The High School Introduction
Sophia’s first day at boarding school began with nervous anticipation. She was still adjusting to the energy of the school, the crowded hallways filled with chatter, and the sense of formality that came with the uniformed students.
The morning bell rang, and everyone shuffled into their seats in the classroom.
Her homeroom teacher, Mr. Kim, a kind but no-nonsense man in his mid-forties, smiled at her. “Class, we have a new student joining us today.”
He gestured for Sophia to come forward. She stepped up, her posture straight despite the curious stares from her classmates.
“This is Sophia,” he continued. “She comes from the United States, and I hope you’ll all make her feel welcome.”
Sophia bowed politely. “Annyeonghaseyo. Sophia-imnida. Jal butakdeurimnida. (Hello, I’m Sophia. Please take care of me.)”
Whispers immediately filled the room.
“She’s so small,” one boy murmured.
“She thinks she’s better than us because she’s from America,” a girl said snidely in Korean.
Sophia’s ears caught the comments, but she maintained her calm expression. Then, a boy at the back, clearly trying to provoke a reaction, muttered loudly, “Oegugin-i bwa. (Look at the foreigner.)”
Sophia’s gaze turned to him, her expression soft yet sharp. Her voice was polite but firm as she replied in fluent Korean, “Jeon-eun dangsin-i hwaginhaeya hal geos-i mal-i anila haengdong-ilago saeng-gaghaeyo. (I think you should focus less on words and more on your actions.)”
° I can't believe I'm saying this. Mr. Lee really taught me well. Gosh! I never thought I'll be ever good in Korea but look at me now°
The class erupted in shocked silence. No one expected such a sharp and fluent comeback. Mr. Kim cleared his throat, clearly trying to hide his amusement.
“Alright, that’s enough. Sophia, please take your seat,” he said, gesturing toward an empty desk.
Sophia walked calmly to her desk, ignoring the curious glances and murmurs.
---
Later in the lesson, Mr. Kim posed a challenging question about the cultural significance of the Korean Independence Movement.
The room fell silent as the students avoided eye contact, feigning interest in their notebooks.
“Sophia,” Mr. Kim said, “would you like to give it a try?”
Sophia stood, her voice steady as she answered, “The Korean Independence Movement, particularly the March 1st Movement in 1919, was a crucial event where Koreans protested Japanese colonial rule. It showed the strength and unity of the Korean people.”
° How the hell did I still remember Ji-hyun's words when I didn't seem to be paying much attention°
Mr. Kim nodded, visibly impressed. “Excellent, Sophia. Well done.”
Some students exchanged surprised looks, while others scowled.
“She’s showing off,” one girl muttered under her breath.
Sophia heard it but chose to ignore the comment, focusing on taking her seat.
From her classroom down the hall, Ji-hyun had been peeking through the window, and when Sophia glanced her way, Ji-hyun waved enthusiastically and mouthed, “Daebak! (Amazing!)”
---
Between classes, Sophia walked toward her locker when a group of older boys blocked her path.
“Hey, waegugin,” one said, his tone mocking. “Do you think you’re smarter than us? Answering questions like that in class.”
Another boy smirked, holding up a bottle filled with a strange liquid. “Let’s see if you’re as cool as you think.”
Without warning, they poured the liquid over her, drenching her uniform and books. The boys laughed, their voices echoing down the hallway as they walked away.
Sophia stood still for a moment, her soaked uniform clinging to her skin. She clenched her jaw but refused to give them the reaction they wanted. Instead, she calmly picked up her wet books and continued walking.
When Ji-hyun saw her in the hallway, her eyes widened in shock. “Unnie! Who did this to you?”
Sophia gave her a small, tired smile. “It’s fine. Don’t make a fuss.”
“No! This is not fine!” Ji-hyun said, grabbing Sophia’s arm. “We’re reporting this!”
Ji-hyun quickly took her to the restroom and helped her clean up, even lending her a spare shirt from her bag.
“I swear, whoever did this will regret it,” Ji-hyun muttered, her face red with anger.
Sophia placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s not worth it, Ji-hyun. Let’s just focus on class.”
---
Later that evening, Ji-hyun mentioned the incident to Mr. Lee during their regular call.
“What?” His voice, calm but with an edge of cold fury, immediately set Ji-hyun on edge. “They poured something on her?”
“Ne, ajeossi. Sophia-unnie said it’s nothing, but it’s not nothing!” Ji-hyun exclaimed.
Mr. Lee’s silence was chilling. “I’ll handle this,” he said finally.
---
That night, Sophia’s phone buzzed. It was Mr. Lee.
“You didn’t think to tell me?” His tone was firm but carried a tinge of concern.
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Sophia replied, sitting on her dorm bed.
“Sophia, I told you to focus on your studies, not to endure this nonsense,” he said, his voice softer now. “If something like this happens again, you tell me immediately. Understand?”
She smiled slightly, touched by his protectiveness. “I understand. Gomawoyo (Thank you).”
“Rest well,” he said after a pause. “And don’t let anyone make you feel small.”
As the call ended, Sophia stared at the phone, her heart skipping slightly.
---
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness reigns, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are shattered by her aunt's cruelty. But when she's drawn into the mysterious world of enigmatic Mr. Lee - a powerful figure rumored to be "more th...
