The Walls that Hide a Secret

I took a deep breathe. Exhale and inhale. A sigh of exhaustion escaped my lips as I stood yet again in front of my school building. Another day at this misanthropic island where animals moved about in packs and herds not welcoming anyone else in their group. High schools were just so unsociable as people were categorized in permanent cliques. Newbies fitted nowhere!

Unfortunately I myself was a newbie. I just transferred to this school four months ago and yet I hardly had any friends. Wasn't Korea supposed to be the land of amiable and welcoming people? Oh how I wished I could go back to Nepal, back to my welcoming family and friends. But chance of that dream was like looking for a needle in a hay stack. At least until my dad's happy with his job here.

I was just settling down in my seat when I heard someone calling my name,

"Shayana! Annyeong hasayo!" said the only friendly face, the only person who truly accepted me for whoever I was. The only person worth coming to school for; our sweet class representative, Jung Hara.

I returned her greetings and we eventually started a little conversation.

"So did you make any friends yet?" she questioned.

I shook my head in disappointment.

"It's ok cheer up!"

"Even the most bullied and nerdy girl in class refuses to be my friend I have no idea why. It's been four months already here and I am still finding it hard to fit in. in fact, I might be the most friendless person in school!" I said, exasperated and annoyed.

Hara gently patted my back in encouragement.

"It's ok you'll find a friend eventually. I seriously wish I could be that friend for you but I'm just so busy with my class rep. duties. I'm sorry, but cheer up ok? I know-"

She was cut off due to the loud thud that occurred as the classroom door flew open. In the door frame stood the boy who was hated most. A person who was loathed by even his own classmates. He was a delinquent of the whole school and was also the meanest bully around. According to the rumours, he was not just any bully who hit people for lunch money, he was a person who could really hurt you if he wanted to. His absolute existence screamed danger. He was feared by everyone. Everyone except our valiant class rep.

"Ugh! Choi Seunghyun! How many times do I have to teach you manners?" She shouted. "And for the thousandth time take off those stupid earrings! How many pairs do you even have?! I already confiscated three!"

Seunghyun with his usual nonchalant and weary expression sat down in his seat, continuously ignoring Hara's complaints and commands.

Infuriated at his ignorant behaviour Hara went over to his table and slammed her hand hard on his desk which for the first time made him look up directly into her eyes. His intimidating expression got us scared and the class's atmosphere grew dead silent but Hara didn't waver. At least, she didn't show it.

"As the class representative I command you to fix up your shirt and basically fix up your whole appearance. You give a bad name to our class." She returned his intimidating gaze.

He mumbled something.

"What?" she asked.

"I said shut up!" He said conspicuously.

Hara was taken aback and she retreated. It was over. All of us let out our breaths that we unknowingly were holding in during the whole argument.

I looked at Seunghyun who was now absent-mindedly staring out the window. He was hostile and his behaviour towards Hara fuelled my lungs with anger.