.
"Alright students," Mr. Yoo Joon announced, his voice resonating confidently through the nearly empty classroom. ''That's how we solve the problem.''
His tone was steady, like a teacher about to drop some serious wisdom, and his presence was so commanding that he doesn't need to be loud to be noticed.
"Do you guys understand kids? " he asked, his gaze sweeping across the students.
No answer, no one spoke.
''Ok then I guess We won't waste two hours of our time on repitition. Make sure you all do your assignments.''
The class responded with a chorus of nods, some eager, some nervous.
"Okay, good.," he added with a warm, knowing smile that made the room feel just a little brighter.
His gaze roamed around the class for a moment before he called out.
Voice steady.
His gaze swept across the room, before briefly Stopping at Ji-Hoo who had a book under his nose, for a second Mr. Yoo Joon paused Then continued like nothng happened.
"Ji-Ho," He said evenly.
Ji-Ho looked up, blinking slowly as if waking from a dream.
"You will collect the assignments,"
''Yes sir.''
Then he left the class without another word.
Ji-Ho blinked again, confused but obedient, then returned to his seat, adjusting his glasses and glancing at the scattered papers on his desk.
He began to gather them.
Then----
"Hey, class!! It's P.E. time!".
Someone shouted, and instantly, the room erupted with cheers.
Ji-Bok, sitting near the back, jerked his head up with a slow, exaggerated motion.
His face was serious—almost like he was stretching out the boredom before he finally decided to get moving.
As he stood, his movements were deliberate, almost theatrical.
His eyes flicked toward Ji-Woo for a moment, and he pused, as if debating whether to say something.
But he didn't.
He just walked away Unhurried.
Eun-Woo then approached Ji-Woo and sat down beside her, gently resting his head on her shoulder in a casual and familiar way.
"What do you want?" Ji-Woo asked, her voice calm but also withdrawn.
He sighed dramatically and looked up.
"It's time for sports. ''
''Don't tell me you still hate doing sports. '' He added softly.
''Don't worry, we're not doing anything crazy. You're just going to cheer for my team," he said bluntly, standing and flashing a goofy grin.
"Or maybe," he teased, "you want to be a cheerleader."
At that, Mi-Sook scoffed loudly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"A cheerleader?''
''With that?," she sneered mockingly, eyeing Ji-Woo from head to teos.
Her words were cold as ice.
"Please...'' She sneered again ''She can't even walk properly.''
Mi-Sook said confidently and walked out, Cold , careful, unbothered.
Eun-Woo turned to Ji-Woo, " Don't mind her she is just empty inside.''
Ji-Woo didn't respond, she just sighed.
She just stared out the window, her heart quietly racing, her thoughts drifting far beyond the classroom walls.
---
Ji-Soo sat serenely in the bustling old school cafeteria, surrounded by the chatter of students and clattering trays.
Her maroon uniform was spotless, her short hair sleek and perfectly straight, framing her face like a classy portrait.
She quietly munched on her food, her calmness like a quiet pond in a storm—until she was suddenly invaded.
A girl with long hair tied in a side ponytail, swinging wildly like a flag in the wind, strutted over dramatically.
She looked around theatrically before spotting Ji-Soo and called out in a loud, exaggerated voice,
"Hey, Ji-Soo-nah! Guess what? I'm here…!"
Without hesitation, she plopped herself beside Ji-Soo, practically shoving her aside.
"You're here all alone? Aww, Tragic! We're in different sections now, huh? So unfair," she whined, pouting like her puppy just got scolded.
Ji-Soo blinked slowly, not annoyed but amused.
She shook her head with a tiny smile and pushed Fah (or Sky, as people and her friends liked to call her) away lightly.
"Fah… move from here," she muttered, voice calm but with a hint of teasing.
Fah, chewing her gum loudly and with a meatball still stuck in her chopsticks, waved dismissively.
"Whatever. Have you seen Min-Ju?," she said dramatically, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Ji-Soo glanced around and finally spotted Min-Ju approaching, as if he were a model walking down a runway.
His expression relaxed a book tucked under his armpit.
He strolled up with quiet confidence and sat down across from them.
"Oh, Min-Ju…" Fah squealed, practically bouncing in her seat.
Min-Ju shot her a playful, warning look.
"Don't start, Sky with your nonsense. Keep your mouth shut," he said before she could even finish.
Fah rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, but her smile betrayed her amusement.
"Fine, too late" Fah whispered.
''yes.''
Ji-Soo handed Min-Ju his book with a gentle smile, and he eagerly took it, grinning like he'd just won the lottery.
"Thanks," he said, flashing that perfect, charismatic smile.
Fah leaned in, eyes wide with mock innocence.
"Stop flashing your teeth'' She whispered just enough for both of them to hear.
''like you're the poster boy for toothpaste, Min-Ju," she teased, winking at Ji-Soo.
Min-Ju rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush creeping into his cheeks.
"Eat your food, Fah," he muttered, trying to act cool but secretly enjoying the moment.
Suddenly, Min-Ju's expression softened, and he looked at Ji-Soo with a hint of seriousness masked by a playful tone.
"Ji-Soo… I've been thinking. Maybe we should try again to see if anything comes back."
Ji-Soo nodded, her eyes slightly distant but warm.
"Sure, let's try," she whispered, a flicker of hope flickering in her gaze.
Fah immediately jumped up, almost eager to volunteer.
"I'm coming too! I can totally help! I've been your best friend forever, after all," she said loudly, puffing out her chest.
Min-Ju shot her a quick, subtle glance but didn't speak.
Ji-Soo chuckled softly, nervous but gently.
"Why all of a sudden?" she asked, amused.
Fah grinned mischievously.
"I want to see your cute little face when you remember everything," she teased, winking at Ji-Soo.
Min-Ju's eyes lingered on Ji-Soo a moment longer, as if savoring the quiet connection.
"Okay we will all go." he said softly, with just a hint of tenderness beneath his teasing tone.
They all burst into laughter, the cafeteria ringing with their playful banter, the teasing glances, and the unspoken feelings floating in the air—like a scene straight out of a rom-com, exaggerated but full of genuine warmth.