The New Bride

Twenty Four

"Alright, everyone head to your groups, please." Jae-won steadily watched as the class was spread into their groups and nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Team Blue and Red go on bus two. Team Green and Purple bus one."

I glanced around to see the colors of the teachers' shirts. When I looked to my husband's, I was not surprised to see his was the color of my team. My lips formed into a thin line, causing me to look away so Jae didn't notice my expression.

I took that moment to figure out who was also in my team. Surprisingly, very few people were of my class, but a different one. Sadly, though, Bo-mi was not part of my green group, so I was basically left alone. I carefully looked over everyone before coming across the new kid.

Sigh.

My head quickly faced the front. Jae-won lead our team towards the bus, allowing us to get on first and sit in the back. For a split second, he glanced at me, but it seemed as if his mind changed because he chose another student to sit next to.

Beside me.

I rolled my eyes at him. Instead of starting an unnecessary conversation that would likely turn into a fight, I plugged in my headphones and decided it would be best to play music. Avoiding any eye contact with my teacher might dismiss the arousing rumors.

Time seemed to tick slowly. Just as I was beginning to get bored of it all, the bus pulled into the parking lot of a large building. Being curious, I sat up in my seat to get a better look at it all. To my surprise, it wasn't as old as I expected it to be.

It was a massive building. Large colorful circles were printed all over it, as if they were 3D polka-dots. The name was printed in white above the front doors and even on the side. I immediately knew this wasn't going to be a tiring experience.

Jae-won stood up to direct us off the bus. Moments after he left our group to speak with other teachers, I was brought upon a huge discomfort. The new student walked up to me with a hard glare, a definite statement clear on his mind.

I held my breath, preparing myself for the absolute worse.

"You are pretending," he says, lowering his voice so the other students couldn't hear. Despite the loud buses and chatter, I could still hear the threatening voice. "Stop it before I expose you."

Should I respond? Ignore him?

I made the movement to spit some thing intelligent out, but I didn't get the chance. As soon as I opened my mouth, a sudden shadow loomed over the both of us and stopped me from speaking. 

"Excuse me, student. I do not allow bullying within my kids," Jae-won voiced lowly, a hint of irritation with every word. "Please move ahead with the rest of the class."

My stomach started to settle as the worry was dissipating. Thankfully, the kid left with only an annoyed expression. But instead of focusing on him, I moved my attention to my husband. "You knew?" I whispered softly.

We both continued to walk along with the rest of the class, moving towards the building. He glanced down at me, his baseball cap shading his eyes. "What?"

I bit my lip, a bit confused. Did he not know about the kid?  "The student."

"Who? Jeffery?" Jae-won removed his eyes from me, then nodded. "Yes, I did know. He has been known for being a troubled student. Jeffery confronted me a few days ago that he knew about us." Jae sighed lightly. "But with no evidence, he hasn't made a move."

My eyebrows creased. "So you knew without telling me?!" My whisper became harsh as reality set in. "Why hadn't you said something?"

"I didn't want you to worry," he says quickly while eying his team. "It seems he has already told you, though."

I also kept it from you...

By the time I found a response to him, we were already in the building and the students focused solely on Jae. I was left with no choice but to be silent until we got home. I barely paid attention to the scientific studies the building had to give, and was rather thinking of the consequences possible if our secret was revealed.

Jae-won would loose his job, but then what? Would my parents think something different of him? Would his own parents think different of me? Things could change far more than a slight indent. I have to make sure this boy doesn't ruin it all for me. This marriage is for my papa-I will not let someone interfere before it is over.

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