episode_0010

The aftermath of the Golden Bell seemed to have a strong impact.

Not only were classes dull, but even the closing ceremony felt lethargic and barely audible. I sat there absentmindedly, watching students leaving like ebbing tides for the fifth minute.

Park Ah-young, sensing something amiss, approached.

“Jin-woo, are you feeling unwell?”

“I’m fine. Just feeling sluggish at the moment.”

“Did you exert yourself a lot during lunchtime?”

“Well… thanks to that, I don’t feel like doing anything. Not that I was doing anything in the first place…”

At the sound of his dejected voice, Park Ah-young’s gaze transformed as if she had encountered a strange creature.

I furrowed my brow and retorted, “I’m not a monkey.”

“Hehe, I didn’t mean it that way… It’s just fascinating and amusing to see someone diligent like you acting so carefree.”

“How is that any different from watching monkeys at the zoo?”

“It’s totally different! Jin-woo, I’m trying to express it in a way you’d understand. You’re diligent, tall, thoughtful…”

I chuckled at Park Ah-young’s earnestness.

“Just kidding.”

I stood up immediately and continued, “And I’m human too. I can have off days.”

“That’s true, but… Jin-woo works tirelessly all year round. Isn’t he almost superhuman? I’ve even thought he might not be human.”

“Not human… more like a real animal…”

“No! I meant he’s like a robot!”

Whether a robot or an animal, what’s the difference?

I shrugged lightly and slung my bag over my shoulder.

Park Ah-young, looking at the bag instead of me, asked, “What on earth do you have in that bag? I was surprised by how light it was when I lifted it last time.”

“It’s the mindset of a student. Equipment to ensure I don’t get scolded by the teacher for not having a bag. An extension of youth that will never return. A necessity to appease the teacher.”

“It seems pretty light.”

“Huh? Are you ignoring my mindset right now?”

“Yes, I am.”

With a chuckle, I walked out of the classroom with Park Ah-young.

The corridor buzzed with noise. If you focused on the conversations around you, you could hear things like, “Let’s go to the club,” or “Want to play tag?” The formation of factions within clubs and the division of friends who would move together were inevitable. There was a reason for the commotion.

At least for now, I was with Park Ah-young.

Nodding in agreement, we reached the stairs.

As we ascended the steps, Park Ah-young suddenly stopped.

Turning her head curiously, she said, “Um… I have something to do in the faculty room today.”

“Is that all?”

“Hehe, my friends want to go to karaoke… So while I’m at it, I thought I’d clarify things with you and ease their minds…”

“Because of me?”

“Well, after hearing everything… it seemed like that… Just kidding, Jin-woo, don’t be mad! I just wanted to have fun after a long time!”

“It’s too late.”

Coldly, I turned my back.

“Sorry!”

“Forget it. Go have fun whether I say so or not.”

“Gosh, you’re so cold.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Stop sulking and go meet your friends. And bring snacks or drinks when you come back. Get some for the president and Subin too.”

“I’m not going to the student council today. If I bring them tomorrow, won’t they be melted? Just buy plenty of X or something.”

Childish nonsense.

Suppressing a wry smile, I glanced sideways, and Park Ah-young laughed cheerfully.

“Alright, I’m not asking anything of you. Don’t cause trouble, just have fun.”

“Okay, Jin-woo, have fun with the president and Subin too!”

Waving her hand, she descended the stairs.

I followed suit, shaking my head lightly as I climbed the stairs.

Being alone after a while felt somewhat desolate. I absentmindedly put my hand in my pocket, touched my phone, and found myself on the fourth floor.

Curious about the conversation, I briskly headed towards the student council room.

Today, the door to the student council room was closed. After peeking inside briefly, I decided it was best to leave since the people inside were probably busy.

Knocking briefly, I opened the door.

At first, classical music tickled my ears. Then, a complex and subtle scent of oolong tea wafted through.

“…”

It exuded an

Burying my face would make me tired for a while, so I shook my head after scratching it.

Han Hyojin, sitting on the stone bench, closed her eyes in a dignified posture, enjoying the music and tea aroma.

I cleared my throat with a “Ahem” to signal my presence.

Hyojin’s eyelids lifted.

Her seductive red pupils revealed themselves, fixing on me.

“You’ve come.”

“Yes, I have.”

I replied and plopped down next to her.

“Would you like a cup of tea?”

“No, thank you.”

Hyojin poured Wulong tea into a teacup. The reddish-brown color looked luxurious.

“It must be delicious.”

“Hmm. It’s from last night, so it’s strange if it doesn’t taste good.”

“I see. Is there a special way to drink it? I’ve had Wulong tea cold before, but this is my first time having it warm.”

“Not really, you can savor it as it is. You can also add ice as usual and enjoy it cold.”

“In that case, I’ll…”

I took a couple of ice cubes from the nearby fridge and put them in the Wulong tea.

As the rising steam disappeared, the teacup cooled slightly.

Only then did I sip cautiously from the teacup.

Sip-

“Mmm, hmm… I still can’t figure out the taste. Why is expensive tea so difficult? It feels different every day, even if I drink it daily.”

“That’s a good thing. You should be getting used to it by now… Is your palate that of a child? Hmm. Are other parts childish too?”

“It’s too overtly suggestive for me to get angry.”

“If I said that was intentional, would you believe me?”

“Do you believe me?”

*Sigh*. I exhaled.

“It seems these days you’re overtly sighing. Didn’t you used to just curse internally?”

“You noticed that skillfully.”

“For an exemplary leader, keen observation is basic. But why are you showing it outwardly now? Care to explain?”

“Will you listen?”

“I’ll listen.”

“I’m not expecting anything.”

She chuckled and adjusted her posture.

Resting her elbow on the armrest, she propped her chin with her ringed hand. With a profoundly serious expression, she spoke gently.

“It’s lunchtime Golden Bell event. A high school girl with yellow hair stared at me like a thug.”

“A green light?”

“No, it was a gaze that labeled me as a pervert. There were many people around, so I held back my urge to scold. Maybe I’m sick in the mind. Even my feelings showed externally.”

“Is that all?”

“That’s it. Anything more you’d like to hear?”

Hyojin’s face turned gloomy.

“Of course.”

“What’s obvious?”

“There’s no proper education or humiliation afterward. In today’s drama market, if cider isn’t involved, there’s no demand.”

“Proper education is still possible now. But I can’t just confront that person. They’re old and powerful.”

“Hmm… For a coward like you, confronting might be tough for me.”

But at least I know who the culprit is.

“If you know, apologize by offering some cider.”

“Apologizing is for the weak.”

“Unbelievable.”

Rubbing my forehead, Hyojin added,

“So, I’ll give you a chance.”

“What chance?”

“Obviously, a chance for me to educate you.”

“I don’t really need it. I don’t want to be a drum when I wake up in the morning.”

“Of course, there’s no need to follow. Haven’t you always wanted to suppress me with the vice-chairman? How about taking a shot at it this time?”

“It’s intriguing.”

Given the usual suffering from Hyojin’s behavior.

“If you accept that proposal, what should we do now?”

“Why should I think about it? Since you agreed to educate, think and act on your own.”

“You’re strangely strict…”

Muttering, I fell into thought.

‘Education, huh…’

What approach would be effective for Hyojin?

Nothing came to mind immediately, but…

By contemplating it over time, something will eventually come to me.

***

By the time the tea in the pot had completely cooled, I asked Hyojin.

“Isn’t there any student council activity today? I’m bored.”

“Lately, have you been getting close to Subin and picking up their way of speaking?”

“Their way of speaking is so addictive.”

“I see. Anyway, to answer your question, there’s no special activity today.”

Sitting for an hour made sense.

Nodding, I suggested to Han Hyojin.

“I always thought there was a club in the student council room that needed random checks. If you have nothing to do today, shall we go check it out?”

After briefly considering my proposal, Han Hyojin agreed.

“Alright. We should make sure the budget is being used properly. If we’re going anyway, let’s shut down any shady clubs.”

“Let’s go.”

Once the decision was made, swift action was preferable.

As we got up from our seats, Han Hyojin handed me a yellow badge.

“Take this.”

“A symbol of power…”

“You look like a shady character just by holding it. Never dream of becoming an artist or a politician. Absolutely not.”

“There’s no need to emphasize that; I struggle in art.”

“Then all the more reason not to apply to art school.”

“Got it.”

Han Hyojin and I exited with badges on the left side.

A chill filled the fourth-floor corridor. It seemed like a storm was brewing.

Taking short breaths, I scanned behind me.

Han Hyojin was smiling with interest.

“As you walk, I won’t interfere. Just go wherever you feel like and assert your authority. That’s the power of the student council.”

“I don’t plan on entering anywhere randomly.”

That was rude.

But if it was an acceptable place to be rude…

“Let’s assert our authority.”

And the club that deserved such treatment was located not far from the student council room.

I shifted my steps to the right. Thud-thud—two sets of footsteps echoed through the corridor.

Thud—

I stopped in my tracks.

I looked up to confirm the nameplate.

‘Film Club.’

You’re up first.

Without knocking, I pushed open the door.

Creak—!

“Well, I could start exercising my rights now, but since our president is here, I’d prefer not to if possible.”

“What! What kind of intrusion is this!”

“Oh dear! Please don’t shout, and please don’t delete any data on your laptop over there. It could have consequences.”

“Why… Why would the student council be interested in a small club like ours? Do they know about our grand plans?”

What are they saying…

I just came in because I was annoyed by the adult video sound I heard while walking down the corridor.

Rubbing my ears, I shouted again.

“You can exercise your rights, but please don’t bother us. Don’t delete any evidence, and bring the expenditure records.”

“Argh!”

Though it was my first time, I remained composed, while the film club members looked pale.

Watching from a distance, Han Hyojin remarked,

“It seems being a tough guy is in your nature.”