“Dad, do you know today is the parent-invited class?”
“Well, would I forget that? Don’t worry, I’ll go on time. Oh, and Yeong-eun.”
“Yes?”
“Are you still getting along well with the friend I mentioned last time?”
Suddenly, Baek Yeong-eun’s complexion noticeably darkened.
A few days ago,
Baek Yeong-eun brought up the topic of ‘Dok Yeona’. How dare an unacceptable child be in the same class. She claimed that they must have illegally enrolled in the school.
Upon hearing this, Yeong-eun’s dad immediately called the academy to complain.
…Of course, it would have been perfect if it had worked out that way, but the result was different. Yeong-eun’s dad scolded her severely instead.
The reason was simple. He knew that Dok Yeona was Dok Jong-sik’s niece.
But he didn’t explain the detailed reasons to his daughter. He didn’t want to introduce the world of adults to his daughter, who was still innocent.
No, to be honest, it was a matter of his pride.
He didn’t want to admit to himself that there was someone unbearable for his daughter, who always believed her dad was the best.
So, Baek Jin assured Yeona’s enrollment was not a problem and told her to get along well with her. With a loud voice that wouldn’t easily relent.
‘It was only a few days ago that he said those words, so why is there silence now? And why is her expression so dark?’
‘Could it be this kid!’
“Why aren’t you answering? Your dad said so!”
“It’s not like that. She’s, um, doing very well, so don’t worry.”
“Hmm. Really? Friends should get along well with each other. Do you know what dad means? Especially since you said that child is disadvantaged. In that case, shouldn’t our Yeong-eun show a little more consideration…”
“Uh, stop! Dad, I understand.”
“Haha. Okay. Dad only trusts our daughter.”
“…Yes.”
Relieved to hear the desired answer, Baek Jin nodded as if reassured. Meanwhile, Baek Yeong-eun was seething inside.
The reason was simple.
The answer given was because Dok Yeona was doing too well.
‘A pest-like girl. She’s so vicious and cunning that even Cheong-sol senior could be tricked! Let’s see what happens today.’
Although she didn’t directly intervene in the harassment, she worked behind the scenes. It was the operation to ostracize Dok Yeona. And it was successful.
Dok Yeona became a perfect outcast in the class.
Even spreading dirty rumors that she has a sponsor, there wouldn’t be any kids wanting to hang out with her.
Yet Dok Yeona didn’t back down. She walked around with her head held high like a weed.
Moreover, if there was a kid criticizing her, she didn’t just take it, she fought back.
‘Unable to resist with strength, she used a different approach. She must have sent an SOS to the homeroom teacher.’
‘Already, just yesterday, five kids were called to the faculty room. Now, just saying anything would get the homeroom teacher called. There isn’t a crazy person like that.’
“Really, how unlucky.”
Baek Yeong-eun unintentionally expressed her anger. Fortunately, her voice was low.
“What did you say?”
“Oh, nothing. Dad. I’ll be going to school then. See you at school.”
“Alright. Our daughter. I’m counting on you today. I’ve prepared well to go.”
“Really? I’ll only trust Dad.”
For a moment, the image of me bragging in front of the classmates comes to mind. Thanks to that, my twisted heart feels a little better. She gave her dad a lovely smile.
Baek Jin also returns a gentle smile as a response. Unaware of the impending storm that would hit in a few hours.
***
“Hyung, is Yeona feeling disappointed because I couldn’t go to school?”
“Why are you suddenly saying that? Is Yeona the type to feel that way?”
“Not really. But these days, she seems weak and her face is always dark, so I’m worried.”
Come to think of it, she’s been quieter lately.
But she’s not that type of kid….
Jong-pal bit his lip.
Jong-sik patted his shoulder and said.
“I already asked her about that.”
“Really? Is something going on with Yeona?”
“She just had a small disagreement with a friend.”
“I thought so! She seemed different than usual. But it’s really just a small thing, right? It can’t be serious.”
Pouring out his words like a soliloquy, Jong-pal.
Jong-sik cut him off and said firmly.
“Don’t jump to conclusions for no reason.”
“You know, right? How cruel kids can be.”
Why wouldn’t he know.
He knows from experience.
Back in the day, they endured continuous bullying.
There might not be a clear reason for the bullying, but if they had to pinpoint one, it would be this. It’s because they didn’t have parents, money, or support.
Even when problems arose, knowing there were no parents to protect them, the kids bullied them without hesitation.
Isolation was the norm, hurtful words were thrown around, and sometimes even violence was used.
In such situations, Jong-sik always fought back, while Jong-pal chose to endure.
Back then, they were physically weak, and fighting back would only result in getting punished themselves.
So, Jong-pal worried about Yeona. Perhaps she was going through something similar to what he experienced back then.
“Is it the same as before? Look at the news. See how they handle school violence. Kids nowadays are smart enough not to ruin their own lives.”
“Maybe.”
“Oh, and Yeona said something like that? If something happens, she’ll talk about it right away. So, let’s not worry unnecessarily.”
“Well, that’s a relief… Anyway, I thought you were upset because I couldn’t go to school.”
“Of course, she must be. Well, even if she said so, seeing this will change everything. Her Dad knows how much effort he’s put in.”
Jong-sik gestured towards the table.
On the table, there were 40 lunchboxes piled up. It was what Jong-pal had prepared for Yeona and her classmates.
“I said I would, but I don’t know if they’ll like it. I found out that other parents prepare all sorts of things. Huh, I wish I had known earlier.”
“Preparing lunchboxes like this in the midst of your busy schedule is already impressive. And is this an ordinary lunchbox? It’s named ‘Dok Jong-pal Lunchbox’ after swiftly establishing the government’s lunchbox business.”
“…Ah, gee.”
‘perhaps he pushed too hard.’
Jong-pal seemed embarrassed as he forced a smile.
“Okay, okay. Oh, and I also prepared something separately.”
“Really? You’re preparing something too?”
“You think I only worry about Yeona? I don’t want my nephew to feel intimidated either.”
Jong-sik thumped his chest confidently.
With the help of Pyeong-ari, who was Yeona’s senior, she prepared various things. She even lent a hand amidst his busy schedule.
So Yeona doesn’t have to feel intimidated like we did back then.
With a bittersweet smile on his face, Jong-sik recalled the memory. His reverie was interrupted by Jong-pal’s voice.
“Thanks, hyung.”
“I’m looking after my nephew, what’s there to thank me for? Anyway, I’ll leave first.”
Jong-sik picked up the lunchboxes. He had to leave early for a meeting with the teacher before class.
“Okay, hyung. Take care.”
“Ah, I’ll be looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back.”
***
“Thank you all for taking the time to be here today.”
The homeroom teacher of Class A bowed slightly. Then he began to explain the schedule for the day.
“Here is the schedule for the class. The first period will be conducted by Yeona’s guardian, Mr. Dok-jong-sik. The others can observe from the back of the classroom. Parents are also welcome to ask questions, so please actively participate in the class. The class time is 30 minutes….”
Jong-sik listened to the teacher’s words while looking at the paper he had been handed.
After the long explanation was over, they had a short tea time.
There were still 30 minutes left before the class started.
“I didn’t know I would meet Hunter Dok Jong-sik here. Haha. Nice to meet you. I’m Baek Jin, and I work for the Association. I heard that you played a big role in the recent Association terrorist attack. I really respect you.”
“Oh, yes. Nice to meet you too. But I’m here as a parent today….”
“Oh, I see what you mean. Of course, there’s no need to call me a Hunter here. Yeona’s guardian.”
Baek Jin quickly corrected hisTitle after realizing what Jong-sik meant.
“Thank you. You said that you are Baek Yeong-eun’s father, right?”
“Yes. Our Yeong-eun talks about Yeona a lot.”
“Really?”
“Of course! She was talking about Yeona even this morning. She said they were that close. Hehe. It’s really nice to see.”
‘That’s a relief. I was worried because she didn’t talk about school at all, but it looks like she has friends she’s close to.’
‘Could it be the about friend they had a disagreement with? Hmm. Probably not. She talked about her this morning, after all.’
“I was worried that she wouldn’t adapt well since she transferred during the semester, but it’s fortunate that she has a close friend.”
Jong-sik’s stiff tone softened. His expression was the same. There was a hint of affection in his gaze towards Baek Jin.
Other parents caught on to this and started bringing up Yeona’s stories.
“Oh, our child also talks about Yeona like that. Seems like Yeona has a really good relationship with her peers.”
“We, as parents, have small gatherings. We discuss a lot about the children’s studies. Would you like to join us, Yeona’s guardian? When parents get along well, children see and learn from that.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful! Yeona’s guardian, let’s join them. Come into our group chat too!”
Before they knew it, the parents were surrounding Jong-sik.
They were eager to somehow connect and continue these small bonds.
Meanwhile, the homeroom teacher of class A watched the parents with a bewildered expression.
‘Even if they don’t know, they really don’t know. What’s the point of saying such things? Ugh.’
The homeroom teacher of class A was worried about what would happen after the truth was revealed. Sadly, the truth was exposed sooner than expected.
As they finished tea time and headed back to the classroom.
“We’re here. Yeona’s guardian, is it your turn first? We’ll cheer you on from behind.”
“I was nervous since this is my first time in this kind of setting, but I appreciate the opportunity.”
“Even though it’s just a class, the kids will love the lunchboxes you prepared.”
“Oh, are the kids the only ones who will enjoy them? I’ll enjoy them too. Haha. I skipped breakfast this morning…”
“I’ve prepared plenty, regardless.”
“I already feel reassured just looking at them.”
That’s when it happened.
Voices of the kids came from beyond the classroom door.
– Hey, you crazy!
– Catch Dok Yeona right now!
The homeroom teacher’s face turned as pale as a sheet of paper in an instant. But it wasn’t just that.
The faces of the parents, who noticed their own child’s voice, also turned pale and stiffened. The cheerful atmosphere was shattered.
“That kid of mine. I’ll deal with him right now!”
Someone urgently tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. It seemed like something was blocking it, as their hand was knocked back.
“Huh? What’s this?”
“Just a moment. I need to hear a bit more.”
That’s when Jong-sik spoke up.
Although his tone seemed nonchalant, his expression was chillingly stern.
