"So you've decided to read on, good choice. Let's start with the easy warmup, the alwayses and the nevers of Crown Lake. These are the basics but they're not in the official student handbook.

-Always have school spirit.

-Always sign up for activities.

-Always roll up your skirt.

The below-the-knee style is universally unflattering.

-Never look Headmistress Kwon in the eye.

-Never eat the school's pudding, just because-

-Always come up with a nickname for yourself.

But knowing the rules isn't enough, you also need a secret weapon. GOSSIP. At Crown Lake, dirt gives you power, so go find some. Do what you have to do. Write it on the Tattle wall on the basement stairs to Crown Dorm. Be sure to use red ink. Not sure who's got a secret? Try the cross-country coach, there's something up with her." Jieun was reading the book in the school's courtyard.

Jieun was sitting in the serene courtyard of Crown Lake, reading a book, when she spotted Sunghoon waving at her. He was the same vibrant boy she had met earlier. His cheerful voice cut through the intriguing silence that enveloped the academy as he invited Jieun to join him.

"Hey Jieun! Come join me!" he said with a grin, his invitation irresistible. Jieun quickened her pace, feeling a sense of familiarity amidst the intricate nature of the place. "Good morning, Sunghoon," she greeted him, feeling happy to see him.

"Have you figured out this puzzling maze yet?" Sunghoon asked his words echoing the complex sentiment they both shared. Jieun chuckled, feeling a sense of familiarity amidst the intricate nature of Crown Lake. "I'm still unravelling its mysterious secrets. The handbook has been a great help," she replied.

Sunghoon's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "You read Heather's notes? That's fantastic! It's like a roadmap through this puzzling labyrinth. So, are you hanging in?" he asked curiously, hoping to learn more about her progress.

"Well, my roommate and I are like oil and water," Jieun replied, feeling a bit annoyed. "Yeongja, right? She's probably just intimidated by you," Sunghoon said, speaking the truth."I highly doubt that," Jieun said laughing, feeling a bit septical. "No, she's insecure. I'm good at reading people," Sunghoon said with a sly smirk, hoping to put Jieun's doubts to rest.

"Really? Can you read me too then?" Jieun asked, intrigued by the idea. Sunghoon smiled and leaned back. "You're smart and reserved, but you're also curious and adventurous. You're a puzzle solver, and you're not afraid to take risks," he said, his eyes sparkling with admiration. Jieun was taken aback. "Wow, you're good. I'm impressed!" she said, feeling a sense of kinship growing between them. As they continued their conversation, Jay and Jake, two mysterious individuals from the library, joined them.

"Good morning!" Jay greeted, his enigmatic demeanour blending effortlessly with the morning light. "Morning!" Jieun replied, sensing a budding kinship among the mysterious individuals she had encountered earlier that week."Well, guess what? I'm working on a verse. Do you guys wanna hear?" Sunghoon asked his friends. "We'd love to, right Jay?" Jake asked curiously, looking at Jay. "Sure, go ahead," Jay said monotonously.

"My favourite fruit is oranges. But nothing rhymes with them. Oranges." Sunghoon spoke his verse, excitedly sharing his latest work. Jieun tried to understand what it meant, but it was beyond her comprehension. "Interesting," she said, even though she couldn't understand the verse.

"It's a haiku," Sunghoon laughed, easing up the awkward atmosphere. As they engaged in intricate discussions about their classes and the mystifying nature of Crown Lake, Jieun felt a sense of belonging growing among them. Each had its mysterious puzzle piece, yet together, they seemed to piece a mosaic of understanding in this enigmatic world.

The morning sunlight danced on the cobblestones, casting intriguing shadows that mirrored the clandestine connections budding among the diverse students of Crown Lake. Jieun felt at home among these mysterious individuals and found comfort in their presence.

However, little did she know that all of them were hiding their secrets from her. The same afternoon, as she was walking through the school corridors, she heard some giggling noises coming from a room. She stopped and listened for a moment, trying to identify the voices. To her surprise, she realized that it was Miss Kim, the Cross-Country Coach, speaking with someone she couldn't recognize.

Jieun approached the door and realized it wasn't locked, so she decided to take a peek. She couldn't believe the thing she was seeing in front of her.

"Sunghoon and Miss. Kim? What are they doing here?" she thought to herself. They were standing close to each other, and Sunghoon seemed to be touching Miss Kim in a way that made Jieun feel uncomfortable.

As she hid behind the wall, Jieun heard Sunghoon say, "It was amazing, Miss Kim. I'd love to show you more of these things in the future. I hope you liked it too." 

Miss Kim responded, "It was great, Sunghoon. I'm glad you're interested in this kind of thing. We can certainly work on it in the future." Jieun couldn't believe what she was hearing.

What kind of things were they talking about? And why was Sunghoon being so touchy with Miss Kim, his coach? Sunghoon then made his way out, and Jieun quickly tried to hide herself. 

However, Sunghoon noticed her and asked her curiously, "Hey, Jieun, what are you doing here? Are you keeping an eye on me?" 

Jieun was taken aback, but she managed to reply, "Oh, I was just passing by. I heard some noises and was curious." 

Sunghoon then replied calmly, "Well, I was just showing Miss Kim some of my work." Jieun was still suspicious, but she decided to leave it at that.

Sunghoon was still a bit suspicious he was pondering if Jieun was his ally or enemy. He then walked away.

As Jieun walked away, she thought to herself, "What were you doing with the Country-Coach Park?" She then went and attended her remaining classes.

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Yoiii~ How are you guys doing? How was the chapter?

I wonder what Sunghoon was doing. He seems sus, doesn't he?

Anyways~ don't forget to vote and comment! 

Take care my hunnies✨🩵~