Bora sat on the bench located just by the lamp stand in the middle of the school. She watched as other students walked to and fro in groups, some talking with each other, while the others just walked side by side silently. Bora let out a tired sigh, and began to fiddle with her skirt. Everyone was cool, has friends they could hang out with, but Bora couldn't feel like she belonged anywhere, and sitting on the bench alone was prove of it. She sighed again and turned to her backpack, searching for a book. But just as she brought out her book, a group of three girls approached her. Bora rolled her eyes hard when the girls stopped in front of her.
"What is it again?" she asked nonchalantly. The girls chuckled, the first girl moved forward, her hips swaying from side to side as she walked closer towards Bora. She adjusted her long blonde hair, before folding her arms and giving Bora a cold glare.
"What's up nerd? Burying your head in books again right?" the blonde girl asked.
"Of course Hana, we've got a test this morning" Bora answered nonchalantly, but this didn't deter Hana. Hana rather gripped Bora's chin, lifting her face aggressively. Bora tried to resist but Hana's nails sunk deep into her flesh as she gripped her jaw even tighter.
"You don't get to act feisty with me Bora. Remember, I can make you vanish from this school and there is nothing anyone can do about it" Hana threatened. Bora swallowed hard, before lowering her eyes.
"I'm sorry" she managed to mutter, her voice was already shaking, but she tried to hold back any tears from rolling down her cheeks. Hana's goons giggled, and with a grin, Hana forcefully swung Bora's face, releasing her grip.
"It's weekend already, so you will do the usual. Make sure I don't look for you after school" Hana snarled and turned to leave. But when she tried to, she stopped and turned to Bora,
"And before I forget, you are sitting close to me during the test. Don't try to act funny when I pinch you for answers." Hana remarked before finally leaving with her friends. Bora sighed, and began rubbing her sore chin.
"This won't ever end, will it?" Bora muttered the question to herself as she rhythmically rubbed her chin.
"A little longer Bora, soon you'll be out of high school" Bora answered her question quickly. Almost immediately, the bell rang, and Bora began to shove the book in her hand inside her bag.
Bora walked into the rowdy classroom, her head bowed, as if she didn't want to be noticed. Just as she was approaching her desk, a ruffled paper flew and hit her head. Bora instinctively raised her head and immediately, her eyes met with Hana, who in turn giggled alongside her friends.
"Today can't get any worse" Bora muttered, before she continued to approach her desk. Bora sat down, placing her backpack beside her. She could feel Hanna's heavy breathing and body heat, she knew Hanna was either about to threaten her or pull some prank on her. Bora closed her eyes, bracing herself for whatever was about to happen. But in that instant, she noticed the classroom was growing quiet, and it was happening in a snap. She immediately opened her eyes to see that everyone was seated on their desks, with so much poise. Bora's curiosity disappeared once she turned to the front of the classroom. Immediately, she sat upright and she could feel Hanna retreat back to her seat.
"Good morning Mrs. Choi" the class chorused. Mrs. Choi on the other hand nodded slightly. Although she was a small framed woman, her demeanor was as intimidating as an officer interrogating a suspect. Besides her stood a boy, that no one had ever seen before. His brownish almond shaped eyes peered through every face in of front him, and it seemed people began to focus more on him than Mrs. Choi.
"He's quite tall" someone seated beside Bora muttered.
"Won't lie, this dude is handsome. I guess he's a transfer student or something" Hanna muttered.
"Very typical, she only thinks about boys" Bora though to herself when she overheard Hanna. Mrs. Choi cleared her throat and the little whispers went away.
"I am well aware we are in the middle of the term, and as such, students are not accepted. But we are making an exception for this young man standing beside me. He was transferred to our prestigious school and so far, his records have proven that he would do well regardless of his late resumption.
That being said, class, I want to introduce you all to Lee Hyeol. He will be your classmate, and I expect you all to give him a warm welcome and put him through with everything from academics to basic rules and regulations. There will be no tests till after two weeks, we want to ensure Hyeol is properly settled before we proceed. Is that clear?" Mrs. Choi asked.
"Yes ma'am" the class chorused. Mrs. Choi nodded and left the room alongside Hyeol. But just as she got to the door, she stopped and turned.
"Miss Baek, make sure you see me after school. I've got a job for you" Mrs. Choi remarked before she left the classroom.
Bora sat there, wild-eyed. Her round Hazel eyes staring blankly at the door.
"Seems someone has done something" Hana commented and the whole classroom burst into laughter.
"So what did you do to get called up by the principal?" One of Hana's friends asked mockingly. Bora rolled her eyes hard, but she didn't say a word.
"Speak up nerd, what did you do?" the girl continued to ask as she pinched Bora.
"I don't know Duri, leave me alone!" Bora shouted.
"Don't you dare talk to me like that loser!" Duri yelled back and punched Bora. Bora slumped on her desk, letting out a groan. The whole classroom road began to roar with laughter, making Bora feel stupid for even trying to stand up for herself.
"I should have just shut up" Bora sucked, as she slowly tried to sit up straight. Just in that instant, a teacher walked into the classroom, and the rowdy classroom fell quiet again, and in unison everyone stood from their seats.
"Good morning Mr. Hwang!" the class chorused again.