partners ⁀➷ k.sw ✓

1

It was already November; a month of school had passed quickly. As it is my senior year, I'm already used to this school and the way it works. The teachers grade unfairly, are biased towards rich students and parents, and the principal doesn't do shit to stop it.

Bullying goes around here and none of the students have the balls to confess, simply to blend in with others. Popular students are considered 'superior' and act as if they rule the whole school.

The students all around were stuck up and bitchy. They either try so hard to fit in or they try to 'lead' people themselves. You can never find a genuine friend here at this school, and it's unfortunate, but it's the truth.

I've been here for four years now. I've always stuck to myself and my two close friends, that's it. I've never tried to talk to other people and I will never try to again. People will just fuck you over and make your life a living hell if you stand out and they don't like it.

I've been severely bullied here at this school my freshman year. Freshman year I was well known by students simply because of my academics and knowledge.. but some of these people knocked me down and ruined me.

It's definitely left a scar, but I'm a senior now; it's all in the past. All I know is, I'm never trusting anyone from this school again.

Next class; I took out my biology notebook from my locker, then proceeded to walk into the classroom. I sat in my regular seat; I was in the middle row, next to this boy named Juyeon. He was one of the popular fuck boys, and he was apart of this group of others.

He was always fairly quiet; never bothered me unless it was for work. I think he knows I don't want to interact with anyone, so he just leaves it alone. I'm glad he does, but it's unusual for someone like him to NOT pick on someone like me; a reserved and quiet student.

A week before, the teacher had announced that we were having a big first term project that would take months to complete. He announced that he was assigning partners, and this week he will announce who's with who. I was nervous, because I didn't want anyone who puts in half-ass effort and relies on the other person to get good grades.

I wanted a genuinely smart person, someone who cares about their grades as much as I do. I've been hoping for a good student all weekend and it's been bugging me out. Hopefully the teacher likes me enough to give me a decent partner.

"Okay, as you all know, I have assigned partners for you all. Do not fuss and whine about your partner simply because you don't like them. You all are seniors. Grades should matter more than your stupid reputation. Got it?" Mr. Kim said to us all.

Mr. Kim was the only good teacher here. He knew the reality of this high school and was completely aware of the bullying and unfair treatment. He's always treated the students the same, and he's always stuck up for the poor students who get bullied for absolutely no reason. Mr. Kim was my favorite teacher.

"If I notice any of you slacking off and fooling around, I will automatically fail you. This is not a joke." He added on.

We all nodded, anxiously waiting for him to announce our partners. He looked into a small piece of paper, and I'm guessing that was where he assigned everyone.

"Kang Jihyun, you will be partnered with... Kim Sunwoo."

As soon as the girls heard his name, they began gossiping and whispering about me, saying I didn't deserve to be paired with him.

My heart immediately dropped. Kim Sunwoo was part of the 'popular' boys group. The whole group consisted of narcissistic fuck boys who cared about nothing but their looks and reputation. Sunwoo and I have never interacted before; but I've seen him in the hallways with his friends.

"Kim Sunwoo, raise your hand." Mr. Kim directed him.

I look around the classroom and my eyes land on a boy with bright red hair, on the right side of the classroom. He looks at me with a blank expression, then looks away. The seat next to him was already empty, so I grabbed my belongings and walked over to the desks, sitting next to him.

We waited until Mr. Kim was finished announcing all of the partners and the groups. He directed us to get to work and the room began getting louder, people talking.

"I'm Sunwoo." The red haired boy speaks up from next to me.

"Jihyun." I respond blandly.

"I'm free all week every week. Just give me your number and you can come over my house." He says.

I take one memo pad sticker and write down my number with a pen, handing it to him. He takes it and gives me a small smile, putting it in his backpack pocket.

"I'm not the smartest.. but I'll try my best."

"You mean you'll make me do all the work?" I glance at him.

"No," he shakes his head. "I'll really help you. Or try to help you."

I didn't believe him, like, at all.

"Let's start planning this out." I change the subject, grabbing out a sheet of blank paper.

I got back from violin practice and went over to my locker, unlocking it and putting things that I didn't need at home inside.

Fifth period was the last period of the day, so it was technically dismissal. I got back from violin a little late, so some people were already leaving the school building. When I was done organizing my things, I close the locker and lock it.

"Jihyun." I hear a familiar voice call out from behind me.

I turn around and see the bright red haired boy, Sunwoo, once again. This time he's with all his friends; about 9 more of them were behind him. They had cocky poses; most of them had their hands in their pockets, with the most narcissistic looks ever.

I look at Sunwoo, waiting for him to say something. He opened his mouth to say something but one of his friends, Juyeon, had told him to hurry up.

"Never mind, I forgot I had your number." He chuckled nervously.

I could tell he was going to say something else until his friend interrupted him, but I really couldn't care less: I just wanted to leave and go home.

I nod, wearing my backpack on my shoulder. I give him one last glance and then walk away, leaving the school building.