My class president

First Day Back

Honestly, the first day back didn't bother Haerin at all. Standing in the garage with her car keys in hand, she felt totally chill. After three years in Canada, driving to school felt like slipping into an old hoodie super comfy and familiar.

Minji and Hyein were already by their cars, ready to go.

"Haerin, you ready?" Minji called out, her usual energy buzzing.

Haerin just nodded, a tiny smirk on her lips. "Always."

Hyein, already behind the wheel, laughed. "Yeah, right. She's been dreaming about this day for years, Minji."

They drove separately but rolled into school together, parking side by side like they owned the place. As they stepped out, Haerin looked around. The school looked exactly the same, but somehow, it felt different. Maybe it was just her.

Walking into the building, it didn't take long to spot Hanni and Danielle. Minji immediately lit up when she saw Hanni, her eyes practically sparkling.

"Morning!" Minji called out, all cheerful.

Hanni smiled back, and Danielle gave a small nod, her face serious as always. Haerin caught Danielle's eye but didn't say anything, just kept her usual cool.

In class, the teacher introduced Haerin as if she were new, though she wasn't. After a quick welcome, the teacher turned to Danielle.

"Danielle, can you assist Haerin with today's lesson?"

Danielle's expression didn't change. "Sure."

She sat down next to Haerin and pulled out her notes. "We're covering some advanced topics today. I'll go over the main points. If you need anything else, just ask."

Haerin glanced at the notes. She already knew this stuff, but she wasn't about to say that. Instead, she just nodded. "Thanks."

As Danielle explained, Haerin listened not so much to the lesson, but to the way Danielle spoke, the way she handled herself with a no nonsense attitude. There was something about her that Haerin found intriguing, something she wanted to figure out. So, she went along with it, letting Danielle think she was helping.

During a brief break between classes, Haerin caught up with Minji and Hyein in the hallway.

"Can you believe it's been three years?" Minji said, handing Haerin a snack. "Feels like just yesterday we were all here together."

Hyein nodded, her eyes bright. "Yeah, things have changed a lot. I've missed having you around."

Haerin smiled, feeling a sense of belonging. "I've missed you guys too. It's good to be back."

As they walked to lunch, Danielle mentioned an upcoming school event. "We've got the annual Spring Festival coming up in a few weeks. I'm organizing it, so if you're interested in helping out, let me know."

Haerin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'll think about it. Sounds like a lot of work."

"Definitely," Danielle replied, her tone firm. "But it's a big deal around here. Helps you get involved."

Later in the day, Haerin bumped into Mr. Carter, a teacher she'd had before she left. He looked at her with a smile.

"Haerin! It's great to see you back. How was Canada?"

"Pretty good, thanks," Haerin replied. "It's nice to be home."

"I'm sure you'll catch up quickly," Mr. Carter said. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

By the time lunch rolled around, Danielle invited Haerin to sit with her, Minji, Hyein, and Hanni at their usual table. Haerin agreed, figuring it'd be a good chance to see more of how Danielle interacted with her friends.

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as they sat down. Danielle discussed an upcoming school event she was organizing, her tone firm and authoritative. Minji and Hyein chimed in, adding their own thoughts and teasing each other. Haerin noticed how Danielle managed to command attention without being overly friendly.

"What about you, Haerin? Are you planning to join any clubs?" Hanni asked, trying to include her in the conversation.

"Maybe. I'm still deciding," Haerin replied, keeping her tone neutral.

Danielle glanced at Haerin. "Let me know if you need recommendations. I can point you in the right direction."

Haerin nodded. "Will do."

In the afternoon, the teacher announced a group project, and Haerin ended up in a group with Danielle, Minji, Hyein, and Hanni. Danielle immediately took charge, organizing the group with her firm but fair approach.

As they discussed the project, Minji and Hyein contributed their ideas, while Danielle made sure everyone stayed on track. Haerin observed Danielle's leadership, noting her ability to keep things organized without being overly friendly. It was clear that Danielle was respected, and Haerin was interested in seeing how their dynamic would develop over time.

As school let out, Haerin, Minji, Hyein, and Hanni decided to hang out. They grabbed coffee from a nearby café and walked through the park, catching up on old times and teasing each other.

Minji, always the energy source, nudged Haerin playfully. "So, how's it feel to be back among us mere mortals?"

Haerin laughed. "I'm getting used to it. Not too bad, actually."

Hyein chimed in, "Just wait until you see what's changed. We've got some new teachers and a bunch of new students."

Hanni smiled at Haerin. "And you've got to meet some of the new faces around here. There are a few interesting people."

As they strolled, Haerin felt the warmth of her old friendships and the excitement of new beginnings. She was back in a familiar place with familiar faces, but there was still so much to discover.

Later, as the sun began to set, Haerin drove back to the penthouse, her mind buzzing with the day's events. She glanced at the city lights and thought about the upcoming days. With her old friends around and new ones to meet, she was ready for whatever came next.