Hyunwoo sat in the back of the classroom, notebook open.
Hyunwoo (thinking):Today's objective: See how Minjae will embarrass himself.
Minjae leaned over his shoulder.
Minjae:"What are you writing now? And don't tell me my downfall again."
Hyunwoo:"Your inevitable humiliation later."
Minjae:"…Wow. That's mean and cruel. Why am I with such evil people?"
Hyunwoo:"…Heh, don't you worry about a thing. I personally will make sure it happens."
Across the room, Mina laughed at something subtle someone said.Hyunwoo's pen moved like lightning.
Hyunwoo (thinking):Smile detected. Heart skip +0.3%.I knew it, it was only a matter of time.
Taemin slouched next to him.
Taemin:"Why are you so obsessed with other people? You might make it into the stalker industry."
Hyunwoo:"Because they're idiots. And documenting idiots is my art."
Jisoo snorted.
Jisoo:"You're one to talk. Obsessed with us, remember?"
Hyunwoo (thinking):Ah, yes. The irony of my life.
Sora, as usual, scribbled quietly in his own notebook.
Sora:"Do you really think she notices you? I won't lie, she does not care about you at all."
Hyunwoo:"No. But she notices Minjae. That's enough for me."
Minjae gasped.
Minjae:"Hey! You said I'm going to be humiliated!"
Hyunwoo:"Yes. For being too obvious."
Later, lunch break.The five boys moved to their usual table. Hyunwoo brought his notebook.
Minjae:"So, what's the status on Jisoo, with his crush?"
Hyunwoo flipped a page.
Hyunwoo:"Phase one: denial.Phase two: panic.Phase three: internal screaming."
Jisoo glared.
Jisoo:"Hey!"
Hyunwoo:"Relax. I'm sure everyone felt that way one time in their life. No need to be ashamed of something so obvious."
Taemin muttered:
Taemin:"You're ridiculously weird."
Hyunwoo (thinking):We all are, that's why we're friends.
Meanwhile, outside the classroom window, Mina and a few classmates talked animatedly.Hyunwoo noticed every gesture, every laugh, every tiny glance.
Hyunwoo (thinking):Observation is an art form.Also, I genuinely feel like a creep. It's all for my precious art.
Minjae leaned closer.
Minjae:"Why do you care so much about their stupid little crushes?"
Hyunwoo:"Because watching bums fail at love is the greatest form of entertainment."
Jisoo snorted again.
Jisoo:"Somehow, I feel you enjoy us more than them."
Hyunwoo (thinking):Damn.Why is he so smart all of a sudden… did he take supplements or something?
Comic mini-drama:Taemin accidentally drops his lunch tray.Minjae bursts out laughing.Sora quietly mutters:
Sora:"Are you okay?"
Hyunwoo, trying not to laugh:
Hyunwoo:"This clumsy fool makes my life better."
Taemin:"You also make my life worse."
Hyunwoo:"Official title noted in notebook: Taemin, Stay near him to have a good day."
Evening reflection:Hyunwoo sits alone, pen scratching across the page.
Hyunwoo (thinking):I'm so incredibly bored. Oh, how I wish I could witness an amazing love story happen.
Minjae barges in:
Minjae:"Hey! You should come to the festival club meeting tomorrow!"
Hyunwoo:"Heck nah. What would I even do there?"
Sora whispers:
Sora:"You lazy bum, do your work, of course."
Hyunwoo (thinking):Work? Me? They must have a fever.