my silly kpop non-idols au

Yoochun's life as a Teacher (❤️TVXQ)

Special Appearances: Taeheon (ZE:A) and Jaehyun (NCT) (He was called Mr. Jaehyun)
and also a new child oc: Hyeon

Yoochun stood at the bus stop, his breath fogging in the chilly spring air. The quiet hum of the city was a stark contrast to the bustling schoolyard that awaited him. He checked his watch for the third time in five minutes, a nervous tic he hadn't been able to shake since he started his career. The bus pulled up with a hiss, and he stepped on, flashing a smile to the driver.

The bus ride to work was a blur of gray buildings and early-morning traffic, but Yoochun's thoughts were sharply focused on his students. He was an art teacher at a public school in the outskirts of Seoul, a role he took on with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He knew the arts were often undervalued in the competitive education system, but he believed that creativity was a key ingredient to a well-rounded life. As the bus jolted to a stop, he gathered his bag and stepped off, feeling the weight of his mission more acutely than ever.

Walking into the schoolyard, he saw the usual flurry of activity. Uniformed students chattered in groups, sharing breakfasts and gossip. The aroma of freshly made kimchi wafted from the cafeteria, and the distant sound of a soccer ball thumping against a wall echoed through the courtyard. He took a moment to appreciate the scene, knowing that once the bell rang, he would be swept into the whirlwind of classes and lesson plans. Yoochun greeted the school security guard with a nod, Taeheon's stern expression never changing, before heading towards the teachers' lounge.

The lounge was a small oasis of calm in the school's chaos, filled with the comforting scents of coffee and stale bread. His colleagues were already there, some sipping on steaming cups, others buried in their paperwork. Yoochun exchanged pleasantries as he filled his own mug, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of his favorite student, Hyeon. Hyeon was a quiet girl with a fiery passion for art that often went unnoticed. Her talent was raw, but she lacked confidence, which Yoochun aimed to nurture. He spotted her in the corner, sketching in a notebook, and felt a warmth spread through his chest.

The first bell rang, signaling the start of the day. Yoochun took a deep breath and made his way to his classroom, his steps echoing down the corridor. The walls were adorned with student artwork, a riot of color and emotion that made the sterile hallways feel more alive. As he pushed open the classroom door, the chatter of students grew louder. They greeted him with a mix of respectful bows and eager smiles, their energy infectious. He set down his bag and began to organize his materials, his heart racing slightly in anticipation.

The lesson plan for the day was a new project: a collaborative mural that would cover an entire wall of the school's auditorium. It was a bold move, one that had required weeks of planning and persuasion to get approved by the principal. Yoochun had hoped it would be a chance for the students to express themselves freely, but the strict guidelines and limited time frame made him doubtful. He took a moment to look over the eager faces before him, determination setting in. He would make this work.

"Today, we are going to start our most important project of the year," he announced, his voice carrying over the murmurs. The class fell silent, all eyes on him. "This mural will be a reflection of who we are as a school, as a community. Your art will be seen by everyone, so let's make it something we can all be proud of." He passed out blank sheets of paper and pencils, instructing them to begin by sketching their ideas.

The room buzzed with the sound of pencils on paper, the occasional whispered suggestion or question. Yoochun moved from desk to desk, offering guidance and encouragement. Hyeon sat in the back, her sketches more intricate and imaginative than anyone else's. He paused by her side, noticing the way her hand trembled slightly as she worked. "You have a beautiful vision," he murmured, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Don't be afraid to let it shine."

Her eyes met his, a flicker of doubt in them, but she nodded and returned to her work. Yoochun knew the pressure she was under; the school had high academic standards, and art was often seen as a frivolous pursuit. He made a mental note to speak with her parents, to remind them of her potential and the importance of nurturing it.

As the students sketched, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Despite their varied backgrounds and abilities, they were all here, eager to create. It was moments like these that reminded him why he had chosen this path.

The second bell rang, and Yoochun's attention was drawn to the door. The principal, Mr. Jaehyun, entered with a stern look on his face. he was known for his no-nonsense attitude, and the sight of his always brought a twinge of anxiety. "Mr. Yoochun," he said, his voice cutting through the classroom chatter like a knife through paper. "Could I have a word?"

Yoochun nodded, his heart skipping a beat. He followed Mr. Jaehyun down the hallway, the principal's footsteps clipping sharply on the linoleum. They entered his office, a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the art room. The walls were lined with awards and certificates, a testament to the school's academic success.

"I've had some... concerns," Mr. Jaehyun began, his voice tight. "The mural project, while ambitious, is taking up too much class time. We need to ensure that the students are focusing on their core subjects as well."

Yoochun felt his stomach drop. "But the mural is an important part of their education," he protested. "It encourages teamwork, creativity, and self-expression. And Hyeon," he added, unable to keep the hope out of his voice, "she's really blossoming in this project."

Mr. Jaehyun sighed, his expression softening slightly. "I understand your passion, Mr. Yoochun. But we must consider the school's reputation. If we don't produce top scorers in the national exams, our funding will be at risk." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Yoochun's. "I'm afraid you'll have to scale back the mural and dedicate more time to preparing them for their tests."

Yoochun nodded, feeling the weight of the principal's words. He knew the system was rigid, but he couldn't help but feel a spark of rebellion. He left the office with a heavy heart, the once-exciting project now tainted by the shadow of conformity.

Back in the classroom, the clock ticked away, and the students began to pack up their things. The energy of the morning had dissipated, leaving a subdued air in its wake. The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and the students trickled out, chattering and laughing. Hyeon lingered, her eyes on the floor as she gathered her sketches.

Yoochun approached her, his mind racing with the conversation he'd had with Mr. Jaehyun. "Hyeon," he called gently. She looked up, her eyes wide and hopeful. He knelt beside her, his voice low and earnest. "I know how much this mural means to you, and it means a lot to me too. But we might have to make some changes."

Her expression fell, and he saw the light in her eyes dim. "What kind of changes?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Yoochun sighed. "Mr. Jaehyun is worried about the time we're spending on it. We'll need to balance it with preparations for the exams." He paused, searching for the right words. "But I promise, I won't let this ruin your hard work. We'll find a way to make it happen."