Chương 43: Surprise (I)

Both of them walked down the corridor, heading to the washrooms to change out of their school uniforms. Quickly swapping the costumes for their usual clothes, they stepped out of the auditorium.

Joon-won glanced at Jung-hwa and said, "You did well. When are you heading back?"

"It's all thanks to you that I performed so well. Without your pointers and help those first few days, I would've been like the others, getting chewed out in front of everyone. Even this prize money should be yours. Here, take the cheque. Your acting was better than mine anyway." She pulled out the cheque and tried to shove it into his hands.

Joon-won stepped back, pushing her hand away. "Like you said, I only gave you some pointers to polish your already stable acting skills. It was your hard work and talent that brought out today's performance. So, you don't owe me anything, especially not the prize money. You deserve it."

Jung-hwa expected his reaction. She pushed harder, shaking her head and looking straight into his eyes. "No, you have to take the money. It doesn't matter what you think. Consider it my appreciation."

Seeing her stubbornness, he sighed. "Alright, but I don't need the whole amount. Transfer half to me later. Only half, got it?" Jung-hwa finally nodded.

"Now, tell me, when are you leaving?" he repeated his question.

"Tomorrow morning. Now, let's go get something to eat. I didn't have anything this morning because of my nerves. I'm starving." She clutched her stomach dramatically.

He nodded and continued to walk, but they were interrupted by a shout from behind. "Little brother, wait! Don't leave yet! Did you forget I promised you a surprise? You can't leave without getting it. I searched the whole auditorium for you, only to find you flirting here."

Joon-won knew who it was without turning around. He hadn't forgotten the promised surprise but hadn't cared enough to wait for it. Now she had caught up with them.

He turned to see Hea-Jung, panting a few feet away. She looked at him and complained, "Little brother, why do you do this to me? I'm not that fit, and you've made me run twice today. Couldn't you wait a few minutes for me to call you? Ugh."

He shook his head and asked, "Alright, now that you see me, where's the surprise?" He looked around.

"It's not here. Let's go back to the auditorium; it's waiting for you there. Come on." She grabbed his hand and started pulling him.

He looked back at Jung-hwa. "Looks like we can't have a meal together. Let's meet after you come back."

Just as he said that, Hea-Jung cut in. "You know what, you should come with us too. Come on, follow me." Waving her hand, she walked ahead of them. Jung-hwa hesitated but looked at Joon-won, who nodded, and they both followed Hea-Jung back into the auditorium.

As they walked, Hea-Jung turned around, walking backward. "You both were really good today. I didn't expect you to be hiding so much from this poor sister. How could you, little brother?" She wore an exaggerated expression of a wronged housewife.

Joon-won looked at her with a deadpan expression, staying silent to avoid more nonsense. He just wanted to get this over with and go home for some rest.

Hea-Jung seemed to expect his silent treatment and shifted her focus to Jung-hwa, who was already nervous. She looked her up and down. "You know, last time I watched you guys perform, I didn't pay much attention. You're pretty good. So, was it your little brother who taught you? Don't be surprised—I saw you peek at him every time you got praised. How well does he teach?" She smirked at Jung-hwa's surprised expression and Joon-won's raised eyebrow.

Jung-hwa, flustered, replied, "He teaches well. It's because of him I was able to act that well today."

"Wow, looks like he really does teach well. Little brother, you need to take some time during these holidays to teach me too. You can't ignore me and teach others." She turned to Joon-won with a pleading look.

"Alright, look ahead now. It's dangerous to walk like that, and you don't need me to teach you anything. Plenty of experienced actors would be happy to teach you," he reminded her.

Hea-Jung turned around as they entered the auditorium. "Yeah, yeah. It's boring learning from those old geezers. Their methods don't apply today. So, you should teach me."

Joon-won didn't bother replying. They followed her through the corridors, and the rest of the class noticed them. All of them hung their heads low and walked past Hea-Jung, who completely ignored them.