While the light rain tapped against the windows, the last lesson was coming to an end.
- Lastly, I want to tell you that next Wednesday there will be a shortened school day. However, on that day, after classes, your parents must come to school.
Teacher Chang said as he gathered his books from the desk.
Kim So Hee raised her hand, looking directly at the teacher with a cold gaze. For a second, Jeong Tae Ho felt as if a cold breeze had blown from her direction. The rain, which softly tapped on the window near her, only added to the tension around her.
- Kim So Hee, go ahead.
Kim So Hee lowered her hand.
- What if the parents can't come?
At that moment, everyone in the class quickly turned and stared at Kim So Hee, who was sitting there waiting for an answer.
Teacher Chang paused for a few seconds before responding.
- If they can't come, it's not a big deal.
Teacher Chang took his things, walked to the door, and calmly said,
- That's all for today. You can leave and head home.
After that, he left the class. Everyone who remained in the room began discussing Kim So Hee's question.
- Did you hear? Her parents can't even come to school.
Whispered one of the classmates.
- Yeah. Looks like you're not that cool after all. From what I can see.
Li Nami said mockingly, and walking up to Kim So Hee's desk, she continued,
- What's the matter? Got nothing to say?
Li Nami started laughing. Ho Su Min turned to Kim So Hee to see her reaction. Pak Nuri did the same, walking up to Ho Su Min, and they both looked at Kim So Hee.
The whole class fell silent when they heard Li Nami's voice. Even Jeong Tae Ho sat quietly, watching Li Nami, eager to hear what she would say next. After all, Li Nami was talking about Kim So Hee, who had taken the last ramen pack last night, and the whole situation amused him so much that he smiled easily, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.
- I see you're still as eager to talk to me as always.
Kim So Hee said in a cold voice, clearly showing her sarcasm toward Li Nami. Kim So Hee smiled and turned her head to look at Li Nami. With a cold gaze, she stared directly at Li Nami, her look saying, "I know exactly what you're thinking."
Meanwhile, Ho Su Min and Pak Nuri were anxiously watching them. Jeong Tae Ho remained sitting between Kim So Hee and Li Nami. The entire class whispered about them.
- Do you really think anyone will talk to you after the things you say to me?
Li Nami continued to laugh.
"Well, now she definitely won't say anything. I'm sure of it. What does she think, she can talk to me like that?" Li Nami thought.
- And what do you think, will anyone talk to you when they find out about your father's... situation?
Kim So Hee stood up from her chair. She continued to pierce Li Nami with her gaze, as if saying, "I know everything."
Li Nami frowned and took two steps back.
"What?! How does she know?... No, the more important question is—HOW MUCH does she know?!!"
Kim So Hee smiled a wide, cunning smile. And at that moment, the rain outside grew heavier. A sudden lightning strike split the sky, and the tension in the class grew stronger, especially around Kim So Hee.
"Ugh. I didn't expect this. How lucky I am to be sitting next to Kim So Hee. I'm right in the front row."
Jeong Tae Ho continued smiling at what was happening. He found it amusing, especially since he couldn't stand Kim So Hee. She had been annoying him ever since their first meeting.
"This Li Nami!! If I could, I'd have already painted her face!!"
Pak Nuri thought about what she would do if she were in Kim So Hee's position.
"I hope nothing serious happens. And seriously, WHAT IS HER PROBLEM?!! LI NAMI, HOW DARE SHE TALK TO KIM SO HEE LIKE THAT?!!"
Ho Su Min thought. He considered Kim So Hee a friend, and since his best friend Pak Nuri was Kim So Hee's best friend too, he tried to suppress his anger to avoid causing more trouble with his involvement.
At that moment, Li Nami accidentally noticed Jeong Tae Ho's gaze directed at her. She blushed so hard it was hard to miss. She had liked him from the very first day he transferred to their class, and her first thoughts about him were...
"OH MY GOD!! He's SO HANDSOME!! A-A-Ah!! I'm going to explode! He looks so...!! I have to make him like me!"
- Ah. Well, I... This.
Li Nami stuttered, her thoughts mixed up due to Jeong Tae Ho's gaze, and she completely lost her ability to speak.
Li Nami kept staring at Jeong Tae Ho.
- Is there something on my face?
Jeong Tae Ho asked coldly when he noticed her intense stare.
- Huh? No, no. Nothing!
Not expecting this, Li Nami quickly grabbed her backpack and rushed out of the classroom, covering her face with her hand.
This made everyone in the class burst out laughing.
At that moment, Kim So Hee grabbed her own backpack.
- I'm leaving.
She said on her way out and walked out of the class.
Just then, Ho Su Min, Pak Nuri, and Jeong Tae Ho fell silent and quietly watched her leave. Meanwhile, everyone else continued to laugh.