Metanoia | Kim Taehyung

Chapter 1 - Grace Park -

Chapter 1

Geez, if one thing that I really hate to do is too introduce myself in front of people. Why we need to properly introduce our self? Too impress others? Well, let me tell you that this people are not amused to know you. They are just following the norm. Sigh, think this is as the last one, Grace.

"Hi, my name is Grace Park, 20 years old from San Francisco and I'm here to learn art." Nice one, babe. Keep it simple and cool and just walk away from this mess. "Well, a simple greeting from you, Miss Park. As you can see Miss Park is our new exchange student from San Francisco. She will be here for one year and hopefully you can get along with her and share your experience with each other." Can she just cut this thing short? I hate getting the attention from others. Especially someone or somewhere I'm not comfortable enough.

"Miss Hye Jung, can I sit now?" I'm giving her a look that you should cut this out and let's start the lesson now. "Oh, yeah I'm sorry, Miss Park, you can sit at any empty desk available." I nodded as a thankful act and walk away towards empty table near the window. As I was walking, something odd caught my sight of vision. That gaze, the same gaze 5 years ago...

5 Years Ago

"Okay guys, for your information I will be your new English teacher, and my name is Daniel Kim. You can call me Sir, Mr. Daniel, anything you comfortable with. As today is the first time, you guys just submit a summary of your own story. You can write whatever you want as long it is short and simple and one more thing, write it from your heart not with your brain, as writing reflect yourself. Alright, 15 minutes is enough right?" Everyone started to pick up their pens to write, while me; I just continue staring outside the window. No words could sum my feelings at that time. I just can't make up any words.

"What are you staring at, kids?" I was really startled by his questions. This is the first time I was caught off guard. I look up towards him and giving him the look can you just mind your own business. I ignore him and continue doing nothing only staring. Suddenly, he pulled out his cellphone and took a picture of me. This teacher is really weird. He shoved his cellphone towards my face and giving me a smile.

"You just keep staring outside without realize how you look with that stare kids. Therefore, I'm going to show you how pathetic you look with that gaze. Staring and daydream won't get you anywhere. If you have any thought, do anything that you can visualize it, like drawing since you are a good painter." He pointed towards my table that was full of drawing. I cover the painting from his view.

"I've already saw everything, don't need to cover. By the way, you still have to submit the summary, you have 10 minutes more." He flashed his cheeky grin and walked back towards his desk. What a weird guy. 15 minutes just pass really quickly. I stare at my paper that still blank. What your story, what do you like; I hate to open up about myself. At the end, I only wrote my name. Each of us are required to submit it before we leave.

"Well, all of you have done a great job. Everyone can go home now except Grace Park. Thank you and I see you tomorrow." Well, I expect that since I didn't write anything. He gestured at me to sit nearer him. I nodded as a sign of agreeing and sit near him.

"You didn't write anything Grace, may I know why?" He still gives me that smile of assuring. To be honest, this teacher is totally weird. He didn't get angry nor ignoring me as other teachers. "I didn't have any story to tell you about and sir I prefer if you just left me alone in the class like others did. I won't disturb my classmates or you, that is my promise." He just smiles again.

"Everyone has their own stories, Grace. And I'm sure yours is quite unique. Look, Grace, I don't know you problems, your stories. That's why I'm asking you to write so that I can know your story and help you." I don't get it, why he is being a snob right now.

"Sir, i hate when someone interferes my personal life. Besides, you are just a teacher. You don't have to stick your nose in my life." I might sound rude, but I dislike when somebody trying to show they care, when they are not.

"Look Grace, as a teacher, I felt the responsibility towards my students, not only on their academics but their attitude, passion, and manners. It's my job to mend it, and I not a kid a person who will neglect or ignore if anything happens at my students. Let me give you and advice, the world outside is waiting for you, all you need is to sum up and take a risk to step one by one, and I'll be there to help you along the path, because I believe the fire are still in your heart, you only need to ignite it. I'm willing to help you, always remember that. By the way you can go home now, I'll see you tomorrow." He walks away from the class while I was stunned by his words. I can't never imagine that someone words can me stun and make me think about it over and over again. That night, I can't ever sleep at all, as his words keep bugging me. Should I listen to him? Maybe, I can try. Aarggh, whatever, just sleep, Grace. 

p/s : for the first few chapters, it will be about Grace and all her stories, later i'll be focusing on Taehyung . Have a nice day, :)