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It was a normal school day for all of them. Saeyoung being busy with his laptop (or pranking Yoosung), Jumin being his serious and calm self while reading a book in his seat, Zen looking at himself in the mirror, Saeran eating sundae (making sure the teacher doesn’t notice), Jaehee listening attentively to the lecture, Yoosung sneakily sleeping in class and Jihyun drawing something in his notebook—no one knew that an arrival of a stranger will shake up their worlds.
The teacher stopped in the middle of the lecture when someone knocked on the door.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Come in.” the teacher greeted the person outside the door.
At first, no one paid any attention as they thought it was just another school campaign for some event. However, the person went inside the classroom and someone said unconsciously, “Wow.” Thus, it made everyone look at the one who entered.
“Let me introduce to you, she’s your new classmate.” the teacher announced.
Wide-eyed, as if they can’t believe what is in front of their eyes, both Jumin and Saeyoung stood up and shouted respectively, “Elizabeth the 3rd?” and “Elly?”
“Do you know them, Ms. Blue?” the teacher asked the girl.
“No, Ma’am. I am not familiar with them. But how did you know my name? I am indeed Elizabeth, well, not the 3rd but... you are right. My name is Elizabeth Blue. Pleasure to meet you all. I am hoping to get along with everyone. Thank you.” the girl announced, still with a confused and curious face. She is wondering how two strangers—now, her classmates—knew her name.
“Welcome, Ms. Blue. Take your seats, Mr. Han and Mr. Choi. You, Ms. Blue, can sit beside Mr. Kim, the one with the blue hair.”
The teacher added an announcement, “I’ll stop the lecture for now. The rest of the period is self study. I will be in the teachers’ office to take care of some documents for Ms. Blue’s transfer. Be good to your new classmate!”
After bowing in front of the class, Elizabeth went to her designated seat. She looked at her seat mate, who’s staring at her as well. What’s wrong with these people? They look at me as if they know me. As if reading her thoughts, Jihyun told her, “Oh, hi, Miss Blue. I’m sorry for staring. I know that it was rude. We just couldn’t believe the resemblance. My name is Jihyun Kim, you can call me Jihyun or V. Pleasure to meet you.”
The transfer student smiled warmly as she felt the kindness in Jihyun’s voice. She said, “Pleasure to meet you too, Jihyun. Resemblance? What do you mean?” At the same time, as soon as the teacher went outside, all of Jihyun’s friends and other classmates rushed to Elizabeth’s seat to check her out or to welcome her.
“Hi, Elizabeth! You’re so beautiful!” one of her classmates said.
“Where are you from? America?”
“You’re so pretty! Like you’re shining!”
She can’t recognize who’s saying what anymore since they are speaking all at the same time.
“Thank you, everyone. Um... I’m a Korean, like you all. I...” she told everyone. Some attempted to ask her more questions, but Saeyoung interrupted, “Hey! Don’t you see that she’s uncomfortable by what you’re doing? Ask her one at a time. Don’t scare her.”
Utters of apology were heard as they realized that they were too excited. One by one, they went to their usual places and left the transfer student, except Saeyoung and the others.
“Okay, we’re sorry about that. I’m Saeyoung Choi. I’ve been dying to talk to you, Elly!” He cheerfully greeted. Elizabeth was surprised since he was just wearing a serious expression a while ago when he told off their other classmates. Did he just give me a nickname? Oh. He’s the one earlier!
“Her name is Elizabeth, not Elly.” Jumin corrected the red-haired guy. He continued, “My name is Jumin Han. I apologize for my rude behavior a while ago. I know that it is of bad manners to just call someone of her first name when we are still strangers. I was just pleasantly shocked when I saw you.” He was shocked? Why? This is the other one who knew my name! The girl was about to ask something when the others continued introducing themselves. She let them proceed as she is curious as well, especially because she recognized someone—an actor she idolizes!
“Hi, pretty lady. Don’t mind that trust fund jerk. He’s just gonna talk about that furball. Never mind that, I’m Zen, well, my real name’s—“
Elizabeth, trying to hide her excitement, shyly added, “Hyun Ryu, right?”
“You know me? What an honor. A beauty like you knows my real name. You can call me Hyun or oppa if you like.” He said as he winked to the transfer student.
“Unfair! You’re an actor! Of course she knows you!” a blonde boy said. “Uh... I’m Yoosung Kim! Call me Yoosung! You... you’re really pretty... no... beautiful!” He blushed as he realized his confession.
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say.” The transfer student answered.
“Uh... you’re welcome!” Yoosung said embarrassed. “Your turn, Jaehee-noona!”
“My name is Jaehee Kang. You can call me Jaehee. Nice to meet you, Miss Blue.” She said as she smiled at Elizabeth to let her feel welcomed.
“This is my twin brother, by the way. He’s Saeran. He wants to talk to you. He’s just shy.” Saeyoung announced.
“What... what are you saying, idiot? Who’s shy?” Saeran blushed as he realized that Elizabeth was just looking at him while he was saying that. “Hello. You can just call me Saeran.”
“See? We have a tsundere here.” His twin brother teased.
Elizabeth stood up from her seat and faced the seven friends and bowed in front of them. This action surprised them. Elizabeth said as she looked at them with a bright smile, “Thank you for the introduction, Jihyun, Jumin, Saeyoung, Zen, Yoosung, Jaehee, and Saeran, right? Pleasure to meet you!”
All of their faces turned red as she mentioned each of their names.
Saeyoung tried to hide his flushed face and said, “Can I call you Elly? Pretty pleasseee?” He tried to look as cute as he can to make her agree.
“Saeyoung... right? Before that, I want to know how you knew my name. And you too, Jumin.”
“Calling us by our first name already? Well, that’s totally fine!” He laughed then he continued, “Actually, you look like Elly. You’re like a human version.”
“What?” she exclaimed. Suddenly, she can’t understand. A human version?
“I repeat, her name is Elizabeth, Saeyoung.” Jumin corrected the red-haired boy once again, “Miss Elizabeth, as Saeyoung said, you resemble someone I own. We didn’t know that your real name is Elizabeth as well.”
“This is too much of a coincidence, if what you’re saying is true. And what do you mean by a human version? Do I look like an alien or something? And... someone you own? This is so confusing.”
“Stop confusing her, you two. Elizabeth, as I told you earlier, you resemble someone. It’s Jumin’s cat, her name is Elizabeth the 3rd. I don’t know if this will seem rude but you really are like a human version her. And your name is the same.” Jihyun smiled as he said that, reassuring that she did not feel insulted or bad.
“Oh... I resemble a cat? Really? That’s so cool! Her name is... Elizabeth the 3rd? Is that why Jumin called me that? Can I see her?” The girl recognized Jihyun’s worried face so she added, “Don’t worry, Jihyun. I don’t feel bad. In fact, I’m flattered. I love cats!”
Everyone felt relieved at Elizabeth’s reaction. Saeyoung didn’t let this chance pass to ask her again of his most wanted question.
“So... can I call you Elly? It really suits you! Oh, and here’s a pic of Elly, Jumin’s cat!” He showed her the picture and looked at her with anticipation.
“Yeah, yeah. You can call me Elly, if that’s what you want!” She said and laughed cheerfully. “Everyone can also call me Elly if you want, since my name’s too long and I don’t mind.”
“Really? Yay! I’m so happy! I now found my Elly!” the red haired boy exclaimed.
“Your Elly? What are you talking about? Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Elizabeth jokingly told Saeyoung.
“Yes ma’am. Sorry, I was just excited! Your white hair, blue eyes and white skin resembles Elly so much that I want you too!”
As if feeling irritated by the flow of the conversation, Jumin joined in and said, “Have manners, Saeyoung. I’m sorry for his behavior, Elizabeth. It’s quite a pleasant surprise to meet someone like you. I can show you Elizabeth the 3rd sometimes. She’ll like you, for sure.”
“I’m so excited to meet her! The cat that Saeyoung showed me a while ago is so adorable! I’m not sure why you say we look alike when she’s clearly beautiful!”
“You’re more beautiful, Elizabeth.” Jihyun stated. When he realized what he just said, he immediately looked at Jumin and smiled awkwardly. “I’m not saying that Elizabeth the 3rd is not beautiful, I was just saying—“
“I understand, Jihyun. It’s fine. You were not lying.”
An awkward silence befell the group.
“I think we should stop with this kind of atmosphere.” Jaehee announced, “You’re making the newbie uncomfortable when she just started to feel belong. Let’s just start with helping her adjust to the new environment. Any volunteer to tour her into the campus? Except you, Saeyoung. I feel like we can’t entrust her to you... and not to you too, Jumin.”
Saeyoung pouted at Jaehee’s suggestion. Jumin, on the other hand, is as calm as usual. But neither complained as they consider Jaehee’s words final, she’s like the leader of their circle.
“Can’t you be the one to accompany me, Jaehee?” Elizabeth asked.
“I would love to, but since I am the school council’s Vice President, I have my duties after class. I will not be able to accompany you. I’m sorry about that. Anyone who’s free?”
“I want to, but I have a shooting after class. I’ll make it up to you, my lady. I promise.” Zen said and winked to the white-haired girl that made her blush.
“Waaah. I have an after-school advanced class later.” Yoosung said, feeling disappointed of his schedule.
Saeran was about to say something but Jihyun asked Elizabeth, “Can I accompany you? If you don’t mind coming to the art room before we proceed with the tour?”
“I think I’m against this! I really should be the one to come with her!” Saeyoung insisted. Jaehee glared at him that made him pout and admit defeat.
Elizabeth doesn’t know why, but she felt comfortable with Jihyun. He’s like a ray of sunshine that calms her down and makes her feel safe. “If it’s Jihyun, I guess it’s okay?”
Saeyoung almost shouted, “If it’s Jihyun?? Notice me more, Elly!”
“Be quiet, idiot.” Saeran told his twin, annoyance felt from his words.
As if not hearing anyone else but the white-haired girl, Jihyun stated with a joyful smile, “I’m glad! Well then... I will see you later. I’m looking forward to it, Elizabeth.”
“Me too, Jihyun!”
“Okay. Now, now... proceed to your seats. The next period will be in a few minutes.” Jaehee instructed.
“Yes, Ma’am.” the six boys said simultaneously.