edge ; knj

xii

twelve

I was stunned. Lim Sekyung? They gave Senior of the Year to Sekyung? She didn't even do a sport. Senior of the Year was supposed to be well rounded: academics, activities, clubs, sports. I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me. Taeran looked as surprised as I was.

~
At lunchtime, the seniors crowded around the folding tables to retrieve their caps and gowns. I went to A-K. Haeun looked up from the sheet of names. "He's in the right line," she told the boy in front of me. "Dinky Dick is in between A-K."

A couple of guys laughed so hard they almost keeled over.

"Nice to know you know your ABC's," I retorted.

"I'm sorry I can't find your form," Kisun said, scanning the list. "No Dinky Dick."
The joke was wearing thin, and so was my patience. I had to get out of here.

Yerin came over and sat down next to Kisun. "Maybe I can help," she said. "Because unlike some people, I like to help. What is your last name?"

"You know my last name," I said impatiently.

"Excuse me, but have we met?" Yerin said. Her lower lip began to tremble. Tears welled in her eyes.

"Look, I'm sorry-" Before I could finish, Yerin's shoulders were heaving as she sobbed.

"Go away!" Kisun shouted, putting a protective arm around Yerin.

"Look, I just want my cap and gown." I protested. The principal hurried over. "Is there a problem with A through K?" she asked.

"I just want my camp and gown," I pleaded.

I thanked her after she handed me my cap and gown sealed in a plastic bag, along with a gold tassel, plus a gold sash with the word "valedictorian" printed on it.

Just then Lim Sekyung got in line behind me. It was hard to hate her; she was nice to everyone. "Hey, congrats," I said.

She smiled shyly. "Thanks, Namjoon. It was a huge surprise. I really thought you were going to get it. Well, you or Jiwon."

"Well, you can't win them all," I said, trying to smile back. The only thing was, up until that day, I thought I could.