Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 16

Kang Shin-Ill entered the house seeing Kang Sora absent-mindedly sitting facing their Japanese garden. "You're home early my daughter." Shin-Ill approached her. It is unlikely for her to be home this early on normal days.
 
"Otosan!" Sora rushed to hug Shin-Ill as she looked at Keiko entered the house not long after.
 
Keiko looked at her daughter. "What's wrong?" Weird seeing Sora’s action.
 
"Okasan!" She hugs her next.
 
Shin-Ill looked at Keiko, puzzled with Sora's behavior. Her voice is shaky not like how she has always been confidence in her speech and action.
 
Sora hold her parents' hands and pull them to the gazebo in their Japanese garden.
 
It took her 2 hours to get this calm and face her parents for some truth. "I need to ask something.." she looked at them as they are sitting facing her.
 
Kang Shin-Ill and Keiko wait attentively as Sora is still arranging her questions and thoughts.
 
"This tattoo.. where does it came from?" Sora asked.
 
Shin-Ill widened his eyes, surprised. "Why... did you ask?" He looked at Keiko.
 
"Otosan.. Okasan.." she bit her lips. "I saw flashes of image of one lady.. and sound of a gunshot.. my brain was relating it with this tattoo. I'm not sure why.."
 
Keiko surprised. This time her eyes widened. The secret that they are trying to conceal seems to reopen again with Sora's memory that is coming back. "Shin-Ill san.." Keiko looked at her husband.
 
Shin-Ill closed his eyes for a few second and sighed. It is about time for Sora to know the truth. She is already 21 this year and she should know how to handle the feelings well. "That lady is your mother Kang Sora.." Calmly he tells his daughter.
 
Sora looked at Keiko that attentively looked at her face. "But my mother is here. That is not Okasan. They are.. different." she can still remember the glimpse of that tall woman well even though she does have a bit resemblance with Keiko.
 
Keiko holds Sora's hand as she hears that. Her tears started flowing down. "You are my daughter Kang Sora.. Yes you are.."
 
Shin-Ill sighed as he looked at important women in his life. He wished he can continue to conceal this secret. He really wishes that.
 
"Otosan.." Sora feels that there is a lot of secret to this tattoo now seeing how her dad is feeling uncomfortable with her questions.
 
"Listen well Kang Sora.." Shin-Ill sighed deeply. "That lady is my first wife. She's your mother and Keiko's sister.."
 
Sora frowned trying to understand what Shin-Ill is telling her.
 
"Your mother are a reputable Yakuza princess at that time and I'm her right-hand man.."
 
"Yakuza?" Sora looked at her Otosan, surprised. All this while she just heard rumors that they are related to Yakuza associations, it seems that the rumors are true.
 
"Yes.." Shin-Ill hold onto Keiko’s hand that started to weep with tears. "At that time, I was in love with Keiko, your mother's younger sister.."
 
"Your grandfather marry me off with your mother even knowing that I'm in love with Keiko.. but that did not stop our relationship to flourish.. We just love each other too much."
 
"One day you were born.. and your grandfather are hoping that with your presence, your mom and I would reconcile while lovingly raising you. But your mother is too busy with her commitment and Keiko has been taking care of you since the day you were born.." Shin-Ill smiled as he is staring at Keiko. The woman that has been with him throughout those situations. "I'm falling more in love with her.."
 
Sora attentively listen to every bit of the story from her dad.
 
"When you were 5 years old.. I decided to divorce your mother and run away with Keiko to Seoul. My hometown. But your mother was so furious, and she threaten to kill you." 
 
Shin-Ill pulled Sora's right wrist and caresses the tattoo on it. "Behind this tattoo is actually a gunshot scar."
 
Sora surprised. "My own mother shoot me?" Trying to relate her scares towards the gunshot sound.
 
Keiko holds Sora's hand. "She didn't mean too.. She was too furious at that time. It’s all because of me.."
 
Shin-Ill solemnly looked at Keiko. It is obvious why he loves Keiko so much. The look from his face shows it all.
 
"Your mother regretted it Kang Sora." Shin-Ill hold both Sora's and Keiko's hands. "Your mother let me go and gave you that tattoo to conceal your scars. It is the same as hers. It is the tattoo that belongs to the princess of Yakuza association. She gave it to protect you." That is the best that Sora's mother could provide to ease her guilt.
 
Sora stares at the tattoo of Ying and Yang with sleeping twin dragon on the inside. "So that's the story behind this tattoo.." she thought to herself trying to relate to multiple occasion where people got scared seeing that tattoo. Could not believe that she was truly related to those rumors.
 
Sora looked at Keiko who is still crying. "Okasan.." she wipe off the tears from Keiko's cheek. "I am still your daughter no matter what."
 
Keiko hugs Sora tightly. "My daughter..." Even though she is not a daughter that come from her womb, but they share the same blood and love. She has been raising Sora like her own.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 15

"Where are you heading?" Sora follows Lim Juhwan after being ignored the whole day.
 
Juhwan silent not answering and continue walking straight to a shooting club. He picks up a shotgun from the club safe and heading towards the shooting range to practice Double Trap Shotgun, another sport that he enjoys besides golf.
 
Sora is watching him step by step at the side, giving him some space.
 
"Just go.. I don't feel like meeting anybody today." Juhwan said before starts inspecting his gun and bullets.
 
Sora grab Juhwan's arms. "Lim Juhwan.. Why are you such in a bad mood?" She asked.
 
"Why does it have to bother you?" Juhwan pulls his arms and fill up his shotgun with bullets. 
 
Sora paused. She did not know why but his treatment is making her feels sad in some way.
 
He took a short look to Sora who is silently standing beside him after that question. "Stand further or just get out of here.." he said.
 
Sora bit her lips and move back a few steps behind him. "Is it because of Joongki?" She thought to herself feeling weird with the difference of Juhwan treatment after last weekend.
 
Just a few weeks back they are like a normal friend but now he is turning cold again. “Is he jealous?” She keeps thinking as she observes his behavior.
 
Juhwan straighten his posture focusing on projectiles that will fire pallets for his shooting training.
 
"Go!" He shouted as he lifts his shotgun and bang! the pallets flying to the air was shot down within a second.
 
Sora astounded with the sound as her hand started to shiver.
 
"Go!" Juhwan shouted again and bang! Another pallet blown in the air. 
 
Sora sat down on the floor as she was thunderstruck with the second sound. It is not an unfamiliar sound for her. Not at all.
 
"Kang Sora!" Juhwan put aside his gun and immediately pull Sora up from the floor as she is started to frantically breathe.
 
"Are you okay?" He looked at her hands shivering. 
 
Juhwan put her down on the bench and hold her shivering hands. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked again looking at her with her eyes widened. She seems afraid of something.
 
Sora is tightening her fist and closes her eyes as her head started to hurt so much. A few images from her memory randomly flashing in her mind.
 
"Kang Sora are you okay?" Juhwan asked again for the second time. 
 
She holds her head tightly as the images are rapidly flashing in her head.
 
Juhwan was worried looking at her behavior as he hugs her shoulders and caresses her hair to calm her down for a little bit.
 
Juhwan slowly pulled Sora’s up and looked at her. "Let me send you home?" Juhwan asked.
 
Sora slowly shakes her head while her eyes are fixed on her right wrist. Her hands still shivering, and the shock does not seem to subside yet.
 
Her mind is too clouded right now. The flashes of memory that appeared seems to relate with the tattoo on her wrist. And the gunshot sound, that is the triggering point to all of this.
 
Juhwan looked at her carried away with her own thoughts and mind. "She can't go back on her own being like this.." he thought to himself before dialing Joongki's phone number.
 
* * *
 
"Do you want me to accompany you inside?" Juhwan asked as they have arrived at the house where Sora's mom is working. That was what told by Joongki earlier.
 
Sora blankly look at him. Could not compute where they are now.
 
"We have arrived at your house.. this is the right place right?" Juhwan asked again. This strong woman suddenly becoming soulless body after a while. It worries him. 
 
He went to open the door on the passenger side. "Let me accompany you in.." He said as he pulled her hand.
 
Sora stop him. "Its.. it is okay.. I can't bring outsider inside.." she stammered as she's trying to collect her thoughts again.
 
Joongki rushed towards Juhwan's Maroon Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport that’s park in front of Sora’s house before looking at the woman who is just brushing away Juhwan's hand from holding hers.
 
"Sora.. are you okay?" Her face does not seem well.
 
Sora looked at another person that just arrived in front of her blankly.
 
"I'm okay.." She replied before getting out of the car and walking straight to the door of her house.
 
Juhwan and Joongki stares at her as she mindlessly entering the house without even bother to look at them.
 
"What happened?" Joongki asked.
 
Juhwan looked at his friend. "You came fast.."
 
Joongki squeezed his waist staring at Juhwan. Not the answer that he is looking for.
 
"I don't know.. she became like that suddenly at the shooting range." Juhwan explains. He did not even have a chance to ask looking at her situation.
 
“Shooting range? What is she doing there?” Joongki asked further.
 
Juhwan looked at Joongki as he has been asking more questions. Feels like being questioned by Sora’s boyfriend.
 
“It’s weird.. for her to behave like that suddenly.” Joongki sighed as he did not get the answers for his questions.
 
"I never seen her like that before too.." Juhwan agrees to Joongki’s statement.
 
He never saw Sora shivers like that even when she is being threaten by group of thugs before. She is not a person who is afraid of anything.
x

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 14

"What about this one?" Juhwan shows her the template to be used for their presentation.
 
Sora nodded feeling satisfied. "That looks okay.." The person that was once always sees her as somebody that he hates is now sitting beside each other with one purpose -- to complete their assignment.
 
Juhwan looked at her for a few second. Thinking. "Hmm.. the feeling is not right. We are presenting about international trading and free trade law.." trying to look for better ones that suits their theme.
 
Sora giggled. "I never knew you are this fussy Lim Juhwan.."
 
Juhwan took a glance at her. "Focus will you?" He sighed. Their presentation is in 3 days, but they are yet to practice with their presentation style and flow.
 
"You're too tensed.. relaxed a bit. All our papers and presentation are finalized. Just a few makeup issues that need to be firm up.." informally she's passing the remark.
 
Juhwan looked at her for a while and then look back to their presentation that he is working on. "You must be feeling comfortable with me lately?" Nonchalantly he said in passing remarks.
 
She understood the meaning behind his words. After a month of working together, she does feel a bit relaxed with him. Especially when she got to know Lim Juhwan's personality is nicer than the one he usually portrays before.
 
Sora turns to her laptop and pretending to proofread their thesis paper again. 
 
He looked at her tucking her long hair behind her blushed ears. "You're blushing?"
 
Sora covered her ears with her palm. "I'm just cold.."
 
Juhwan smiled. "That's cute.." he said to himself, but Sora can clearly hear it.
 
"What.." Sora suddenly stopped. There is no need for her to further dig on those words.
 
"Are you saying something?" Juhwan looked at her.
 
She scratches her head. "Nothing.."
 
Juhwan squint his eyes. Sora does seem like she wanted to say something earlier.  "Nevermind. Let us focus on this before I get another panic attack.."
 
"Ryoukai!" She replied in Japanese.
 
Juhwan looked at her, hearing her perfect intonations in Japanese and the way she says it. It is like her own mother tongue. "Are you really half Japanese?" He asked.
 
"How did you know about that?" As far as she knows that information is not known to many.
 
"There are some rumors about you.” Juhwan’s fidgeting. “I supposed it’s true then?"
 
Sora smiled, was not denying his question. "I never knew you were interested in my background?"
 
Juhwan clearing his throats. "I just happen to know it.."
 
Sora smirked. Not believing his words.
 
"You don't think that I purposely check out on you right? There's really no need for me to do so."
 
Sora giggled looking at Juhwan being a bit defensive. "Arasso.. Let us just say it is.."
 
"Just do your work.." Juhwan pushed her laptop nearer towards her. "We need to finalize this today no matter what.."
 
Sora smiled looking at him changing the topic.
 
She looked at Juhwan. After she started to know each one of them with their charming and delicate behavior, those 3 years they have spent fighting with each other seems like a waste. Sora thought to herself before continuing with her work.
 
"Did you saw that just now?" A pair of girl student who just walk past the glass room where Juhwan and Sora is discussing and friendly talking to each other.
 
"Eo.. since when that they are this close? I thought they were enemies before?" Her friends replied.
 
They look at their surroundings. "I heard they are a couple now. Those rumors must be true isn't it?" they whispered to each other.
 
"Heol.. daebak. That is really something. Is that why Kang Sora changed her dressing style?"
 
"You're right! That must be the reason.." They giggled as they are leaving the library.
 
Jiwon looked at that pair of students before rushing inside the library to see Lim Juhwan and Kang Sora who are chummily talking to each other. "That bitch.."
 
"Don't make another fuss Kim Jiwon. We can handle it like a civilized person.” Yoo Inna stopped her before she creates another mess at the library.
 
“Let me go Yoo Inna..” Jiwon glares at her.
 
“Stop doing this. You know you can't win her with physical fight." Inna firmly holding her arms.
 
Jiwon looked at Inna. "I presume you have something better?"
 
“Now we’re talking..” Inna smiled. "Give me some more time and you'll be surprised.."
 
Kim Jiwon sneered looking at Kang Sora and Lim Juhwan who did not realized that they are being watched.
 
"Make my wait worthwhile then.." She replied before leaving the library.
 
***
 
Joongki went out of his house for his Sunday jog a bit earlier than normal, looking forward with the promise that he has made with Sora.
 
"Let's go for a morning jog tomorrow.." he remembered the words Sora said to him yesterday when they bumped into each other at the convenience store.
 
It is the very first time Sora initiated something in their friendship. Something that he was surprised to hear.
He looked at his wristwatch that still shown 645am. "It seems that I'm too early." he widely smiled as he slowly walks towards the alley where he sends Sora off last time.
 
"You're early.." After a few minutes of waiting, Sora come out with a balsam green osito pullover with a hoodie on her head and her hands in the pockets.
 
"Just arrived.." Joongki replied before he hands her a pair of hot pack. "I heard the weather will be a bit cold today.." he said.
 
"Thank you.." she took the hot pack and place it in her pockets, smiling to Joongki's thoughtful gestures as always.
 
"Let's take a brisk walk to the park before we jog." Joongki suggested since the weather is still cold, and their heart might be in shocked if they suddenly went for a jog without warming up.
 
Sora nodded as she follows him by his side.
 
"It seems things turn out well with Juhwan?" Joongki is trying to fish out something.
 
"Uhmm.. I never thought the lecturer would give us an excellence remarks for our assignment.." Sora is referring to their presentation last week that was concluded with a good mark for their final.
 
Joongki took a quick glance. "What I mean is your relationship with Lim Juhwan.." 
 
"Ahh.." Sora giggled for her misunderstanding towards Joongki question. "Things went smooth luckily. I'm quite grateful with that.."
 
"There's nothing else happened right?" He asked. He has heard the rumors about her and Juhwan that is started going strong lately.
 
Sora looked at him puzzled. "What do you mean?"
 
Joongki scratches his head. "Anieya.. forget it."
 
"What is it?" Sora stand in front of him.
 
Joongki subtly smiled at her, looking beautiful in a hoodie. "Cute.." he pinched her cheek. "I like you more in this kind of image. Like how you were before." 
 
"You're changing the subject Song Joongki." Sharply she stares at him.
 
Joongki laughed. "Are you catching somebody?"
 
Sora sighed. "If you want to keep changing the subject then fine." she started to walk off with a faster pace than Joongki.
 
"Where are you going?" Joongki stopped her.
 
"Home." Sora’s replied. Short.
 
"We haven't started our jogging though." Joongki looked at her.
 
"I don't jog with strangers.." Sora sharply staring at him.
 
Joongki laughed after he started to realize the situation. "Are you mad?"
 
"No.." she replied shortly again.
 
Joongki hold her hands. "I'm just jealous with him being in a team with you.. I was hoping that opportunity is mine instead."
 
Sora pulled her hand off him. "Maybe next assignment.." she scratches her neck and awkwardly smiled at him. They are not in a relationship where they can carefreely holds each other hands.
 
Joongki looked at his hand feeling rejected.
 
"Maybe I was too fast.." He thought to himself as he follows Sora who started walking a few steps in front of him again but this time at a slower pace.
 
"Let us run to the convenience store. Loser will pay for breakfast!" Sora started running, trying to get rid of the awkwardness she felt a while ago.
 
"Yaa!" Joongki speed up to catch her up.
 
"You should let me run for at least 200m before you started!" Sora pants as she arrives at the convenience store 15seconds later than Joongki.
 
Joongki sneered. "Coming from somebody who always fight for gender equality.."
 
"Well.. for certain thing we obviously do not equal.." Sora grinned.
 
"A bet is a bet.. buy me breakfast now." Joongki pushed her inside the store while she is still catching her breadth.
 
"Arassooo..." Sora surrendered as she is heading towards the pre-prepared meal section with variety of selections.
 
"Should we get some ramen? I'm craving for one.." She asked.
 
"Anie.. I'm craving for some kimchi fried rice and bibimbap.." He grinned.
 
"Why are you eating so much?!" Sora glared at him.
 
"Breakfast like a king.." He smirked. "And this too.." He put another egg and pickle kimbap in the basket before heading to the microwave.
 
"What about you?" He asked.
 
"Ramyun it is.." she grinned while hugging the ramyun packaging. Something that she rarely enjoys as her parents restricted anything instant in the house since she was small.
 
Joongki looked at her childish expression. "You must love it so much?"
 
Sora shakes her hand. "I never had it before, but I always wanted to taste one."
 
Joongki looked at her weird for being a Korean but never tasted a Ramyun before. Those are among a must have meals for Koreans unless she was raised in a family that practiced organic eating which normally affordable for only those who are rich.
 
"What are you doing in this neighborhood?" Joongki realized the presence of his best friend that just entered the convenience store as Sora is paying for their meal.
 
Sora looked at Joongki, wondering who he has been talking to before looking at the door.
 
"Lim Juhwan?" She was shocked seeing that person. Not a person that she would expect to be in that neighborhood early in the morning.
 
Lim Juhwan surprised seeing Joongki and Sora who seems comfortable with each other. Just like how he sees them at the library some time before.
 
"I thought of seeing you for a jog.." Juhwan's delayed replied.
 
He then looked at them both with their Autumn jogging suit. "I hope I didn't bother you.." He added.
 
"We’re just finished.." Joongki is looking at a bag of foods that he chooses earlier. "Want to join us for breakfast instead?"
 
"We? Us?" Juhwan thought to himself.
 
It was weird seeing how Joongki is getting closer with Sora lately. That friend is not a person that easily shows attraction nor interest towards any woman before but somehow he is now spending his time with Kang Sora.
 
Sora nodded. "We bought a lot.." she warmly smile.
 
"It’s okay.. I'll just go for a short walk nearby." Juhwan replied feeling that Joongki does not want to be disturb.
 
"Enjoy your breakfast then.." He left the convenience store with a heartache seeing Joongki and Sora spending time together.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 13

"Your father is waiting for you in his reading room.." Shim Ji Hyeon, Juhwan's stepmother who has been living with them since he was 5 years old is approaching him while he was spending some free time at the theatre room.
 
Juhwan looked at her uninterested before focusing back on the show he is watching.
 
"He's waiting for you.." Ji Hyeon repeats before she went off to her room.
 
Slowly Juhwan got up from the couch and walk heading to his father reading room. A big room that is filled with teak wood furniture and neatly arranged books and documents. "You called for me?"
 
"Mr. Kim came to see me today about your engagement.." Lim Jong Su looked at his first born and his only son.
 
"It’s been called off dad.. Jiwon herself call it off.."
 
"They wanted to redeem their mistakes this time.." 
 
Juhwan rolled his eyes. He knows it must be Kim Jiwon's doing.
 
"Mr. Kim influence is crucial for my nomination in the senate.." He sighed. He would call off their relationship earlier if not because of the benefits that they offer.
 
Juhwan sneered. "That’s actually what matters the most.. your political goal.." Juhwan turn away.
 
"Lim Juhwan.. I'm not finish yet!" His father raises up his voice.
 
Juhwan turn to look at his father again. "That psychotic woman just can't accept that I have a new girlfriend now.."
 
Jong Su got up and walk nearer towards his 21 years old son. "You can love whoever you want. But you must marry Kim Jiwon."
 
Juhwan sneered. "Why do I need to live in vain just for your political gain? I'm not doing it.."
 
Jong Su walks nearer to his son. "It’s not just for my political gain. You know they can give you something that you required to inherit my money.."
 
"Because I'm the so-called illegitimate son of yours?" Juhwan sneered.
 
He knows well his status being the result of his dad one-night mistake with a warehouse worker. A person that his family would never approves being a daughter in law.
 
"I don't need such a lowly trick to prove that I'm worth your inheritance dad.." Lim Juhwan sharply stares at him.
 
"You may say so right now.. but things will be different once they know our secret. Only Kim Jiwon father can help you to bury our dark past." Jong Su holds his son's shoulder.
 
"Think it over Lim Juhwan.. You need to help me to help yourself.."
 
* * *
 
Kim Jiwon smiled looking at Juhwan furiously walking towards her.
 
"I was wondering why you haven't come to see me.." she said to him.
 
"Your tricks is so outdated Kim Jiwon.."
 
"But you still came to see me Lim Juhwan.." Jiwon smirked as she looked at her newly polished nails.
 
"Because I want to tell you that it won't happen. Whatever that you wished for, it will never happen." he sharply glares at her in despise. 
 
"You know your dad will lose his vote for the senate right?" Jiwon is trying to intimidate him.
 
Juhwan sneered. "I have never interested in his personal gain.." he replied.
 
"You don't have any idea what you are getting at. Do you think you will be happy with that lowly life?"
 
" You’re thinking ahead of yourself Kim Jiwon.” Juhwan sneered. “Whoever I am with, whether I’m happy or not. It’s none of your damn business.”
 
“That bitch is really something. If not because of her…”
 
“Hey hey!” Juhwan goes nearer to her. “I never say that I rejected you because of her.." Juhwan looked at her again. "You broke up our engagement first, remember?"
 
She holds his arm. "I'm trying to save it now Lim Juhwan. Can you forget what had happened?"
 
"Wake up and accept it Kim Jiwon." Juhwan brushes her hands off his arm.
 
"No! I will never accept this! We’re not over until I say so!" Jiwon shouts.
"You just can't accept that I moved on quickly. You love seeing me in pain.” Juhwan sneered. “Get some treatment Kim Jiwon. You are not normal.."
 
Jiwon grabs Juhwan's hand before he turned away again. "She will suffer badly if you continue being like this.."
 
“Do you even think you can touch her?” Juhwan smirked. "Leave her alone. She has nothing to do with my decision.."
 
"Do you think I would believe in that Lim Juhwan?!" Jiwon sneered. “I’ll show you I can do much worst!” Jiwon shouts as Juhwan is walking away, ignoring her.
 
* * *
 
"What are you thinking so deeply?" Insung greeted Juhwan who seems to be in a deep thought.
 
Juhwan took a sip of his beer and look at Insung. "You came.." He called Insung to accompany him for some beer tonight. 
 
"What happened?" Insung took a seat while placing his right leg on top of the other.
 
"Nothing.. I just feel like having a drink.." he push a dozen of beer that he bought in front of Insung.
 
Insung took a can of beer for himself. "Drinking in the middle of the week.. this is so unlike you." There must be something bothering his mind.
 
Juhwan silent while taking out a cigarette and offer it to Insung.
 
"I'm okay.." Insung replied, declining the offer.
 
Juhwan light up his nicotine supply and look at Insung. "You never reject a cigarette before.."
 
"I'm quitting.."
 
"Quitting?" Juhwan raised his eyebrows. That is so out of the blue.
 
Insung smiled. "I've lost in a bet.. So, I need to keep my promise."
 
"Your girlfriend?" Juhwan knows Insung is not a person who will easily admit defeat. He is not a person that will make such serious promise to anybody.
 
"Well, it can be considered like that." he chuckles as he took another sip of the beer. "Somebody that I currently have my eye on.."
 
Juhwan smirked. "That is unlike you.."
 
"Exactly." Insung smiled. "We seem to be doing things that are out of our ordinary lately isn't it?"
 
Juhwan looked at his cigarettes that is left half as his mind got drifted away again. "What supposedly be our ordinary?" He thought to himself.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 12

"No game for tonight Jinwoon?" Sora looked the guy that normally coordinates the game for them.
 
He is knocking the table with a ballpen as he looks at that tall girl taking a seat in front him.
 
"The police are everywhere tonight. It’s impossible to do it.."  He sighed. There goes his side income for tonight.
 
That explains his uninterested behavior and worried look. "Let's go for some drink then?" She moves her face closer to his.
 
"Eyyy.. do not do that flirting act again! It really doesn't suit you Koura." Jinwoon stares at her.
 
Sora laughed. "At least you're smiling.." she winked.
 
"This brat.. I'm worried that we might stop our activity for a while.." He hits her head with the ballpen that he has been holding since earlier.
 
"That’s hurt.." she caresses her head. "Why don't you just keep being a good doctor then. After all this is just a hobby.."
 
"It’s my side income.. houseman ship gives you peanut.."
 
She understands the worries from Jinwoon especially when he had a sick sister that he needs to take care off.
 
"We'll find a new alternative next time since we have known this.." she pats his shoulder to give him some encouragement.
 
"Mind to do it in a circuit?" A man approached them.
 
Sora looked at him surprised as she straightens her posture and look elsewhere.
 
"Annyeong Koura Shhi.." Insung greeted. He had been looking at her since earlier talking and giggling with Jinwoon. They seem closed.
 
"Annyeong.." Sora slightly smiled. He seems alone tonight without Kwangsoo tagging along.
 
Jinwoon looked at the new guy who started to join them last two weeks. "What do you mean with a circuit? A real circuit for professional?"
 
"Yup.. I can get it done with one call.."
 
"Daebak!" He claps his hand feeling disbelief with the offer. "Koura.. what do you think?" Jinwoon asked.
 
Sora looked at Insung as he lights up his cigarette. Not sure what he is aiming to do by continuing being involved with them.
 
"Some of us already went back though.. perhaps some other time?" Sora’s trying to skip personal occasions with Jo Insung.
 
"At least you and I are here..” Insung moved his face nearer to her. “Koura shhi.." He smiled. 
 
Jinwoon nodded agreeing to his words. At least he can gain a few bucks out of it too.
 
Sora squint her eyes trying to understand where this is going. "Is this about me winning against you last time?" She looked at Insung.
 
"Part of it.." he exhale the cigarette smoke up in the air.
 
Jinwoon slightly pull Sora’s shirts. "Just do it Koura.. you have nothing to lose."
 
Sora looked at Jinwoon and then Insung who is still with his cigarette. "What are we betting on?"
 
"Dinner with me.." he replied without further thinking. He has been aiming for it.
 
Sora sneered. She should have anticipated then. "Is that even acceptable?" She looks at Jinwoon.
 
"If you accept it then it is.."
 
Sora sneered again, feeling funny over the request. "Arasso.. Let us do that." She looked at Jo Insung.
 
"And if I won, you'll stop smoking.." she took the cigarettes from his hand. "I really hate guys who smoke.." she winked.
 
Insung smirked looking at her trying to be flirty yet awkward.
 
She does resemble Kang Sora a lot. Even her behavior and her tomboyish act. It is impossible that they are not the same people unless Kang Sora has a twin. 
 
"So?" Jinwoon asked looking at Insung.
 
"I'll accept that.." He replied as he put a box of cigarettes on the table.
 
"Alright! Let us do it then.. Lead the way Jo Insung." Jinwoon said as he starts calling for people who are still there before hopping onto Sora's car, following Insung towards the circuit.

Neighbourhood Flowers - Chapter 11

"It’s started to get really chilly today.." Jinjoo take off her jacket as she entered the room joining her friends.
 
"You guys have started studying?" She looks at her friends who is focusing for their test this afternoon.
 
Sora took a slight glance at JinJoo and focusing back to her book. "Umm.." she is short. She turns to Bomi and Hyorin as they are comparing notes for the test.
 
Jinjoo took a seat in the room that has become their other hideout which frequently used during cold days like this.
 
She looked at Bomi. "Kim Bomi, did you and Jongsuk broke up again? I seriously never see a couple who's fighting like cats and dogs every time they met."
 
Bomi ignores the question. It is not relevant to be discussed at this moment.
 
Sora took a glance at Bomi and then she looks at JinJoo. "Don't you want to get ready for the test too?"
 
Bomi and Jongsuk's relationship has always been fickle with lots of ups and down. She knew they will make-up soon. There is nothing to be worries about. It is just how they were.
 
Jinjoo sighed. "I surrendered.."
 
"You idiot!" Hyorin knocks her head. "Surrendered before fighting are for losers."
 
"I'm a loser~~" she sang the song from Big Bang.
 
Sora smiled with JinJoo's spontaneous jokes. She is good at that.
 
"Study this at least.." she gives Jinjoo the comprehensive notes that she has done before.
 
"You’re the best! As expected from our Sora.." she slightly kissed her cheek and look at the notes. "Ah right.. I actually wanted to tell this.."
 
"Ya Park Jinjoo!" Sora, Bomi and Hyorin started to upset with her attitude. They are supposed to focus for their English literature test this afternoon, but JinJoo keeps on disturbing them.
 
Jinjoo laughed with their expression. "Sorry.. but I really need to tell this.." she seriously looked at her friends.
 
"What is it Park Jinjoo?" Sora asked eventually. She understands that friend of her will not stop until she gets to say what she wanted to say.
 
JinJoo looked at Sora for a few moments. "You know.. there're rumors about you dating Lim Juhwan.."
 
Sora sighed hearing that rumors again. That is not the first time she heard about it. The rumors that have been circulating around for sometimes.
 
"Isn't that started since a month ago? Who cares about those false rumors?" Hyorin stated.
 
"This time it’s different. They say that Lim Juhwan is admitting to it."
 
Sora looked at JinJoo, surprised. It is impossible for Juhwan to admit to such lies.
 
"Is it true?" Hyorin looked at Sora who seems confused.
 
"How can that be true? What about Joongki then?" Bomi asked. She knows Sora and Joongki started to get friendlier with each other lately.
 
"Song Joongki?" Hyorin asked. "Then why did Lim Juhwan is admitting to those rumors?"
 
Sora frowned. She could not understand why this rumor starting to get wild again when she is trying to calmly enjoy her daily life with her friends like this.
 
It is the same rumors that make her got ambushed by Kim Jiwon earlier of the month.
 
"Kang Sora.. why are you being silent?" Jinjoo asked.
 
She sighed hard. "I don't see why I need to explain this.” She glares at Jinjoo. “I'm not in relationship with anybody. That’s it." she replied before she flipped the book on the table.
 
Her face suddenly got serious suggesting that Sora’s now in a bad mood. She is tired having to explains herself over unwelcome problems like this.
 
Bomi nudged Jinjoo's shoulder looking at the sudden change in Sora's mood. "Are you happy now? You should stop before her mood get worst." She whispered.
 
"Ae.." Jinjoo nervously whispered back as she glances at Sora. She should not be bothered when she is not in a good mood. Never.
 
* * *
 
Sora sighed hardly as she handed over her test paper to her lecturer. Did not feel like she is doing great this time around.
 
"What’s wrong Sora?" Hyorin looking at Sora who is sitting at the table besides her.
 
Sora shakes her head. "Nothing.." She sighed. She should have focused more on her study rather than wasting her time over those rumors.
 
"Sora I’m sorry.. I promise not to bring those topics again." JinJoo approaches Kang Sora feeling guilty looking at her still having the bad mood. It is all her fault to start with. "Let us go to the club tonight. My treat."
 
"We still have classes tomorrow Jinjoo ya!" Bomi knocks her head.
 
Jinjoo caresses her head. Grinned.
 
"You guys can go ahead." Sora replied. She does not have the interest to join them.
 
"Anieya.. we're not going.." Hyorin replied. "Cheer up will you? Do you want to eat some beer and chicken that you love so much?" She hugs her shoulder, trying to cool her off.
 
"Kang Sora!"
 
"What is this again.." Sora grunts looking at Kim Jiwon entering their class with 3 tough guys behind her.
 
Her mood is bad enough today and now she needs to face all of this.
 
Jiwon rushed towards her and slap her in the face. "I've warned you before.." She sharply glares at Sora.
 
"Sora ya!" Her friends came closer before they are being held by Jiwon's bodyguards.
 
Sora laughed looking at Jiwon. "I had enough of this bullshit.." She kicked her chair heading towards Jiwon and grabbed the collar to her leather jacket. "Do you really think that I would just take it this time??" Kim Jiwon came at a bad time.
 
Jiwon sneered. "You’re really not scared of anything. Isn't it?" She stared at Sora eyes.
 
Jiwon looked at Sora’s friend as she laughed. “They won’t think twice to hurt them if anything happened to me..” Jiwon smirked.
 
“You’re really a bitch, Kim Jiwon.. What do you want from me?”
 
Jiwon laughed. “Try me. I've told you to stay away from Lim Juhwan."
 
"How can she stay away from me when I like her so much?" Juhwan interrupted the argument as he grabs Kang Sora shoulders into his arms, pulling her away from Kim Jiwon.
 
Sora looked at that tall man. Surprised. "What are you doing?" She tried to brush off his arms off her shoulders, but Juhwan is using his man strength to remain.
 
Juhwan moved his face nearer to Sora's ears "Play along with me.." he whispered.
 
Sora frowned weird with his request. Why does she need to play along with him on this? She is questioning the request by herself.
 
"Lim Juhwan, we are not over until I say so.." Jiwon looked at Juhwan acting friendly with Kang Sora in front of her.
 
Juhwan sneered. "I'm done with you though.." He took a glance at Sora. "Besides, I have this beautiful woman that I'm in love with. Why should I be bothered with you anymore?"
 
Kim Jiwon clenched her teeth. "You said you're not in a relationship with him?" She looks at Sora that is watching by his side.
 
Sora look back at Juhwan eyes who is still looking at her. "I.. have never said that.."
 
Bomi surprised as she heard Sora's answer. All this while she has been denying the rumors about them. But why suddenly now she is not denying it?
 
Juhwan smiled hearing to her ambiguous answer. She is not denying nor admitting to Jiwon's words, that means Sora decided to play along with him.
 
It is now his turn to make sure Jiwon will distance herself from Kang Sora. "Do not disturb us again.. I don't want Sora to get worried over your immature feelings towards me.."
 
Jiwon smirked. "Do you expect me to believe in that? We are part of different world Lim Juhwan. Do you think your parents would agree for you to be with this 3rd class human?"
 
"What do you mean with 3rd class human??" Sora brushed Juhwan's hand from her shoulder and stand nearer to Jiwon.
 
She has always got furious by those type of chaebols that differentiate people between their level and family status. Those social status driven jerks.
 
"You're thinking too far Kim Jiwon.." Juhwan grab Sora's hand and pull her near to him again. "I will make my parents agree with my choice when the time's come.."
 
Sora stares at his hand as he is cupping hers. Effortlessly acting in front of his crazy ex-girlfriend.
 
“It must be normal for him to touch any woman's hand like this.” She thought to herself.
 
Jiwon dissed as she walked away for a few steps before she stopped and glared at the proclaimed new lover of Lim Juhwan.
 
"I will remember this Kang Sora.." she warns her. Her hatred and thought of revenge are becoming stronger than ever.
 
Sora looked at Jiwon walked away from them. Slowly disappearing from their eyes.
 
"Whatever your reason is, I don't think this is necessary Lim Juhwan." Sora let her hand go from Juhwan's and look straight to his eyes. Looking for some explanation to his action.
 
"She attacked you because of me.. so, I do have some responsibility to protect you."
 
Sora sneered. A person that always talking about crushing her is now mentioning about protecting her. The world must have gotten weird lately. "I can take care of it myself.." she replied.
 
Juhwan looked at her back. "You still didn't know how scary Kim Jiwon is.."
 
"I think you're underestimating me Lim Juhwan Shhi.." Sora looked at her friends walking towards them.
 
"Are you okay?" Hyorin caresses Sora's cheek that is turning red. Concerned. And then she took a glance at Juhwan who surprisingly standing by Sora side today.
 
Sora nodded with a slight smile. "I'm okay.."
 
"Kang Sora.. are you for real?" Jinjoo asked looking at Juhwan who is still standing beside Sora. Seems that Sora is hiding her relationship well until today if it is true.
 
"Of course.." Juhwan grabbed Sora's shoulder again.
 
Sora stares at him. "You don't need to act in front of my friends.." as she brushed it off harder.
 
"Act?" They frowned.
 
Juhwan smirked. "See you later my love." 
 
Sora stares at Juhwan as he mockingly showing a salute gesture towards her and walk off from the lecture room. "After making such stir.." she mumbles.
 
"Both of you.. since when it got this close?" Hyorin ask. Explains the undeniably calm environment they are in lately. Explains the reason why those chaebols never disturb them anymore.
 
"We are not.."
 
"Eyy.. How do you explain this then?" Jinjoo grabs Bomi's shoulder to imitate how Juhwan is reacting towards Sora earlier.
 
"Ya.. don't start that again.." Bomi whispers to Jinjoo. Worried that Sora's mood will turn worst.
 
"I don't know.." Sora surrendered. She really did not have any explanation to what Juhwan has done earlier and why did she play along with it. She sighed.
 
Bomi looked at Sora. She knows that expression well. "Let's put some ice on your cheek now.." It will not get anywhere even if they ask any further. Sora would have answer it earlier if she wants. There must be a reason for her to behave that way.