LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 23
Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Hyoyoung was just about to get into the van but stopped herself as Aran approached her and asked, “I should be asking you the same question. What are you doing here? And whose van is this?”
Hyoyoung quickly shut the door behind her and replied, “Oh, it belongs to an acquaintance. He offered to drive me home.”
“Oh really? Could this guy give me a ride as well? It’s on the way to your home! I want to save on cab money.”
“Uhm… I’m sorry, but there isn’t room for you.”
“But it’s such a big car. I don’t even have to sit, I can just squeeze in. Please?”
“Oh… I’m really sorry, Aran. I… I don’t know these people very well, so I feel uncomfortable asking for a favor…”
“Oh really? Well then, I guess it can’t be helped. By the way, those guys seemed really young. I mean, I saw them from far away, but still… who are they? What do they do? Y-You aren’t involved in anything bad, are you?”
“Hey! Of course not! These are people that work with my parents. I’m sorry, but I can’t give you any details…”
“You’ve been acting strange lately. Even Mikyung has noticed; she said that you have been keeping a lot of secrets. And a while back, I thought I saw you get into a van just like this after school!”
“Hmm? That wasn’t me. Mikyung asked me about it, and I had diarrhea that day after school, so I spent a lot of time in the washroom. I went home right after.”
“Are you sure? That’s strange… because I swear it looked like you.”
“I’m telling you, it wasn’t me! So what are you doing here?”
“Oh, I heard a rumor that The M’s practice place is around here somewhere, so I thought to investigate.”
“Hmm? Practice place???”
“Yup. You remember my older sister, right? She works as an entertainment reporter and sometimes she gives me secret tips. The rumor says it’s somewhere around here, but I don’t know exactly where. So I decided to just look around the area. But you… you came out from this building? It says it’s a loan office. Is your dad… involved in illegal loan business?”
“No, it’s not like that…”
“Oh, so the people in that car are… Oh my god! They are thugs, aren’t they? Oh, Hyoyoung, don’t worry, I will keep your secret. It must be very hard for you. Uhm… take care.”
“No, Aran. It’s not like that!”
“No, Hyoyoung. It’s ok, it’s alright. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I am your friend and I understand. I’ve gotta go now. See you at school tomorrow, bye!”
Hyoyoung wasn’t given a chance to explain as Aran decided that she figured out everything, so she left.
Hyoyoung felt awful, ‘Man, I’m doomed.’
After Aran was out of sight, Hyoyoung opened the van door again and entered. The four members said to her, “We heard everything. We better be careful from now on.”
“Totally. Those reporters… they’re like vultures.”
“By the way, it seems like there will be another rumor about your dad, Hyojun. People are going to think that your dad is involved in illegal loan business or something.”
Hyojun answered, “Oh well, it’s ok since it’s not true. But Hyoyoung, it might be awkward for you tomorrow at school.”
Hyoyoung wasn’t even listening to the guys. She groaned, “Oh man, why do these things keep happening to me…”
She leaned back weakly against the chair. Hyojun glanced at her through the back mirror from the driver’s seat and started the car.
Jiwoo was sitting next to her. He put his arm around Hyoyoung and tried to console her, “Hey, Hyoyoung, cheer up.”
Kiwook was sitting across them. He looked at Jiwoo and gestured him to take his hand away from Hyoyoung. Jiwoo did it with a nod and a naughty grin.
Hyunsuk was sitting in the seat behind them. He had been watching the interaction and he murmured quietly, “Sounds like this is going to be the beginning of a storm.”
Hyoyoung sighed deeply, and just then, all the members of The M’s cell phones rang with a text message.
***
“Hey, I heard you met Aran last night. Is that true?”
Mikyung greeted Hyoyoung, who walked into the classroom looking tired.
“Yeah, it was crazy and shocking.”
Mikyung sat close to Hyoyoung and asked, “So what is really going on here?”
“I just don’t know… I mean, I didn’t do anything, yet weird things keep happening to me! Why me? Why?’
When Hyoyoung complained loudly, Mikyung replied in surprise, “Hey, what’s wrong with you? Is your dad really involved in the illegal loan business?”
Hyoyoung looked around and found Aran. She glared at Aran, who looked back awkwardly before looking away.
Hyoyoung asked Mikyung quietly, “So what are the kids saying about my family?”
“Uhm… they think your dad is involved in the illegal loan business and your brother and his friends are working as thugs who collect the money. Your mom is working as the bookkeeper to calculate interest and you, Hyoyoung, are learning everything about it so you can inherit the business when you are older. This is your family business now.”
“Gosh… that’s all ridiculous! My dad has a legitimate business. My mom is busy working on her own business. My own idiot of a brother took a break from his school and staying home now. I am taking care of that bastard and also trying to survive my last year of high school as well. I am so tired of everything!”
“Then what was that car?”
“My idiot brother got into some trouble, and the car belonged to the people involved in his trouble.”
“Oh, so Hyojun Oppa got into trouble? He doesn’t look like the type, but I guess… he’s a troublemaker?”
“Yup. He gets into all kinds of trouble. Trouble with people, money, emotions, and on and on. My life is hell because of him.”
“Alright. I will make sure Aran keeps quiet. I’m sorry this is happening to you, but this is all I can do.”
“Thanks, Mikyung. And could you not wake me up, even at lunch? I’m going to take a nap now, I’m so sleepy.”
Hyoyoung rested her head on her desk and fell asleep immediately. Mikyung stood up quietly and went to talk to Aran. As Mikyung whispered, Aran’s face turned sympathetic and she nodded. After Mikyung was done, Aran started to walk around and told everyone what Mikyung told her.