Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 13

I sat down in English, with Chris and Leo.
"Hey, Angie," Chris said, "Have you seen Tae-Hyun?"
"I haven't seen her since this morning." I said.
Chris and I looked at Leo.
Leo's brown eyes looked from me to Chris and he said, "Um... This morning..."
We nodded for him to continue.
"Tae-Hyun and I..." Leo said, "We came into the school and a bunch of girls threw eggs at us. They were pissed off about Tae-Hyun pretending to be a boy."
"Well, yeah." Chris said, shaking his head, "I was a little ticked off, too."
"Were they mad because they liked him?" I asked.
Leo shrugged, "I don't know. They accused her of dressing like a boy so she could go into the boys' bathroom."
I scoffed, "She wouldn't do that... Would she?"
"Of course not." Leo said, "Those girls were just stupid."
"But, where is she now?" Chris asked.
Leo pursed his lips and said, "I don't know."


Tae-Hyun hid in the girls' bathroom until fourth period. More than four hours.
Just before the end of fourth hour, someone knocked on the stall door.
Tae-Hyun didn't make a sound.
"Tae-Hyun? Honey?" A voice said, "I know you're in there. Come on out."
Cautiously, Tae-Hyun peered through the crack in the door of the stall.
Alice was standing outside.
Tae-Hyun bit her lip and shook her head.
"I can't." She said, her voice cracking, "They'll come after me again."
"No, they won't." Alice's soft, gentle voice came from outside the stall, "It's safe, now come out of there."
Tae-Hyun stared at the latch on the door and gulped.
"Come on," Alice said, "You'll be fine."
Tae-Hyun slowly opened the door and came out of the bathroom stall.
Alice smiled and said, "Are you okay?"
Tae-Hyun sniffed and shook her head, "No..."
She started crying and Alice said, "It's okay. Don't worry..."
Alice put her hand on Tae-Hyun's shoulder and Tae-Hyun hugged her.
Alice's eyes widened and she lightly hugged Tae-Hyun back.
Tae-Hyun retracted and, wiping her nose on her sleeve, said, "I'm sorry, I didn't have a chance to clean the egg out of my hair."
"Oh, that's alright." Alice said, her voice squeaking slightly as she wiped herself off, "Um, here, I can help you."
"No, no, it's okay." Tae-Hyun said, pulling some paper towel out of the dispenser on the wall, "I can get it."
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Alice asked.
Tae-Hyun shook her head and ran the tap over a paper towel, "I don't know. I can clean my hair and my clothes by myself, but more people might go after me."
"I don't think so." Alice said, "That was just a few girls that got mad."
Tae-Hyun took off her hoodie and rubbed the paper towel on it.
"I suppose I don't need to wear this all the time anymore." Tae-Hyun said, sighing. She looked up at Alice and said, "You don't need to wait here if you don't want to."
"No, I'll wait." Alice said,  smiling.
Tae-Hyun smiled back and said, "Thank you."

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 12

My friends and I got off the bus the following Monday and Leo spotted Tae-Hyun getting out of her brother Kyung-Sam's car. She was wearing her usual gray hoodie and black baggy jeans.
"Hey, I'll see you guys in homeroom." Leo said.
We all 'oohed' and Alice said teasingly, "Going to see your girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend, Alice." Leo said.
I smirked and said, "Just your crush who loves you who you kissed last week?"
"A-and one other time..." Leo said quietly.
"It's true." Chris said, "I was there."
Leo sighed and nodded. He jogged over to Tae-Hyun.
"Hey, Tae-Hyun." He said to her.
"Hi, Leo." Tae-Hyun said.
Leo studied her face, "Hey, are you okay?"
Tae-Hyun nodded, "Yes, but I am a little scared."
"Because of the dance?" Leo said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made you go."
"You didn't make me go, Leo." Tae-Hyun said, "I chose to go because I wanted to go."
Leo smiled weakly and said, "So, you're okay with your secret being out?"
Tae-Hyun shrugged and sighed, "Well, I guess I will have to."
Leo held her hand and said, "You'll be fine. I'll make sure no one comes near you."
Tae-Hyun smiled shyly and said, "You know, Leo, you don't have to protect me all the time. I can take care of myself."
"I know, I know..." Leo said, "I just don't want you to get hurt."
Tae-Hyun smiled and Leo said, "I love you."
"I love you, too." Tae-Hyun said, giggling, "Come on, let's go."
They walked into the school and were instantly greeted by ten or fifteen girls.
Girls?
They were all crossing their arms and pursing their lips.
Leo recognized a few of them. A lot of them were cheerleaders and popular girls.
Tae-Hyun and Leo exchanged a look.
"Tae-Hyun, you tricked us into thinking you were a guy." One of the girls wearing an Aeropostale shirt said, "Now, you will pay."
Tae-Hyun swallowed audibly and her grip tightened around Leo's hand.
"It's okay," Leo whispered, "They can't hurt you, they're just cheerleaders."
"Cheerleaders are extremely athletic, Leo." Tae-Hyun whispered back, "And I can take care of myself. Really."
The girls crowded around Leo and Tae-Hyun, getting closer. They all raised their hands; They were holding eggs.
"Oh, no." Tae-Hyun said.
The girls threw the eggs at them and Leo threw his arms around Tae-Hyun to protect her.
Tae-Hyun shrieked when the eggs hit her and Leo.
"That's what you get for lying to all of us." Melonie, one of the cheerleaders said to Tae-Hyun, "Did you do it to get into the boys' bathroom, or to get with girls?"
She shook her head and the girls walked away.
Leo and Tae-Hyun were crouched on the floor, Leo with his arms around Tae-Hyun. Slowly, they both stood up straight and looked down the hall where the girls had left.
Tae-Hyun's lower lip quivered and she sniffed.
"Hey, it's okay." Leo said, "We can get you cleaned up before homeroom."
He grasped Tae-Hyun's wrist and she gently pushed him away.
"No, I can get me cleaned up." She said softly, "It's okay. I can do it myself."
"Oh, okay." Leo said, "You sure?"
Tae-Hyun nodded sadly and walked down the hall to the girls' bathroom.
She pushed open the bathroom door and went inside.
A few girls were already there and two of them scowled at Tae-Hyun. One girl threw a tube of lipstick at her and yelled, "Poser!"
Another yelled, "Pervert!"
The other girls started throwing things and Tae-Hyun ran into one of the stalls. She locked the door and pressed her back against the wall.
Tae-Hyun waited silently until the girls left. Then, she began to cry.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 11

Geoffry held out his hand to Mouse, "I only want to dance with you tonight."

Mouse swallowed and her face turned red.

Geoffry smirked at her, pleased with himself for making her blush.

"Come on," Geoffry said, "Just one song."

The song "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray started playing.

Mouse scowled at Geoffry and said quietly, "If I dance with you for one song, will you leave me alone afterwards?"

"Sure." Geoffry said, smiling.

Mouse sighed and reluctantly took his hand.

Geoffry grinned and lead her out to the gym floor.

Mouse stared down at her feet when they got to the center of the floor.

Geoffry took her hand and put his hand on her waist.

Mouse slapped his hand away, so Geoffry put his hand on her shoulder instead.

Mouse turned her red face to the floor the entire time and Geoffry gazed at her, smiling kindly.

I sat alone by the wall, bored and miserable.

I glanced up and my eyes widened. Mouse was dancing with Geoffry.

"What the..." I said out loud, cocking my head.

Mouse was staring down at the floor, but Geoffry was looking at her face.

I was so lost. I didn't even try to figure it out on my own and I decided I would bug Mouse about it later.

I put my chin in my hands and watched people dance miserably.

I looked up and saw someone walking toward me; Tina.

Her hair was dyed red, and I don't mean red like Kathy or Alice's hair, I mean red like a fire truck. She was wearing a short dress that was mostly sea green and yellow tulle and it had green rhinestones all over it. It didn't go with her red hair or her pink and white polka dotted high heels at all.

"Hi, Angie." Tina said.

"Uh, hi." I said, "Nice dress."

Tina smiled and said, "Thanks. I like yours too."

She looked around and asked, "Where are your friends?"

"Dancing." I said flatly, "Chris was with Geoffry, he felt bad and now he's with Alice. Then Geoffry went after Mouse. Now Tae-Hyun's here and Leo's with her."

Yes, I just referred to Tae-Hyun as her. No use claiming she's a boy when she's wearing a pink prom dress and a rose in her hair.

Tina's expression stayed the same, calm, and she simply tilted her head to the side.

"Leo and Tae-Hyun?" She asked.

I pointed toward them. They had their arms around each other and Tae-Hyun had her head on Leo's chest.

"I didn't know Tae-Hyun was a girl." Tina said casually.

"None of us did." I said, "She had a plan to come here and pretend to be a boy, yada yada yada..."

"I see." Tina said, looking back at me. She looked at me for a while and she held out her hand, "Want to dance?"

I looked at Tina's hand, then at her face. Emotionless, as usual. Was she serious?

"Umm..." I said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a girl."

"Yes..."

"And I'm a girl." I said awkwardly.

Tina shrugged, "So?"

I looked at her and said, "Uh, sure..."

Tina took my hand and lead me to the dance floor.

She put her hand that wasn't holding mine on my shoulder and I did the same.

It felt really weird dancing with a girl. I was a little embarrassed.

"I really love this song." Tina said in her usual half-there tone.

A song I recognized, but couldn't name was playing.

Follow me, everything is alright. I'll be the one to tuck you in at night and if you want to leave, I can guarantee you won't find nobody else like me.

I realized I was doing was Mouse was doing to Geoffry. I wouldn't look at Tina's face, but she was looking right at me.

That was really rude.

I looked her in the eyes. Tina had green eyes, like me. I noticed her hair and her clothes were really fancy, but she wasn't wearing any makeup.

"You don't wear makeup, do you, Tina?" I asked.

Tina shook her head, "Nope. People shouldn't feel like they have to cover up their face to be beautiful."

When I was around Tina, some of the things she said made me feel really stupid. She wasn't being mean or anything, she just sounded a lot smarter than me.

Tina could probably beat the world record of longest staring contest.

I got uncomfortable and looked away from her.

"So, is Tae-Hyun doing better?" Tina asked.

I looked at her and said, "From when we went to camp?"

Tina nodded.

"Oh, yeah. She's a lot better." I said.

"Good." Tina said, "What's her real name?"

"What?"

"What's her real name?" Tina repeated, "Tae-Hyun is a boy's name in Korea. What is her birth name?"

The question hadn't occurred to me. I knew nothing about Korea.

"I don't know." I said, "You should ask her."

Tina nodded, "Good idea."

Niether of us said anything for a few minutes. The silence was killing me.

Tina is great and I think I'm glad to know her, but it's impossible to know what she's thinking, what she's going to do next, or how she knows so much about life. I still can't get it through my head how she's so nonchalant about everything all the time.

"So," I said, breaking the silence, "What made you die your hair?"

Tina shrugged, "I was sick of it being the same all the time."

Was she kidding? Tina has a different hairstyle every single day and almost never repeats her ideas.

I snickered and Tina tilted her head to the side.

"What?" She said.

"That's just kind of silly." I said, "You change your hair every day. What do you mean you're 'sick of it being the same all the time'?"

"I always change the style of my hair, not the color." Tina said.

I nodded, "Ahh..."

Mom picked up Chris, Alice, Leo, Mouse, and I an hour later. You can only stay at a school dance for so long.
"So, kids, how was the dance?"
Mouse, Chris, and I all said, "Weird."
"It was wonderful." Leo said, dazed and beaming.
"How was it weird?" Mom asked, looking at us in the car mirror.
"Geoffry was surprisingly okay with me leaving him to dance with Alice." Chris said.
"I danced with a girl." I said.
"So did I." Mouse said.
We all looked at Mouse.
"Who did you dance with?" Leo asked.
"Geoffry." Mouse said through clenched teeth.
Leo gaped at her and Chris said, "You danced with him?"
"Yes." Mouse said, looking pissed, "He said he would leave me alone if I danced with him."
Mom gushed, "Ohh, Mousey!"
"Mom!" Chris shrieked, "That's not a good thing! She just danced with my boyfriend!"
"Who you ditched at the dance." I said.
Mom looked at us in the mirror and said, "I'm confused..."
I explained, "Chris felt bad about not going to the dance with Alice, so he told Geoffry that and Geoffry didn't care."
"He did so care!" Chris said.
I looked at him and said, "Yeah? Name one thing that he did to show that he cared?"
"He kissed me on the cheek." Chris said, crossing his arms, "And... He..."
We all looked at Chris. He furrowed his brow and, shaking his head, said, "Never mind."
"I danced with Tae-Hyun." Leo said, grinning stupidly.
I saw Mom knit her eyebrows in the mirror.
"Tae-Hyun's a girl, Mom." I said casually.
Mom looked really confused now.
My eyes got really wide when I realized something.
"Holy crap," I said, "I went out with a girl."
"Didn't you say you also danced with a girl tonight?" Mouse said.
I nodded slowly.
"Wow," Chris said, "I guess homosexuality runs in the family.
"I'm not a lesbian, Chris." I said.
Chris shrugged and said, "Sure."
"She looked so beautiful." Leo said dopily, "With that Rose in her hair and that pink dress."
"Well, Angie, it's okay to be whatever you want to be." Mom said.
"Mom!" I cried.
"What?" Mom said, "I'm just letting you know that I'm fine with whatever path you choose."
There was a pause and Chris said, "Or both paths."
"CHRIS! COME ON!" I exclaimed.
Chris, Mouse, and Alice started laughing.
"That's it, I'm in love with her." Leo said.
We all looked at him
"Where did that come from?" Alice said.
Leo swung his head to look at her, grinning away, "Tae-Hyun. She's so beautiful. She's smart and funny and cute and-"
"Leo," Mouse said.
"Huh?"
"Shut up." Mouse said, "You're making me want to vomit, almost as much as Geoffry does."
"You better stay away from him." Chris said, pointing a finger at Mouse.
"Chris..." Mom said sharply.
Mouse snorted, "Don't worry, Chris. I'm not interested in your little transvestite boyfriend..."
"And she kissed me." Leo said, sighing, "Best. Night. Ever."
"Shut up, Leo." Mouse said.
Mom stopped the car and said, "Okay, we're at Alice's house."
Alice got out of the car and Chris said, "Bye, Allie."
"Bye, Chris." Alice said, "Bye, guys. Thanks for the ride, Mrs. Harper."
"No problem, Alice." Mom said, waving out the window, "Goodnight."
We watched Alice go into her house and Mom drove Mouse and Leo home.
"So, Angie." Chris said, putting his hands behind his head and crossing his legs, "Who did you end up dancing with?"
"Tina." I said.
Chris furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Who?"
"Tina Fackler." I said.
"Ohh..." Chris said, "The giraffe girl?"
I nodded, "Yeah. It was weird, I was just sitting by the wall and she came over and asked me if I wanted to dance?"
"Do you think she likes you?" Chris asked, grinning.
I shook my head, "It's impossible to tell with Tina."
"Good point." Chris said.
Mom smiled and said, "Well, I'm glad you kids had fun."
"Yeah, we did." Chris said, beaming.
I nodded slowly.


"Yeah..."

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 10

As Mouse was walking down the hall, coming from the bathroom, Geoffry came up to her with a smirk on his face. She was about to open the gymnasium door, but Geoffry put his hand in the doorway.

Mouse crossed her arms and said "What do you want, Blondie?"

Geoffry smirked at Mouse and said, "I want you to dance with me."

"Oh, give me a break." Mouse sneered.

"What do you mean?" Geoffry said.

"You wouldn't dance with me if I was the last person alive." Mouse said, shoving past him.

Geoffry followed her to the gymnasium and said, "Yes, I would."

"No, you wouldn't." Mouse said, pushing open the gym door, "Now piss off. Go dance with your boyfriend."

Geoffry stepped in front of her and said, "Want a drink? I'll get you a soda."

Mouse scowled at him and said dryly, "Sure, Geoffry. Get me a soda."

Geoffry smiled and winked at her. He went and got a cup of soda and came back.

Mouse took the drink and looked down at it. Then, she dumped it over Geoffry's head.

Geoffry spit out the soda and looked down at the floor.

"Well, that didn't go exactly as I thought it would." He said, wiping his face with his hand.

Mouse smiled tightly and said, "Then you clearly don't know me. Now beat it."

Geoffry spit out more soda and a slow smile spread across his face.

"I'd like to know you." He held out a hand, "Are you sure you wouldn't like to dance?"

"No, I wouldn't." Mouse said sharply, stepping toward him, "Now leave me alone."

Geoffry twirled his fingers around in the air and said, "Come on, Tiffany-"

Mouse shoved Geoffry against the gym wall and said, "Don't you ever call me that. Ever. In fact, don't call me anything ever! I don't want anything to do with you, you preppy Brit!"

"Ooh," Geoffry said, pursing his lips, "It seems like somebody's in denial."

Mouse glared at him for a while and let him off the wall.

"Piss off, Geoffry." She said, "Go find Mabel or something."

"I want you, Mouse." Geoffry said, smirking, "I want only you."

Mouse scowled for a long time, at loss for words.

Chris came through the crowd; Geoffry wasn't with him.

Leo and I exchanged a confused look.

Alice was looking down at her lap and she didn't notice him. Chris tapped her shoulder and she looked up.

"Hi." Chris said.

"Hi." Alice said, looking up at him.

Chris held out his hand and said, "Come on, I want to talk to you about what happened."

Alice nodded solemnly and followed Chris to the dance floor.

They walked out to where people were dancing. Alice held one of Chris' hands and set her other hand on his shoulder.

Chris put his hand on Alice's shoulder and said, "Alice, I'm really sorry about Geoffry."

"No, no, you shouldn't be." Alice said, "I was jealous because you and I usually go the the dance together, but you had all the right to go with Geoffry. You two are dating."

Chris smiled and said, "Okay."

Alice nodded, a little disappointed, and Chris said, "I missed making matching clothes with you this time."

Alice laughed and said, "Yeah."

Then, she frowned, "Wait, what about Geoffry?"

Chris glanced over his shoulder and said, "Oh, he's fine. He's with Mouse."

Alice's big eyes widened and Chris did a double take.

"Mouse???" He exclaimed.

Chris and Alice gawked at Geoffry and Mouse as Geoffry gave Mouse a drink. Then, Mouse poured the drink on his head.

Alice shrugged and said to Chris, "Ah, they're fine."

Leo and I sat by the wall; Leo was sulking and twiddling his fingers.

I leaned over to him and said gently, "Are you thinking about Tae-Hyun?"

Leo's lips tightened around his teeth and he said, "Yeah... I am."

He ran his fingers through his hair and said, "She should be here."

"Leo..." I said, "I don't think she's coming."

"She might." Leo said sharply, looking at me.

There was a pause before he closed his eyes and said, "Sorry. I just..."

"You want her to be here with you." I said, smiling. "I understand."

Leo nodded and hung his head sadly.

"Well... At least if she doesn't come, then her secret is safe." I said.

"If her secret is safe, then I can't be with her." Leo cried suddenly.

I didn't say anything. I got what he was saying. If everyone thought Tae-Hyun was a boy, Leo had to act like she was a boy, right?

Leo bit his lip and said, standing up, "Well, just... Yeah, um..."

"You love her." I said, grinning, "You totally love her."

"Angela, stop..." Leo said, blushing.

"You are totally in love with her!" I said, laughing.

Leo looked at me and said, "Ange, really. You're being really immature."

"That's really sweet." I said, teasing, "You love her."

Leo shook his head and said, "Whatever. Yeah, sure, I love her, but I can't tell her that if everyone thinks she's a guy. It'll blow her cover."

The song that was playing changed to 'The Only Exception' by Paramore.

I looked around Leo and smiled.

"I don't think you have to worry about that anymore." I said.

Leo cocked his head to the side and said, "Huh?"

I gestured for him to turn around and he did.

Leo's jaw dropped.

Standing in the doorway was Tae-Hyun. To my surprise, she was wearing a light pink, floor-length dress with tulle roses that reminded me of Cinderella.

She walked over to us, smiling.

Leo's face was practically glowing. He walked to her and said, "My God, you- You look beautiful!"

Tae-Hyun chuckled and blushed, "Thank you."

She held out her hand, "Want to dance?"

Leo looked back at me and I nodded excitedly.

He looked at Tae-Hyun, took her hand, and ran out to the dance floor with her.

I listened to the music, smiled, and watched my friends dance. Leo and Tae-Hyun were so sweet.

Tae-Hyun set her hands on Leo's shoulders and Leo put his arms around her waist.

"I'm really glad you came." Leo said, "But..."

Tae-Hyun cocked her head and said, "What?"

"You... Didn't come because you thought you had to, did you?" Leo said, "I'm sorry I messed up your plan."

Tae-Hyun smiled, "You didn't mess up my plan. I messed up my plan."

Leo smiled back and said, "Tae-Hyun, there's... Something I want to tell you."

Tae-Hyun's smile faded a little. She looked really anxious, but excited.

Leo stared at her for a long time and said, "I love you."

Tae-Hyun put her hand over her mouth and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Hey, don't cry." Leo said, smiling and blushing, "I don't want to make you cry."

"It's not a bad thing." Tae-Hyun said, laughing and crying, "Because... I love you, too, Leo."

Leo beamed and hugged Tae-Hyun. She hugged him back.

I sat by the wall, watching Leo and Tae-Hyun. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but they both looked really happy and they hugged.

Some people were staring at Leo and Tae-Hyun, but they didn't notice.

Tae-Hyun looked up at Leo and they smiled at each other.
Tae-Hyun put her hands behind Leo's head and Leo's heart started beating fast.
She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips.
Leo kissed her back and hugged her waist.
Alice tapped Chris on the shoulder and pointed across the room, "Chris, look."
Chris turned around and looked at Tae-Hyun and Leo.
Chris' eyes widened and he said, "Wow."
"Is that... Tae-Hyun?" Alice said, cocking her head.
Chris looked at her and swallowed.
"Uhhmmm...." He said slowly, "You see, Alice..."
"Tae-Hyun's a girl?" Alice asked, confused.
Chris bit his lip and said slowly, "Yeaahhh..."
He looked back at Leo and Tae-Hyun and giggled, "You've got to admit, they're so adorable."
"I am so confused." Alice said.


"I can explain later." Chris said.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 9

Geoffry drove Chris to the dance an hour before the rest of us left.

Alice came over about ten minutes after they left. She was wearing a white sleeveless dress with a black ribbon around the middle and black lace on the bottom and the top of it.

"Ooh," I said, "Very pretty."

"Thanks." Alice said, "So is yours."

I smiled and looked down at my gold dress, "Thank you. Hey, can you help me?"

"Sure." Alice helped me fix my hair.

 There was a knock at the door and Mom answered it. It was Leo and Mouse.

"Oh, hey, kids." Mom said, "Come in."

Leo looked at me and said, "Wow. Uh, nice dress."

"I know, aren't they beautiful?" Mom said, smiling.

"Thanks." Alice and I said.

"Oh, we were supposed to dress up?" Mouse said sarcastically. She had on all black clothes.

I laughed and said, "So, what brings you here, Mousey?"

Mouse shrugged, "It's better than sitting at home."

Alice and I looked at each other and I said, "Wow, that's a first."

Leo laughed and said, "Yeah, that's what I said."

He was wearing a tux with a black tie. I'll admit Leo doesn't look bad in a suit.

Mom drove the four of us to our school and tried to take pictures of us. We all smiled tightly for a picture, then ran for the gymnasium, where the dance was.

When we came into the gym, the song Dynamite by what's-his-face was playing. The music at our school dances is almost always pop music because the staff lets the students request music.

For a long time, Leo, Alice, Mouse, and I just sat in the 'loner chairs' in the corner, where all the kids without dates sit and gawk at the people dancing.

"Oh, hey, guys." Lester came over to us. He was wearing a suit that was too big for him and gray. It was probably his dad's or something.

"Mind if I join you?"

We all shrugged and Lester sat down by us. He gestured to Leo and I and said, "Why don't you two dance or something?"

Leo and I gave Lester a look and he looked down at his lap.

A while later, Chris and Geoffry came over to us. Chris beamed and waved at us, "Hi, guys!"

"Oh, look. He noticed us." I said.

Chris frowned and said, "Come on, Angie, don't be that way."

Lester gaped at Chris and Geoffry and looked back and forth between them.

"Are you guys..." Lester said, "Dating?"

Geoffry nodded and put his arm around Chris' waist.

"Yep. Wanna see something awesome?" Geoffry said, and he gave Chris a kiss on the lips.

Lester's eyes widened.

Chris blushed and put one hand on his hot cheek, "Oh, Geoffry. Do you have to do that here?"

"What are you supposed to do at school dances?" Geoffry said, smiling and stroking Chris' cheek.

"Dance?" I suggested.

Geoffry glared at me and Lester said, "What... Was that?"

"You're totally turned on, I can tell." Geoffry said with a smirk, "Want me to do it again?"

"No, no..." Lester said, "Don't do it again."

I couldn't tell if he was freaked out or enchanted. Lester is one of those people who you can never know what he's thinking.

Chris and Geoffry left us again after a while. But, then Jenny came over to us.
"Hi," She said, smiling warmly, "Have any of you guys seen Kathy?"
Leo shook his head, "I don't think she came. Why?"
Jenny shrugged and said, "Ah, I don't know."
"Hi." Lester said to her.
"Hi." Jenny said.
Lester stared at her for a second and stood up, "Do you wanna dance?"
Jenny laughed and said, "Sure."
Lester raised his eyebrows and said, "Really?"
"Yeah, come on, let's dance." Jenny said.
A goofy grin broke across Lester's face and Jenny pulled him to the dance floor.
I grinned at Alice and Leo, but they both looked sad.

Chris danced with Geoffry with his arms around Geoffry's neck and Geoffry's hands on his hips.
Geoffry was smiling warmly at him, but Chris was thinking about Alice.
Chris glanced through the crowd to where Alice was sitting.
"She looks so sad..." Chris said softly.
"Hm?" Geoffry said.
Chris stared sadly at Geoffry for a long time.
Geoffry's smile faded and he said, "What is it, Honey? What's wrong?"
Chris stroked Geoffry's hair with one hand and said, "Geoffry... I-I'm sorry, but I can't do this."
"Do what?" Geoffry asked, "Dance? Make out later?"
"Yes." Chris said, "I love you, but... The dances, they're..."
Chris sighed, "They're kind of me and Alice's thing. We always go to school dances together, as friends. I know, I sound like a jerk, but..."
Geoffry put a finger to Chris' lips and said, "Chris, it's okay. Don't worry about it, go dance with your friend."
Chris looked surprised and said, "Really?"
Geoffry nodded and smooched Chris on the cheek.
"Yeah. Go have fun." Geoffry said. Then he smacked Chris' butt and Chris let out a little surprised yelp.
Chris furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 8

Jenny sat in the bleachers at the end of cheerleading practice. She watched the other cheerleaders talk and laugh a few yards away and she remembered a scene in a movie that she saw once.
Jenny started humming the song from the scene. Then, she got up and walked over to the other girls.
"Kathy," Jenny said.
Kathy looked at her and said, "Hm?"
Jenny stared at Kathy for a long time.
"Do you know the song 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'?" Jenny asked.
Kathy furrowed her brow and said, "What?"
"It's by The Beatles." Jenny said, "Um... Never mind. It's just this song that's stuck in my head."
Kathy nodded, "Okay..."
Jenny turned around and walked back to the bleachers. She felt like an idiot.




"Well, that was a worthless conversation." Jenny said to herself.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 7

I walked to our table at lunch. Alice was already there.
"Hi, Alice." I said, sitting down next to her.
"Hi, Angie..." She replied.
I furrowed my brow and said, "Hey, are you okay?"
Alice picked through her mashed potatoes and said glumly, "Yeah, I'm fine..."
I took her fork out of her hand and she continued moving her hand as if she was still stirring her food with the fork.
"Alice." I said.
She looked at me sadly and I said, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing..." Alice sighed, taking the fork back, "Just..."
"Just what?" I pried.
Alice stirred her food more and said, "Chris is going to the dance... With Geoffry."
My eyes widened a little and I said, "Really?"
Alice nodded sadly and I said, "But.... Chris always goes with you."
Alice gave me a look and I said, "Oh... I get it now."
Alice looked back at her lunch and breathed in. She was trying not to cry.
"It's just..." Alice said, "He's my best friend and... It's a tradition. We always make our own matching clothes and go to the school dances together. It shouldn't be making me sad, I mean, Chris and Geoffry are dating. They can go to dances together."
"But it was always your thing." I said understandingly, "Is it possible that you're a little jealous that Geoffry gets to be with Chris?"
Alice stared down at her food and a tear fell onto her tray.
"I'm sorry, Alice." I said.
"No," Alice said, wiping her face, "Chris doesn't like girls the way I like him. I've known him for ten years, I should have gotten used to that by now."
"Well," I said, "I feel your pain. Geoffry's an asshole."
Then, I realized how hard it probably was for Alice to watch Chris and Geoffry kiss at our movie night.
"No, he's not, Angie." Alice said, "We're biased. I don't want Geoffry to be with Chris because I like Chris, and you-"
"I don't like him because I think he's dangerous." I said, "It's not your fault, Alice."
Alice sniffled and a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Hey, it's okay." I said.
Chris and Geoffry walked over and sat down.
Right away, Alice got up and walked away.
"Alice!" Chris said.
"I have to go to the bathroom." Alice called back.
Chris stood up and I said, "Chris, you can't go into the girls' bathroom with her."
"Your sister's right, Baby." Geoffry said, smooching Chris' cheek, "She's a smart girl."
Geoffry smirked at me and I grimaced back.
Leo, Mouse, and Tae-Hyun came and sat down.
"Hey, Angela." Leo said.
"Hi." I said.
Mouse looked around and said, "Hey, where's the ginger?"
"Bathroom." I said, turning to look across the table at Chris and Geoffry, "So, I heard you two are going to the dance together."
Chris looked at me, looking concerned, and Geoffry hugged him closer.
"Yep." Geoffry said, "Won't we look just adorable in matching tuxes?"
I smiled tightly and said, "No, not really."
Geoffry scowled at me and Chris said, "Oh, no. That's not why Alice left, is it?"
"Of course not, Dumbass." I said sharply, "Why would she cry over you?"
Chris looked hurt and Geoffry said, "What is your problem, Angie? Why don't you just leave Chris alone?"
"Why don't you leave Chris alone?" I said, "And don't call me Angie."
"You are so rude, Angela." Geoffry said, pouting.
Mouse said, "Shut up, Pretty Boy."
Geoffry looked at Mouse and smiled flirtily, but I don't think Chris noticed.
Mouse grimaced and looked away.
Tae-Hyun and Leo talked amongst themselves about something completely different, trying to stay out of the conversation.
Alice came back into the lunchroom and sat down next to me.
"Hey, you're back." Leo said to her.
Alice nodded and smiled weakly.
Geoffry eyed her and ran his fingers through Chris' hair.
Alice glanced at him, then looked down at her lunch tray.




Geoffry is such a jerk.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 6

That day in Social Studies (the teachers usually make their announcements in either Social Studies or French), the school coordinator, Ms. Chao, came in and told us about the events going on for the next month.
"At the end of the month," Ms. Chao said, pausing dramatically, "We'll have our fall dance!"
Everyone started chattering at once.
"Now, now, I know you're all excited." Ms. Chao said, adding, "It'll be a lot of fun. Be sure to bring a date."
I slumped down in my seat. Was she directing that comment at me or something?
I never bring a date to the dance. Usually, I go with Chris and Alice and Leo, but Leo's probably going to bring someone this year. Michelle got really pissed off at him when he brought Kathy to the last dance.


During passing time, Tae-Hyun closed her locker and Leo was standing there.
Tae-Hyun smiled and said, brushing her hair out of her face, "Oh, hi, Leo."
"Guess what?" Leo said with a smile, "You should come to the dance."
"Shh!" Tae-Hyun said, lowering her voice, "I'm sorry, Leo, but I can't go."
"Why?"
Tae-Hyun gave Leo a look and said, gesturing to her clothes, "I'm a boy, remember? If I go to the dance with you, it might blow my cover."
Leo's smile faded and he said, disappointed, "Oh, yeah..."
Tae-Hyun said sadly, "I'm sorry, I wish I could go. I really do."
A slow smile spread across Leo's face and he said, "You should go anyway."
"No, Leo." Tae-Hyun shook her head, "I will be tormented forever."
Leo nodded sadly and said softly, "Okay. I'll see you later, Dude."
Tae-Hyun opened her mouth to say more, but Leo had already turned to walk to Study Hall.


When Chris was at his locker, Alice ran up to him and said excitedly, "Hi, Chris! Do you have any ideas for what we're going to wear for the dance?"
"Alice..." Chris said, closing his locker.
"You always have some pretty extravagant ideas." Alice said, beaming.
Chris bit his lip and said, "Alice, I'm not sure how to tell you this, but..."
Just then, Geoffry came up and slid his arm around Chris' waist.
"I'm so sorry, Alice. Chris and I are already going together." Geoffry said, giving her an obviously fake sympathetic look, "Sorry."
Alice's smile faded and she looked from Chris' reluctant expression to Geoffry's mocking pout.
"Oh, um, it's okay." Alice said, tucking her reddish hair behind her ear, "I can just... Find someone else."
"Yeah, or stay home or something." Geoffry said, smiling and pulling Chris to his chest.
Alice glanced at Chris; He had an 'I'm sorry' look in his eyes.
Alice looked back at Geoffry and smiled weakly.
"Yeah, something like that." She said, turning to leave, "You kids have fun."
"Alice..." Chris said, but Alice was already walking away.
Chris looked up at Geoffry and said, "Did you have to be so blunt?"
Geoffry put Chris' head to his chest and stroked his hair.
"She'll be fine, Darling." Geoffry said, smirking, "Don't worry about Alice. She can read a book or something."
Chris was about to say something, but Geoffry said, "Come along, Sweetheart. Let's go to sixth hour."
"I don't have sixth hour with you." Chris said.
"Well, I can walk you Study Hall." Geoffry said.
Chris smiled up at him. Geoffry could be sooo sweet.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 5

On the way to school on Monday, I left before Chris did. He jogged out of the house and met me.
"Hey, Angie." He said.
I glared at him and adjusted my books in my arms.
Chris furrowed his brow and said, "Don't look at me like that. What's wrong?"
"You know what's wrong." I said, "You and your little boyfriend's touching session during the party."
"'Touching session?'" Chris snorted, "Really, Angie, I think you're exaggerating."
"He had his hand on your ass!" I said, "What the hell do you call that?"
Chris pursed his lips and said, "He's my boyfriend, Angie-"
"I know he's your 'boyfriend', that doesn't mean he can touch you like that." I said, "Especially in front of company. That was really rude of you guys."
Chris crossed his arms and said snottily, "So, does that mean you'd prefer we did it in private?"
"No, Chris." I said, "You're not listening to me. I'm telling you that you need to be more careful about him."
"You just hate him." Chris said.
"No, I don't 'just hate him'." I said, "I know him too. You even said you understand why I'm like that around him. You know that you can't trust Geoffry 100% all the time. Listen to me."
Chris scowled at me.
"I know that you like Geoffry." I said, "I know you're in a relationship with him... Just be careful with what you let him do. Remember what happened last time?"
Then I remembered what happened 'last time'. Geoffry had put his hand down the back of Chris' pants and Chris 'broke up' with him and wouldn't talk to anyone for a week. This time, Geoffry had grabbed Chris' butt and Chris didn't care at all. I was suddenly a little freaked out.
"Geoffry changed, Angie." Chris said through clenched teeth, "He's better than that."
Oh, so now instead of touching your butt, he'll touch your crotch if you ask him to? I thought. I would never actually say something like that, but you have no idea how tempted I was this time.
"Is he really?" I said.
Chris narrowed his eyes at me and nodded.
"Okay," I said, patting his shoulder, "Just be careful."
I walked ahead and Chris dragged his feet.
His expression softened sadly and he wondered if all of what he had just said was really true.

Cool With A "K" PART 25 - CHAPTER 4

On Friday, during our "movie night", I tried hard to watch the movie... But it was a little hard when my brother was making out with his boyfriend about a foot away from me on the couch.

Just... Ignore them, Angie. I thought, clenching my jaw, Just watch the movie and enjoy your friends' company.

I glanced over at Chris and Geoffry, sucking face next to me, and rethought the last part.

Leo, Tae-Hyun, Alice, and Kathy sat on the floor in front of us. Poor, unfortunate Mouse was sitting on the other side of me, on the couch.

I glanced over at Chris and Geoffry. Geoffry put his hand on Chris' butt and I gave him a death glare. 

Geoffry glanced at me and kissed Chris more. He might have even had his tongue in Chris' mouth. Gross.

Was Geoffry trying to piss me off by making out with my brother in front of me?

Well, it was working. I rolled my eyes and tried to watch the movie.

Without backing off Chris, Geoffry shifted his gaze to Mouse. He stared at her until she looked at him with a "what the heck?" look on her face.

Mouse clenched her teeth and tried to watch the movie, just like me.

Then, Mom came in through the front door, "Hi, kids!"

Chris and Geoffry scooted away from each other in a split second and looked startled.

Mom put her hands on her hips and said, almost like she was teasing them, "Now, were you two just kissing?"

She saw them.

"No, Mrs. Harper."

"No, Mom."

Geoffry and Chris said at the same time.

Mouse and I grinned at each other.

Mom laughed and shook her finger, like Chris and Geoffry were so silly.

Chris and Geoffry exchanged a nervous look.

Mom laughed again and said, "Well, I'm out to play poker with the girls!"

"Mom," Chris said, annoyed, "Will you stop saying that?"

"Let the woman speak." I said.

Mom smiled and said, closing the door, "Well, have fun, kids."

She closed the door and Geoffry said quietly to Chris, "Oh, we will."

Chris giggled and I said, "Hey! Will you cut it out?"

"Cut what out?" Geoffry said, sliding his arm around Chris' waist, "I'm just spending time with my boyfriend."

He gave me one of those mocking and kind of threatening Geoffry stares.

"What's wrong with that?" Geoffry said.

I glared at him and looked back at the T.V.

Tae-Hyun and Leo sat in awkward silence.
Leo leaned over and whispered, "I'm sorry you have to sit through this."
"Hey, it's cool." Tae-Hyun said, looking at him, "It's fun to get to hang out with you guys."
Leo smiled warmly and said, "That's good."
They sat there and watched the movie.
Leo bit his lip and slowly put his arm around Tae-Hyun's shoulders.
Tae-Hyun's face got hot, all the way up to her ears.
Out of nowhere, Geoffry stuck his head in between them and said cheerily, "Oh, I didn't realize you two were together! In fact, I didn't know either of you were gay!"
"What?" Leo and Tae-Hyun said at the same time.
"Oh, no, no, no. W-we're not dating." Tae-Hyun said, gulping.
"Ooh, look at you blushing!" Geoffry said, pinching her cheek. Then, his smile faded and he looked confused.
Chris nervously leaned forward and said, "Oh, hey, Geoffry. Umm..."
Chris looked at me.
"Distract him." I mouthed.
Chris grabbed Geoffry's shirt and pulled him into a kiss.
I rolled my eyes. That was all he could think of?
Kathy watched Chris and Geoffry with a completely blank expression.
Geoffry ran his fingers through Chris' hair.
God, this was getting so annoying.
Just when I was about to crack, Mouse did for me.
"Chris! Geoffry!" She snapped.
Chris and Geoffry looked at her and Chris looked really irritated.
"Get a room!" Mouse said sharply.
Chris and Geoffry looked at each other, shrugged, and got up to leave.
"Ah ah ah!" I said, grabbing the tail of Chris' shirt as he walked by, "She meant 'stop making out', not 'go make out in Chris' room'."
Chris glared at me and he and Geoffry sat back down.
"Control yourselves." Leo said, shaking his head and turning back to the movie.
We sat in peace for a while. Then my eyes darted defensively toward my left.
Geoffry's hand krept toward Chris and set itself on Chris' thigh.
Chris smirked at Geoffry and leaned toward him and I cleared my throat loudly.
"Hey, you know what? I think that we should all get to know each other better. You know, sit with different people then we usually would want to." I said, squeezing in right in between Chris and Geoffry.
They both glared at me and I smiled proudly.
Then, believe it or not, they leaned over me and kissed.
"What, are there magnets in your faces?" I said, and I literally put my hands in between Chris and Geoffry's heads and pulled them apart.
After that, Geoffry gave up pissing me off and actually watched the freaking movie.
Kathy looked back at the boys emotionlessly and accidentally caught my eye.
I smiled at her and said, "You doing okay?"
Kathy didn't say anything and her expression didn't change. She nodded and turned back around.
I caught Geoffry looking suspiciously at Tae-Hyun and Leo.
When I looked at Geoffry, his eyes darted back to the T.V.




Oh, great. Had he figured out that Tae-Hyun was a girl?