4 pm.

"Sana, this might be too abrupt and sudden, but do you wanna watch it with me? Or are you planning on seeing a movie on your own?"

"No, I don't mind! But, I just have a question... Where is Arkalee?"

It's so strange to see him without Arkalee around him. But, this is a great opportunity. I will use this to explore his character and decipher his hidden psychology.

This should be fun!

"She's not here. But, why do you ask?"

"She's always around you, y'know? So I just found it strange, I guess?"

"Does that bother you, Sana?"

Why would Hyunda ask that question? Is he trying to care for how I feel? Arkalee's a friend and someone who is in love with him, so I was just curious, that's all.

"Uh, no."

"I see. Well, let's go to the line, shall we? There aren't many people around here, after all."

On his request, we started to walk towards the ticket lines and something flashed my mind straight away.

I was quickly reminded about that time where Daniel didn't have any money with him and I was forced to pay both of our tickets out of kindness, but right now, I don't think I will be so kind.

"Hyunda, you do have money with you, right?"

Just to make sure. I don't want to subject myself to the previous scenario. I hate wasting my money mindlessly. Company is cool and all, but there's a limit.

"I do. I hope you don't mind, but I'm paying for your ticket. It's the least I can do for you since you have accepted my request."

Now that's surprising...

"How pleasant. Very well, I shall take your offer, mister."

Is it just me or is he being surprisingly kind? I never knew that he had this side of him. Okay. I'll try to convince him to be this way with Arkalee.

I'm positive that the results will be good!

"Two tickets for Joker, please."

"Just a moment, please."

Eventually reaching the reception, Hyunda paid for the both of us, and while on the way to the theater room, I decided to ask him a couple of questions.

"Hyunda, what do you think about Arkalee?"

"Why Arkalee, Sana?"

What's with that question?

"Why...? I mean, haven't you noticed? She really, really, but really, likes you! I think."

Although I said 'I think', I really am certain that Arkalee likes this guy and I can see why, honestly. He does have a cool aura to him. He's shrouded in mystery and has a cold-hearted voice tone to his words, which can be oddly attractive.

Despite the way that sensitiveness is perceived, those factors can be fairly interesting, so I can understand Arkalee's sudden passion. However, she's playing it wrong. She should get to know him better and know how he thinks and all that.

Because, Arkalee, if you let your own adoration overflow then your love will blind you and that's just not really great as an option.

"I see. So you want to help her out. You're very considerate, in all regards. However, don't you think that's counterproductive for yourself?"

"Mhm? How so? I love caring for my friends, Hyunda."

"But that's not fair for you. If you care too much about others and you don't expect anything back, then it will backfire. You will feel unrewarded. Do you want to feel that way?"

......

"That's... a bit personal, you know?"

"True. But, from your words alone, I can tell that you are a great person. And that also, you give too much without expecting anything back. I don't agree with that way of thinking though. Isn't it painful for you?"

"What exactly are you talking about in specific...?"

In the middle of the hallway, with multiple rooms for each movie in specific, Hyunda stopped walking and turned back to look at me as he spoke his next words seriously.

"You are doing so much for Arkalee, but what has she done for you? Nothing at all. You don't deserve that sort of treatment."

"Maybe she doesn't need to do anything at all. Isn't that what solidarity is all about?"

"You're right. Solidarity does imply that. However, it's not friendship, is it? There's not a single person in this whole world who doesn't want to be rewarded for their efforts at one point."

...I never saw it from that perspective. Does this mean that my idea has been wrong all this time? I mean, what Hyunda said does make sense...

Am I really a good friend or just someone who is looking to be rewarded...?

"Eh... That's an interesting perspective. You can be interesting once you want to be, Hyunda. Be that way when talking to Arkalee, would you? I mean, what's there not to like about her? Think about it, she's pretty sweet and thoughtful of you. Isn't that the dream girl that like, every boy wishes for?"

"Sana."

"Yeah?"

"Let's talk more about you and not others. I want to get to know you and this is a good opportunity, don't you think?"

When he said those words, I couldn't help but be surprised once again. Hyunda's treating me really kindly.

But why?

"Okay, but why? Why do you want to get to know me?"

Not having arrived at the supposed room yet, we had resumed our walk and just before entering the room, Hyunda turned around and looked at me once more.

"Because you seem lonely and hurt. And I want to help you win against that feeling of sadness and grief that you constantly linger onto."

"How do you..."

"Oh, it's starting. Let's go. By the way, let's seat in a place where people can't exactly see us. Since everyone loves to seat on the back seats and enjoy the view, let's seat in front. Or do you mind?"

"No, no... That's fine, I never had a preference regarding that..."

"Nice."

As we entered the room and glanced upon the multiple rows of seats, I could just tell from the get-go that not a lot of people were here.

In fact, there were just about three or four students here.

However, despite that noticeable factor, I couldn't help but think about those words that he said to me.

Because that was the first time that someone has genuinely said those words to me.

"By the way, could I ask you a little favor?"

"...What?"

Boys asking favors... That never went well...

"I need you to warn me if a group of girls walk in this room and start to look around without actually intending to be here. Simply put, a group of girls that just randomly walks in only for the sake of walking in and scouting the parameter."

Huh? But that's just not possible... 

"Wait, what? That's impossible, Hyunda. The guard only allows those with tickets to walk in."

I'm assuming that Hyunda's suggesting that a group of girls will walk in and start to look... around... for whatever reason, but that's entirely illogical because why would they just walk in without seeing the movie?

What a waste of money.

Plus, why would a bunch of girls just walk in like that?

"It's not impossible though. They can walk in if they paid for their tickets."

"...I guess that's possible..."

That's valid, I suppose, but still, what a waste...

"However, I don't get one thing. Why would a bunch of girls just walk in like that? Are they after you?"

"It's a possibility."

As we took our seats and spoke in a low-toned voice while watching the beginning scene, I allowed my skepticism to further grow unknowingly. 

"You haven't explained why..."

"I'm being chased right now, believe it or not. I'm also at a disadvantage."

"Why are you being chased, Hyunda? You've dodged my question twice."

"I'm popular."

..........

"You're horrible."

With those spiteful words thrown at him, we started to watch the movie, side by side, and I got incredibly hooked.

However, just about thirty minutes later, I did start to listen to some loud footsteps through the silent scenes that were occurring.

Wanting to know what was going on, I swiftly turned around and looked back at the entrance, and there, I witnessed a group of five girls walking in while chatting with one another.

Rudely, they started to create a lot of noise, but I immediately took notice of this and alerted Hyunda as soon as possible.

"Hey... Some girls just walked in and it's a group, as you said..."

"Thanks. I noticed too. I need to hide, by the way."

"Okay. Good luck with that."

I have no idea how he's going to hide though...

"I'm gonna have to seat beneath your seat, so to speak. Open your legs, please."

Open..... your legs?!

"Wait, what?! What are you talking about, Hyunda?! Do you listen to yourself?! Asking a girl that type of question!"

"No, wait. You are misunderstanding. I just need to hide and so, I will kneel down and fit inside below your seat. As you can see, there's an empty structure below your seat."

"The hell?! Then do it with your seat!"

"No, I can't. Here's why. As soon as they pass through here, they might just start and check if I'm down in one of the seats."

"What the hell!? Who would do that!? That's completely nonsensical!"

Is he serious right now?

No, more importantly, the group of girls is checking the above seats and they are actually starting to check the zone below them!

What?!

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"From your face, you must've come to the realization that it's actually happening. Also, I need to seat below you and have your legs cover me. That's why I need you to open your legs."

"Wait, wait, wait! Do you actually need to hide though?"

"Very much, yes. They are my fans. And they are angry."

I feel like that was the cheapest lie he could've come up with. Nevertheless, now that they are done inspecting the above seats, they are starting to go down to the medium line seats...

In other words, it's only a matter of time before they come here.

"...Just this one time..."

"You're a lifesaver."

"After this, you'll have to explain to me why they are here. Because I'm not buying the lies you just told me."

"You're right. They were lies. My bad. Was just trying to be funny. But you didn't laugh. I guess that's something I'll have to work on."

They were jokes? I didn't notice that actually...

Also, Hyunda started to slowly crawl his way to the ground without being noticed by the girls who were scouting the above perimeter still.

Subsequently, he started to crawl in the below structure of my seat.

"If you look, you are dead. Don't think I'm joking."

"Yes, ma'am."

I had to give him out that warning. If by some chance, he looks up while fitting inside the empty structure, then I will snap his neck.

Nevertheless, he didn't look up, and shockingly, he managed to fit his whole body in an unknown position which enabled him to stay hidden.

The girls were on their way here and given that we are on the first line from the front, there are only three lines separating us.

"Sana, move your legs a bit more to the left."

"...Is this fine?"

"Yeah. Perfect. Don't move from this position. Also, argue back if they attempt to check where I'm hidden. You are allowed to be as dramatic as possible."

"Heh. I was going to be either way. Don't underestimate how dramatic I can be when it comes to defending my own beliefs."

"That's great to know. I'm counting on you, Sana."

Okay.

I just don't have to move my legs and it should work, or at least according to Hyunda. If the whole aim is to protect his whereabouts then I can do this.

If someone bothers me while I'm watching a movie, then I will, without a doubt, argue back.

Thus, after a quick two minutes, they had finally arrived at my location and began to check the below structures of the seats...

One of the girls, upon noticing that I was here, started to engage in a conversation with me.

"Excuse me, but could you move your legs? I know it's a weird question but I'm looking for my purse."

Really? That's your excuse?

"None of my business. Move! I'm watching the movie!"

"Mhm... Perhaps not the best line, huh? Well, okay. Could you still let us see what's below your seat?"

"And why should I do that? What gives you the right to invade my privacy like that!? Do you want me to call a guard?! You are disturbing the audience here, myself included! I want to enjoy this movie but with all of you in the way, I can't! So, what's it gonna be?! Guard or not?! Ahhh yes, I've heard... Suspension is attributed to those who break the rules that the theater has personally established."

"E-Eh..."

Frightened, the girl retook her stance and backed off slightly. Given that it was quite dark, seeing their facial expressions was a hard task for me, however, what I could without a doubt see was that another girl, other than the girl I was just talking to, spoke some words to her, close to whispering.

"Rina... We can't be in that much trouble... Ah, sorry, my friend here didn't mean to cause you trouble. Could you just answer us a simple question then?"

"I'm not too sure now. I will only answer your question if that's it. Will you all leave if I do that?"

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"Very well then."

I would ask her what's her name, but I don't want to lose time as I actually really want to watch the movie. It's getting quite interesting. I'm missing parts of the build-up...

As for the question, before the girl asked me the question, she showed me a picture of Hyunda on her phone's screen, and only then, did she proceed to ask the question.

"We are looking for this person. Have you seen him somewhere?"

Mhm...

They might still insist and not keep their word if I reply with a simple no, so, instead...

"Ahhh, yeah! I saw him walking in the mall before coming here! Silver hair, huh?! Pretty rare, right?"

"Yeah, that's true. Well, thank you for the valuable information. Once again, my sincere apologies. Let's go girls."

"The hell... Why is he so hard to find? We have been scouting the whole school for like thirty minutes..."

Making their complaints, the group left the room, and thus, I could glance upon the gigantic screen right in front of me, which brought me happiness, as I laid my right hand on my chest while taking a deep sigh.

Now, all that was left to do was warn him that they were gone.

"Hyunda, you can get out now. They are gone..."

"Really? Check the entrance just in case."

"Wh... Okay, just a second."

Turning around while simultaneously not believing that there might still be someone there, my expectations quickly betrayed me once again, as I firmly witnessed one of the girls still clinging the door entrance while looking in my direction.

...She's really skeptical huh...?

"It appears that she's still there... Wait just a second, alright? I'll give you a notice when she leaves..."

So persistent... Just why is she still here? Well, he said that he would tell me after this, so I'm really curious to know the full reason.

Five minutes later though, she vanished without a trace.

"Okay, she's really gone now. I mean it. You can come out."

"You mean it?"

"Yes, yes, I'm not lying, I swear. Why would I lie after committing this far into the task?"

I really dislike lying to other people but sometimes it can't be helped. However, in this case, I don't see why I would lie.

Normally, I hate it when others lie to me, so I naturally don't lie back.

Ultimately, with his head being the first thing I saw coming out of beneath my seat, he had his eyes up; as his facial expression was fully visible to me.

"Dolphins? I really didn't think."

"What?"

"Nothing. Thanks again."

"No problem..."

But why did he mention dolphins just now? I can't think of a single reason as to why he would say that...

Anyway, as he took his seat back and returned to watching the movie alongside me, I decided to ask him about the real reason as to why this just happened.

"So, Hyunda, for what reason did y---"

But then I realized something.

Something that made me swallow all the possible shame that my very soul could offer; as I remembered about something crucial. That little factor made my face red instantly.

Furthermore, watching his provocative smirk almost made me lose it.

"I-I-I...! I told you not to look up, you moron!"

"That was more interesting than the whole movie thus far and that's saying a lot, considering how well this is developing to be!"

"Erase it! Erase that memory right now!"

How did I not immediately notice that that would happen instantly?! But I told him not to look up, damn it!

Yet his attitude keeps on being sheerly relaxed and comfortable.

Oh, so you think this is a joke?

"You do remember what I told you, right?! That I would kill you if you looked up!"

"But why though? I think they are pretty cute. I won't joke around, honestly. Pink colored panties with blue mini dolphins are oddly beautiful and-----"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Not one more word from you! Don't test my patience! Even if you praise them for being cute suddenly, that doesn't mean that I will change my mind!"

God, what a rude jerk! I thought for a second that he was actually a nice guy, but then he says those provocative words out of nowhere...

Is he making fun of me by forcing a lie like that?!

"I won't tell anyone, don't worry. You can rest assured!"

"That doesn't exactly make me feel better you know?!"

"What? It doesn't? Oh, alright. Let me apologize beforehand. Also, if I get a boner then it's your fault!"

"Stop talking, damn it!"

I'm this close to killing Hyunda!

My atom-sized patience might just burst soon enough yet Hyunda decided not to speak another word as he allowed me to focus on the movie and hopefully, trying to forget about the fact that this literally just happened.

God, I want to hide in a hole right now!

1 hour and thirty minutes later.

"I'm never seeing talk shows the same way again."

Reflecting upon my realization, I delivered my honest opinion about the Murray scene. It was really, really good though.

The whole scene was genial and I wasn't expecting that awesome turn of events! And while the whole movie was just fantastic, it still wasn't enough to erase my memory about the fact that Hyunda did what he did...

On our way out, Hyunda started to walk slowly as he took a glance upon his phone screen.

Is he checking the hours? Actually, he has so many missed calls and unread messages. I see. So he isn't someone that pays much attention to his phone or he just doesn't care. Which means that personal contact is the way to go.

Also...

Does he plan on ignoring me...?

"Um, Hyu---"

"Yeah, agreed. The whole scene was so damn good that you'd forget that Robert De Niro is actually in the movie. Heath would certainly be proud."

Oh... He answered back...

"Two questions, if you don't mind... First off, who is Robert De Niro?"

"Robert De Niro is the actor that portrayed Murray and got brilliantly sacrificed for a scene that will go down in all cinematic history. Secondly, Heath, or rather, Heath Ledger was an actor that portrayed the Joker in the Dark Knight trilogy."

He already knew what I was going to ask...

Sorta surprised at that, honestly.

"Wow, thanks for that. So, I'm assuming that you have watched the Dark Knight trilogy? Sorry, I haven't so..."

"I have watched just about every DC movie and unfortunately, Sdyner's movies have almost given me stage four cancer over the years. Justice League might be the closest thing to a suicide pill that humanity has invented. Even fan-made movies are better."

"Wah, no way, no way! It can't be that bad! You're exaggerating, aren't you?"

Although I really don't know the full extent of what he's talking about, he seems to have a piece of precise knowledge about this, so I'll trust his take. I just said that to provoke him a bit.

"Unfortunately, I am not. Also, what were your overall thoughts about Joaquin's performance? It was really damn great, right?"

"Joaquin, as in, the Joker, right? If so, then yes! I do think that he deserves to win an oscar after that one, without a doubt! But you said 'Heath would certainly be proud'. What did you mean by that?"

"Ah, that. You see, Heath Ledger has passed away, due to a cardiac arrest. In other words, the world's greatest Joker had passed away and so, for years to come, the Joker was absent from the spotlight for far too long. Fans could dwell in nostalgia all they like, but eventually, another Joker would have to take the stage and attempt his best to take down Heath's legendary performance. There were massive debates about whether that should happen or not, but it did happen, at last."

Suddenly, I'm growing curious about this and since Hyunda knows a lot about this, then I am with the right person.

Also, he really likes superhero movies, doesn't he? Or maybe he just likes the Joker really much?

Either way, this is oddly interesting as a topic.

"I see, I see! But then, Joaquin came in and fought it out and beat Heath's performance, right?"

Even though I said that with pure enthusiasm and not with the intention of sounding dumb, Hyunda stopped walking in the middle of the hall and simultaneously took a seat against the wall that was in the middle of the hall while sighing deeply transiently.

"Have a seat here. There's a hidden side to the story. Do you want to hear it?"

I would refuse his offer but since the hall is somewhat deserted, I don't see the issue here. Thus, I took a seat right next to him.

Our distance was fairly short though.

"Yup, go ahead. I'm all ears."

"So, here is the thing. Joaquin isn't the first Joker to try his best at being the Joker, or rather, to try and beat Heath's performance."

"So that means that someone else did it?!"

"Sadly, yes. However, his horrible performance made Heath probably scream beyond his grave. A performance so bad that it almost managed to ruin the Joker's relevance to the audience. The Joker you saw was a deep person who was tired of being obstructed by Gotham's moral system and how despite the fact that Arthur hadn't done anything to deserve it, he nevertheless suffered endless ordeals of unfair treatments throughout the movie. Logically speaking, that's the correct way to build a character, to show the audience their depth first so they can relate to his actions subsequently. But, what if I told you that the previous Joker had none of that and was instead portrayed as a borderline retard who looked like a drug lord?" 

Oh, this is news.  

Compared to his high evaluation of the current Joker, Hyunda's being somewhat harsh to this guy...

"Wait, seriously? No way that's true. I refuse to believe it! I mean, why bother to be that bad?"

"You said it. Either way, his name is Jared Ledo. If you don't believe me, then whenever Suicide Squad is available here in the school's theaters, wanna watch it?"

"Yeah, okay, sure I don't mind! Ah, but... Arkalee will probably come along, right...?"

Because Arkalee's always around him, so it probably won't just be the two of us. This means that there won't be much room to talk about the movie details and all that since Arkalee will just obsess over him.

Shame...

"Not necessarily. There's always a way around things. Well, I'll figure something out."

"Haha, I was just joking... You don't have to waste your time on me, just saying."

"I'm not wasting my time. I'm here on my free will. Right now, I'm here and not with Arkalee not due to an option but because I want to be here with you."

"I-I see..."

Um... Awkward, awkward... Why are you being so kind...? You're supposed to be really cold and apathetic so why are you showing that kindness of yours suddenly?

Huh... Gotta change topic...

"S-So, back to the topic! Weren't you going to say something else?"

"Yeah, I was. But that would be ignoring my whole intention. Did you have fun while watching the movie?"

What... What is this...

"Hyunda, you're making this hard for me... I don't know how to react... I never knew this side of yours. But, yeah, I did have fun! Sincerely, I love movies about drama! And crime is a really nice mix, so thanks for letting me know preemptively."

"I see. But you don't have to thank me. Shouldn't I thank you instead?"

"Why...?"

"Because, if you hadn't come along then I wouldn't have been able to discuss this and surely, I wouldn't have been able to escape those girls' wrath."

Ah! I forgot!

"Wait, wait! Explain! I completely forgot! You have to explain it now!"

"Sure. Well, you see, I'm trying to remain hidden. I don't know who but someone is searching for me, and until 7 pm, I have to stay hidden that way."

"So you don't know who...? But that's weird... Why do you have to stay hidden until then...?"

"Do you even have to ask?"

From the way that he looked at me, with a relaxed smile, I could right away tell why he was trying to hide.

"It's Arkalee, isn't it...? As I thought, you really don't like her, huh..."

"Not exactly. I just like to have my own free time and so, I only have until 7 pm to stay hidden. Unfortunately for me, an outside force is trying to expose my location, from the looks of it."

"That's sorta cool! Once you think about it, isn't the thrill really fun? Unless you are feeling oppressed, of course. But like, it was somewhat fun seeing those girls not being able to find you even though you were right underneath me! I felt like laughing like a maniac through that!

"I almost chuckled. Would they go insane if they knew that I was right there all along and that your legs were the only thing that was covering me?"

"Probably!"

Wait, wait. If this is the case, then...

"Um, Hyunda, what do you plan on doing to keep yourself hidden? It's like 6 pm now, so..."

"Realistically speaking, I only need to stay hidden for about another hour and that's it. However, there aren't that many places I can go to now. I'm limited, so to speak. If I leave this exact place, then my location might become public knowledge and I currently can't afford that. Sucks to be me."

"....Does it have to be a full hour?"

"Not really. It could be more."

"Mhm..."

Upon hearing that I started to have a really selfish thought. Yulia hasn't given me a call but I don't want to bother her right now, as she is probably with Daniel. And Daniel's finally acting like a proper boyfriend, so I'll let them be, obviously. Good luck, Yulia!

There's also the factor that Arkalee's absent from the current scene and that Hyunda has to supposedly stay absent from anywhere else for another hour.

However, he said that it didn't have to be a full hour which means that it can be more.

If that's the case...

"The Murray scene was really good, you know? Is it available on YouTube, Hyunda?"

"Probably not, Sana. The movie is still way too recent. In the future though? Definitely. Not as of now, definitely."

"Oh, I see... That's a real shame. I wanted to rewatch that scene, buuuuuuuuuut, it appears that if I have no way to watch it again, then... Oh, wait. There is just one way to watch it again."

"Indeed there is."

We both flashed smirks at the same time, as if our thoughts had aligned for a second, thus I spoke with confidence behind my words.

"Are you thinking the same as I am, Hyunda?"

"The chances are high. However, I can't pay for it this time."

"Eh, that's fine. But you know, Hyunda."

"What?"

"How about another joke?"

I stupidly laughed after using that quote as Hyunda did the same.

"Hahaha, the hell. Let's watch it again. According to the agenda, it's gonna replay again in ten minutes."

After I heard that, I got up from the floor almost instantly as I was ready to go and buy our tickets, this time, by myself.

"I'll be right back! I'll also tell you if there are any suspicious girls around, so relax!"

"Thanks!"

It's fine to do this. I'm sure Arkalee wouldn't mind this, as it's just a friendly activity. Ah, but considering how crazy she is about certain things, it's best to keep this a secret from her...

I don't have anything against Arkalee, as I fully support her endeavor but...

Arkalee, you don't know something that I do, for example.

Love's a winning streak, only for seasoned veterans.