For everyone
School is a training ground for geniuses. It is our "second home," a place that helps us easily reach our future. Right?
I am Lee Young-Won. I am a third-year student currently studying at Minelie University, one of the most prestigious universities in Seoul.
Though it is often referred to as the "dream school" of many, for me, everything there is the opposite of its outward appearance.
At first glance, it is a prestigious university, a place where anyone who looks at it would think, "It's definitely a school for the privileged, not ordinary people."
But, to me, it's no different from hell on earth. Because behind that glamorous, lavish façade lies many terrifying things.
- - - - - - - - - -
That morning, as I was admiring the majestic sunrise, suddenly a pebble flew into my head from behind. I reflexively turned my head to look, and it turned out to be Ju Ga-Eun's group of friends.
Let me introduce them. This is the group of friends who have been bullying me since the beginning of my first year. The leader, of course, is Ju Ga-Eun, one of the school's major shareholders. The other two girls are twin sisters from the Choi family, the older sister is Choi Ah-Reum, and the younger sister is Choi Ae-Young.
Ju Ga-Eun approached me and threw a wad of cash on the ground, right at my feet.
"Hey, you little brat, go buy us a bottle of water. Hurry up."
I dared not resist, so I bent down to pick up the crumpled bills and ran off to buy what they had asked for.
I didn't dare to argue back, because here, whoever has money has power. Where would someone like me, who is poor, get the courage to resist?
The canteen was too far away from where I was, and it was always crowded, so even though I tried my best, it still took me a while to get there.
I wondered why the school always charged such high tuition fees, yet the canteen was so cramped. To make matters worse, it was always packed with people, and I felt a bit uncomfortable having to spend more than ten or fifteen minutes just standing in line.
About twenty minutes later, I finally managed to escape from that place and ran as fast as I could to where they were standing. I swear it was the first time I felt like I wanted wings to fly faster.
When I arrived, I bent over, hands on my knees, breathing heavily. Sweat poured down like rain, drop by drop. After calming down, I looked up and handed them the items.
Ju Ga-Eun took it. She touched the rim of the cup and immediately threw it to the ground. Angry, she grabbed my collar and pulled me up.
I was still exhausted, and being suddenly grabbed by the collar and lifted into the air caused me some pain. I struggled to speak.
"L... Let me go!"
"I told you to buy ice water, so why isn't there a single ice cube left?"
"Because it was too far away, so all the ice melted. Please put me down. I promise I won't do it again next time. I beg you, Ga-Eun..." "
She heard that and smirked triumphantly, then "casually" threw my entire body to the ground like tossing a cup.
Thrown down forcefully, I endured the pain, stood up, and ran back to the classroom. As I reached the classroom door, the bell rang. Stepping into the classroom, suddenly...
SWISH...
The sound of water pouring out along with laughter filled the air. My body was soaked, and I stood frozen in place for a few seconds before emotionlessly walking to my desk, taking out a new shirt. I left the classroom and headed to the restroom without haste.
Opening the door to the restroom, I quickly took off the wet shirt and put on the new one. Then, I walked back to the classroom.
Walking among the scrutinising, mocking eyes, I walked even faster. When I returned to my beloved desk, I was surprised to see it covered in rubbish. Without needing to ask who did it, I just sighed and silently cleaned up the pile of papers.
The professor entered, and the class proceeded smoothly.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
At lunchtime, I quickly put all my books and papers into my bag and headed down to the canteen. Since I didn't have enough money, I could only afford to buy a steamed bun.
After getting my food, I looked around and spotted an empty seat, so I quickly sat down at the table. I thought I would be able to enjoy my lunch in peace, but no.
Ju Ga-Eun's group had been standing behind me without me noticing. Suddenly...
"That looks delicious, can I have a bite?" She snatched my steamed bun and held it up high. I said softly,
"Give it back to me."
She still didn't listen, so I stood up and stretched to reach the bun. But it was too high, and in the end, I couldn't get it back from Ju Ga-Eun. She pushed me to the ground with her hand, put the bun in her mouth and chewed it noisily, then walked away.
By the time I got up, it was already time for class. I hurried back to the classroom.
As soon as I sat down at my desk, the professor entered. Because I was so hungry, I was scolded many times during the class for not being able to concentrate. When the class ended, I collapsed onto the desk and closed my eyes, falling asleep.