Treacherous

01 - the start of all

Bell rang throughout corridors and classes. The loud speakers which were attached to each class sang the school anthem. Students hurriedly packed their things, not minding the teacher who still explained lesson of the day. Such was an usual sight within Cheong A Arts High School. One of the prestigious arts schools in South Korea.

As number one on top of the list, the building of Cheong A Arts High School stood enormously in Gangnam District. It spoke class by its modern but splendor architecture. Built in the early nineteenth century, the school contribution written long in history of Korean Arts. Their advanced curriculum helped students to pursue their dreams by the time they graduate. Considering the fact that all alumni successfully spread their wings in many industries, there was no doubt Cheong A Arts School still maintained their position.

Although their great reputation in front of many never seemed to get tarnished, obviously, the outer part of Cheong A Arts School couldn't be compare to hidden truth under their beautiful facades. The real face of the-so-called best arts school. The ugly facts of Cheong A.

Many might see Cheong A as one of the hardest to get through. They only chose tanzanite; the most valuable and rarest of all. The genius one. They never gave chance to pure luck, but they labelled you as the lucky one.

However, it was never the case when money and power actually played a big role.

Cheong A wasn't a mere arts public school but business. The entrance exams were never fairly evaluated by talent only, but also how much you willingly donated to the foundation. Students, who were accepted to Cheong A, were treated according to their talent level and mostly their wealth. In which, it really spoke, hierarchy also exists among the rich.

It was your choice to be the achiever or scandal-maker of Cheong A Arts School. Either you get praised like a God or humiliated like an animal. And everyone chose the former, including me.

"Finally, this semester is over. I think I'm gonna be sick if we're stuck any longer," Jenny grumbled.

I nodded along with her, without paying much attention to her complaint. I was too busy rearranging my locker at the moment. When Jenny never seemed to stop any minute, Seola appeared beside me, then said, "I couldn't agree more. We only remain with three or four months before we finally escape from this annoying ungrateful leech."

Hearing the term Seola always used, I tried to suppress a smile. It was her indirect insult towards our school. She always mentioned it whenever Eunbyeol, daughter of the Director of Cheong A Arts School, was around. And I didn't understand why she'd bother to do it when she's dating one of Eunbyeol's friends. I guessed it was either her way of stress relief or maybe she always loved to see Eunbyeol's reaction.

Jenny saw Eunbyeol's death glare toward Seola. She sighed, "You should stop messing with her, Seol. I thought you'd finally befriend her since you guys are always together."

Seola rolled her eyes. She glanced at Jenny before answering, "I'm stating facts. Everyone knows where all the money we paid goes. Unnecessary solo recitals and all in Music Department, thanks to our dearest director who always involved herself in student's community."

She added, "I, for sure, am grateful for the fact that I study in Dance Department. But it is irritating to see other talented students never get a chance to showcase their abilities. Like our friend here," whilst pointing her little finger toward me in such a manner.

I mumbled, "I don't really mind that." And I meant it. Because for all I care, I only wanted to quickly finish my study here and go abroad.

But Seola, a good best friend she was, always tried to push me to the spotlight.