[Ham Seoyeon]

"I can't afford to have yet another disastrous date," I state with a resolute tone, turning to my group of friends. They stare at me as if they've just seen an alien. I sigh to earn back their attention. "Guys, I'm serious, I don't want to make a fool out myself again! I-"

Yujin's glare is an invitation for me to regain my composure. "For God's sake, Seoyeon! Calm down! It's not the end of the world."

"I'm sure you'll find another guy who's a thousand times better than that bozo," adds Chaeyoung. I'd say she's right under another circumstance, but this is not the case. I turned into the party's laughingstock, which sucks.

"Plus, I'm sure more and more guys will line up for you next time," concludes Sangcheol in the hope that I somehow give him a chance. While it wouldn't be a bad idea, we're close friends. I'm not sure we'd work as a couple.

Chaeyoung snaps him out of his fantasy. "Dream on, Sangcheol. Seoyeon won't ask you out."

I try to defuse what could be an explosive argument. "Come on, guys, let's not argue. We're here to strategize, after all." Okay, the latter is a lie. I was wallowing over being rejected just a few minutes ago. To be honest, though, he reeked of alcohol. Maybe that was what clouded his judgement.

I scratch my head. "Now that I realize, I've always approached guys with similar interests to mine. People who love parties and having fun in the wildest way possible." My friends give me a puzzled look, not understanding what I mean to say.

To give more context, I explain, "I think it's time for me to branch out. To try and give a chance to someone with different interests from mine." Even after I go through my idea thoroughly, Chaeyoung, Yujin and Sangcheol are still confused.

"Come on. Opposites attract one another. That's basic." Well, it's an extremely common trope in love, but, hey, why not prove its legitimacy? There's nothing wrong with it, right? I don't know if my friends can follow through the reasoning, but I'll score a successful date, no matter what it takes.

"If you think so, then I know the perfect person you should try to approach." I don't like the devilish smirk on Chaeyoung's face. Who is she talking about? I pray it's not anyone like that idiot or anyone else in Taehyung's circle.

"Who is it?" I ask, crossing my arms.

Chaeyoung scoffs. "Soon Duho, of course."

Oh, him. Based on what happened at the party, he merely found my impromptu burlesque performance "stylish." Nothing else. For the rest, all I know is that he saved Taehyung from drowning in the pool, and that he dealt with the clique being drunk as fuck—including Seungyeol, who rejected me for no particular reason.

"Well... Duho did like my little dance, which is a good sign, but-"

Yujin cuts me off. "No buts. You said it yourself: it's a good sign. This means you have to try and ask him out. Don't be afraid."

"You're right. I want to go and thank him for appreciating that." With my growing desire to impress Duho, I decide it's time to change the topic of the conversation. "Do you think there's gonna be another party in the coming days?"

Sangcheol shakes his head. "I don't think so," he states, causing an uneasy sense of sadness to pervade the atmosphere in the room. Too bad there won't be another party anytime soon. This would've been the perfect chance for me to put the plan to the test.

Change of strategy incoming. I'll cross fingers and hope to come across Duho throughout classes or student council meetings. He has a 100% attendance record and is often early, which means it won't be difficult to approach him and have some small talk before I attain my goal.

***

As much as I'd like to be with Duho, discussing today's weather or asking him if he's into sports, I'm stuck with PB and his stupid circle of friends. Taehyung can be a real idiot—well, I have to admit there's worse here—especially when it comes to giving advice.

"What do you think of Duho?" I ask, trying to garner reactions from the group.

Taehyung's answer is a barrage of trivial and nonsensical statements. "He's cool. Well, it depends on what your definition of 'cool' is. I think he is, but, hey, it's not me who's trying to hit on him.'' He can't really be trusted. As much as I find his presence enjoyable, he spews a lot of bullshit.

"Cool as in 'he saved yours and your friends' asses?' Or simply 'cool?' Explain yourself better." I cross my arms in order to look more serious, but I garner the opposite effects. Taehyung, Duhun and the other two dudes they brought as company cackle like no tomorrow.

Taehyung shrugs as he replies, "Well, both."

I sting him. "This is not a satisfactory answer."

He retorts. "Then, don't expect one, Seoyeon. You're into Duho and want to woo him without sounding stalkerish. Well, it's not easy. First of all, know he's very hard to get. He has never had a relationship." Now things start to make more sense when put in perspective.

This new piece of information, even if it comes as a surprise to me, helps me understand Duho more and, as such, is a way for me to know how to enact my plan. I can't make mistakes, not if I want to pursue my goal.

***

During lunch, I gather with my friends to discuss Taehyung's words. "He revealed Duho has never been in a relationship," I said in a hushed tone, but I suspect I may have still earned unwanted attention.

I turn to see if anyone has casually listened to the conversation. Fortunately, my gut is wrong. It's just a bad feeling. I reprise from where I cut myself off. "He also advised me to try and not sound stalkerish."

Chaeyoung and Sangcheol both laugh loudly. "Stalkerish! Oh, please! As if PB is someone reliable when it comes to dating advice!" exclaims the former. I end up joining the laughter, followed by Yujin.

We return to being serious after two or three minutes of making a fool out of ourselves. I speak up next. "By the way, it's not like he has said anything different from what any of you would've told me under another circumstance."

"You made a valid point," replies Yujin, basically agreeing with me.

"So, is your plan definitive?" asks Sangcheol, who still seems to have missed some pieces but won't admit it.

I nod. "Kind of. But there can be adjustments based on situations. I have to stay alert. I can't take anything for granted." The others are relieved to see me so resolute for a reason that has nothing to do with partying.

If I succeed, I'll prove myself I'm not just some party girl who acts shallow around boys in the hope they'll stick around. I'll learn to explore my feelings under a deeper, more mature perspective. I know I can do this. There's no more room for a change of heart, no room for turning back.

Change starts from small but decisive steps.