Min's mornings were typically riddled with anxiety, each step on campus accompanied by an avalanche of negative thoughts.
"Is Mr. Glenn staring at me? Did I fail the exam?"
"Do I look alright? Is my hair a mess?"
"Did I forget to do my homework? Is today also going to be a bust?"
However, on that particular Thursday morning, something had changed. While the transformation may have gone unnoticed by the casual observer, there was a subtle shift in Min's demeanor. His resting face, once a blend of gloom and worry, now exhibited a touch of solemnity and only a hint of worry. His gaze no longer held the same wide-eyed apprehension, and his eyebrows were less furrowed. To most people, the alteration would seem insignificant, perhaps even laughable, but for Min, it was progress. He felt a flicker of motivation, a spark he hadn't experienced before.
Min attributed this newfound drive to his encounter with Hyun the previous day. The mere thought of meeting his crush had prevented him from getting a good night's rest, as his heart overflowed with delight. Yet, there was another factor that pushed Min out of bed and into the day—a sense of satisfaction derived from helping someone in pain. The knowledge that he had provided comfort to Hyun, and the sight of a pure smile and heartfelt gratitude, uplifted Min's spirits. It shattered his belief that he was insignificant and showcased his capacity to make a positive impact on another person's life. It was an argument against his notion that he would be better off gone. With this newly discovered purpose, Min experienced a small wave of happiness—a slight genuine joy for life that he hadn't felt in the past two years.
As Min strolled down the school hallway, he embraced a more positive outlook. The once tedious journey to the classroom became pleasant, even enjoyable. Anxiety still lingered, but it no longer occupied the forefront of his mind.
That day, in anticipation of the upcoming music festival, most teachers had canceled their usual lessons. Students eagerly requested extra practice time, and luckily, most teachers were accommodating. However, one individual staunchly opposed the decision—the sadistic Mrs. Choi. Known aptly as "Mrs. Psycho" among the students, she was the type of teacher who would conduct classes even during an EF5 tornado. Despite being far ahead in the syllabus, she insisted on teaching irrelevant topics and burdened her students with endless projects. Rumor had it that she despised children, a peculiar disposition for someone in her profession, but not all that surprising considering her sadistic tendencies.
Mrs. Choi left an indelible mark wherever she went. Just a week prior, as she hurried across the basketball court, she slipped on a puddle and crashed to the concrete with a resounding thud. Some students rushed to her aid, while others struggled to suppress their laughter.
"Are you okay, Mrs. Choi? Let me take you to the nurse," Naeun offered, her voice laced with feigned concern, secretly hoping for a serious mishap that would leave the woman from the prehistoric era with a broken hip.
Mrs. Choi waved her hand dismissively, treating the students as if they were stray dogs she wanted to shoo away. "No, no!" she retorted sharply. "I'm fine! I know you guys poured water here to make me fall, but I'm strong, unlike you kids who cry over the silliest of matters." With an eye roll, she swiftly sprinted toward the classroom, displaying a speed that could rival even the most accomplished Olympian runners.
Unfortunately for Min, his first period that day was English, taught by none other than Mrs. Choi herself. However, he found some peace in the fact that English didn't require the same level of mental exertion as the sciences, so he was somewhat okay with it. As he approached the classroom door, a familiar voice called out from the distance.
"Min! There's no class today!" Akio's voice rang out, accompanied by his hurried footsteps.
"Really?!" Min's face lit up with surprise and relief.
Akio reached Min, his excitement evident. "Yeah, bro. It's a miracle! Someone must've spiked Mrs. Choi's tea. But hold on, we're not entirely off the hook."
"What do you mean?" Min inquired, curious about the catch.
"Class is canceled, but we have to endure the seventh graders' stage a stupid play," Akio explained with a sigh.
"Nooooo. I don't wanna watch it," Min groaned, expressing his disdain.
Akio nudged Min playfully. "Come on, it's still better than dissecting Shakespeare stories."
Min reluctantly nodded in agreement, realizing the play might indeed be a preferable alternative. Akio slung his arm around Min's shoulders, and together they set off to endure the upcoming spectacle.
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