IN OUR COSMOS | ᴄʀᴀᴠɪᴛʏ

two

𝓗eejin woke up early that day, determined to take the subway train and walk to school with Woobin instead of succumbing to her grandparents' insistence on taking the car.

They had engaged in a spirited 30-minute argument about it, with Heejin playfully teasing her grandfather for trying to bribe Woobin by slipping a few won notes into his school jacket pocket, much to Woobin's flustered embarrassment.

Eventually, with Woobin's persuasive skills, her grandparents reluctantly conceded.

As Woobin arrived to pick her up, Heejin couldn't help but notice the rosy blush on his cheeks, a charming sight that made her heart skip a beat.

She then grabbed his elbow, dragging him along, as they embark on their journey to LUVITY High.

During their walk, they engaged in lively conversation, catching up on each other's lives over the past few months.

Heejin then discovered that Woobin is the President of the prestigious LUVITY High's choir club when he accidentally let it slip during their conversation.

"I'd love to come see you guys perform one day," Heejin exclaimed in excitement.

Woobin then beamed, his eyes gleaming with joy. "We usually perform during school events, so I'll make sure to let you know in advance. You can even come see us practice if you'd like!" he eagerly responded.

Arriving at LUVITY High, Heejin was greeted by a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Students filled the corridors, engaged in conversations or hurrying from one floor to another.

The soccer fields echoed with the sounds of laughter and cheering, while the gym hall witnessed intense basketball matches.

In a separate building across from the gym hall, shouts and cries could be heard emanating from the tae kwon do club, a testament to the school's strong sports and martial arts clubs.

The air was filled with energetic music from K-pop groups, accompanied by witty and chirpy commentaries from the school's broadcasting club.

Heejin nodded in admiration, impressed by the lively atmosphere that surrounded her.

Heejin and Woobin found themselves in the lobby on the ground floor, where Woobin offered to escort her to the teacher's lounge.

However, just as they were about to leave, someone called out for Woobin, urgently requiring his attention.

Apologizing profusely, Woobin excused himself, leaving Heejin to navigate her way to the teacher's lounge on her own.

Her phone vibrated not long after, indicating a text message from Woobin.

From [seo ruby]:
Did you find your way to the teacher's lounge?

To [seo ruby]
Yea I did
Thx 4 the help

From [seo ruby]
Just send me a text if you need anything else :)

Heejin read the message with a smile, appreciating Woobin's thoughtfulness. As she entered the teacher's lounge, one of the teachers noticed her presence and questioned her purpose for being there.

Heejin quickly scanned the name pin of the teacher in front of her.

It reads: Ms. Jang Hee Won.

"Haksaeng, why are you here?" the teacher inquired, her gaze fixed on Heejin's confused figure.

Heejin quickly bowed, trying to compose herself. "I'm a new student. I was told to come here to fill in some documents."

Ms. Jang recognized the situation and motioned for Heejin to follow her to a quiet corner of the lounge.

Ms. Jang then called out to Heejin's homeroom teacher, Mr. Yoo, who was engrossed in his tasks near the photocopier machine.

"Mr. Yoo, your new kid is here!" Ms. Jang exclaimed, catching Mr. Yoo's attention.

He swiftly made his way toward them, acknowledging Heejin with a nod.

"Ah, you must be Lee Heejin, the new transfer student," Mr. Yoo said, confirming her identity.

Heejin nodded and bowed respectfully before introducing herself. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Yoo. I'm Lee Heejin."

Mr. Yoo retrieved a stack of paperwork that needed to be completed, and as Heejin filled in the details, he whispers, "The chairman informed me that you would like to keep your family background a secret from the rest of the school."

Heejin looked up and smiled, grateful for Mr. Yoo's cooperation. "I would appreciate it if you could help me with that, Mr. Yoo."

Mr. Yoo returned her smile and winked. "Of course. The chairman's words are the law here."

Heejin chuckled softly, knowing that her uncle, her mother's biological brother, held the school's chairman position.

Revealing her connection could lead to discrimination and stereotypes from both students and teachers, making her school life uncomfortable for the remaining two years.

Curiosity piqued, Heejin asked Mr. Yoo about the bustling atmosphere in the school. It seemed as though there is a special event happening, judging by the teachers' busy schedules.

"It's the welcoming ceremony for the freshman students," Mr. Yoo explained. "It was postponed last week, and now we're having it today. That's why we only have a half-day of school."

With the paperwork completed, Mr. Yoo and Heejin made their way to her assigned classroom on the second floor.

Heejin glanced at her class schedule, which indicated she would be in class 2-1. Having performed well on the aptitude test, it was no surprise that she in placed in the top class of the year.

Heejin's heart raced slightly as they arrived in front of the classroom. Despite her cheerful personality, she always took time to warm up to new people. Nevertheless, she hoped to make a few friends during her remaining high school years.

"Lee Heejin-ssi, you may enter now," Mr. Yoo said, gesturing for her to go inside.

Taking a deep breath, Heejin steeled herself and entered the classroom, where all eyes turned to her.

With a confident smile, she introduced herself to her new classmates, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaits her at LUVITY High School.

*****