In the realm of dreams

Part 1 - First day, first impressions

Baek Yoona

It's the first day of school at my new school for me. I am not really sure what to expect. I have accepted the fact that this school will not be like my previous school which was in Seoul but that might not be a bad thing. Being in the outskirts will surely have its advantages right? Lots of open area surrounding the school perhaps. It's about a half an hour bus ride from my house. This new school year I hope to challenge myself in my studies, improve my English and work hard on Maths. I would like to try something new. Maybe a new club or activity. That's a sure fire way to make new friends, right? Of course the first few days I might need to have lunch by myself and come home by myself. The adjustment period is always a bit odd. But it will be fine eventually. I have gone through this many times before thanks to my dad's job. This time, though, I hope I will be able to graduate from this school.

Every new beginning is also an opportunity for something new and different, right? It's a special year, the year one turns eighteen. A year of possibilities. A million little moments when something magical can happen. A glimpse of the future. A new kind of feeling; a new dream. Yes, I must approach this new school with a positive attitude. A blank slate where new stories are waiting to be written. That's what Eomma would have said if she were here.

I check my outfit in the full-length mirror next to my desk. I quite like this uniform, navy skirt and white shirt. The little ribbon around the shirt collar adds a touch of glamour. If only it could make me look a bit taller. Oh well. I better get going. I should try to catch the earlier bus.

The spring air is fresh and the sunshine is warm today. A fair few people are waiting for the bus which arrives soon. I count the number of magpies I see on my way to school. The blossom tress are starting to get pretty. Gangwon High School, get ready for your newest student. Here I come!

************

I made a new friend today. He was eager to help me with notes and even joined me for lunch today. Thanks to him I didn't have to eat by myself today. The school compound is huge! So much bigger than my previous school! There are multiple sports grounds, several outbuildings for the different societies and clubs and a huge gym. I can't wait to get started with training.

Choi Sooho

Our homeroom teacher Mr. Yoo introduced the new transfer student to the class.

'My name is Baek Yoona. I am interested in sports and anime. Erm I also like to read. I hope I will make friends with some of you.'

A few of our classmates cheered.

She seemed to be beaming from inside, as if she has brought the sun inside the classroom with her. Her smile was big but not big enough to hide her nervousness.

'Take a seat in that empty desk. 반장, please make sure to familiarise her with class protocols'. Mr Yoo said, looking at me.

She glided her way through desks and sat down at the seat in front of me. I nodded at her, acknowledging Mr Yoo and in a vague attempt to greet her. The word 'Hi' got stuck in my throat.

She sat down a little too quickly so I am not sure if she even noticed my nod. Her long black hair cascaded down her back up to her waist. I wondered if it would feel like a waterfall if I ran my fingers through it. There was a whiff of something floral and slightly tangy. Her scent. Something elusive. It drifted in and out of my space. I could barely register what the teacher was saying. Maths class went by in a blur. Mr Yoo called my name a few times to signal the end of class.

After the first period I tapped on her desk and introduced myself.

'Oh you are the Ban-jang', she said.

'Yes. We have self-study in the afternoon I can go through class protocols in details with you then.'

'Sure,' she said and turned to face Oh Jisung who was already introducing himself.

He chatted loudly with her, so eager! He was going on and on about some anime they both seemed to share an enthusiasm for. How can he chat so freely and easily with someone, a girl no less, who he's only just met! How is he not tongue-tied, completely besotted with her beauty and unable to form coherent sentences! She nodded vigorously to something Jisung said, clearly agreeing with him.

'Ban-jang, the English teacher is looking for you', someone said to me. I had no choice but to leave the class to go to the teachers' room. I will have to catch up with her later. Just as well. I need some time to arrange my thoughts about her induction. Usually I give newcomers my tried and tested spiel about the basics, but to her I want to say things in a way so that she would remember everything in the future. Remember what was said and who had said it.

I walked into the cafeteria slightly out of breath and slightly late, I was held up in class duties again. I scanned the room for her. She was sitting with her tray of food in a corner table and opposite her sat Oh Jisung.

That brat! He beat me to it. How dare he? Should I kick him out and take his place? No, that wouldn't be gracious. That wouldnt be class-president like behaviour. I took a few deep breaths just like my therapist had recommended. Fine, I will speak to her during self-study. And that time it would be just her and me.