Temporary Study Group Formation (11)
Drama watching.
It was one of the few sources of vitality in Yu Hana's busy work life.
And among them, her absolute favorite was the trashy drama she could watch while cursing freely.
The characters in those trashy dramas were fictional portrayals by actors. Cursing them didn't hurt anyone for real. If anything, she'd love it even more if she got too immersed.
Yu Hana especially favored trashy dramas heavy on office life.
True to her own life of getting pushed around at work, she got vicarious satisfaction from watching the protagonist stand up to infuriating bosses, ultimately getting the last laugh, and climbing the ranks triumphantly.
She'd thought life would open up a bit once she hit section chief level.
But Yu Hana only realized after her promotion that even a section chief was just middle management.
In any case, her grueling work life only drew her deeper into the allure of trashy dramas. And no matter the genre, every trashy drama had one scene that inevitably popped up.
The battlefield. Or in other words, a catfight.
A fierce battle of nerves between the female lead and the hero's original fiancée—or some girl from his past—over a single guy caught in the middle.
The fighting methods ranged from the basics like splashing water in faces or slapping cheeks, to workplace power harassment, locking someone in a room to sabotage a date, hair-pulling, and all sorts of other variety.
For the record, Yu Hana loved the plot where the heroine calmly endured all the sneaky revenge before smashing it head-on.
"'Tae-il, honey, I know as an adult I shouldn't think this way...'"
"'What?'"
"'Aren't these girls just thrilling?'"
"'Mom, are you nuts?'"
Even as her son scolded her, Yu Hana couldn't tear her eyes from the scene unfolding before her.
Ayane was smiling.
The smile from ancient times had been one of humanity's clever survival tactics amid all sorts of threats.
It proved harmlessness while seeking cooperation from others or signaling abundance.
Ayane was no different.
She always lowered others' guards with that smile, boosting her standing within the group.
And every time, the smile Ayane flashed was as fresh and kind as the ones the Tae-il family was used to seeing.
But the smile she wore now carried a clear threat.
Tae-il felt chills crawl across his skin.
"I never imagined I'd run into the famous Sakuraba here at school."
"Same here. Katsuragi's pretty well-known too, right? Morals committee and all."
"Even morals committee members just handle grunt work. The real impressive one is Sakuraba."
"Don't hype me up too much. It's embarrassing."
"So humble."
As their gazes crossed, sparks flew like static electricity.
Tae-il's throat went dry.
"But..."
Ayane's half-lidded amber eyes pierced straight through Sakuya.
"Even during exam period, Sakuraba can still do personal club activities, right?"
"Yeah? Whether I do or not is entirely up to me."
"Interhigh's coming up soon, and you're so relaxed. As a full-ride scholarship student, shouldn't you be working even harder?"
"I don't need to push extra here. My skill level's plenty."
"Really? You're the one meant to bring glory to our school—what if you slip up?"
"Ahaha. Thanks for worrying. But I haven't slacked on practice, so it's fine."
Sakuya looked down at Ayane with her chin slightly raised.
It was enough height difference to intimidate anyone, but Ayane never lost her smiling eyes.
"Katsuragi might not know, but overpractice can turn toxic."
"Didn't know that. Good info. As expected from our school's hope."
"Ahaha. What, over something like this."
They exchanged compliments while probing for weaknesses.
They wanted any little opening, but as model students who caused no trouble, it wasn't easy.
Then Sakuya's eyes suddenly landed on Ayane's fingers.
Fingers covered in bandages from bass practice.
Noticing the gaze, Ayane fidgeted and hid her right hand under her left.
What activity leaves wounds mostly on the index and middle fingers of the right hand?
Assuming right-handedness, it probably wasn't domestic hobbies like cooking or sewing.
Sports often injured fingers, but morals committee meant Ayane couldn't enjoy club activities.
And if she'd started any, it would've reached Sakuya's ears.
Whatever it was, even during exams, she was pushing herself to the point of finger injuries.
No need to nitpick someone else's hard work.
As Sakuya looked away, Ayane's slightly hunched shoulders relaxed.
"So why's Katsuragi at Taechi's house?"
"Unlike some, I don't need permission—I can visit anytime as the neighbor kid."
In other words, you're not close enough to drop by, so Ayane went harder this time.
She laid bare how tight-knit her family was with Tae-il's.
A direct "no room for you here." She wanted to throw more barbs, but too many eyes were watching.
Mindful of her image, Ayane pulled out her strongest finisher.
Which also meant she was backed into a corner.
"Ahaha. Jealous. Wish I had a childhood friend like Taechi."
But Sakuya brushed off the critical hit with a casual laugh.
"Yeah. I'd love a friend just like Taechi."
Turning it back: I don't give a damn about your relationship.
Sakuya's subtle gaze shifted to the fidgeting Tae-il.
"Eugh..."
Ayane let out a small groan.
Sakuya's words were basically a declaration of war.
For the first time, her eyes turned from the enemy before her to Tae-il.
Their gazes met.
His fidgeting looked just like a husband caught cheating.
Ah, if only that were it.
If he'd actually cheated, she wouldn't be sharpening her claws like this.
She'd have the right to crush the other as the rightful wife.
But their relationship teetered in that ambiguous space: more than friends, less than lovers.
Ayane thought: if Tae-il weren't here right now.
She could've refuted harder, thrown some attitude, pinned Sakuya down.
Hell, she might've even shouted they were already dating.
Yu Hana wouldn't deny it.
Their families had tacitly approved to some extent already.
As Ayane chose her words, Sakuya fired off questions in rapid succession.
"What's your schedule like from now on, Katsuragi?"
"Huh? Schedule?"
"Yeah. Taechi and I were thinking of heading out for dinner soon."
"J-Just you two!?"
"What else? Three?"
"Argh!"
Sakuya leaned against the wall casually, and Ayane ground her teeth.
But Sakuya didn't stop, chaining combos from info gleaned from chatting with Tae-il.
"He said ramen shop, right? Mentioned wanting the jumbo set."
"Jumbo set...?"
"Yeah. Too much for one, but with me, he could handle it."
Someone muttered they'd never said that, but Yu Hana shut them down quick.
"A-Ayane could totally handle a jumbo set with Shin-cchi!"
"Really? That thing's a grease bomb—calories off the charts, super heavy. Over a thousand, right?"
"Sh-Shin-cchi said Ayane looks pretty even if she gains a little!"
"He did?"
Utter disbelief in her tone.
Even if Tae-il had said it, didn't matter.
"Taechi saying that wouldn't be weird. But idols look ugly when their faces puff up..."
Sakuya trailed off.
Ayane swallowed dryly, steeling for the unknown attack.
"Katsuragi, don't you have to stand at the school gate super early tomorrow morning too?"
"Huh?"
Sakuya struck an unexpected weak spot.
She covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with barely suppressed laughter.
"How'll you face everyone? With that puffy face. I'd be too embarrassed to stand there."
"Eugh!"
Tae-il would call her pretty, sure. But what about everyone else?
Sakuya had poked Ayane's pride as a girl.
"Same for you, Sakuraba!"
"Not at all? I just sweat it off with exercise. Even if not, I'll work out in the morning—no biggie."
She had a naturally slim, non-puffy constitution, but Sakuya didn't mention it.
Just invoked athlete privilege.
It sounded more impressive that way.
"Oh, does Katsuragi know? Got personal training at the gym tonight. Taechi's walking me there."
"Shin-cchi...?"
"Lucky you, having a friend like that. Hard to find guys that nice these days? Jealous. For real?"
"Eeeeeugh!"
Sakuya unleashed lines like machine-gun fire.
Praise mixed with shade.
Pick one, damn it! Ayane screamed inwardly.
She's the one who ruined everything!
The grace period Iris gave lasted until Thursday.
And today was Wednesday.
She'd planned to refuse anyway, but Iris had already connected with Tae-il. Cutting it off unilaterally without relaying might spark more misunderstandings.
She'd planned to ask about Iris's offer casually, with a hint of negativity.
Conveniently, today was when Tae-il's parents returned from their long trip. Ayane had wrapped up bass lessons early with the excuse of learning kimchi stew recipe, heading home.
But what was this? Yu Hana and Shin Young-hoon greeted her warmly, saying Tae-il was already upstairs studying with a guest.
Ayane felt betrayed.
Why not with me?
Next came the question.
Who with?
Tae-il was infamous for having no friends.
His smartphone contacts—without even a lock screen—were mostly Live House connections.
And even those boiled down to just two he messaged regularly.
All unrelated to high school exam prep.
So who?
Had some vixen stuck to him while she built walls?
Yu Hana cleared up Ayane's doubts.
"Sakuraba, she said?"
Sakuraba.
Sakuraba Sakuya.
The ridiculously over-spec girl from the sports clubs that Tae-il had casually mentioned recruiting.
And she was from his class, enviably.
A massive wall loomed before Ayane. Named Sakuraba Sakuya. Talent Tae-il himself wanted to recruit.
Ayane couldn't fathom what he saw in her, but clearly higher priority than herself.
No path to victory.
Ayane closed her eyes. In the darkness, a red flag appeared.
The flag embodying her pride.
A typhoon raged. Named Sakuya.
The flagpole snapped with a crack.
"I'm going too."
"Ayane?"
Slipping Yu Hana's grasp, Tae-il eyed her awkwardly from his half-risen stance.
Ayane clamped her lips and yanked Tae-il's arm.
"I'm going too! To ramen!"
"Ahaha!"
Sakuya laughed heartily.
Of all people, to that tomboyish girl.
Sure, she was stunningly pretty—even Ayane thought she was cool.
But losing to a girl who said "boku"? Infuriatingly unfair.
From Izumi to Iris to Sakuya before her eyes.
Successive defeats crushed Ayane's pride.
* * *
"Thanks! Come again!"
Sssrrk clack!
Bowing to the shopkeeper's hearty send-off, Tae-il's group stepped out of the ramen shop.
Ayane, who'd managed her expression in front of him, immediately clamped her mouth and clung to Tae-il's arm as the door shut.
"Mmph! Shin-cchi, Ayane's stomach feels queasy..."
"Told you not to overdo it, dummy."
Tae-il gently rubbed the back of Ayane hanging off him.
"Sakuraba okay? You ate way more than me."
"Fine as can be. Why do you think I eat light at lunch, Taechi?"
Obviously to feast at dinner—Sakuya grinned.
Athlete life for the win.
"Anyway, this is awkward. Can't make it to the gym now. Sorry."
"Ughhh...!"
"What can ya do? My bad for egging you on."
Sakuya glanced at pale-faced Ayane and gave a wry smile.
Dragging a kid in that state to the gym with her? Kinda shitty.
"Really sorry, Sakuraba. I'll make it up next time."
Tae-il apologized with genuine regret.
For Sakuya, the promise of "next time" was enough.
"Whatever. Worry about the weekend. I'll drill you hard."
"I could help with math or science..."
"We'll see then. Not sure you're up to teaching me, Taechi."
Sakuya grinned brightly and patted Ayane's head.
"Take care, Katsuragi. Taechi's worried."
"H-Huh? Y-Yeah..."
"See ya tomorrow, Taechi. You too, Katsuragi—at the gate."
"Wait!"
Tae-il grabbed Sakuya as she turned to leave.
She stopped and looked back; he scratched his neck awkwardly.
"Tomorrow... after school, you busy?"
"Duh, busy."
"Then that promise from before. When?"
"Promise?"
Had they made some other promise? Sakuya tilted her head.
"Manga. You didn't forget."
"Oh right. Yeah, we did."
Sakuya clapped as it clicked.
Exam crunch had made her forget no time for comics.
As they talked alone, Ayane tugged Tae-il's sleeve gently.
"Shin-cchi...?"
"Ah, sorry. Promised Sakuraba."
So what promise? her eyes asked. Tae-il soothed her with "later."
"Anytime works. After study group this weekend, swing by the bookstore?"
"Yeah, perfect. Let's do that. Gym hard."
"Thanks. You study hard too, Taechi."
Sakuya walked away.
As her silver hair shrank to a dot and vanished, Tae-il let out a huge sigh.
"Man... exhausting."
Felt ten years older.
Ayane asked worriedly.
"You okay, Shin-cchi?"
"Just tired. More worried about you... Ayane?"
"Huh? What?"
Ayane beamed up at him.
Her hunched posture from nausea straightened.
Long lashes fluttered with each blink.
Like an illusion.
Her earlier pallor, dying voice—all of it.
"You... faking it?"
"So?"
Tae-il clutched his forehead at her brazen reply. Headache incoming.
He was floored.
"Sakuraba worried that much, and you..."
"She admitted egging Ayane on. We're even."
Even?
Tae-il stared at her, lost for words, conflicted.
Ayane looked refreshed, like she'd finally landed a hit.
"Shin-cchi. Still early—heading home?"
"Duh. Even fake sick, my stomach's bloated for real."
Ayane, fueled by rivalry, had inhaled her ramen. Owner even marveled at how much fit in a girl's tummy, slurping every drop.
Tae-il felt off after less; no way Ayane was fine.
Yet she beamed.
"No way! Bloated means digest first! Gotta watch swelling tomorrow!"
"Wh-What?"
He'd planned to rush home for antacids, but Ayane hooked his arm and bolted, dragging him along.
Parks dotted the residential neighborhood.
Safe area—no delinquents—perfect for dates.
Night sky still held faint blue dawn glow.
Plenty of time.
They strolled the streets awhile.
Then settled in a quiet park, kids gone home.
Ayane perched on a swing; Tae-il stood beside, rocking it gently. Careful not to upset her stomach.
Savoring the cradle-like sway, Ayane gazed skyward.
"Shin-cchi. Really studying alone with Sakuraba?"
Topic they'd deliberately avoided on the walk.
"Alone's harsh. Parents'll be home."
"At your house?"
"Where else? Thought Famires or library first, but she says crowds kill her focus."
Ayane tsked softly.
Bullshit.
Athletes couldn't lose focus in crowds.
Sakuya, carrying her middles fame to Interhigh—crowds would flock to her over the school.
No focus? Please.
Infuriating.
Ayane popped up from the swing, hugging Tae-il's arm tighter.
"Ayane?"
"Swing alone's dizzy. Let's switch."
She pointed to the big three-seater swing.
The kind couples used for whispers.
"Sigh. Fine."
At this point, her stomach seemed fine—but he lacked the guts to call it.
He knew her mood was twisted.
Artificial vines and leaves amped the romance on the big swing.
"Shin-cchi sits here."
Ayane forced him side-by-side instead of opposite.
Just two days apart, yet this felt strangely distant.
No clue what to talk about.
Usual topics exhausted on the walk.
Talk about BARD?
Ayane had started showing interest in BARD lately.
Even DM'd asking his favorite song.
Tae-il figured his plan worked.
She was warming to music.
Take her to BARD's summer concert, seal the deal.
But not now.
As Tae-il hesitated, lips twitching, Ayane's gloomy voice pierced.
"Hey, Shin-cchi. Sakuraba that good at studying?"
"From today? Better than me."
He couldn't forget Sakuya's adorable faces while teaching him.
She didn't realize, but it embarrassed him plenty.
Past life, tutoring for band funds—she'd taught better than him.
Tae-il praised honestly.
"Athlete thing maybe. She's great at teaching."
"Really?"
"Yeah. With her help, finals are a sure win."
He felt his self-deprecating side spike around her.
Different from the desire boiling with Izumi.
Izumi acknowledged him; Sakuya didn't.
Being with her highlighted his smallness, worthlessness.
Her aura was unreal. Same protagonist role, yet worlds apart—Tae-il gave a dry smile.
"I see. Sakuraba's that good at teaching..."
"Not saying you suck? Just... this exam range has quirks."
"Quirks?"
"Yeah. Free period stuff—complicated backstory."
"What? Dumb."
Tae-il flushed, clamping his mouth.
Couldn't admit his slacking snowball choked him now.
Too embarrassing.
Ayane, always nagging him to stop skipping.
No face.
Unlike Tae-il squirming in shame, Ayane regretted he still hid things.
Like when he wanted Sakuraba but emotionally begged instead of logic when she pushed back.
Made her resent Sakuya more.
Maybe keeping weekend promise was in her plans too?
Sneaky bitch used studying as date bait with Shin-cchi.
In Ayane's head, Sakuya's smug grin twisted into the Heart Queen's villainous smirk from Alice.
But winning's tough. He hasn't formally offered band yet...
Just a matter of time.
Shin Tae-il was extremely cautious with people.
Yet he'd invited Sakuya to his room? Their bond might run deeper than she imagined.
Ayane grew anxious.
And pondered countermeasures. How to wreck her plans?
Swaying pleasantly on the big swing, Ayane's brain whirred.
Solutions always existed somewhere.
Till home, she kept searching.
* * *
Bzzz.
The smartphone on vibrate buzzed wildly on the makeshift desk.
Rena's mechanical pencil lead snapped with a crack.
"Message!"
Rena's lips quivered.
Iris, oblivious to her bestie's mood shift, snatched the phone and thumbed the screen like it was on fire.
Her grim face lit up.
"It's here! Message from Katsuragi finally, Rena-chan!"
"Shut up, boobzilla! Forgot what I was solving 'cause of you!"
"Kyaa!"
Sudden buzz and her shout shattered Rena's math focus; she kicked Iris under the table.
Iris wasn't hurt but faked moans for Rena's pride.
After enough kicks, she read Ayane's message.
"Study group this weekend! Whoa, success! But... kinda long?"
Iris scrolled down.
Ayane's earnest plea filled the screen.
"Lemme see... Huh?"
"What now?"
"Study group. Not our house—hers?"
To defeat a strong foe, bring in a stronger one. Simple logic.
Drive out the tiger with a wolf.
Ayane decided to summon Lu Bu to oust Liu Bei.