Not Just Academic Rivals || Yang Jungwon x Female Reader

♡Chapter 1♡

— Jia's POV —

"Dear Passengers, please wear your seatbelts, straighten your seats, and stow your tables, as we are landing in approximately two minutes." The voice popped out. I straightened my seat, taking a picture of Seoul through the window. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the tall glass buildings.

I looked out the airplane window as I sighed. I wish I didn't have to leave for Korea. I didn't want to leave Mom alone. But of course, when I received the invitation, she was overboard with excitement and pride. Mom forced me to go, she said she didn't want me to miss the opportunity. But I don't want to go to an expensive private school, since I'd probably just get bullied. You know, for having a ruined family, being poor, and being a nerd. I'm not looking forward to the bullying, since I heard it can be pretty brutal in Korea. At least I won't be bullied for not being able to speak Korean, I speak Korean and English. Those are my two main languages. I sighed once again as I opened the acceptance letter again, scanning it over. Finally, the plane landed. I got up from my seat and grabbed my stuff, walking out.

The airport was crowded, full of people departing and arriving. I quickly booked an Uber as my claustrophobia started acting up. I got into the Uber and looked out the windows, taking in the scenery of the place I'd be staying in for a good next 5 years. Hopefully, I can make it!

* * *

"So, this is your dorm room, and your roommate is Kim Minji. She's currently outside, so she'll be here by 10 p.m. That's the time the gates of the academy close. By the way, I'm Haram. The dorm advisor. And the principal's daughter." The cold-looking girl muttered. "So don't make a fuss over stuff. I mean, you don't seem like the type of rich kid, so you're probably amazed at your dorm room. It's probably better than your shabby hut." She chuckled mockingly. "Welcome, new kid."

Then she left the room. I scoffed, my eyes not leaving the door. "Rude. My room in the mansion is ten times better."

Does it say that I'm pretty poor in my bio? Like, in my submission papers? Hopefully not. And it probably doesn't say about my father being the meanest but the richest man in the UK. Well, they shouldn't know. I want friends based on me, not my background.

I looked around. Across the room were two expensive-looking beds, two separate bathrooms, and two cabinets. There were also two different dressers. My roommate's dresser was full of makeup and hair stuff. So basically, this is two separate rooms stuck together.

I placed my things in their places as I danced to some songs. Suddenly, the door slammed open, and a drunk-looking girl barged in. Uh oh. Is this my roommate?

Then the girl spotted me. "Hey, ma'lady! Never seen ya before! New? Great face card too." She flirted. I scrunched my face in disgust. Who the heck is that?

Then a more put-together girl came as well. "Yunjin! Get out! I have a new roommate, and you're embarrassing me!"

"Yeah, yeah. Chill Minji. I'm leaving." Yunjin said, waving her hand in the air and walking out, falling twice. I winced at the sound of her heels scratching the tiles. Finally, Minji closed the door and locked it.

"Sorry about that. That's Yunjin, the funny-ish or friendly queen bee. There's also Wonyoung, the pretty queen bee, and Karina, the rich queen bee. That's for the girls. The guys are Yang Jungwon, the top scorer in our grade, Kim Sunoo, the friendly one, and Nishimura Riki. The sporty and bad boy style one. They can be pretty intimidating though." She shrugged. "Right! I'm Minji. Kim Minji. The twin sister of Sunoo." She warmly introduced. I smiled.

"Hey Minji! I'm Park Jia." I said.

"Well, Jia, do you want me to show you around the school? I'm free, and I'd love to."

"Sure actually! I don't want to make a fool of myself when I'm lost."

We laughed, as we headed out, leaving our dorm room.

"So, this area is the middle price classes. Not to brag, but my family is rich, so I should've been on the floor above this. But I feel like those girls are a bit stuck up. Not Wonyoung though, she's a sweetie. Yunjin can be intimidating, but she's pretty nice. Karina though, well, not the friendliest. Just avoid her. And her boyfriend Heeseung. Lee Heeseung. But Heeseung is our senior, which is another class building. Under our floor, are the cheapest dorm rooms. Same for the boy's dorms, which are next to the girl's dorms." She explained, getting into the elevator as I followed her from behind.

We came down a level lower, walking through a long hallway of more dorm rooms. "Okay, so. Where did you come from? I'm guessing you're pretty rich, as you got the high-class dorm room."

I chuckled. "I'm not sure. I'm rich and poor at the same time."

Minji looked at me, eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. Raising an eyebrow, telling me to explain.

"Okay, I will, but don't judge me. And please don't tell anyone. I'm trusting you." I muttered, taking a deep breath. I have a good feeling about Minji. She seems nice, warm-hearted, and humble. I'm pretty sure she won't rat me out.

I explained everything quietly as we passed students in the hallways, their heads turning at the unfamiliar face. I kept walking, unbothered. Once I finished, Minji commented.

"Girl, what's there to be judged about? I hope your parents get back together by the way. And trust me, I won't tell a soul. Also, you're pretty good at being nonchalant about those stares. And glares."

"Well, I expected it. And I'm not the type of person to give up that easily. I'm pretty strong, mentally. Not physically."

Minji looked me in the eye. "I gotcha. Me too!"

We laughed, chatting a bit more. We ignored people's stares as we casually walked around. "Yeah, so this is the cafeteria. But no one eats here. We have cafes, bistros, and restaurants around in the academy. So just the usual people, like the teachers, and stuff, eat here. The food's pretty bland. Then here . . . is the music room! Next to it, is the Art club. I spend most of my time in the practice room. Like, the dance practice room. Our school's got a dance cover team! I want to join so badly. Auditions are in two months. I'm planning to perform Love Dive, by IVE! Or maybe S-class by Straykids."

"Sounds interesting! I used to dance. I loved covering dances as well." I said, fascinated at the creativity.

"You should join me on Saturdays! I go there for some relaxation." She said. Before I could answer, my shoulder hit someone's shoulder. I turned in surprise, bowing a little.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it." I apologized. The girl looked me in the eye.

"Nice one, new girl. Watch it." She sarcastically replied. Two other girls looked around me as well.

Minji frowned. "Don't be so rude Karina. It ruins your image."

"Yeah, Karina! Don't be so harsh on the new girl! I heard her name is Park Jia!" A pretty girl said, scolding the other.

"Wonyoung, she won't do anything. You can't change her." The girl I recognized as Yunjin said to Wonyoung, boredly cleaning her nails.

They walked away, everyone watching the scene. I shrugged, turning back to Minji, who was smiling. "Great job, Jia! Usually, people get intimidated by her."

A guy passed me, nudging me hard with his bag. I rolled my eyes at him. "What is that? A child? He jealous or something?" I replied in annoyance. People started whispering, shocked at my confidence and cluelessness.

Minji shrugged. "That was Riki by the way. People think he's crushing on Karina, that's why Heeseung and he, hate each other. Riki's a playboy though. But he's pretty friendly when you get to know him better."

"Oh well. I guess I was informed late?"

"Sorry," Minji sheepishly replied.

Author's Note: First chapter uploaded! 💕