Crushed And Bond

Chapter 11: A Mother's Concern

Lalisa's heart pounded in her chest like a drumbeat of worry as she sped towards Jiyeon's new school. Each step felt heavy with anticipation, her mind a whirlwind of anxious thoughts and fearful scenarios. She navigated through the bustling streets with a sense of urgency, her determination to reach Jiyeon overriding any obstacles in her path.

As she approached the school gates, her pace quickened, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. The familiar sights and sounds of the schoolyard surrounded her, but today they seemed to blur into a chaotic haze, her focus singularly fixed on reaching the principal's office.

With each echoing footfall in the empty hallways, Lalisa's apprehension only seemed to intensify. The weight of her worry pressed down on her shoulders, urging her forward with a sense of urgency that bordered on desperation.

Finally, she reached the door to the principal's office, her heart hammering against her ribs as she prepared herself for what lay ahead. With a deep breath to steady her nerves, she pushed open the door and stepped inside, her eyes immediately seeking out Jiyeon's familiar form amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.

As Lalisa gently pushed open the heavy door to the principal's office, a wave of relief washed over her as she spotted Jiyeon sitting quietly on the plush couch. Her daughter's eyes were bright as if nothing had happened. The sight tugged at Lalisa's heartstrings, filling her with a mixture of concern and determination.

The soft murmur of voices caught her attention, drawing her gaze to Jiyeon's homeroom teacher, who stood beside the principal's desk with a sympathetic smile. The teacher's gentle demeanor was a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that seemed to permeate the room, offering a glimmer of reassurance amidst the uncertainty.

With a silent nod of acknowledgment, Lalisa approached the group, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floorboards. She felt a surge of gratitude towards the teacher, whose presence seemed to offer a sense of stability in the midst of chaos.

As she took a seat beside Jiyeon, Lalisa's gaze swept over her daughter's face, searching for any signs of distress. Jiyeon met her mother's eyes briefly before casting her a bright smile. What was happening? Lalisa felt confused, the teacher had called her in such urgency and now everything looked like nothing had happened.

"It seems Jiyeon had a little altercation with one of her classmates," the teacher explained, her tone reassuring. "But I want to assure you, Mrs. Manoban, that Jiyeon is a very bright girl for her age."

Lalisa nodded, her heart aching at the thought of her daughter in distress. She listened intently as the teacher recounted how Jiyeon's lunch had gone missing, stolen by a group of boys led by a certain classmate.

____

In the bustling classroom of Jiyeon's new school, students hurriedly shuffled to their seats, the buzz of excitement filling the air as they prepared for the day's lessons. Among them was Minhyuk, a boy with mischievous eyes and a playful grin, surrounded by a group of friends who mirrored his jovial demeanor.

As the morning progressed, tensions simmered beneath the surface, unnoticed by most as the class delved into their studies. But for Minhyuk, the sight of Jiyeon, the same girl who had inadvertently caused him embarrassment, ignited a spark of frustration within him.

"Hey, Minhyuk, isn't that the girl who made you cry last time?" one of his friends whispered, nudging him teasingly.

Minhyuk's eyes narrowed, a scowl forming on his face as he glanced in Jiyeon's direction. "Yeah, it's her," he muttered, his voice tinged with irritation. "She's not going to get away with it this time."