Nothing's over

Two

At the sight of their discipline teacher walking down the corridor, students rush into class 1-B, informing the others to hide their smartphones, magazines and snacks under the desk. The arrival of their discipline teacher always brings the students back to their seats, waiting like a pack of well-trained dogs. 

Well, that is what Myungsoo believes.

As he follows behind the discipline teacher, he peeks inside seeing everyone sitting at their seats. To his horror, the girls are howling at him like he is a piece of candy while the boys shoot death glares at him. A few rolled papers are tossed at him, along with lipsticks and girly hair bands.

A loud smack of a book on the table strikes Myungsoo in a jump, as he stares at the adult before looking down at the litter piling around his feet. Although he is frightened of the teacher’s sound violence, he is amazed that that very action makes the classroom silent.

“Do you all want to die, little brats?!” the discipline teacher demands in a loud voice.

Myungsoo can only blink at the harsh tone and words chosen by the supposedly respected educator. The students laugh and insist in giving low howls. Myungsoo takes a deep breath and slowly maneuvers his body to face the class.

“Introduce yourself, cutie!” shouts one of the girls.

The teacher groans before he slaps the same book on Myungsoo’s back, causing him to jerk upwards. 

Yah, this is physical abuse! Myungsoo cries in his heart.

Not wanting to delay this any longer, he bows and returns to stand up straight. “I’m Kim Myungsoo. Nice to meet you and I’ll be in your care.”

A chorus of screams and yells welcome him, followed by more smacking of that poor book on the table. Myungsoo can only grip the sides of his pants, looking at the teacher from the corner of his eyes.

Let me sit down already. Or I will find a seat myself. Myungsoo begs in his thoughts.

The homeroom teacher seems to hear him and points to an empty seat at the back of the classroom. Myungsoo thanks him briefly and forces his way through the web of grabbing hands. As soon as he sits down, he bows again to his seat partner without looking at him directly. The homeroom teacher begins yelling all over again, making the classroom a war of voices. 

Myungsoo has the very urge to take out the headphones.

Then, the thought of that scary prefect stops him.

What a first day. Myungsoo sighs.

After an hour of lesson, or better described as a challenging period to listen in, Myungsoo can feel his soul left him a long time ago. Nonetheless, he is slightly thankful his seat partner is nothing of a bully. Maybe it is too early to say.

While waiting for their Maths teacher to arrive, one of the girls approaches him. Blessed with observant skills, Myungsoo is quick to flinch away from her attempt to touch his shoulder. 

“What is it?” Myungsoo asks with cold eyes staring up at her.

The girl chuckles shyly. “I was just thinking that I should introduce myself. I’m Park Eunri.”

Myungsoo nods. “Nice to meet you.”

“Of course, you do,” Eunri smiles, leaning forward. “Do you want to eat lunch together after class? I can show you around school too.”

Myungsoo shakes his head. “Thanks for the offer but I’ll be fine on my own.”

Eunri snorts suddenly. “Is that arrogance? Yah, you should feel honored that I’m offering. I don’t do this to anyone.”