Part 2 of this series, featuring Kim Minju.
Special thanks to baguette020 for providing the plot for this part. :)
After a rough day, your afternoon classes were finally done.
As your classmates went out of the room for their club activities, you on the other hand, had other things to do.
You were putting your books in your backpack when Jongho approached you.
"Y/N, are you free today, because if you are, then I wanted to invite you to watch this new series that I just got a couple of days ago." He said, and you can see his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm because of it.
"Sorry Jongho, but I need to help my grandma with her shop today. Maybe next time?" You told him.
"Sure, it's no problem at all. But I'll hold you to it then!" Jongho said as he bids goodbye to you.
You then proceeded to head out of the school gates for your part time job.
Timeskip
"Good afternoon, halmeoni. Sorry I arrived a bit late today." You said as your grandmother smiled at you.
"You don't have to apologize, Y/N. It's okay. I know that you're busy with school most of the time, so I understand. I already owe you for volunteering to help me out from time to time." She said.
"Thanks. I'll try to help out whenever I can, and it's not a problem for me. If anything, I'm happy that I was able to lend a hand." You told her.
"That's nice of you, Y/N. By the way, you don't need me to tell you that Valentine's Day is approaching, so I added a few products for the young couples out there. Have a look." She said while pointing at one of shelves in the front.
You chuckled upon seeing a lot of chocolates and other Valentine-themed items on display. It goes to say that she had already prepared these for the coming occasion.
"Wow, you really did stock up a lot, halmeoni. They all look nice, especially the chocolates." You told her while you were still looking at them.
"I know, and I expect them to be sold out by then. In fact, a lot of people had already bought some since this afternoon, and that's a good sign." She happily told you.
"That's nice to hear. It helps that your shop is located near the city park, which is a popular dating spot."
"Indeed. Now, can you help out with these crates, then?"
"Sure, halmeoni. Where do you want to put them?"
"Just put them in the storeroom for now. Your uncle would be the one to do the inventory when he arrives." She said.
After finishing the task she gave you, it was finally time for you to do your real job at the shop.
"You never get tired of wearing that, don't you, Y/N?" She said as you put on the bear costume.
"For some reason, I got used to it, halmeoni. No, I actually like doing this, especially when I'm surrounded by kids." You happily told her.
"Haha, that's very kind of you. Have fun then." She said as you finished putting on the outfit.
You then danced a bit, making your grandma laugh at you. Taking the flyers and the candy basket, you then went towards the city park where the kids are waiting for you.
Like always, you put on a little show for them, dancing and entertaining them like always. You've been doing this part time job for months now, so naturally, you got used to it. You kept on doing this until all the flyers are gone, with the kids' parents thanking you afterwards. After another successful show, you removed the costume's headpiece as you sat in the bench to take a break.
"This might seem odd, but doing it is actually quite fun." You said, as you look at the sunset before you.
While you are doing this, your eyes looked at the empty bench beside the one you're sitting on, making you remember something.
"So she's not here today, huh? Why did I think about her all of a sudden?" You thought.
"Maybe she's got a lot of friends now, and that's good. She deserves to be happy, after everything she's been through."
"I'm glad that I was able to help you when you needed me, Minju-ya."
Flashback, a few months ago
"I'm all set, halmeoni. I'll be going now." You said as your grandma checks up on your bear costume.
"Don't tire yourself, Y/N. I feel bad by making you wear this just to promote the shop."
"It's okay. I'm actually having fun wearing this, and I don't know why." You told her, as you make your signature pose.
"Haha, okay then. As long as you're having fun then I guess its fine. Go on then." She said as you head towards the city park.
Upon arriving at usual spot, a group of kids suddenly became excited once they saw you.
"It's Mister Gom! He's back!" One of them said.
Once they gathered together, you started giving them treats from the basket you brought, as well as small flyers with your grandmother's shop logo on it.
You gestured for them to sit down, as you perform a simple dance routine, and they all loved it.
With every move you make, they would cheer for you like fans would, and you were having a great time doing it for them.
After a few minutes of your performance, you start to say goodbye to the children, which made them pout.
"Aww, it's over already?"
"Please, Mr. Gom, dance some more!" Another kid said.
Feeling the pressure, you had no choice but to dance again, and thankfully, they were content after you did the encore.
Once they were all gone, you decided to head back towards the shop.
"I guess I overdid it today. I'm feeling tired right now." You said while still in your costume.
However, before you left, you noticed someone sitting at the bench by her lonesome.
This got you curious, as you slowly went towards her.
When you did, you saw her looking sad about something, as she was simply staring at you blankly.
You tried to say hi and cheer her up as Mr. Gom, but no matter what you did, you weren't able to make her smile or even react.
With nothing else to do, you simply gave her a pat on the head to try and comfort her. She still showed no emotion when you did it, so you simply bowed to her and left.
"I feel sorry for her. She must have a lot of things on her mind. I wonder if there is something I can do to help her." You said to yourself as you ponder about it.
It's been three weeks since your encountered her, and you were surprised that you still see her there whenever you do your part time job. The girl just sits on the exact same place, looking sad and lost as if everyone had abandoned her. However, you were still reluctant to approach her, for you thought that she may have no reason to trust you, a complete stranger. You then decided to simply keep an eye on her while you do your routine. You figured that it's the only thing you can do for her now. As long as she's safe from anyone who may try to take advantage of her, then that is good enough for you.
Timeskip
"Y/N, sorry if I won't be able to join you for lunch today. I have a club meeting to attend, so I'm sorry for abandoning you, my brother." Jongho said to you in a very formal tone.
"Aish, it's all right, Jongho. I'll just eat my food at the rooftops, since it'll be quiet there."
"Yes, that would be a good idea, then. Very well, see you later!" He said as he quickly ran outside the classroom.
"Okay then, time to head to my favorite spot." You told yourself as you went towards the rooftop with your lunch.
Opening the door, a calm breeze greeted you as you happily went to your usual spot.
But when you did, you saw someone familiar, and she had already occupied it.
"You're....." You said, but you quickly closed your mouth thinking that you might blow your cover.
The girl looked at you curiously, and her face seemed like she wanted to ask what you're doing here.
But she never said anything. Instead, she just stared at you like when you met her at the park.
Ignoring her, you then sat to one of the benches instead, having decided to eat there for the meantime.
You felt uncomfortable while eating, as she kept on looking at you.
"This is.....really awkward. I want to tell her that it's rude to stare to someone who's eating, but it might offend her. Fine, I'll just finish this as soon as I can." You thought, as you hurriedly ate your food just to leave as quickly as possible.
Ever since that day, you began to feel curious as to whom she is, out of concern that she's been like that every time you see her.
Whenever you do your part time job, she would always be there, sitting at the exact same place like before. Right now, you wanted to do something for her, as the thought of her being in such a state made you feel constantly worried about her well-being.
With Jongho's help, you were able to find out her name.
"That girl is Kim Minju, a second year student just like us, Y/N. But the thing is, no one talks to her, and that she doesn't have any friends. It's a shame though, she's a very pretty girl too. Well Y/N, it seems that you're interested in her." Jongho teased you.
"Yah, I never meant it that way. I'm just curious as to why she's like that. Whenever I see her at the rooftop, she always has this sad aura surrounding her. I'm no expert at this kind of thing, but I know for a fact that she feels lonely about something." You told him.
"Well, there's a very good reason why no one wants to talk to her. Care to hear it?"
"Of course, pabo. What is it?"
"Most people here, both students and even some teachers, say that talking to her would bring you bad luck or something. I find it ridiculous the first time I heard it, but it seems almost everyone here believes it as fact."
"What? That's crazy! Why isn't anyone trying to do something about it then? Surely some students and teachers would try to dismiss it, right?" You said while feeling frustrated by what you just heard.
"Yes I know, which brings me to the real reason why everyone treats her that way. You see, that bad luck thing was just a ruse in order to make people stay away from Minju. The ones who actually spread that rumor would be that infamous clique, if you must know."
It was there when you realized that things are much more troublesome than you expected.
Jongho's word says it all, for you knew exactly who he's referring to.
Aespa, your school's elite group of socialites, who look down on the entire student body as if everyone is beneath them.
Made up of four girls who are daughters of rich families, they think that this school is theirs to run, like a kingdom of sorts.
You scoffed at the very thought of them doing anything they want, and almost everyone at school hates them.
But at the same time, no one dared to oppose them out of fear. Only Kim Chaewon, the school princess, is the only one they can't rule over, for she shares the same status as theirs.
"Look Y/N, I'm telling you this as a friend. Don't do anything stupid just because you wanted to help Minju. It's pointless, for they had chosen her as their victim from the start. If you do, you'd be treated the same way as they do to her, and I don't want that to happen. So please, just-"
"You know what, I'm very disappointed to hear you say that to me, Jongho. I thought you were my friend." You said as you glared at him.
"Yes I am, but it's impossible. Sure I would gladly help you out, but this is something I can't risk." He said to you out of concern.
Somehow, his words made you realize that it's the truth. You know it yourself, helping Minju would bring a lot of trouble for you once they found out. Thinking about it makes you feel helpless knowing that you wouldn't be able to do anything for her."
"Dammit! This is unfair! How could they do this to her!" You said as Jongho tries to calm you down.
"I know what you're feeling right now, Y/N. You're a good person, and I know that you really wanted to do something for her sake. The best thing you can do now is to stay strong and look after her in some way. Maybe there's a chance when you can do something, but not right now."
"I know, and it really angers me. Fine, I won't do anything for now, but I still refuse to accept this."
With this, you can only hope that it won't get any worse for Minju.
During your seventh week at work, you were taking a break from handing out flyers the whole morning. It was a weekend, and you decided to help out just to keep your mind occupied with something else. Your grandmother was resting at the back of the shop, and she entrusted you to look after it until she's rested enough.
With no customers visiting, you sat down at the chair beside the counter, as you began eating your lunch for the day.
You were feeling lazy to remove the bear costume that you're wearing, so you thought it would be a good idea to remove it after you finished your meal.
"Wow, this tastes good. I should remember to thank halmeoni for making it today." You thought.
As you eat, you can't help but notice that it's quite gloomy today, making you think that it could rain at any moment.
"Good thing I'm done for the day. I can't imagine running from the rain while I'm still wearing this." You thought as you take another bite of your sandwich.
True enough, the rain started to pour.
It was heavier than expected, and you felt relieved that it didn't rain while you were still at the park this morning.
But then, you suddenly thought of someone who was always there whenever you do your routine.
Somehow, you were thinking that she's still there at the same spot, being drenched by the downpour.
"No, that's impossible. She should have left before the rain started, so everything's fine, right?"
Then again, you think of the possibility that Minju's still there, as you began to feel uneasy.
"Aish, I can't believe I'm thinking about this. But just in case, I'll take a look. Sorry for leaving the shop, halmeoni." You said as you took an umbrella with you while putting a closed sign at the shop entrance.
Walking towards the park was much harder than you thought. You were cursing yourself for not removing the bear costume earlier. But then again, you still don't want Minju to find out who you are, if she's even there.
Much to your surprise, you still found her there, sitting by the bench, completely soaked by the rain.
"Damn, what the heck is that girl thinking?" You said as you went towards her as fast as you can.
Once you're in front of her, you then gestured for her to take your umbrella.
This act caught her by surprise, as she looks at you in disbelief that you're there to help her.
Because of this, she wasn't able to do anything. She just kept on staring at you holding the umbrella for her.
By then you had no choice, so you took her hand and gave her the umbrella yourself.
Helping her stand, you gestured for her to go home. Once you made sure that she understood what you were trying to say, you bowed to her and left.
"I hope she gets what I'm trying to tell her. Now my costume's all drenched. I won't be able to use it tomorrow then. It's official, Mr. Gom is taking the day off." You said as you went back to the shop.
The next day, you were back at work while still thinking about what happened yesterday. If anything else, you felt a bit happy that you were able to help her, even by just a little.
"I'm sorry for soaking the whole costume yesterday, halmeoni. I don't have any excuse as to why I did it." You told her.
"Well, since you did it because you told me you helped someone, then I see no reason for me to get angry with you. Fortunately, I have a spare one, although the kids will certainly miss Mr. Gom for today." She said in glee.
"That's right. It looks like they have to put up with Mr. Kuma for now. Well, I'll see you later then!" You said as you head out to do your job for the day.
Per usual, you were able to cheer the kids on despite wearing a different costume, and you were glad that you're still able to.
However, you can't help but notice that Minju is not watching you today.
"I hope she didn't get sick after yesterday. I actually miss her watching my little show for some reason." You said as you went to take a break.
Then suddenly, someone tapped your shoulder, as you look to see who did it.
To your surprise, it was Minju, and she came back to give the umbrella you lent her.
"T-thank you, f-for letting me borrow this y-yesterday." She said to you while stuttering.
You then took the umbrella from her, as you stood up from your seat.
"I can't blow my cover now, can't I? Fine then. I'll just thank her in a very Mr. Kuma-like way." You thought to yourself.
You then used your whole body to spell out the words "thank you" hoping that Minju would understand.
Wiggling your whole body, you thought of every move you can make just so you can reach out to her, which eventually, made you look very weird.
But even with that, nothing else mattered, for you were able to do something much special.
Your awkward actions eventually made her smile, and little by little, she starts to laugh.
This was the first time you saw her feeling so happy about anything, and you were overjoyed that you were able to do that for her.
You kept on dancing, as if you're still performing in front of the children, except that you weren't.
Instead, you're putting on an exclusive mascot performance just for her, an act of kindness that surely made your day.
After that, Minju thanked you again as she left, but this time, you felt something different.
The way you see her so happy when you cheered her up.
The way she tried her best to thank you, which showed her innate cuteness.
And finally, the kind aura that she has with her when you made her smile.
Those were more than enough reasons for you to finally make your decision.
You don't care what happens afterwards, as long as you know that you would be able to help her.
For you, nothing is more important other than to protect Minju's happiness, because she deserves to feel that way just like you do.
But at the same time, you tried not to be reckless about it. You planned ahead on how to deal with her situation, and to encourage everyone to see her in a different light.
With this, you spent the next few days talking to your friends about the rumors surrounding Minju. It's a good thing that you have a natural talent for persuasion, making it much easier to convince them about what you said. In turn, your friends also shared this news discreetly, reaching out to the other students as well.
Little by little, her reputation is being restored, and though it, she began to have friends of her own.
In just a span of two weeks, you were able to see Minju talking happily with the new friends she has, convincing you that you did the right thing. Over time, she starts to grow popular as well, which was even better than you expected.
Satisfied with the good deed that you made, you felt happy now that Minju can finally look forward to living the rest of her school days in a much comfortable way.
"Hmm, this is tricky." You said while looking at the chessboard, as Minju was anticipating the next move you'll make."
"Come on, Y/N. If you keep delaying the game like that, we won't be able to finish in time." Minju said as she smiles at you.
You simply chuckled at her words as you continue thinking your strategy.
Yes, that's right. Ever since her name was cleared, you also thought that it would be a good idea to become her friend as well, all because you both see each other whenever you decide to have lunch at the school rooftop.
Even with the new friends she now has, Minju still prefers to stay there, as for some reason she enjoys these little moments she has with you.
Of course, your identity as the one wearing the mascot costume is still a secret, all because you'll be embarrassed once she finds out.
"There, your turn." You said as you moved your king, only for Minju to smirk.
"Wrong move, Y/N. Checkmate. You should have seen it coming." She told you while smiling in her victory.
"Why can't I win against you, Minju-ya? That's the seventh game in a row. You're just way better than me." You told her as you pout.
"Relax, maybe you can win the next game tomorrow." She said as she playfully punches your arm.
"Not this time. We'll play cards tomorrow. I had enough losing to you in a chess match."
"Aww, such a sore loser. All right then, I'll look forward to it."
The two of you laughed at each other as you pack up your things, ready for the afternoon classes to begin.
"Thank you Y/N, for spending the afternoon with me, I mean."
"Of course. I'm glad that we're friends now, Minju-ya. I'll see you again later, okay?"
"Sure!" She said, as the two of you head back for your next class.
Since then, everything has been going well for Minju.
Thanks to you, she is now feeling much better compared to how you saw her the first time.
However, as long as there are people who would remain envious about one's happiness, that despair would be able to find its way back.
Sure enough, it did. But this time, it became a lot worse than before.
Soon, news of Minju's popularity eventually reached the ears of Yoo Jimin, the notorious leader of the bullies who caused her to suffer.
Not wanting this turn of events, she began to take action in order to ruin Minju's life again.
Through her three subordinates, or friends rather, they began to instill fear back into the minds of those who would try and be friends with her.
In a way, they did the same method that you used to put an end to the earlier rumors. The only difference is that they were much more aggressive about it, going to such lengths as to threaten the students with the same treatment.
Inevitably, Minju would realize that people are starting to avoid her once more.
She thought that those times were over, and she can now live her days at school in peace.
But it wasn't, and now the feeling of loneliness began to torment her like it did before.
But it didn't stop there.
Jimin decided to "double her efforts'' on tormenting Minju, just to make sure that she knows her place.
Together, they did the most unthinkable things only they are capable of, and looked proud of themselves with the results.
Vandalizing her classroom seat, putting mud and dirt inside her locker, giving her letters telling her to just die, the list goes on......
Minju was now feeling hopeless, while being tormented by these seemingly endless happenings each day.
There she was, sitting once more at the same bench where you first saw her.
Like before, you went towards her after you finished your usual job, while still wearing the bear costume.
Dancing in front of her just to make her laugh, you thought something was strange about her.
Unlike before, Minju seemed like she was forcing herself to smile, just so you won't feel worried about her.
But that wasn't enough to conceal what she's feeling at the moment, and you were quick to know that something is definitely wrong.
You then patted her head like what you did the first time you saw her like that. Just seeing the look on Minju's face was more than enough to convince you that you have to do something. Only this time, you'll make sure that her problems will be over for good.
"Just stay strong, Minju-ya. I'll find a way to fix all this, just to see you happy again." You thought.
You then spent the next few days trying to figure out a way to help her. It's no secret that Jimin and her clique were behind it again, and it would be much difficult this time. Still, that did not deter you from doing the right thing, as you try and think of a plan as soon as possible.
Eventually, your patience bore fruit, as you heard all four of them chatting loudly at the school rooftop, taking the place as their own.
You breathed a sigh of relief that Minju wasn't here with them, as you feared the worst if she is.
Luckily, they were sitting near the entrance, which made it easier for you to listen to their conversation through the door.
"Hahahaha! Serves her right! I just love seeing the look of despair in her eyes. I swear, it was a work of art!" Jimin said to her firends.
"I know, unnie. That'll teach her for trying to be more popular than any of us. If she tries anything like that again, we'll make sure she won't be able to show her face to this school ever!" Minjeong, Jimin's best friend, said to her.
"Now, now, we don't even know if she'll ever do that, after we showed her what will happen to anyone who crosses us. Right now, all I want is for Kim Chaewon to suffer the same fate." Yizhuo, a foreign student and member of their group, said to them.
"I agree. Once she's out of the way, this school would finally be ours. What we did to Minju is just the beginning. Every student here will know that we're the ones who "rule" this place." Aeri, another member of the clique, told their leader.
"You did a good job, all three of you. But for now, I'll take my time to enjoy Minju's suffering. I don't know why, but it feels good to torture a weak and helpless girl every time I do it," Jimin said as they all burst in laughter.
Their words brought nothing but anger to you, now that you know the truth. You struggle to control your emotions as you pressed the stop button on the recording device that you have.
"You'll pay for what you did, all of you. No one deserves to be treated the way you did to Minju. You're the ones who won't be able to show your faces here again." You vowed to yourself.
Once you made sure that everything's ready, it was finally time to enact your plan.
With Jongho's help, as well as a few of your friends, you were able to have access to the school's intercom system, making it easy for you to begin.
You then broadcasted what you recorded for everyone to hear, making their atrocities known throughout the whole campus.
In mere moments, the student body was in an uproar, especially those who came to regard Minju and even Chaewon as their friends.
It helped that some of the students were willing to speak out against them, now that the evidence was out.
All this culminated to the point where Jimin and her group's reputation are forever ruined.
You made good with your promise, finally putting everything that they did not only to Minju, but to the others as well, to rest.
It was the first time that you felt very proud of yourself, knowing that you made a difference.
From now on, the school will be much more peaceful now, and that you and the rest of the students deserve to have it.
Timeskip
You and Minju were back in the park a week later, as you were feeling tired after making the children smile with your daily routine every afternoon.
She was clapping after she watched your latest mascot performance, and deep down, you were glad to see her smiling genuinely again.
Once you're done, you took a seat next to her, as Minju decides to start a conversation.
"Mr. Gom, maybe you haven't noticed it by now, but I wanted you to know that I feel thankful for always trying to cheer me up whenever I'm here. The first time you saw me, I was feeling lonely, depressed even. But you went out of your way to at least make me feel better. I appreciate it, really."
She then turns to face you, as she continues to speak.
"But the thing is, I would want to take this chance to thank a certain someone for helping me smile again. Maybe he thought that I wouldn't be able to know who he is, because he chose to hide his identity from me. What he didn't know is that I was able to find out who he is, the first time I met him at my school's rooftop."
You felt surprised at what she said, as you look at her through the mascot's headpiece.
"Yes, he was a very kind person, and I owe him for the happiness that he gave me. I'll never forget what he did just to save me from those who tried to hurt me. But the best thing that he did was that he gave me a chance to live my life happily, to make friends, and to show me that he cares."
With this, Minju starts to cry, as you hugged her from the side just to comfort her.
You then decided to take off the headpiece, finally revealing yourself as the one behind the mascot's guise.
Upon seeing your face, Minju cried even more, as she turns to embrace you, thanking you for everything that you did for her.
The two of you stayed there for a while, and she embraced you without having any intention to let you go.
It was her own way of letting you know how much you mean to her now, and that she was thankful for the chance that the two of you met each other.
As you look into the girl who's with you right now, tears began to fall from your eyes.
It was not because you were sad, in fact, it was the opposite.
You were happy that you were able to make a change in her life, to give her the happiness that she deserves.
That alone meant a great deal, and right now, all you can see is the result of what you did for her sake.
The lonely and depressed Kim Minju was gone, and she can finally learn to appreciate the fresh start that you yourself gave her.
"So, you knew it was me all along, huh?" You asked her.
"Yes, all because you are so bad at keeping your secret identity as Mr. Gom, Y/N." She teased you.
"You may be right, Minju-ya. But having said all that, I'm glad that I was able to help you. Now I know that everything I did was right."
"It's that reason alone that I owe you a lot, Y/N. Thank you for being there for me when I needed someone." She said as she hugs you once more.
"That's nice of you to say, Minju-ya. From now on, everything will be much better for you, and I'll always be here whenever you need me." You assured her.
Soon after, a new group of kids were coming towards you, as you hurriedly put on your headpiece with Minju's help.
Once more, you started to dance like only way you know how, and that both the children and Minju were having fun just by watching you.
Minju's POV:
"Behind that guise, you protected me like an angel would, Y/N. Now my heart wishes to know what you truly feel about me. I hope that you'll give me the answer that I want to hear, and it would mean everything to me if you feel the same way.