Love & Hate (Moonsun)

Eighteen

Monday morning, Byulyi has an informal adviser meeting with her journalism teacher and mentor Ms. Evans who sits behind her desk in the dull glow of the sun's rays at dawn. Her face is bent into a Tolstoy novel thicker than her head and the light casting her hair usually brown hair a dark auburn. An intriguing effect, she yearns to go outside and utilize the fleeting light.

Byul creeps into the room and stands around the front of her desk. "Ms. Evans?" 

"Why are all your shots simply of nature?" Ms. Evans abruptly says without looking up and waves her hands in a circular motion, "While beautiful, this portfolio lacks human connection."

"Humans are boring." Byul says, plopping down in a desk. "There isn't much to say about us that hasn't been said."

"Wrong Byulyi. We are such a complicated species, and it's your job - as an artist - to capture that. Bring life into a still-motion photo."

"But Ms-"

"No buts. Your next portfolio should only contain human subjects." Byul gapes about to protest until Ms. Evans interrupts her with a sharp look. "Think of it as a challenge. You're extremely talented Byulyi, so don't waste it. You'll be graduating soon."

Byul leans back in her chair with her face in hands, "Don't think that isn't haunting me too. I'm holding out on sending my applications until this portfolio is perfect but I have so much to do."

"Then let's make the refurbished version due before the end of this month. And Byulyi?" Ms. Evans waits until she lowers her hands to continue, "The new student, Kim Yongsun, shows a lot of promise and prior experience from what I've read." 

Byul's face heats at the mention and she straightens her glasses. "Sure, but why do you bring her up?"

"To give you more time for your portfolio, I've given Yongsun the position of co-editor. Effective immediately."

She sits up, gaping incredulously at her teacher. "Ms. Evans, that's completely unnecessary-"

"You obviously can not tell when you're overworking yourself, so I will decide for you. You may use the media room, but you can only help out on Tuesdays and Thursdays." Ms. Evans says strictly. "You still have the head editor position, don't worry about your resume."

Sure, that had been on Byul's mind too, but the real problem stemmed from the fact she needs to be overworked to survive. She has a schedule and a forced break from an important aspect of her life would only ruin everything else like dominoes. 

"I work the best under stress." Byul pleads, "I need it to function."

"Just put that energy towards your portfolio."

She grinds her teeth in frustration, all of her self-control being used to prevent her from swearing. It doesn't fucking work that way, she screams internally. 

"Okay," Byul complies knowing she isn't going to win this. "Just until I finished the portfolio."

Ms. Evans' shrug is nothing if not noncommittal. "We'll see."

The hell does that mean? Even though she knows Yongsun probably had nothing to do with this situation she still wants to curse at her too. 

"This isn't permanent. Right?" 

"Enjoy your freedom while you're young Byulyi. Worry less, huh? Live more, yeah?" Dodging the question then. 

Byul grabs her backpack, a muscle clenching in her jaw. "Though I appreciate your unwarranted concern, you're only doing more harm than good," Her voice barely more contained than a snarl. 

Ms. Evans only smiles, "I've lived a long time. I know this will be best for you." 

Shaking her head, Byul walks out the door with her shoulders bent inward. Only shooting a grinning Wheein, who waits across the hall, an empty glance before going to her locker.

"Byul, what's up? You look like someone shat in your chocolate ice cream." 

Byul grimaces as she spins in her code. "Gross, not helping Wheein. I got demoted and Yongsun is now co-editor."

Wheein inhales sharply, her cute angry face coming into her line of vision. "Tell me she did that on purpose and I will fuck her up." 

She huffs a short-lived laugh, then sobers. "Ms. Evans thinks I'm overworking myself. That's why." Byul waits for Wheein to disagree and take her side, but there's only silence. "...I don't overwork myself."

"You one-hundred percent overwork yourself." Wheein's lips tighten, a crater forming in her cheek. "But I know why."

"Well, unfortunately you're not my teacher." Byul stuffs in her backpack and slams her locker shut, its echo defining in the empty halls. 

Wheein smirks, "You can always join the band."

"Ha. I think I'd date Yongsun before that." Abrupt silence then, "That was a joke."

"Joke or not, you should do what you want Byul. Be yourself."

Byul's cheeks redden, "...it was just a joke."

She looks unconvinced. "Okay well...I'm going to the media room if you want to come."

"I'm going to take a breather outside." Byul waggles her camera. "See ya."

"We'll talk later Byul." 

With an absent nod, she heads towards the front doors and the quickly brightening sky. But any urge to take photos had long vanished as Wheein's - was it encouragement? - rings in her ears.

Classes haven't even begun and today is already more than she bargained for. But she holds onto Wheein's words as she steps outside and the sunlight burns her scalp and the incessant worry she tries to keep caged tugs at its bars.

---

Sometimes I forget I'm writing a Moonsun story in the same way I forgot how much uni sucks, especially after a long break. 

Also, I'm late but Yongsun with that bombass short hairstyle and that bra. She snatched off her wig and mine at the same time lmao. And Byul with the collar only exhibits just how much of a sub she is compared to Yong. Just saying...the kink is real.