episode_0005

Spring is a late winter.

“Haah.”

With a misty breath, I realized once again.

It was fine when I first left home, but as time passed, the rule of overlapping coldness made it even colder.

Sweeping my arms, I arrived at the school gate.

It was early in the morning, yet there were many people bustling around, making it seem unlike the usual mornings.

I quietly moved my steps. Occasionally, I nodded to the teachers who glanced at me.

That’s how I approached where the student council (only Park Ah-young sitting) was located.

“What time did you get here?”

I subtly sat next to Ah-young. She giggled and replied.

“I got here a while ago.”

“Your ear status seems different from before?”

“Why? Blushing?”

“Yeah, looks like you might drop dead if I poke you.”

Ah-young quickly covered her ear with her hand.

“To be honest, I came here 30 minutes ago and sat down.”

“You came early. Did you eat breakfast?”

“Our president gave out bread and drinks earlier, so I ate. Since Jin-woo’s not here, if you didn’t eat, you can have what’s on that table over there…”

“I had breakfast before coming.”

“Well done.”

Nodding, I leaned back in the chair. It was more comfortable, but it didn’t make me any less cold.

If time passed like this, I might end up being a girl selling illegal goods on the street, burning even the products for customers.

“Jin-woo.”

“Oh, grandma… Don’t leave me behind…”

Ah-young’s expression was troubled. Her momentarily frozen head softened flexibly. She straightened her back and returned to normal.

“Why?”

“Um… My vision suddenly cleared up, and I thought I was dying, so I called you. It seems like I did the right thing seeing your reaction…”

“Yeah, I almost saw a ghost just now, thinking I’d never feel hungry or cold again. Ah-young is my savior. While we’re at it, can you share one of those hand warmers in your pocket?”

“After saving your life, you ask for more… You’re shameless.”

Ah-young grumbled but handed me a hand warmer. The hand warmer she just took out from her pocket still retained its warmth, ready to be used immediately.

“Ahh, it’s warm.”

“Even after stealing my lifeline, you have the nerve to react like that…”

“Ah-young’s lifeline is warm….”

She swallowed a fake laugh.

“Ha, ridiculous.”

“It’s a joke. If you don’t have any hand warmers left, it’s hard to give them back. Put your hand inside the pocket and use it.”

“You won’t give them back.”

“Now, you’ve become my lifeline.”

Ah-young shook her head playfully and took out another unused hand warmer from her pocket.

The rustling sound of the packaging indicated it was a new hand warmer.

“I actually had one more.”

“Why did you exaggerate about it being your lifeline?”

“It was true until I unwrapped the packaging.”

“People don’t carry two hearts around. Especially not as spares… You’re practically confessing to being a robot. It’s like you’re admitting you’re a robot because you’re too lazy to explain.”

“Because explaining is a hassle, I’ll just be a robot.”

Thanks to the hand warmer, the conversation and atmosphere became so mild that it seemed trivial. Melting my hands with the hand warmer, I asked Ah-young.

“How about the president and treasurer?”

“The president is over there.”

Ah-young turned her head in the direction she pointed.

Unlike the vaguely rising sun, the president’s golden hair sparkled brightly.

Her brown skin color stood out amidst the dull surroundings, not blending in but proudly displaying her own color.

Han Hyo-jin unconsciously flaunted her charm, giving directions to the students.

Overflowing with charisma, one would think that without rolling those pretty lips, that’s the feeling you’d get.

As if echoing my thoughts, Ah-young muttered.

“If only she spoke normally, she’d be perfect…”

“You’d be disappointed if you heard her speak normally. Do you really think those are her charming points? Always saying ‘s, se, sex…’ like a parrot… Do you really think that’s a complete charming point?”

“I’ll exercise my right to remain silent.”

“In the end, Jin-woo is the same…”

Park Ayoung sulked when I didn’t listen. I patted her on the shoulder to cheer her up.

Fortunately, she quickly regained her strength.

“It’s okay now. After all, the chairman is an enigmatic figure.”

“Don’t give up. You’re the only brake in the student council.”

Stay strong, Park Ayoung!

“Now Jinwoo also plays a role as a brake. Let’s work hard together. And about the accounting… Jinwoo, did you see Subin on your way here?”

A question mark appeared above my head.

“You didn’t see her? She hasn’t arrived yet?”

“No, she hasn’t come yet… There’s a high chance she won’t come today.”

“If it’s ‘today again,’ isn’t it more than once?”

She nodded.

“I’ve never seen Subin up early in the morning… Since middle school, for about 3 years.”

She talks like she looks.

She was truly like a cat.

“Still, today we have three members in the student council. Let’s assume everything is normal. Probably.”

“It’s your first time, but I’ll try my best.”

“Yeah, yeah, even if Subin had come, it would have been similar to when Jinwoo first came. Don’t feel too pressured; it’s okay.”

What kind of fight have you brought upon us?

Suddenly, there arose a sense of respect.

As we exchanged such conversations, a vague morning had arrived.

“Oh, the chairman is coming. We should probably start soon.”

Standing up from her seat, Park Ayoung handed me a yellow badge that had been placed on the table.

“It’s the student council badge. You should wear it as a symbol of authority so students don’t disrespect you. You must never take it off during uniform inspections, right?”

“I won’t let anyone take it from me, Teacher Park Ayoung.”

“Yeah, yeah. You must never let it be taken. If it is, come to me, Teacher Ayoung.”

Engaging in casual conversation, I put on the yellow badge on the left side.

It was nothing but a light piece of cloth… But perhaps due to the taste of power, it felt incredibly heavy.

With this, it felt like I had reached the top of the school pyramid in one go. Inciting students to amass great wealth, encroaching on other schools step by step to expand territory…

“Jinwoo, you shouldn’t slack off, right?”

“I was on the verge of losing my mind. I stopped at the perfect moment.”

“Don’t lose track of your experience in the student council. So when the chairman comes and explains, focus instead of getting distracted…”

Park Ayoung, who was in the middle of explaining, suddenly paused.

Wondering what was going on, I looked at her, and her eyes were focused on my tie.

“Huh? What’s on my tie?”

“No, it’s just that…”

Park Ayoung trailed off and leaned in closer.

A fresh scent of fabric softener, a subtle shampoo fragrance wafted over.

As the distance closed, I could see charming freckles and long eyelashes under her eyes.

Despite the fluttering situation, Park Ayoung calmly adjusted my tie knot.

“We should set a good example as the student council during uniform inspections. What if you loosen or mess with your tie? Are you a slacker, Jinwoo?”

“Kind of. I don’t go out to play after it’s done.”

“Does part-time work fall into the slacker category?”

Park Ayoung asked with a pleased expression as she adjusted my tie. When the area around my neck felt slightly tight, she finally let go of the tie.

“Okay. It’s much better this way. From now on, before I check, raise your tie…”

“You’re being annoying.”

“-Is it a bit annoying to do this beforehand…?!”

In the midst of inserting a curse, Park Ayoung inadvertently responded.

I was surprised to realize it wasn’t a male voice but a female voice.

“It’s the chairman. Today, I’m Park Ayoung, the vice-chairman.”

“Oh… But no matter how important you are as the chairman, isn’t it a bit excessive to call me annoying as soon as you arrive?”

“If a newlywed couple shows affection at the school gate from early in the morning, that’s annoying. What’s annoying about that?”

Listening to the chairman’s words, Park Ayoung realized her current state.

She quickly moved away from me, her face flushed red.

“Oh… We were a bit close. Sorry, Jinwoo…”

“I don’t need to apologize.”

“Well, there’s no need to apologize. It’s a situation where the vice-chairman should be concerned about his own actions.”

“I can’t empathize with that.”

She quickly refuted the chairman’s harassment.

Han Hyojin clicked her tongue as if she didn’t approve.

“Tsk. It’s only been a day since we met, and you’re already finding ways to ruin it.”

“The chairman’s harassment is nothing new to someone like me.”

“Hmm… When did you start thinking that only standardized harassment works? Can’t you notice the subtle gestures in between?”

“What.”

Let’s match her vibe.

Hyojin, looking satisfied, nodded her head.

“I feel like I’ve fulfilled my harassment quota for the morning. Now let’s go and conduct a uniform inspection.”

“Any explanations?”

“Just roughly check those who are not wearing their uniforms properly and write down their names. If you see any suspicious items, confiscate them.”

“What about non-suspicious items?”

“That’s not our concern. And if you touch a girl’s thigh or something suspicious, I can’t cover for you.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

You worry too much.

“It seems like the vice-chairman and I have been unnecessarily worried about things we shouldn’t even bother with.”

“…”

“Why are you staring at me like that? Go and do your job properly.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best. Where should I stand?”

“Fill in the gap by standing in the designated spot. A little tip: standing solemnly will make your work easier.”

She tilted her head.

How does solemnity relate to making work easier?

“You’ll figure it out once you try.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll do as the chairman says and figure it out. Let’s catch up later after work.”

Park Ayoung and Han Hyojin left their positions. I surveyed the direction they were heading towards and then stepped into the remaining space.

“It shouldn’t be that difficult.”

Dealing with students….

***

…It wasn’t easy.

The first challenge I faced was dealing with the school bullies.

Commonly known as ‘iljin,’ ‘human trash,’ or ‘school thugs,’ they occupied the top tier of the high school ecosystem.

As expected, they didn’t wear ties, which meant they weren’t wearing their uniforms properly.

As I checked them, they arrogantly stared back at me while jotting down their names.

To interpret:

“You got a problem?”

“I’ll remember you. Don’t catch my eye.”

“Damn, you disgust me. You can’t even look me in the eye outside. Be careful on the streets! Bam! Yeah, just kidding.”

It took a toll unexpectedly.

Even adults find iljins intimidating….

Anyway, the final challenge was a student who wore the uniform correctly but had unusual items with him.

“Hmm! Trying to steal my Louise Francoise… (omitted) Jeanne! You evil sorcerer! When I regain my strength, I’ll come to rescue you!”

“Why am I the bad guy here? Bringing Dakimakura to school is the problem, right? And if you’re going to bring it, at least hide it better….”

It’s obvious if you sneak it inside your clothes….

I wanted to forgive you for your heartfelt gesture, buddy.

I took the Dakimakura and his name and let him go.

The next student who approached me was also out of the ordinary.

Wearing a hoodie over the uniform, with a reversed cap, he came closer. In his pocket, there was a long, menacing black object.

“Please take out the item from your pocket.”

“Hey bro! What’s that supposed to mean! First rule of the hoodie! If you see a gun, pretend you don’t know each other! I don’t know, okay!?”

“…”

“Second rule of the hoodie! If someone breaks the first rule, deal with them regardless of the reason! I don’t want to enforce that, bro!”

“Take it out the hoodie way.”

“Sigh….”

He reluctantly handed over the gun.

“It’s not real, right?”

“Hey! Bro! Of course, I only carry the real thing around!”

However, it was light. Plastic models or BB guns.

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Kim Hood….”

Similar to what I was doing.

Sighing deeply, I briefly turned my head.

Although everyone seemed to be struggling, they all passed by calmly in the presence of the solemn-faced chairman and the stern-looking Park Ayoung.

Perhaps those who had no trouble at all were using the other side, while people were gathering on my relatively approachable side.

‘So easy…’

As I sighed with frustration.

A small shadow quietly passing in front of me.

“Please stop for a moment.”

The passing shadow abruptly stopped. With a small stature, a black cap peeking out between the hooded tee hat worn backwards looked oddly familiar.

“Hmm?”

The voice was a thick yet thin one pretending to be thick.

“You’re not wearing the school uniform.”

“I’m wearing it underneath.”

“You’re wearing a hat and a mask. The epidemic has been over for a while now… What is this, a cold, or has it turned into a fashion statement? Could you show your face a bit?”

“Why are you curious about that? I’ll just tell you my name, so whether you want to give me a demerit or not, it’s up to you~. Are you new to uniform inspections?”

The tone was subtly annoying. And the vibration she subtly inserted made her original voice gradually audible.

I smiled broadly in response.

“It’s my first time, so I’m inexperienced. In that case, could you please tell me your name?”

“Oh~ You’re new~ You’re in a clumsy period~ Then I’ll move on generously~ I’m Lee Jinha from Class 5 of Grade 3~.”

“Oh, Lee Jinha senior…. Hmm, aren’t you a male senior?”

“I am a guy. If you can’t handle it, you can ask the homeroom teacher later~ Of course, for now, let me pass and we’ll check after it’s over…”

I cut her off without listening further.

“Lee Subin.”

“Who’s that! Are you confused with people’s names and acting like a fool? You’re an arrogant junior~ I’ll report this to the chairman later~”

“Don’t say harsh words on our first meeting. Quietly take off your hat and mask.”

“Yes….”

It was the moment of catching a habitual latecomer in the student council.