The Tomb Of My Heart | SF9

二

Principal Park was sitting at his desk when Juho and I came in his office.

I've only been to his office once, when I first started college, but it hasn't changed much since then. It was still a cozy, barely-lit room with many artifacts, statues and books all over the place. And, for the past year of my absence, principal Park himself hasn't changed much, but he did look older and his once dark hair was now completely white. When he heard the knock on the door, he fixed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and closed the book that he had been reading.

"Come in." He said with his usual deep and strict voice.

Juho and I entered the room and greeted him politely.

"Ah, the Baek cousins. You could say I was expecting you. I mean, I did invite you here, didn't I?" He said with a kind smile on his face, but immediately continued. "Jaein. It's good to see you again. How was your year of studying abroad?"

"It was great, sir, thank you for asking. But may I ask you why you wanted to talk to me?"

"Of course." He nodded. "I actually wanted to talk to both of you. I have already told your cousin the reason for your visit here, but he doesn't know the details either, so let me just go straight to my question. I'm aware that you have already heard of the term 'final year expedition'?"

"Yes, sir, I have. The final year expedition is an archeology trip that is organized every year by our college for the top ten final-year students. It's not any different from the actual archeological expeditions, and each year the location is different." I said, recalling everything that I knew about that topic.

"That's right. You see, this year, the competition was extremely big. Many good students tried applying, but as you know, we need to be realistic while choosing and therefore we need to choose only the very best. That's why I was wondering if maybe you and your cousin Juho would be interested in going."

A few seconds have passed and I just stared at him numbly. Is this real, I thought to myself. Ever since I was old enough to think about the future, I have always dreamed about my first archeological expedition. And now, that day has finally come. The day when I could show everything that I've learned so far. There was no way in hell that I'd ever reject this opportunity. I was sure about the answer long before the question was even asked.

"It would be an honor to go, sir." I said, which caused a satisfied smile on principal Park's face.

"I agree with Jaein. I hope we can meet your expectations, sir." Juho added.

"I sincerely hope so." Principal said. "But just know, you should not underrestimate the other eight participants. They know what they are doing. On this trip, you'll need to work together. Maybe that'll be the start of some amazing friendships."

"But who are they, sir?" Juho asked.

"You'll meet them soon enough. When our conversation is finished, you'll come down to the history classroom. They'll be there." Principal Park explained, and Juho just nodded.

"I have one more question, though." I said, raising my hand as if I was in the middle of a class. "What is this year's destionation?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Principal stood up from his chair and walked to a huge map of the world that was framed on one of the walls. "For this particular expedition, you'll need to investigate some tombs in China."

He pointed to a certain area on the map.

"You know... Your grandfather died in a similar expedition. He was my mentor back then, and I always had so much respect for him. It was hard for me to lose someone who was like a second father to me. So there is one thing that I need you to promise me... Please, take care of yourselves there, children. I need to protect you. I owe that much to your grandfather, who was a really good man. Promise me you'll take care of each other."

I felt a sudden warmth around my heart. My grandpa was my role model, even though I never met him. I wouldn't want to disappoint him.

"Of couse, sir. You don't have to worry. We got this." I gave him an assuring smile. I wasn't even aware of what I'd be seeing on this trip, but I still made a promise.

"Alright, then." Principal Park went back to his seat. "If there aren't any more questions, you are free to go to history classroom. Some of the professors will be there to give you further instructions."

*

A few moments later, Juho and I were walking down the stairs and heading to history classroom.

I could say that I wasn't happy, but that would be a big lie. I was so happy and excited, even a few tears escaped my eyes so I stopped in the middle of the stairs to check if my makeup had been smudged.

When Juho saw me, he just rolled his eyes and laughed.

"What?! Aren't you at least a little excited?" I asked, annoyed because of his mocking.

"Yeah, of course. Just not as much as you are."

I punched him in the arm playfully.

"You are always so good at hiding your emotions, I need you to teach me that."

"Well," He said, looking elsewhere as if he was deep in his thoughts. "In order to hide your emotions, you should have some emotions to begin with."

"Are you implying that you are emotionless, or that I am?" I laughed, and he laughed, too.

"I think both of us are, actually. At least in certain aspects of life. But that's just how we were raised. Only your family is allowed to see you cry, because the world will dig your eyes out if they ever see you doing so." He said, quoting our loving, but strict grandmother.

And with that being said, we finally arrived to our destionation. Juho went first and opened the huge wooden door so we could come into the even bigger room where we were usually having our history classes.

But now, as soon as I entered the room, a strange and almost unpleasant surprise was waiting for me.

The other eight participants were already there, some of them standing in groups, and some being alone. As we were walking towards our seats, I could feel all of their eyes sticking to me, but it wasn't the reason why I felt so awkward.

I was shocked because, among all of them, I was the only girl.