan to ponders with her words. "Complement each other?" He thought to himself.
 
A perspective that he never came across before.  A perspective that he never gets to explore when he was with his chaebol friends.
 
* * *
 
"Will these be enough?" Juhwan talks to himself while looking at a stack of international businesses and marketing books for his research on the project. He opens a book and read it on a glance.
 
Suddenly a thought of his project partner came to mind. Kang Sora, a person that used to provoke the best anger out of him but now slowly changing his perspective towards human relationship and friendship.
 
He walks to the spot where Sora normally hang out and as expected she was there. Alone. Sleeping.
 
He is thinking of disturbing her at first, but instead he slowly pulls out the chair looking at her sleeping face.
 
"She sleeps soundly like a baby.." Juhwan thought to himself as he looked at her with her new pumpkin spice colored wavy hair with shades of chestnut are painted over few strands, giving it a multidimensional look reminiscent of shimmery fall leaves in the sunlight.
 
That new hairstyle suits her somehow. It is showing off her milky white complexion and beauty to a new level.
 
Juhwan suddenly woke up from his own thoughts and realized that he is looking at a person that he used hates the most. Someone that he was not planning to continue being in one team at first.
 
"You did that again Lim Juhwan.." he whispered to himself. This is the 2nd time he has the same thought about Sora. About how beautiful she is especially with her new image.
 
Slowly Sora lift her face looking at the person in front of her. She widened her eyes and immediately wipe off her lips from any traces of saliva with the back of her hand.
 
Juhwan smiled looking at her action. "Seems like you really take care of your appearance nowadays.."
 
"What do you want?" Sora asked. That has always been her personal space. But lately lots of people keep coming there making her feel uncomfortable with it.
 
Perhaps it is time for her to look for a new place for her personal space.
 
"Here.." he put a few books about international trading and free trade law on the table. "Let’s think about a topic with regards to this.."
 
Sora took the book and flip through a few pages. She nodded agreeing with the usage of those books. She put those books back on the table and look at Juhwan. "I seriously don't think this pairing thingy will work out.." She cannot be optimistic with it realizing the nature of their relationship.
 
Juhwan sneered. "It’s not like I'm looking forward to it.. Just get the work over and done with.."
 
"We can just settle it individually.."
 
"Why would you do so when it’s supposed to be a teamwork?" He gets up from his chair and lean his face towards her. "Are you afraid that you would fall for me?"
 
Sora smirked hearing to his overconfidence. She moves nearer to his face leaving just a few inches left. “Don’t bite your own words Lim Juhwan.." She winked as she got up from her chair and walk away.
 
Juhwan sneered. "Let's see about that Kang Sora.."

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 8

"This is the pairing list that I have prepared for your  group assignment.." the lecturer lifted a piece of paper for a while and put it back on the table. "Check your partner before leaving the class.." she is wrapping it up.
 
As soon as the lecturer walked out of the room, the students immediately surrounding the lecturer's table like hyaenas, but Sora remain seated on her seat and slowly keeping her books in the bag while waiting for the crowd to subside.
 
"Last Saturday night.. it was you right?" Jo Insung is approaching her. Looking at her attire today with her ponytail styled hair, it seems like his guess is right.
 
Sora raised her eyebrows looking at him, pretending to not understand what Jo Insung is referring to.
 
Insung squint his eyes and lowered his face the table to looked at her eyes. "You know how to act well.. Koura-shhi.." he winked.
 
Juhwan looked at Insung having a friendly conversation with Sora. First it was Song Joongki, even though he is hiding it. And now Jo Insung.
 
Seems like their group stands started to waver with Sora's new appearance. It is against the real reason why they joined this class at the first place.
 
"Kang Sora and Lim Juhwan right?" A couple of students whispered to each other.
 
Kwangsoo stopped them. "What did you say?" He wanted to know more.
 
The students panicked as one of The Chaebols is talking to them.
 
"What is it?" Sternly, Kwangsoo asked again.
 
"Lim.. Lim Juhwan and Kang Sora are being partnered for the assignment.." they stammered.
 
Joongki immediately look at those students. Surprised.
 
"It’s in the listing.. you can see it for yourself." immediately they walked away, afraid that something unnecessarily might happened to them.
 
Immediately Kwangsoo, Joongki and Juhwan went to the table looking for the list as they could not believe with that they just heard.
"They are saying the truth, Juhwan.." Joongki looked at Juhwan who is blankly staring at that piece of paper. He saw it too.
 
Kwangsoo taps Juhwan's shoulder. "What are you going to do?"
 
Juhwan sighed hardly as he looked at Kang Sora as Joongki and Kwangsoo looked at the same direction.
 
"What is this feeling?" Feeling like she was being observed.
 
Sora turned looking at Juhwan, Joongki and Kwangsoo. Did not feel good with the way they are staring at her. "Are we going to fight again?" She thought to herself.
 
Jo Insung looked at Sora as she was distracted before he realized that she has been staring his friends on the other side of the room. He  looked at them. "What's wrong?" He puzzled.
 
* * *
 
"Seems like your fate are getting twisted with them.." JinJoo pats Sora's shoulder.
 
She seems down after knowing that she will be partnered with Lim Juhwan for their assignment. The assignment that is going to take 20% of their course marks.
 
Bomi smiled. "I've told you Kang Sora.. First Song Joongki and now Lim Juhwan too.." she had a feeling that things will slowly change surrounding them. The Chaebols has been silent lately too.
 
She sighed as she lay her head on the grass looking up to the sky.
 
"There's Jo Insung too.." she thought to herself. Things does get really tangled lately and she does not know how to escape from it.
 
"Song Joongki?" Both Hyorin and Jinjoo looked at Bomi. "Is there something that we don't know?" They asked.
 
Sora look at them worked up. "It’s nothing. Kim Bomi, stop exaggerate things. It’s complicated enough now.." She is more worried about her assignment that is being put on the line rather than appreciating the jokes Bomi is telling.
 
Bomi giggles. "Joongki is hitting on our Sora.."
 
"Ya!" Sora hits Bomi shoulders hard. "I've told you to stop exaggerate things."
 
"That’s hurt!!" Bomi caresses the sharp pain felt on her shoulders.
 
"I'm saying the truth though. Why did he want to be friend with you when they are supposed to be our enemy?"
 
"I've told you to stop that.." Sora playfully strangled Bomi's neck. "Do you really want to die?"
 
Bomi laughed. "I'll prove to you that I'm right one day.."
 
Hyorin smiled looking at them fooling around. After a while, her expression started to change as she got carried away with her thinking. 
 
"So, Song Joongki likes her.." she whispered to herself. "Did he really fall for Sora?" She looked at her friend who confidently flaunting her new appearance now. She knew that it is not impossible. Sora has always been pretty, and now with her new lovable image, who would be able to resist?
 
"You girls seems to have fun.." Park Haejin joined them at the park.
 
"Oppa!" Jinjoo immediately runs towards him. "Is your class finished?" She asked.
 
Being a senior in engineering faculty and the  difference in their schedules makes it hard for her to meet Park Haejin frequently.
 
"Eo.." Haejin smiled while he caresses his happy go lucky girlfriend’s hair. Someone that always enlighten his mood when he got burnout with his study.
 
"Anneyong!" Lee Jongsuk is joining them too as he heads towards his girlfriend, Kim Bomi. 
 
Bomi sighed as she saw Jongsuk is joining them today. Feeling burdened.
 
"You rarely text me Kim Bomi.." Jongsuk looked at Bomi as he caresses her cheek.
 
Bomi moves her face slightly. Feels disgusting with Jongsuk behavior lately.
 
"Why?" Jongsuk whispered. 
 
Bomi silently stares at him.
 
"What’s wrong.." he move closer. “Did I do something wrong again?” He asked.
 
"Do you have time to join us today? Don't you have any blind date to attend?" she whispered back.
 
Jongsuk smiled. "You're being jealous again.. You know how my mother is Kim Bomi.." Trying to hug her but she rejected it.
 
"It’s been a while since you guys joining us.." Sora looked at them.
 
Having Park Haejin and Lee Jongsuk as an extended group is somehow making them happier and feeling better especially at times like today.
 
Jongsuk smiled looking at Sora who he can comfortably define as a younger sister. A person he had known since they were junior high. The person who introduces Bomi to him.
 
"This final semester thingy is really killing me.. Shall we go for some Tteokbokki?" Haejin asked. He has been craving to eat something hot and spicy today.
 
"That sounds great!" Jinjoo supported.
 
"I'll join too!" Sora raises her hand. She needs to sweat off her problem so that she could forget and move forward with it.
 
"Me three!" Hyorin added before she looks at Bomi unknowingly pouts as she stands besides Jongsuk. 
 
"Are you fighting again?" Jinjoo asked as she looked at Jongsuk and Bomi.
 
Jongsuk shrugged his shoulder. "This person is having a PMS perhaps?"
 
"Ya!" Bomi hits his shoulder. 
 
Jongsuk laughed. "You guys go ahead.. I need to have some private talk with my sulking girlfriend.."
 
"Aigoo.. did you miss him that much?" Sora smiled looking at Bomi and Jongsuk. They are really a couple who cannot live without a fight. They just love it that way.
 
"Let us go guys.. we might disturb them if we’re still here.." Hyorin grabs Sora's arms as they walk hand in hand towards Haejin's car. The car they always use in campus.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 7

"Okasan!!" Sound of Sora's voice echoed throughout the house.
 
"I'm in the studio." Keiko replied weird with Sora’s frantic behavior late in the evening.
 
"All my shirts are gone.. Ahjumma can't find it either.." Sora entered her mom's studio while catching up her breadth. Running from her room in the antics to her mom's painting studio at the basement of their three floored bungalow makes her short for breadth.
 
Keiko smiled. "I've donated it away.."
 
"Okasannnn!!" Sora widened her eyes.
 
Keiko put her paint brush and move nearer to Sora. "Do you have to yell Missy?" She softly hits Sora's head. She wanted to train her to become graceful, not this noisy.
 
"I want my shirts back.." Sora pouts.
 
"I have bought all kind of blouses and dresses for you.. Why are you still looking for your shirt?"
 
"It’s Saturday night mom.." she said it in English. 
 
"So, you're going out again?" Keiko squints her eyes looking at Sora.
 
"What is it tonight? Clubbing? Or is it the race night?" Shin-Ill and Keiko has agreed to give Sora her freedom on Saturday night. The night where she would be meeting up with friends and enjoy her life as teenagers.
 
"Race night.." She bit her lips. Sora knew Keiko has always been worried for her to join those activities during weekend. Though she had agreed with it, but she never fails to remind how dangerous for Sora to be involved with it.
 
"Otosan already said okay.." Sora came nearer to her mother. Trying to get her approval now after all the fuss about her shirts.
 
Keiko sighed. "Always with your Otosan's approval.. He spoiled you for too much.." Keiko picks up her paint brush and focus on her painting again.
 
"Okasan please..." Holding Keiko's arms.
 
"On one condition.." Keiko sigh.
 
Sora attentively looked at her mom.
 
"From now on, you will never dress up like a boy again.. and you'll join my activity from time to time."
 
"Okasan..."
 
"That's my condition. I am giving you the freedom to pursue your interest in martial arts and cars. Can't you at least fulfill my little request?"
 
Keiko has been wanting to dress her daughter up with dresses, jewelries, and beautiful clothes. Just like any other woman would do to their daughter. She caresses Sora's long hair. "I want to show the world my daughter's beauty too.."
 
"Arasso.. I'll do that.." Sora surrenders.
 
Keiko smiled. "That includes tonight okay?"
 
"Araaa.." Sora stomps back to her room. Seems like she does not have many choices if she wanted to continue enjoying her freedom.
 
She looked at the new sets of clothes in her wardrobe. "What the hell are all this? Urghh!” She grunts as she scratches her head hard. It feels like she is looking at a wardrobe that does not belongs to her.
 
* * *
 
"These kids are so immature.. Do they even realized what are they betting against?" Jo Insung joins a race with the downtown race club instead of the high-end car club that he normally visits, wanting to try having a bit of fun.
 
Kwangsoo sneered. "Let them have a feel of racing with your car at least. They might just become a standby viewer if they come to our place.."
 
Smugly they are looking down into those people who are driving their modified cars. Racing against Jo Insung's yellow Ferrari 458 Italia.
 
They laughed. Seems that today’s race will become another entertainment for them.
 
Suddenly a white 2017 GT-R Nismo overtaking them fast leaving them at least 200 meters behind within a blink of an eyes.
 
"Did you see that??!" Kwangsoo's surprised as he looked at the Nismo smoothly overtaking Insung’s car.
 
Insung pressed his gas hard. "Clearly.." They are only 5km away from the end point of the race. He needs to catch up fast, but the 600 Horsepower beast is leaving his car further.
 
"You'll be embarrassed if you lost to that Japanese car!" Kwangsoo is pressing Insung further looking at the distance that they are being left behind.
 
"Shut up! Let me focus.." Insung is trying hard to catch up, but the GT-R driver skill is not a joke.
 
Looking at how smooth it is taking the corner and driven, he is sure that they are competing with somebody that is not less than a professional. That is the only thing that he can think of to make him feels good.
 
"You're great Koura!!!" Viewers started to gather surrounding the champion car while caressing the new car that she is driving, replacing Subaru WRX that she normally used.
 
"Your new car is really a beauty!"
 
Sora get out of the car as she smiled to her satisfied viewers. There is nothing more satisfying than winning.
 
"A lady driver??" Kwangsoo looked at a woman with long black hair, tied ponytail style while wearing a beige color NY cap who just come out of the car.
 
"Did you just got beaten by a lady Jo Insung?" He said to his friend who still looking towards the car feeling dumbfounded. His pride must be hurt.
 
"It’s because of your noisy mouth that I can't focus.." Insung get out of his car and walk towards the crowd.
 
"Your skill in driving is really great.." Insung said to the lady wearing a tight white jeans and checkered brown blouse with brown colored ankle boots. Looks good on her tall, curved body. A body that would be perfect for a circuit girl rather than a racer.
 
Sora surprised looking at that tall man and immediately lowered down her cap to slightly hide her face. "Thank you.." she replied. Short.
 
"Kang Sora?" Insung thought to himself. Her face looks like Kang Sora in a glance.
"I'm Jo Insung.. new to this area.." Insung extended his hand while trying to steal another glance of her face.
 
"Koura.." Sora replied with the name she used on the street while ignoring his hand.
 
She turned to look at the race coordinator and her friend. "I'm not participating in the next one Jinwoon.." she said.
 
"But Koura.. people are betting on you.."
 
"I'll pay them back.." She replied as she immediately entered her car and starts her engine.
 
"Koura shhi.." Insung tried to get another look at that woman face again but she is fast in avoiding him and drive off..
 
"Jo Insung, what’s wrong?" Kwangsoo asked as he looked at the GT-R drives away. Jo Insung seems to desperately be trying to peek at the driver.
 
"Who is that?" Insung asked the race coordinator. He wanted to know more about that lady.
 
 "Koura Miyazaki. She has been a regular here.. One of our top racers.."
 
"Koura..?" Insung frowned. “Are you sure that’s her name?” He asked again.
 
Jinwoon shrugged his shoulders. “That’s the only information that we know.”
 
Jo Insung looked at the streets. Somehow he wanted to believe that the person is Kang Sora, seeing how desperately she has been trying to hide herself from him.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 6

Sora opened the newly arrive hard-covered copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling. Excited with the new release that she did not wait long to purchase it online.

After a few pages, she took a glance at her academic books. Felt guilty for leaving her Mastering Strategic Management book by Dave Ketchen untouched.  

"Why can't this book be as fun as reading Harry Potter?" She sighed. She needs to start her assignment soon, but something else is more tempting right now.

"Why are you sighing so hard?" Joongki is claiming a seat in front of Sora as he looks at the book that Sora has been staring. "Can't choose which one to prioritize?"

Sora flinch, surprised with his sudden appearance. She thought those guys are sparing her from any problem today.

Sora looks around for his other members.

"I'm on my own.." Joongki said as he realized Sora's body language.

"If you're trying to pick up a fight, let's do it outside.." coolly she said it to him.

Joongki smiled. "Why are you always this bold?"

Sora took a glance at him. "What is it now?" He cannot be here just to have a friendly talk about their afternoon. They are not in that kind of relationship.

"Why did you change your dressing suddenly?" Joongki asked. He has been interested to know the reason for her sudden change. The change that surprises everyone with her actual beauty that seems to be hidden behind her image all this time.

Sora glares at him. "Why does that matter to you?"

"I've told you that night.. I want to become your friend.."

Sora sneered. "You must be kidding me.."

"I'm dead serious.." he lean towards her.

"But I'm not interested to become your friend Song Joongki.." Sora pushed back as she took her books and get up from her seat.

"At least give me one chance will you?" He said as he took the books from Sora.

"I'll carry this for you.." he added. With Sora's recuperating arm, she should not lift heavy things yet.

Sora looked at him. This is getting weird.

"Sora ya!" Bomi came to find Sora after her class. She looked at the man that is standing beside her. Surprised seeing Song Joongki is walking with her side by side. "Are you okay?"

Sora smilingly nodded. "See.. this is the reason why we can't be friend.." Sora looked at Joongki.

Never in her life would have thought about being a friend with Joongki or any of his friends.

"Friend?" Bomi weird with their conversation. "Ya.. What's wrong?" She whispered to Sora.

Joongki smirked as he clearly heard the question from Bomi to Sora. "I'm trying to become her friend.." Joongki whispered back to Bomi.

Bomi surprised with Joongki acting friendly. She raised her eyebrows to Sora.

Sora shrugged her shoulder. She looked at Joongki and took back her books. "Thank you but no thank you.."

Sora turned to Bomi and pull her away from there.

Joongki smiled. He expected that kind of behavior so it is easier for him to accept.

"Where's Jinjoo and Hyorin?" Sora asked after they got out from the library.

"They have an assignment they need to finish first.." Bomi pause as she stopped Sora from walking. "This is suspicious.. what had happened just now?" She stares at her.

Sora smirked. She knew Bomi would feel weird. She herself feels the same when Joongki approached her that night.

"Nothing happened. He told you earlier right.." She pulls Bomi to start walking again.

"It’s odd.. for them wanting to become friend with any of us."

"Rightfully it is just Song Joongki who said that. Not all of them.."

"But still..." Bomi looked at Sora up and down again. "Is it because of this new image?"

Sora smiled. "I don't think so.. He's been saying it before he saw this new image.."

"Wait.." Bomi stop her again and look directly to her eyes. "You mean this is not the first time??"

Sora looked at Bomi weird with the excitement that she shown. "Yup.."

"Is he hitting on you?"

"Eyyy.. Do not be absurd.. Do you know how many pretty girls are aiming to become his girlfriend?" shaking her head.

She knew Joongki is popular with his looks and gentleman attitude despite being one of The Chaebols. Furthermore, she is just one ordinary girl that recently changes her style in dressing. That is all.

Bomi giggles. "I'm sure it is.. Just wait and see.. Who would be able to resist this beauty?" she playfully touches her face that's flawless even without makeup.

She knew Sora changes in style will opens more eyes to realize the beauty of this tall - model like girl has been hiding behind her tomboyish dressing all this while.

"Shut up.. this is nothing to be proud of.." Sora sharply glares at Bomi.

Being in dresses, skirts and high heels are something that she could not adapt.

"Arasso.. mianhae.. I won't say that again.." Bomi smiled.

"Good girl.." Sora patted her head.

"Until it is proven that what I’m saying is right.." Bomi continue giggling as she runs from her.

"Ya! Do you wish to die??" Sora chased her.

Bomi laughed looking at Sora trying to catch her while adapting with her new shoes.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 5

"Where's Sora? I can't find her at the library.." Bomi come to get her friends who are idling around at the campus's summer garden. The yellow leaves have started to cover the ground to welcome the autumn season with slight chilled weather.
 
Hyorin shrugged her shoulder. "I haven't meet her yet today.. why don't you give her a call?"
 
"Ah right.." Bomi took out her phone.
 
"Ya! Kang Sora!" Jinjoo runs toward Sora who is wearing a cream thigh length fit and flare dress with her hair let loose.
 
"What in the heaven had happened to you..?" She looked at her up and down. Surprised with her new appearance.
 
"Yaaaaaa!" Both Hyorin and Bomi run towards her. Amazed with Sora's transformation.
 
Sora hit her friend’s shoulder. "I'm already embarrassed enough.. stop it!" she hid her face with her hand.
 
"What's the occasion? You look beautiful Sora ya.." Hyorin hold her waist. Her body is perfect for dresses like this. "Are you in love?" She whispered.
 
"Ya! It’s not that.." She looked her friends. "My mom insists.." she pouts.
 
They laughed. "I knew this would happen sooner or later.." Bomi looked at Sora's arm. The cast is now replaced with a bandage. She seems to recuperate well.  "It’s time for you to show the world your beauty Kang Sora.." She has been hiding it for too long.
 
"What's the use to show it for.. This is not comfortable at all.." she kicks the grass with her 1 and 1/2-inch beige colored ankle boots.
 
Hyorin smiled. "Beauty doesn't need to stay hidden.." she holds Sora's hand. "I feel that things going to change a lot from now on.."
 
"What do you mean?"
 
"Let's find a partner by winter.." Hyorin winked. "We can't let them have all the happiness themselves." She pointed her lips at Jinjoo and Bomi.
 
"Yaa.. you make us feels bad!" Jinjoo and Bomi said to them.
 
Hyorin and Sora laughed.
 
Sora took a glance at Hyorin. She knew Hyorin has been rejecting a lot of people because of her.
 
"Let's head to our class, shall we?" Min Hyorin grab Sora's arms.
 
"Wait.." Sora bit her lips. It is embarrassing for her to even walk, what is more to enter her class today. "I feel like skipping class today.."
 
"Ya.. didn't you say you love international business? That's why you selected it as your major this semester?" Bomi asked.
 
Sora knock her head. "Ah right.." she remembered those Chaebols in her class. "It’s going to be bothersome again.."
 
"Why? Because of those boys?" Hyorin looked at her. Though Sora is pretty much independent on her own but with her hand that is still recuperating, being involved in another fight will not be manageable for her.
 
Sora nodded.
 
"Did they deliberately join that class because Sora is there alone?” Jinjoo looked at her friends.
 
“Of course, that’s their motive.. those jerks are really something.” Bomi is clutching her fist.
 
"Ya, join me for my class today, please.." begged Sora. Wearing dresses makes her feels weak.
 
"We can't. There's a scheduled quiz today.." Jinjoo replied. They cannot take the course with Sora because of the schedule clash with their accounting class. Since they have selected to major in finance rather than business like Sora. "Call us if they disturb you.."
 
Sora sighed. Hoping for today to be a peaceful day. "Let's go, we'll be late.." she walk off in her boots as her friends begin to laugh at her.
 
"Yaa!!" She turned to them, fussing over their tease.
 
"Mian.. we're still getting used to it.." Hyorin replied as she cannot stop giggling.
 
"I'm going first.." Sora leave her friends as they continue laughing at her sudden transformation. It is time for her to head to her class instead. The class that she regrets taking this year.
 
"You're late.." the lecturer look at Sora who is standing at the door. Realized major difference in her dressing today.
 
Juhwan gazed at a stunning girl with long black hair wearing minimal makeup on her face. Surprised with her new appearance.
 
"That's Kang Sora right?" Kwangsoo whispered to his friends. Admiring her change.
 
"I'm sorry prof.." Sora slightly bowed to her mistake.
 
“Take your seat and do your quiz.."
 
"Thank you prof.." Sora replied. Keeping her head low as she walks across the class heading to an empty seat. She is too shy to look at people surrounding her.
 
Insung eyes are trailing her. Could not believe that Kang Sora is that beautiful.
 
Joongki looked at Sora as she took an empty seat behind him and lean towards her.
 
Sora surprised as she looked at him. “What is it?” She asked.
 
Joongki winked. "You look wonderful Kang Sora.." He whispered to her.
 
Sora glares at him. That person has been weird since that night.
 
Sora looked at quiz paper with only 5 questions in it. "This should be easy.." she slightly smiled. Feeling a bit relax despite her lateness.
 
Juhwan turn to look at Sora again. For some reason, he cannot help but to be mesmerized with her.
 
Sora look at Juhwan after she realized he has been staring at her. But Juhwan immediately turn his head back.
 
"What is it? Everyone is behaving weirdly.." she thought to herself.
 
Juhwan look at the half-done quiz questions. His heart started to beat frantically.
 
"Ya Lim Juhwan, that's the tomboyish Kang Sora. Your enemy. Why are you behaving like this?" He thought to himself.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 4

"You know.. I heard Kang Sora is half Japanese.." Kwangsoo told his friend as he looked at Juhwan taking out his Cobra driver. 
 
Juhwan ignores Kwangsoo's remark and placing a golf tee on the grass field before swinging his driver for a test. He is not interested to talk about Kang Sora. He had enough humiliation because of that girl.
 
Joongki looked at Kwangsoo. "Why suddenly you talk about her?"
 
"Just feels like it.. I got a feeling that she's hiding herself under that tomboyish image she's portraying..”
 
Insung knocked Kwangsoo's head. "Do you wish to die? She's our enemy." he's been knocking out of sense himself too. 
 
"You are stupid.. that's hurt man.." Kwangsoo caresses his head.
 
"You admit it yourself right? Minus her tomboyish image, she's actually more beautiful than Min Hyorin.." Kwangsoo winked to Insung knowing that Insung started to look at Sora differently after the incident last week.
 
Juhwan hit his Callaway golf ball and look at where its heading. "Japanese or Korean, it won't change anything between us and them.." he said in a passing remark.
 
He turned to his friends. "That girl always have big guts to meddle in our matters.." Sora and her friends always stood up for the people they are trying to pick. And she never even blinks an eye even when they are surrounding them. Staying firm as she always does.
 
"But she's not an easy opponent too.. Is she perhaps a member of gangster association? Yakuza perhaps?" Kwangsoo asked.
 
Everybody knows Kang Sora fights well. And their skills are no match to her.
 
"Now that you mentioned it, remember when the people that I hired ran away in the middle of the fight?" Insung trying to relate.
 
Joongki pick up his driver and taking his turn. "Don't go overboard guys.. that's absurd." Joongki would not believe in those fictions his friends created.
 
Insung looked at Joongki. "Why not? That would explain her fighting capability. No matter how I look at it, she's not ordinary."
 
Juhwan looked at them, thinking through the topics that is they are discussing. "We're having that class again tomorrow right?" He asked.
 
"Eo.. wae?" Insung asked.
 
"What are you up to again Lim Juhwan?" Joongki is a bit reluctant. In fact, he has been reluctant to continue holding onto those grudges even before they started. 
 
Juhwan sneered as he is planning something fun. "Enough with her.. just hit your ball." He looked at Joongki.
 
Joongki sighed as he walks towards his golf cart and keep his driver back in his golf bag instead. "I have enough today.." He took off his gloves and hat. 
 
"You're leaving?" Kwangsoo asked.
 
"Eo.. Let us meet up later.." Joongki hop onto his cart and drive off the field.
 
"What's wrong with him suddenly?" Insung asked as they looked Joongki abruptly leave.
 
Juhwan is watching him as he drove away. Joongki has always been a soft-hearted guy. He has been disagreed with their action all this while but still tagging along to keep up with their friendship.
 
"Let's just continue playing.." he said to Insung and Kwangsoo.
 
* * *
 
Joongki took a stroll after his run. His decision to skip clubbing tonight and replace it with running around his neighborhood is rather fulfilling and giving him more satisfaction.
 
"Ya! Let us go for another round.. Do you really want to stay here?" A girl is pulling her tipsy friend up from the seat.
 
"Let me sleep here Hyorin ah.." she cupped her cheek and resting on her chin. Sleepily looking at Min Hyorin who is sitting in front of her.
 
"Kang Sora?" Joongki squint his eyes to have a better look at that girl who is wearing a cap with her long hair let loose pairing with a baggy jeans and t-shirt. Seems like Sora started to show her hair more rather than hiding it like she used to be.
 
"Haish.. Arasso. Just find your own way home then." Min Hyorin left Sora at the 24hours convenience store as she walked towards the main street to catch for a taxi.
 
"See youuuuuu..." Sora waved towards her as she goes back to sleep.
 
Joongki slowly walk towards that girl. "Sleeping?" he asked.
 
Sora raise her head looking at the person in front of her. Surprised.
 
"Are you drunk?" He asked again.
 
Sora try to look around before straightening her seat. "No.." she is short.
 
Joongki puzzled. He is certain that he sees her being tipsy earlier. "Is it just an acting? Just now?" He asked.
 
Sora clearing her throats. Did not know since when he has been watching her. She has been pretending to be drunk so that she can get off from another round of drinking party. Liquor is just not her thing even though she can tolerate it well.
 
Joongki smiled. "You are surely full of surprises Kang Sora.." He claims a seat in front of her.
 
Sora stares at him. "What are you doing here? Are you trying to pick up a fight again? At time like this?" After what happened last week, she decided to be careful with all of them. Including Song Joongki.
 
Joongki shakes his head. "I'm not.. I live in this neighborhood.."
 
Sora silent. Seems that this person is living in the same neighborhood as her unknowingly. She bit her lips as she looked at him carefully.
 
"Why did you pretend to be tipsy with Min Hyorin earlier?" Joongki cannot help but to be puzzled about it.
 
"None of your business.." coldly Sora replied.
 
"Do you live here?" Again, he asked.
 
"Song Joongki shhi.." Sora stares at him. "Don't do that.. it’s weird.."
 
"What? The questioning? Is it wrong if I wanted to know more about my friend?"
 
"Friend?!" Sora smirked. The terms friend never existed between her and those guys. Never once she thought of being friend with them.
 
Joongki smiled. "Well, being an enemy is also a type of friendship too.." he chuckles.
 
Sora got up from her seat and walk away. She is not interested to hear any bull shit that Joongki is trying to say.
 
"Let us be friends Kang Sora.. a real friend." Joongki asked as he is trying to keep up with Sora's long stride.
 
Sora stopped and looked at him. "Is this another kind of trap?" She asked.
 
"Anie.. I genuinely wanted to be friend with you.."
 
"My foot.." she curses.
 
"I really mean it.."
 
Sora took some time to think before continue walking again. "Do you think your members will agree?"
 
Joongki follows her again as she walks slower now, step by step. "They have no control over my personal life.."
 
Sora sneered. "Well.. my members would not agree for me to be friend with you. And their preference matters to me.."
 
"I know.." Joongki smiled. "But I'll change it one day.."
 
Sora turn to a private alley heading to the backdoor of her house.
 
Joongki stopped her after he started to recognize that alley. "You live here?" He asked.
 
Sora silent not answering.
 
"Since I was kid, I heard that this is the back alley to a Yakuza mansion.." the house located slightly on top of the hill. The biggest house compared to the others in the neighborhood.
 
Sora sneered. She has heard those rumors too. Perhaps because her dad and his fellow friends always practicing their martial arts at the lawn. That is where she gets to practice her skills too.
 
"Do you really live here?" Joongki asked again. Somehow he starts to relate to what Kwangsoo had said earlier this morning. Is she really a daughter to a Yakuza member? He thought to himself.
 
"My mom work here.." she lied. It is the same lie she told to everyone else. She never wants people to know her as someone with status. She just wants people to treat her like a normal person and live as a normal student.
 
Joongki nodded. No reason for him not to believe it especially seeing how Sora is bringing herself in NSU. "Take care then.. my friend."
 
Sora turn to him again as she heard the term 'friend' came from his mouth for multiple times now. "You really don't have to do this Song Joongki. You won't get anything by being friend with me.."
 
"You are an interesting person Kang Sora. I want to know you more. I'm honest.." he winked.
 
Sora sighed. "Whatever.." Sora continue walking towards the house that they have been living since she was 5 years old. The house that she rightfully called as a home.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 3

Sora took a seat on the floor cushion facing her dad who is focusing on his book in their Japanese Tea Room while waiting for his evening tea.
 
Even though they have moved back to Seoul long time ago, her father has been accustomed with Japanese culture all along. This is her father hideaway after his hectic schedule with the company matters whole day.
 
"Evening Otosan.." Sora greeted.
 
He looked at her daughter with her hair let loose without a cap, not like her normal days. "You're back.."  
 
He then took a glance at Sora's arm. "No matter how I look at it, I don't think you're that clumsy Kang Sora.." Kang Shin-Ill still could not accept that his daughter's hand got injured due to her clumsiness.
 
Sora is a girl with high stability thanks to all the martial arts that she had learned.
 
"How could I lie to you Otosan.." Sora is lowering her glance avoiding her dad's eyes. She looked at her hand and the tattoo on her right wrist. It is something that she would like to ask her father further. But she still could not find the right moment for it. Yet.
 
"It’s time for her to learn and walk gracefully like a Japanese girl.."
 
A fine Japanese lady wearing a silk kimono coming out from the kitchen holding a set of jasmine tea with some snacks for her husband and her daughter.
 
She remained loyal to her husband even after years of marriage and even willing to leave her family in Japan to follow Kang Shin-Ill. Sora's father.
 
"Okasan, I don't favor that image and personality that you dreamt of.." Sora looked at Keiko Miyazaki who is also her mother. Her beautiful mother.
 
Keiko softly glares. "No matter what you're still a girl, Kang Sora.." She neatly arranged the tea set on the Japanese Tea table.
 
"Next time you should learn preparing tea too.." She added.
 
Sora pouts as she is looking at her father for some help. Rather than preparing tea, she loves learning martial arts and holding swords more.
 
Understanding Sora glance, Shin-Ill smiled. "I'll stay out from this one.." He picks up his cup of tea and taking a sip from it. 
 
Keiko smiled. That undefeatable father-daughter love. Living with them all this while, she can say that Shin-Ill loves their daughter more than he loves her. That is for sure. But today seems like Shin-Ill is siding her. 
 
"This weekend we are going shopping together Kang Sora.. throw away those clothes that you're wearing.." Keiko said to her.
 
"Okasannnn..."
 
"No more excuses." Keiko is firm as she got up heading to the kitchen again. Ignoring what Sora wanted to say next.
 
"Otosan..." she is trying to gain some pity from her dad. "Please help me.." 
 
Shin-Ill smiled. "Listen to your mother Kang Sora. She had some point too.." His beautiful daughter should learn to become graceful like a real woman despite her skills in martial arts. There would come a day where he needs to marry her off one day.
 
Sora sighed as she got up and walk away from the room. Sulking could be the most effective way she can think of right now, hoping that her parents would change their mind. Being a spoilt daughter would perhaps have it benefits too.