(Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – 8:12 AM)
The school festival had officially begun, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.
The entire campus was transformed, colorful banners hung from windows, stalls lined the pathways, and groups of students excitedly roamed the school grounds, checking out what each department had prepared. The scent of freshly grilled meat, sweet pastries, and fried snacks filled the air, mixing with the distant sound of a student band performing on an outdoor stage.
The festival wasn't just about fun, it was also competition. Each department fought to draw in the biggest crowd, their stalls and events designed to outshine the others. Some sold food, others had game booths or performances, while a few had gone all out with interactive attractions.
But one event in particular was stirring up conversation everywhere.
The Slave Auction.
A "harmless" school tradition where the most popular or attractive guys were "auctioned off" to girls who could win a one-day date with them. It was the perfect excuse for students to publicly confess their crushes while raising money for their respective departments.
And this year? The competition was fierce.
In one of the classrooms, a group of volunteers from different departments gathered, discussing who they should put forward for the auction.
"Zack, you'd be perfect for this." one of the students suggested, glancing at him.
Zack immediately shot them down. "Nah. Not happening."
The group groaned. "Come on, man, you're one of the most popular guys in school!"
Zack crossed his arms in a firm expression. "I'm not interested."
Everyone turned to Mira, silently begging for help. She just shrugged. "Don't waste your time. He won't do it."
"See?" Zack smirked, satisfied.
The organizers sighed in defeat, then their eyes landed on Daniel.
"Then what about Daniel?"
Daniel, who had been enjoying a piece of candy, froze mid-chew.
"…Me?"
"Yeah! You're perfect for this!"
Daniel immediately considered declining, but then, a thought struck him.
'The best way to meet Gun…'
He will probably be there with Crystal Choi.
'This might actually be useful.'
With a reluctant sigh, he nodded. "Fine. I'll do it."
The volunteers cheered, while Zack snorted. "Enjoy your new job."
Jay shook his head, looking at Daniel with silent disappointment.
Daniel just grinned.
As the preparations continued, students rushed between stalls, exploring what each department had to offer. Some areas were thriving, while others… were struggling.
The Baking and Architecture Departments were particularly suffering.
Their stalls were nearly empty, with only a few uninterested students passing by. The problem was obvious, not a single handsome guy was working there.
Daniel, casually strolling through the festival while enjoying another piece of candy, suddenly heard sniffling.
Turning his head, he spotted Vasco hunched over with tears streaming down his face while Jace patted his back awkwardly.
"We… we worked so hard!" Vasco cried, wiping his nose. "But no one wants to buy anything!"
Jace sighed. "It's not because of the food, Vasco. It's just… we don't exactly have the star power to attract customers."
Vasco clenched his fists. "If only I was handsome!"
Daniel chuckled before stepping forward, handing Vasco another piece of candy.
Vasco blinked at him before taking it, sniffling. "Th-Thank you, Daniel…" He unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth while his expression brightening slightly.
Daniel patted him on the shoulder. "Just flex your muscles. Maybe you'll attract the fitness crowd."
Vasco's eyes lit up. "You think so?!"
"Definitely." Daniel said, grinning.
Meanwhile, in complete contrast, the Beauty Department was thriving.
And the reason?
Eli Jang.
The moment he stepped into the festival, an overwhelming crowd of fangirls formed around him, their screams nearly deafening. The department's makeover station and skincare booths were flooded with students hoping to catch his attention.
A group of girls whispered excitedly.
"Did you see his smile?!"
"He looks even better in real life!"
"Forget the festival, I'm staying here all day!"
Daniel shook his head at the sheer chaos Eli unintentionally caused. "This guy could sell air and people would still buy it."
After the auction candidates were finalized, the festival entered a chill period where students could relax and explore the different stalls.
Daniel walked through the bustling grounds, taking everything in.
(9:12 AM)
The festival was in full swing, with students eagerly hopping between stalls, trying out food, games, and performances. The once-empty pathways were now crowded, laughter and excited chatter filling the air as everyone embraced the lively energy of the event.
And of course, one particular presence stood out more than anyone else.
Daniel Park.
It was inevitable. His ridiculous level of handsomeness didn't go unnoticed. The moment he casually strolled through the festival grounds, students, especially girls, started whispering, pointing, and sneaking glances. Some tried to be subtle, while others weren't even bothering to hide their admiration.
"Isn't that Park Hyeonseong?"
"Look at him, even just standing there, he looks like he walked out of a movie!"
"He's even hotter in person."
In any other situation, Daniel might've enjoyed the attention. But today? He wasn't in the mood.
With a swift movement, he ducked into the crowd, weaving through the bustling students like a ghost. By the time people realized where he had been standing, he was already gone.
Now, at a safe distance, Daniel casually leaned against a stall, watching the chaos unfold.
Not far away, Vasco was struggling.
Despite his passion and overwhelming enthusiasm, his attempts to attract customers weren't working. He had already flexed his muscles, shouted about the quality of the food, and even done a few squats to showcase his power.
Yet, no one cared.
Some students glanced his way, but quickly moved on. The lack of "eye-catching" workers meant the Department's stall had no pull.
Then, someone laughed loudly.
"Yo, this is too sad."
Vin Jin.
The rapper trainee stood a few feet away, arms crossed with his signature smug grin plastered on his face. He scoffed as he watched Vasco struggle.
"You seriously thought people would line up for your stall? With that ugly face?" Vin sneered. "Bro, you look like you should be lifting bricks, not making pastries."
Vasco's expression darkened. "What did you say?!"
"I said you're chopped as fuck!" Vin declared. "Ain't nobody tryna buy food from someone who looks like he wrestles cows for fun."
Jace sighed, already expecting Vasco's reaction.
Sure enough, Vasco's fists clenched, and he took a step forward. "Say that again, you fake rapper!"
Vin smirked, leaning in. "Ugly. As. Hell."
Before Vasco could swing, a hand suddenly grabbed Vin's collar.
"Alright, enough of that."
Vin's body jolted as he was yanked backward. He turned, furious, only to freeze when he saw Mary Kim's unamused face staring right at him.
"Mary?! The hell are you doing?!" Vin barked, trying to shake her off.
"Keeping you from embarrassing yourself." Mary replied coolly with her grip tightening. "Come on, we're leaving."
"The hell we are!" Vin protested, still glaring at Vasco. "This idiot started it, damn! I can see well!"
"Vin."
That one word was enough.
Vin clicked his tongue, begrudgingly giving in as Mary dragged him away. But not before he could shout one last insult at Vasco.
"Your food still sucks! And why is it so dark! It's morning dammit!"
As Vin was forcefully escorted away, Vasco crossed his arms, still seething. "Tch. What does he know?!"
Daniel, having watched the entire exchange from the sidelines, chuckled to himself.
Then, deciding to help Vasco, he casually raised his voice, catching the attention of the passing crowd.
"Oi."
Heads turned.
Daniel gestured toward Vasco's stall. "This guy's food is actually good."
That was all it took.
Almost immediately, girls flooded toward the stall.
If Park Hyeonseong was recommending it? It had to be worth trying.
Vasco's eyes widened as the once-empty stall was suddenly overwhelmed.
"Wait, wait, one at a time!" Jace quickly stepped up, managing the sudden rush.
The only problem?
The customers weren't just interested in the food.
"Where did Park Hyeonseong go?"
"Wasn't he just here?"
"Did he leave already?! I wanted to ask him about the recommendation!"
By the time they realized it, Daniel had already disappeared into the crowd once again.
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