Their Noona: EM

Chapter 7

EM POV

Over the next few days I continued to meet various studio CEOs, which included SM and Jellyfish Entertainment. I was going to be working with some big names both teacher beginning English as well as helping some polish their English. As the end of the school year approached, I started to feel melancholic. I am excited about the new job, but also know I am going to miss my middle school students terribly.

"Miss Em, tomorrow is your last day, right?" I turned to one of my students. His name was Park JiWoo, he was my most advanced English speaking student.

"Yes, that is right JiWoo," I said sadly. My eyes started to prickle so I quickly turned around so he wouldn't see the tears starting.

"We are going to miss you!" I heard the students chorus around the classroom.

"I am going to miss you too," I said wobbly. Their words caused the tears to overflow from my eyes and I couldn't stop the flow. I was trying to keep from making any sound when I saw a tissue appear in front of me in a small hand.

"Here Miss Em," Park JiWoo said, handing me the tissue. I gave a watery chuckle as I accepted the tissue.

"Thank you JiWoo," I sniffled and wiped the tears off my face.

The next day I woke up feeling heavy and light at the same time. I brushed my teeth and washed my face, feeling a little nauseous. I skipped breakfast at home, since all my things were already packed. I stopped by a café that was near my school and got myself a Vanilla Latte and a blueberry bagel and cream cheese.

I arrived at the school earlier than I usually do. I knew I needed to finish packing my desk. I pulled out the box out from under my desk that I had put there the day before. I slowly went through my desk, making sure all my personal items were placed in the box. I had a photo album filled with all the class photos I had taken during my time at the school.

Sniffing, I wiped my eyes as I placed it in the box. I put all my personal stationary items in as well. My desk was now bare except for the school provided computer and telephone. I put the box on the edge of my desk and put my purse inside, securing the lid well. As I finished I only just noticed that the office had filled up with my coworkers.

Looking around the office one last time I noticed that everything was quiet. I turned around and all of the teachers were gathered around Hye Won, who was holding a cake. On the cake was written "Good Luck, We Will Miss You!" I took one look at the cake and broke down crying. I heard sudden murmuring and worry.

"Em, don't cry!" Hye Won rushed forward after handing the cake to another teacher. She pulled me into a hug.

"I am going to miss you all," I said in Korean. I had been practicing saying this all week so that I could say it before I left. I didn't know that I would be saying like this.

I heard a bunch of "aww" and Korean words for "It's going to be okay" and "We will miss you too!" Chuckling I wiped my face and looked to see that Hye Won was also crying. Shocked, I used the sleeve of my blazer to wipe her tears. We both laughed and hugged again.

After we pulled ourselves together, we cut the cake and ate. One of the teachers produced cups of coffee for everyone as well. I smiled when I tasted my coffee and discovered it was a Vanilla Latte. I looked around the room to see who was handing out the coffee. I didn't see anyone, but saw a pile of coffee carriers on one of the older Korean teachers' desk. I was surprised, since this teacher had not talked to me much over the time I was here. He was one of the old-fashioned schoolteachers but did speak to me in English when he needed me to do something for him. He taught the oldest year in the middle school.