Spoiler-alert to this pic tho but ayee i just blessed your eyes

♣ ♣ ♣

The mental torture I thought I had to endure during the first and second lessons turned out not to be as bad as I had envisioned. After daydreaming about food for the last twenty minutes, my insides screamed with joy when the bell finally rang -- indicating that it was officially lunch time. Quickly gathering my books, I almost immediately dart out of the classroom like a flash, while my brain kept reminding me of what a pizza looked like, which only made me hungrier by each passing second.

But of course, my dreams were brutally murdered right before I had any chance to fulfill them.

"Miss Aldini, may I talk to you for a minute?"

Mentally cursing in three different languages when my ears picked up on Mr Vong's words, I stop right in my tracks, turn around and quietly walk up to his desk.

Because there was certainly no way this day could go by painlessly, not after the brilliant start I had -- the circus had to go on.

"I'm really sorry about the detention, but since it's our policy I unfortunately had to make that decision," he apologizes, to my astonishment. I thought he was going to send me to a secret underground torture chamber and woop my Swedish ass back to where it belongs; IKEA.

"No, it's okay! I understand completely. It was my own fault. I won't be late next time," I sincerely apologize while bowing. His usual stern face cracks a little smile as his expression softens. Score, I think I still have a chance to earn his respect.

"Well, since you're new I think it's a good idea if someone gave you a little tour. And I suspect that you didn't have time to get your keys to your locker? Hmm... Mr Kim, since you were both late to class it seems most appropriate that you are up for this task."

My world comes crashing down for a second time this day. Oh, how naive I was to think that things were actually starting to look bright for a moment.

Please, let this be a joke. This can't seriously be happening right now.

Dickhead is just standing like an uncomfortable human statue a few steps away from the door, staring at the teacher with no expression whatsoever on his annoyingly handsome face. He was just about to open his mouth and reply, but it was at that moment an angel heard my prayer and descended from above to save me from what possibly could have been the worst upcoming hour in my life.

"I can show her around!" I suddenly hear a random girl shout from her seat, that apparently hadn't left yet for some reason. She swiftly makes her way to the teacher's desk, grabs my arm and drags me out of the classroom while shouting after herself, "I'll take good care of her! You can count on me!"

Mission accomplished: we successfully exit the classroom without objection from our teacher. Mystery saviour keeps leading me to the end of the corridor and hides us around the corner. I exhale in relief and turn around to finally come face-to-face with my heroine. Before me stands a petite girl with gracious, dark-brown hair which is styled into one long braid that's resting on her shoulder. Perfectly poreless skin, milky white which causes her lips to appear naturally pink. Cute and beautiful would be the perfect words to use to describe her. I immediately start wondering if she belongs to the popular groups of people around here.

"Thank you so much for rescuing me," I thank her as I bow deeply, "I really didn't want him to guide me around school, he's such an ass.."

"You've met him already?" she asks curiously, raising her eyebrows in surprise.

"I met him this morning when I came in late. He was the only one in the corridor so I asked him where I could find my classroom," I explain, the bitter memories waking up the suppressed anger inside me. "I would have never asked him in the first place if I knew that he would the biggest a-hole I would ever lay my eyes on. He didn't even care to tell me his name. Oh, which reminds me! I'm Aldini Blue, by the way. What's your name?"

"Nice to meet you, Aldini! My name is Hwang Areum," she introduces herself with a large smile as she bows. Areum, huh? That's a nice name.

"Please, just call me Blue. I'm not really comfortable with people calling me by my last name," I explain with a chuckle.

"Okay, Blue it is then! Feel free to just call me Areum, as well. His name is Kim Taehyung, by the way. And he's always like that, so don't take it personally," she says, giving me a compassionate smile. "But let's get this tour over with so we can go eat, I'm starving."

And with that, she drags me along with her again. We descend down the stairs to the ground floor, while Areum quickly rambles on about which floor belongs to what grade, where the library is, the gym, and every other area that is vital for my survival in this unfamiliar land. We quickly start talking freely about our interests and families, and I'm surprised over how well we got along.

"So who is this Taehyung guy, anyway? He acted so offended when I didn't know who he was," I ask while we're making our way through an abandoned corridor towards the administration office. The thought had been bothering ever since he gave me that look of confusion.

"V is basically the most popular guy in school, along with his group of friends," she explains, and my confusion immediately lifts as I mumble a quiet "Ooooh.." in realization.

"V?"

"Oh, that's just his nickname. People don't really call him by his actual name. But back to the topic! Since they are the most popular ones, that automatically makes them the most desired guys to date in the school -- heck, even the entire town. Girls lick the ground they walk on and they get love confessions aaall the time. But the most disgusting thing about these dudes is that they have absolutely zero shame in using their popularity to get with these girls. Basically, if you have some dignity and respect for yourself; you'd stay away from all of them."

Her words left me completely speechless and taken aback.

So basically, Taehyung is the number one playboy/heartthrob in school. Honestly, I'm not surprised. He was just too good to be true -- or at least his looks were. I ignored the tiny feeling of disappointment that began to emerge from somewhere within my body, but it left me slightly confused over why it had appeared in the first place.

To get my mind off Taehyung, I decided to change the subject.

"So, are you one of these popular people?" I ask her, suddenly making her burst out laughing.

"Me? Popular? Not frickin' quite, my friend. I kinda hate the popular people here, they're so full of themselves. Honestly, just by observing them from afar causes my brain cells to slaughter themselves. All they care about is appearance and popularity, and of course fighting over Taehyung's and his friends' hearts -- or rather: their dicks," she explains with a apparent disgusted look on her face. "They disgust me. So, in our class I'm mostly alone. But I'm hanging out with some guys from the parallel class. They are pretty popular as well, though, but at least they have respect for the girls and themselves. We'll be eating lunch with them later, so I'll introduce you to them, then! I'm sure you'll like them."

"Sounds good to me. But damn, I didn't know schools in Korea were like this. I thought you were strict, formal and respectful and all that," I admit truthfully, a bit shocked over the juicy facts she just spilled for me. This was something I had least expected, to be honest. I'm not quite sure if this will make my stay in Korea more enjoyable or straight-up worse. The latter seemed more suited, at this point.

"Oh, you're definitely not alone about that. We've had plenty of exchange students coming here that completely fell heads first for V's sneaky personality, and then left school heartbroken and scarred for life. I don't blame them, though, his looks isn't a joke. Honestly, few people would look that good and not use it to get laid. But my friends on the other hand, they're good looking but with the respect. I choose my friends with care, you see, unlike many other people here."

I slowly nod in response, still partly overwhelmed by having my judging totally ripped apart before my eyes and replaced by something even less bearable. Suddenly, the feeling of appreciation towards this girl came like a wave as I realize what could have happened if she hadn't decided to help me out and tell me about this.

"I'm so glad you stayed in the classroom, you're a really cool person," I smile at her, and the genuinely smiles widely back at me.

"Really? You don't think I'm boring?" she asks, suddenly a tad of shyness takes over her usual carefree self. I chuckle at the sight.

"Of course not! I'm rather with you than with those stuck up people chasing after guys they'll never have."

♣

The stop at the office only took a few minutes, since I was there to just quickly collect the key to my locker. We almost left as fast as we arrived, and now we were on a hunt for the number matching the three digits on my keychain. During our quest, I notice that something seems to be bothering Areum.

"Is something wrong?" I ask her with concern in my voice.

"It's the number of your locker. It's really familiar to me, but I can't remember why.." she almost mumbles, still in deep thought.

We were just about to reach our destination, when we both freeze on spot and stop in the middle of the hallway. And in that moment, Areum suddenly realizes why the number was so familiar to her.

There, right next to my assigned locker, stood Taehyung with phone in hand, texting while talking to an unknown tall male beside him. I quickly let my eyes scan over the unfamiliar man, noticing that he, too, was breathtakingly handsome. The most prominent feature I found while studying his appearance, was his deliciously, plump lips. A slight tingle was released through my body at the sight, momentarily clouding the panic that was escalating inside me.

The handsome males then bless our eyes with the sight of their abnormally broad backs, while making their way down the hall in the opposite direction of where we were standing -- still unable to move our limbs. Areum is the first one to break the minute of silence that had been enveloping us as realization dawned upon us.

"Oh, that's why I recognized the number..." she mumbles to herself after exhaling deeply. I hold my breath while biting my lower lip as I march towards my locker, put my belongings inside the small, metal book-prison, and then accidentally close it with too much force. Then I finally let out the breath that I had been holding for unnecessarily long.

Fuck my life.

Areum quietly walks up to my side and softly puts her hand on my shoulder in a sympathetic manner.

"Wow, you're all out of luck, my friend. His locker is right next to yours," she mutters in astonishment next to me. I sigh deeply, feeling even more betrayed than before. What's happening next? Doing an assignment with him where we're not allowed to change partners? Now that would be the cherry on top of the ice cream.

"Is there any way I can change lockers?" I groan miserably. "There's no way I'll survive with my mental state intact until graduation."

"Sorry to break it to you, but no can do. You're most likely to see him everyday now."

"You're not helping," I whine as I lean my forehead against the cold, metal door.

You're being dramatic. Who says he's going to notice you anyway? Stop whining and go get some of that fresh ramen.

My internal scolding actually helped me regain some sense, for once. I stand straight and look at Areum confidently.

"Screw Taehyung and his crazy fangirls. Let's get some lunch before they close up," I say, earning another wide smile from Areum who immediately starts typing on her phone.

"That's the spirit! I just texted the guys telling them to save us some seats. Now, let's devour some steaming, hot noodles!"

♣

Since it was late already, the cafeteria wasn't too crowded, thankfully. After grabbing a tray filled with deliciously steaming food, Areum and I begin to make our way through the chatter and laughter filled room. Areum leads the way with confidence in where she was going, they probably have their own particular table they always sit by. I awkwardly follow her like a scared penguin among ostriches, trying not to attract much attention. But then again, I noticed most people throwing glances at our direction, way too many for my liking.

Trying to ignore them as much as I can, we safely arrive to the table, but not without a bead of sweat forming on by brow. Thankfully, our destination was across from all people gathered around one of the corners in the room -- where Taehyung and his friends sat. I couldn't constrain myself from rolling my eyes at the pathetic sight of girls staring -- and probably drooling -- over the group of males.

When reaching the table, three guys immediately stand up from where they were sitting and flash me wide, happy smiles.

"Hello! We're happy to meet you," they greet me in unison as they bow before me. I got a little taken aback by the generous amount of charisma they were radiating, but happily smile back and bow as well.

"Hello, I'm glad to finally meet you all!"

"Guys, this is Aldini Blue. She moved here recently from Sweden. Her mother is Swedish and her father is Italian, isn't that cool?" Areum introduces me after we sit down. They all raise their eyebrows at me in surprise, quickly sharing impressed glances at each other.

"That's really cool! I'm Kim Jongin, but you can call me Kai," the one with fluffy, chestnut coloured hair says with a heart-fluttering smile. His handsomeness almost made me forget how to breathe. The thing that caught my eye the most was his sharp jawline and uniquely defined lips. Next, my eyes scan his broad shoulder before allowing them to quickly study his slightly flexed arms, due to the leaning of his elbows against the table. The sight caused my insides to subconsciously flutter. This boy was indeed the definition of handsome. I bet my entire non-existing future on that he's very popular among the girls.

The show was then stolen by the male next to him, who also commented on my exoticness.

"I bet you're good at cooking pasta. I'm Byun Baekhyun, by the way, but just call me Baekhyun or Baek," the one with black, voluminous hair says with a playful smirk. This one undoubtedly also had the word 'handsome' written all over him. His face managed to look both sharp and smooth at the same time, but what captivated me was his eyes. It was just something about the way they were formed and the dark colour that left the feeling of them looking right into one's soul. He's on the shorter side compared to the other two, but that certainly don't stop him from owning the definition gorgeous.

Last but not least, the tallest one introduces himself to me.

"Don't mind Bacon, he likes joking around with everyone," the male with super fluffy, slightly curly, brown, almost anime-looking hair says. The nickname causes a giggle to escape my lips. "I'm Park Chanyeol, also just call me Chanyeol or Chan," he finishes with a warm, bright smile. His voice was incredibly deep, but so soothing at the same time. Like Kai, he also had broad shoulders and a nicely built body. However, his eyes radiated the most precious warmth that makes you want to be close to him, earning him the definition enchanting.

So many handsome boys in one day. I could definitely get used to this.

After the brief introduction, we finally start eating. During the meal, they all ask me tons of questions about myself, my family and of course about my old life in Sweden. Chanyeol really wasn't kidding; Baekhyun did like joking around, a lot. That was something I highly appreciated, though, because he managed to crack me up so many times, I couldn't even keep count anymore. At some point, he managed to make me laugh so hard that it echoed through the entire cafeteria -- which caused the others to burst out laughing as well. All this while literally everyone in the room were staring at us.

After this short, but pleasant, encounter with Areum's friends, I could easily conclude that I will enjoy hanging out with them on a daily basis.

"I'm sorry to announce this, but lunch break is over," Areum says with a pout. "But hey! We should all meet up after school and do something," she suggests excitedly. The boys immediately beams and nods enthusiastically, indicating that her idea was indeed a good one.

"Let's go for some ice cream, maybe?" Kai suggests.

"Sounds good to me!" Areum, Chanyeol and Baekhyun approves happily. I was just about to join in on the celebration, when reality dawned upon me and killed my happiness in the blink of an eye as I suddenly remembered the damn detention that was waiting for me after school ends. They notice my distant expression and watches me in confusion.

"I just remembered that I have detention after school," I whine as I let out an exasperated groan.

"Detention? On your first day?" Baekhyun asks just to see if I was joking or not. I wish I was though. A snort was heard from him as he was sucking on his lips in attempt to stop the laughter that was threatening to escape. But to no avail, as he soon was laughing uncontrollably, immediately earning a slap on his arm by Chanyeol. He stops laughing and clears his throat, "Sorry, it's not funny at all," he says with a serious tone, however evident that he was holding the laughter in. I would've probably laughed if I were him, too. But being me in this situation just makes me want to cry -- not only because of the bad impression I left on the entire class, but also because of the person that will join me in the hell hole. I'd rather have detention with Satan himself than with Satan Fuckboy Junior.

"Blue, don't worry about it. I guess the rest of us can study in the library while we wait for you, right guys?" Baekhyun suggests with a bright smile, while looking at the others for approval. They all nod without hesitation.

"Then it's settled!" Areum confirms with an excited clap before getting up from her seat. "But now we need to go to class, or Mr Vong will kill us."