You Don't Know Me ➳ Taesan [COMPLETED]

Twenty-Two

The sun had now dipped over the horizon in Green Haven as Taesan and his mother made their way to the principal's office. The walk through the halls was a silent one, each step reminding them of the impending meeting.

Most of the students had already left campus, some having left in a haste when the fight got too intense for their eyes. The school was now deadly silent, and Taesan could only hear the sound of his and his mothers' shoes against the floors.

Ms. Han couldn't help but blame herself for what had transpired. She had insisted they attend church, she had encouraged him to go to the Bible study, and now her son was caught in a web of violence she couldn't comprehend.

As they entered the school's administrative building, the air felt stifling. The principal's office door opened, revealing a man who appeared stern. He then gestured for them to enter. It was Principal Gong, known for strict but fair demeanor.

Ms. Han and her son sat down across the principal. She fidgeted with her hands; her worry visible across her face. Taesan himself sat with regret, his bruised knuckles being the evidence of the violent outburst he had started at the courtyard.

Principal Gong cleared his throat and began, 'I'm sure you're aware of the reason for this meeting, Ms. Han.'

Taesan's mother nodded, her voice barely above a whisper, 'Yes, Principal Gong, I am.'

The principal's gaze shifted to Taesan, 'and Taesan, I hope you understand the seriousness of this situation. The police may have to get involved.'

Taesan swallowed hard, his voice equally soft, 'I do.'

Principal Gong continued, 'the incident that occurred in the courtyard was unacceptable. Riwoo and Leehan have been hospitalized with major injuries. Do you have any explanation for your actions?'

He didn't know what to say. Was he supposed to expose himself that he had been having these outbursts since he was young? He didn't even know what his mother would expect him to say.

He hesitated, trying to find the right words to say. 'I didn't want to hurt anyone, but I...I just lost control. They started it.'

His mother's eyes filled with tears. She felt sorrow, anger and fear. 'Taesan, you should have never let it get this far.'

He looked back at her. He understood he had a part to play, but he also didn't understand how someone who knew what he was going through would scold him for going too far. She knew the reality of his struggles from a young age, and he expected a bit more empathy.

Her words, though gilled with maternal concern, were also laced with disappointment and they stung Taesan deeply.

Principal Gong pressed on, 'we have the responsibility to ensure the safety of all students, and your actions have put that safety in question. The school board is taking this incident very seriously.'

Those words settled heavily on Taesan's shoulders. He didn't know what was going to happen next. If he was going to be expelled from the only school in Green Haven, it would probably mean they would have to move again. Even at this point, he wondered how he was going to survive now that his secret was out. This was the exact same situation that had made him and his mother move from the city.

'Now what are we going to do?' Ms. Han cried as they walked out of the school building into the darkening night. 'Where will we go? What can happen?'

Taesan continued to walk with her silently, her complaints making him feel worse than he already was.

'Taesan, why did you do this?' she looked at him with sadness in her eyes. 'Why? Couldn't you find another way to let out your anger? Or better still avoid those boys.'