The Road We Walk On

46 | Consequences

Chungah High School, Seoul

After a quiet, almost intense car ride, Seokkyung had arrived at Chungah High School. The guards made sure to personally escort her to the main room of Chungah. Upon entering, she saw that the room was filled with mainly students and teachers, at the head of the room was her mother who was standing waiting for her. She was escorted to the front, and she sat down on a seat that was in the middle of the room.

To most people, it looked like Seokkyung was about to be put on trial. With the news of bullying happening at Chungah, the reputation of the school has gone down to its lowest it has ever been. Suryeon needed to stop the flow of bad press as much as possible. She was truly conflicted here - there was no denying that Seokkyung had bullied not just one student but many in school. In the short span of just 2 days, her secretary had gathered enough evidence that strongly showed this truth.

Not only that, the very fact that her SNU deal was also suggested in the media was not good for the school. Chungah over the years had gained a reputation as Seoul's foremost music school, the very fact that the school had a direct recommendation route to SNU was the best proof of that reputation. Now, even this was being called into question. Furthermore the media had hinted that Seokkyung may have gotten into SNU through the backdoor. This furthered fuelled the flame of 'the privilege of the rich' argument among the public. As the person who owns Chungah School, she as a Director needed to expel these rumors and also punish the aggressors regardless of whether they were her child or not. Students, parents and the media were demanding justice.

Suryeon began the meeting. She took time to apologise to all the students for the harm that Seokkyung had caused. She goes on to announce that the recommendation that Chungah would give to the winner of the competition has been retracted, as such Seokkyung does not have Chungah backing to go to SNU. Of course the matter of whether or not she can still enter, that will depend on SNU as well. But in the case of support from her high school, Seokkyung has none. Next Suryeon makes a drastic decision, she could see on Seokkyung's expression that she was pissed and all that anger was directed towards her. But as a mother and as a Director, she has to make this decision. She goes on to announce that Seokkyung will be expelled from Chungah High. As a favor, her records and progress in school, she can still use them, however the reason as to why she was expelled will forever be on her record.

Seokkyunng was livid, she got up and started screaming not only at her mother but at her classmates.

If I am guilty, most of you are too. You all have done your share of bullying. Why am I getting punished?

You are not the only one getting punished. In the past year, my staff have compiled evidence of those who have committed similar acts, and they have all been punished already. Right now the people in front of you are your victims, Seokkyung. Both of them are their parents, I believe they deserve an apology.

Why should I apologise! I have done nothing wrong. I deserve that recommendation.

Yah! Need I remind you that you got that recommendation because the first place declined. You don't deserve anything since you did not win. Jenny was pissed, Seokkyung's arguments were completely illogical and totally selfish.

Yoo Jenny, you must be involved in this right! I know it.

So what if I was? If so, all I did was collect evidence of your acts towards me. Did you really think you could act the way you did to all of us, and expect none of us to retaliate? We are not afraid of you Seokkyung, even with your powerful dad or mom. We too have parents and friends who are willing to fight alongside us.

Suryeon, wanting to stop fighting anymore, ended the meeting with an apology to the victims and their parents. Seokkyung ran to her mother, and begged Suryeon not to do this to her. You are worse than Appa, you know that! Appa at least wanted to help me with my dream but you destroyed my dream.

Very well Seokkyung, then run to your father. Ask him to get you out of this mess because I am not helping. Suryeon strengthened her resolve and walked away. Even though her heart was breaking, if she did not correct Seokkyung's behaviour now, well it would be all too late.

Note: So similar to Penthouse, just different sequence of events. I personally liked what Jenny has done to Seokkyung - it is pay back for all what Seokkyung put Jenny through.

Remember don't bully!