Momo lifted fist to wipe tear off face. But unlucky for her the tear wouldn't stop. It kept falling down from her eyes. 'Why...why did she do this to me? Was everything just a lie?' She wanted to scream out the questions.

Her eyes blurred with tear, and lungs burned from running. She stumbled over rock and fell onto ground. A pain from her leg wasn't worth the pain from a betrayal. She clenched her fists, gripping grasses, letting out sobs.

Mrs.Bae was looking for her room key inside bag when she heard sobs. She saw a student sitting on ground at formal garden. She quickly ran toward the student. "Are you alright?" She was surprised to see Haru. "Haru, what happened? Are you alright?" When Haru cried louder she took his arm, pulling him up. "Come."

Momo put her uniform jacket suit on sofa beside her before grabbing tissue to wipe nose. She was in living room of Mrs. Bae's house. The Academy also provided residence for teachers and employees. She looked over at the room. It had simple decoration with set of sofas and upright piano. She smiled a little seeing the instrument.

"You find something funny?" Mrs.Bae approached sofa. She put a cup of tea down on coffee table.

"Thank you," Momo said. After sipping the beverage, she pointed toward the piano. "Is that yours?"

"Yes, from my father. It's old but really has beautiful sound. You can try sometimes," Mrs.Bae said while putting first aid box on coffee table. "Fighting will get you expelled from Academy."

"I'm sorry." Momo put the cup on table and let Mrs.Bae treat her wound. "I promise it won't happen again."

Mrs.Bae let out a chuckle while putting bandage over wound at the corner of Haru's lips. "It will heal swelling, and yes I hope it won't." She smiled and closed the box.

"Thank you," Momo said, looking down at hands on lap.

"What's wrong?" Mrs.Bae asked. "I won't mind listening a word or two, well if you don't either of course."

Momo pursed lips. "I just find out that my friend and...the person I trust lied to me."

Mrs.Bae rubbed Haru's back gently. "It must upset you. That's why you fight, with Xiumim and Kwanyun?"

Momo nodded head. She bit lips, wondering whether she should ask Mrs.Bae. "Kwangyun said that...Persona is formed to help Academy getting sponsor."

Mrs.Bae pursed her lips, sighing. "So it's true," she said, rather to herself.

Momo turned to the teacher, confused.

"You know we have financial problem lately, and Principal and Committee are trying to find solution, which is getting more sponsor. When Principal told me about Persona I have actually thought it's one of their plans." She then turned to Haru. "I can understand if you feel being used by Academy."

"It's just...complicated," Momo said, breathing out a sigh. If only she could tell Mrs.Bae that they were girls, disguise as boys to get ticket to Jyp Ent audition. Now think about it they were using the Academy as well. 'Wait, does it mean we're doing the same thing? I'm getting confused now'

"Is the important person, you trust, is Mina?" Mrs.Bae guessed.

The question broke Momo's realization. "Uh, yes."

"That's why you're so upset." Mrs.Bae offered a smile when Haru nodded shyly. "I don't mean taking sides, but, perhaps you can't blame her." When Haru looked at her, she continued. "If there's something she treasures in this world, I would say this Academy."

"She does?" Momo asked.

Mrs.Bae nodded. "I still remember the day when Principal kahi brought her to this Academy, four years ago. She started from second year, actually. Principal kahi happened to find her at street dance."

Momo's eyes widened slightly. "Street dance?"

"Yes, street dance. She had no family and lived in system since she was a child. Principal kahi decided to take her and since then this Academy was like her home."

Momo moved gaze back to hands on lap. She didn't know that; Mina never mentioned it.

"She's a complicated girl back then, well even now, you may have noticed that," Mrs.Bae said and smiled at her student. Haru smiled back shyly. "She didn't speak to anyone, even me her teacher. She wouldn't let anyone get close to her, and it made other students choose to stay away from her. Except Sana."

"They are best friends," Momo said.

"Yes, they are. Thanks to Sana's persistence, I must say. It slowly changed Mina, and little by little she began to open up to other people, though still limited." Mrs.Bae chuckled. "Also her love to dance and music changed her."

Momo smiled in agreement. She had seen Mina's love for dance and music.

"She has no interest in anyone indeed, but she values other people talent, I could see it." Mrs.Bar said, turning to Haru. "That perhaps makes her to agree with Committee plans. She doesn't want all talented students here to lose their chance to learn, including you."

---------

The room was dark and quiet. The only sound was from clock ticking the minutes away. Momo took a glance at the sleeping body on the other bed. Tzuyu had fallen asleep already. Tonight she stayed in Tzuyu's room since she was still angry at Jungyeon. After letting out small sigh, she looked back at ceiling. Her talk with Mrs.Bae decreased her anger. Now as it decreased she could think more clearly. Anyone in her shoes would react the way she did. They used her talent to make money. 'But, isn't that how entertainment business works? Sell one's talent and get money; that is entertainment business' She nodded head slightly. 'Still selling one's talent without telling them isn't good' She once again nodded.

"This is frustrating," she groaned but then took a glance at the Tzuyu. Luckily she didn't wake the girl. She pulled blanket up, rolling to lie on side. Her mind then went to her ex-girlfriend. She was still mad at Mina- a little. But she also felt guilty. She shouldn't raise a hand to Mina.
She drew right hand out blanket and looked at it in regret. She clenched fist, sighing.

She then remembered what Mrs. Bae told her about Mina's story. Lately, after their break up, she realized that there were still many things she didn't know about the girl. But again she never thought would fall for Mina. The girl kept coming to her- annoyed her at first -and slowly the feeling bloomed inside her. Perhaps that was how love worked; it just came in unexpected way and time. She pulled corner of lips up at the thought.

'Mina'

Now after calming down she could understand why Mina chose the way. As Mina said she had no choice; she was only a mediator not the one who made decision. The thought increased the guilty inside her. She needed to talk with Mina. After making up her mind she tried to sleep.

It felt like only few hours she slept when knock on door awoke her. It was still six in the morning. She drew blanket over head, snuggling down in bed. But the annoying knock didn't stop.

"Mark...shu'emup..."

"I'm not Mark-ssi," Momo mumbled back. When the fourth knock came she pushed blanket off. Reluctantly she got out, approaching door. She unlocked the door, pulling it open.

"Good morning!"

Momo's half-open eyes widened as she saw the person. It was Jungyeon, smiling ear to ear.

"Good morning Haru, how is..." Before Jungyeon could finish her question the door was slammed close in her face. She took phone out.

'First plan, failed *crying face*'

She sent to Nayeon.

"Who's it?" Tzuyu asked, still inside bed.

"Crazy boy," Momo replied, climbing up to her bed.

Half an hour later she pushed body up, leaving bed. She went straight to bathroom and finally it hit her. She didn't have change and uniform. She cursed inwardly, leaving bathroom. "Tzuyu, time to wake up, or you'll get late."

She grabbed doorknob to open the door. The other person standing outside room startled her. "What are you doing here? I'm still..."

"I bring your uniforms, and stuff," Jungyeon answered, showing the folded uniforms and toothbrush. "I thought you'll need it."

Momo eyed the grinning boy-clad girl before her for a moment before taking her stuff. "I'm still angry at you."

"I know," Jungyeon said to a closed-door. She then took her phone.

'Second plan, worked *grinning face*'

-------

Momo and Tzuyu entered dining room. Many students were inside already. Just when they were about to walk toward School of Music table, Jungyeon and Tatsuya approached them.

"This way hyung," Tatsuya said, stretching hand out to lead his hyungs.

"Make a way please!" Jungyeon shouted to other students.

"Are you idiot? This is unnecessary," Momo said to Jungyeon.

"And embarrassing," Tzuyu added, lowering head to avoid gazes from other students.

"Don't say that Hyung," Jungyeon said. "For today I will be your...servant, yes servant. Have a sit."

Tzuyu pressed lips together to hold back a laugh. She was mad at Jungyeon for lying to them, but now the girl and her antic drove her anger away. "Thanks Tachin," she said when Tatsuya pulled a chair for her. "Now you better get back to your table."

Tatsuya gave a bow before leaving.

"You're so dead after this," Momo said to Jungyeon while avoiding glances from other students.

"I will give my life for Master only," Jungyeon replied.

Momo lifted an eyebrow as Jungyeon did a bow. She heard giggles from Tzuyu and Nayeon. After rolling eyes she looked down at her meal. At least she didn't need to line up for her breakfast. But her grin vanished when Kei took a chair beside her.

"Morning darling," Kei greeted Haru. "What happened to your face?"

'Why do you care?' But Momo didn't say it out. "Just a fight," she answered. Kei took her chin, leaning closer. "I'm fine," she added in annoyance.

"But it must be hurt, be careful next time, okay? Don't make me worried." Kei caressed his jaw.

'I want to puke' Momo rolled eyes mentally. She looked aside when Sana started breakfast time. She noticed student representative chair was empty. 'Where's Mina?'

"I wonder why student representative isn't here. Do you know something?" Kei asked.

"How would I know? It's not my concern," Momo replied.

Kei flashed a smile, bringing bread to mouth.

Momo knew the girl just wanted to make her say it. She gripped butter knife, turning to Jungyeon who sat in front of her. 'Do something. You're my servant, right?' She gave subtle nod toward Kei.

Jungyeon got the hint. She reached jacket suit pocket, taking out pills. Actually it was candies. "Your medicine, Haru-ssi."

"Medicine?" Kei looked down at pills on Haru's plate. "You have ill?"

"My Master has influenza and doctor says he needs to drink this medicine," Jungyeon answered Kei, grinning inwardly at the girl's widened-eyes.

"You have influenza?" Kei asked Haru.

Although at moment Momo wanted to glare at Jungyeom but she decided to play along. "Yes," she replied. She rubbed nose, letting out fake sneeze.

"Oh my careless, I forgot to bring mask," Jungyeon said, hands up to head, making panicked face. "Now the virus must be flying around here."

Kei quickly rose from chair, leaving table.

They waited until Kei left the room and burst into laugh.

After breakfast they headed to School of Music building.

"That's so funny,"Tzuyu said while holding belly, laughing.

"Did you see her face?" Momo burst into laugh.

Tzuyu wiped tear from eyes. "You're cool Kwangyun. I can't stop laughing."

Jungyeon wriggled her brows, beaming. "I am."

"Well, I must say that's brilliant," Momo agreed.

Jungyeon rubbed the back of head. "I'm really sorry for lying. I don't say you forgive me now, but I just want you guys to know that I still want to be your friend," she said.

Momo didn't reply and watched as Jungyeon and Nayeon walked away. Tzuyu nudged her arm. "I know. Kwangyun wait," she called.

"Yes?"

"You're my servant for today, right?" Momo said, handing bag to Jungyeon.

"Aye captain." Jungyeon grinned, following her 'Master'.

"Everything settled then," Tzuyu said to Nayeon. They laughed at the two.

---------

After school Momo, Tzuyu and Jungyeon followed Mrs.Bae to main building.

"I wonder why she wants to meet us," Tzuyu whispered.

Momo shrugged shoulders but honestly she had a feeling what it was about. Mrs.Bae knocked Principal office door before opening it for them.

"Principal kahi, they are here," Mrs. Bae said.

Momo was surprised to see Mina inside room. Mina seemed to be surprised as well. She then noticed some men in suits beside Principal kahi.

"You are Persona, right? Finally I can meet you."

Momo got confused when one of the men approaching them. Mrs.Bae gave small nod and they bowed. "Yes, sir."

"This is Mr.Lee MinHo, CEO of Academy, and president of Lee's Production," Principal kahi explained.

"I've heard about you three from Principal kahi and seen your performance at festival. I really look forward to see your debut," Mr. Lee said. He patted the shortest boy's shoulder and leaned to whisper. "And perhaps you can convince Mina to join too."

Momo knitted brows. 'What does that mean?'

"Well, we must leave. Thank you for the time Principal kahi."

Momo stepped aside as Academy CEO and the other men approached door, Mina followed behind them. The girl didn't turn to look at her. 'You told her to do so, remember?' she told herself.

"Have a sit," Principal said.

They sat down on sofa opposite from Principal. Mrs.Bae excused herself, leaving them alone.

"You must be wondering why I summon you here," Principal kahi said. "It was me, who planned all of this, but please listen until I finish."

They nodded.

"When I saw your audition, the three of you, I've known it immediately. These three girls are what I need, Academy needs. But don't take it wrong, this is not just about making money," Principal said. She rose from chair, approaching window. "You three surely have amazing talent, individually. But then I thought what if they are being in a group.

" She turned to the three. "Maybe you didn't realize it, when you become a group you complete each other. Chou Tzuyu," she said, pointing a finger toward the tallest girl. "Your singing is really great, but you have no confident to sing alone." She then turned to the next girl.

"Yoo Jungyeon, although your dancing is magnificent and eccentric, in good way, but it's unstable. You need other people to lead you." And then to the last girl.

"Between the three of you, I can see Xiumim takes the leadership. But you, Hirai Momo, you are the brain. You have talent of composing music, although I bet you never realized it until you enter this Academy, and get friends."

They looked down, digesting Principal kahi's words.

Principal sat back on sofa. "But unfortunately, I can't just drag you in to Academy. It left me with one choice." After a breath she added. "I will let you to decide. If you want to quit from Academy, there is nothing I can do."

Momo took a deep breath. All her problems would be solved if she quit. But it also meant she wouldn't be able to learn music, sing and dance with Tzuyu and Jungyeon. And she wouldn't be able to meet Mina. 'What should I choose?'

"I will give you time to think," Principal said.

"I am staying," Momo said. Tzuyu and Jungyeon turned to her and she continued. "Whatever the reason is, still I can't deny that I enjoy my school life here. I can learn music, get many friends. Finally I could find the place where I belong to."

Tzuyu smiled, nodding. "Then me too," she said and turned to Principal. "I'm staying."

"Looks like I have no choice," Jungyeon said and chuckled when her friends looked at her with eyebrow up. "If they stay, then me too. Best friends stick together."

"That's a relief," Principal kahi said. "About Jyp ent you can reject the offer..."

"No," Momo stopped the Principal. "We will do it. After all we still need this Academy."
Tzuyu and Jungyeon nodded in agreement.

Principal Kahi smiled wider. "I really appreciate it."

"But," Tzuyu said. After a breath she continued. "We have condition."

"Condition," Principal kahi said, brows up slightly. "What is it?"

----------------------------------------------------

Hmmmm....