Chapter 63 - Class Trip

Jiwon got off the bus and stretched his body. The other students around him were excited as they descended the bus, talking excitedly. 

"Jiwon, this Way!" Junhyung called him, ushering to join them. Jiwon joined his friends, discussing with them what to do these four days. Not so far behind him, Hyun Jung was sulking. He dreaded coming back to Busan. It was a place he fervently wanted to avoid but the class trip made it impossible. He lagged behind on purpose, distancing himself from everyone.

"Hyun Jung, hurry up!" a teacher shouted. He was too far behind from the others. They paused for him to join them.

"Coming sir!" Hyun Jung squeaked. Jiwon noticed the fright visible in his voice. The nerdy boy scurried to join them. His face was white as a sheet and his usually pompous expression was replaced with a strange fear.

Jiwon opened his mouth to ask if he was okay but Junhyung pulled him. "Let's go and grab a bite," he suggested Jiwon and the gang, pointing towards a small roadside deli.

"Sure," Jiwon said in an uncertain tone, glancing at Hyun Jung before joining his friends. I'll ask him later, Jiwon decided. Their roommate system did not change here either so he would end up bunking with Hyun Jung anyway.

….

They were staying at a boarding house at Gamcheon Culture Village. Jiwon was awed by the village's beauty. It oozed colors; everything was made to reflect different hues. The village was artsy. There were unique art pieces scattered throughout the streets. Paintings by famous artists was portrayed outside various art shops. Jiwon even found some stores selling colorful musical instruments. 

The streets were also decorated with eye catching graffiti. The walls were painted with mixtures of red, pink, purple, blue and many other colors. One wall was painted in a patriotic theme, portraying the Korean War heroes while another one had pictures of Bob Marley, Freddie Mercury and Jim Harrison, portraying the changes in generational cultures as time went on. 

Jiwon felt as if he had stepped into the world of a painting. The whole village was mesmerizing and he was lost in its surreal beauty. 

"Welcome students, to the culture of colors, Gamcheon Village!" One of the teachers announced. The students were squealing at the sight of the village, excitedly planning their next adventures.

"Isn't it amazing, Jiwon?" Junhyung asked. 

"Very!" Jiwon exclaimed. "Wanna visit the guitar shop back there?"

"Yeah," Junhyung agreed. "Let's go after settling in our rooms."

Jiwon nodded and followed him to the boarding house. It was not as large as their dormhouse at their school, but was quite cozy and can comfortably house the thirty students from their class. It was run by an old couple, who were very welcoming of the youngsters. 

"Welcome to our humble abode," the old man greeted them at the entrance. "My name is Song Sun-ki but please call me Grandpa Song. And this is my wife, Sung Sunmi but you can call her Grandma Sung."

"Welcome," she too greeted them with a warm smile. "Please make yourselves at home."

The students entered the boarding house. Jiwon appreciated the warmth and coziness of the place. There were several small cottages, each for a pair of guests. There were also a few activity centres where the guests can play games, watch TV, play music or indoor sports. There was only one outdoor cafeteria, which was perfect for a group dinner. It was more like a mini hotel than a boarding house

They were already assigned their room numbers. Jiwon felt a bit tired after the four hour trip and decided to rest inside the room before heading out. He went directly to the cabin allocated to him and Hyun Jung.

Unloading his bag on one of the beds, he changed into more casual clothes. By the time he freshened up, Hyun Jung was already in the room, looking solemn. Compared to the other students, Hyun Jung was unaffected by the enthreal village and showed no interest in the trip.

"What's got your panties in a twist?" Jiwon asked, annoyed. The guy was acting like an idiot, Jiwon fumed. 

Hyun Jung rolled his eyes and ignored him.

"Would it kill you to show some interest in the trip?" Jiwon sneered. "You've been acting weird ever since this trip had been announced. I even overheard you trying to back out of this. In fact, the teacher would have cancelled the trip if you had stayed behind!"

"Why should I answer to you?" Hyun Jung shot back. "It's none of your business!"

"It's not," Jiwon agreed. "But your attitude is souring our excitement. If you wanna sulk, then don't make it so obvious. Just tolerate it for a few days. We're going back in four days anyway. At least try to be a little excited for this."

Hyun Jung let out a frustrated groan. "I have no intention of being happy and excited here," he shot back. "Just leave me alone!"

He glared at Jiwon but the latter noticed he was not angry. He was afraid. 

Jiwon knew that look too well. After all, he had the same look whenever he was around his sisters…

"Fine," Jiwon said coolly. "I won't bother to talk sense into you. As long as your mood doesn't affect our excitement."

"I have no plans to stay near any of you," Hyun Jung announced. "I've got my own stuff to do."

With that, he exited the room. Jiwon's eyes narrowed in suspicion. There was something wrong with Hyun Jung's demeanor. He was usually very annoying and arrogant but this time, he was too scared. There was something he was afraid of in Busan, but he would not admit it. Was it out of pride or fear, Jiwon did not know.

Then again, Hyun Jung was right. It was not his business. Yet, there was something about Hyun Jung's expression which looked familiar to him. It was the same fear he had on his face whenever his sisters abused him.

Maybe, Hyun Jung was actually afraid of someone here...