Minwoo said, "Kang Young, I think I also ran out of money. Therefore, I also need to lend from someone."
Of course, Minwoo's real wallet was safely tucked in his pocket. He had no intention of giving Kang Young a single won. He knew that if he did, he'd never see that money again.
Kang Young's face flushed with rage. "You little bastard," he snapped, his voice sharp and cold. "If you didn't have money to begin with, why didn't you tell me from the start?"
Minwoo replied without hesitation, "I didn't know how much money I had. And even if I told you I didn't have any, would you have believed me?"
Kang Young and his two followers exchanged glances, their expressions twisting with frustration and anger. The air in the classroom grew tense, the usual chatter fading into silence as students watched the scene unfold.
"Well," Kang Young said, his voice low and dangerous, "what you said is true. But you wasted my time, you know."
He took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them. Then, without warning, he grabbed Minwoo by the collar of his uniform, his fingers tightening around the fabric near Minwoo's chest. Minwoo's expression changed instantly, his heart pounding, his mind racing.
Just as Kang Young raised his fist, the classroom door swung open. The teacher, an old man with white hair, stepped inside, his presence filling the room. Kang Young froze, his grip loosening. He gritted his teeth and leaned in close to Minwoo, his voice a low growl.
"It seems like you got lucky this time. Your mistake was wasting my time, so you'll pay for that, you know. We'll meet again at the school gate exit."
His ugly smile returned, and with a final glare, he turned and left the classroom, his two followers trailing behind him like shadows.
After a while, all the students took their seats and settled down. The old man—teacher—began his lesson, his voice steady and calm, filling the classroom with the usual rhythm of school life. Minwoo, however, was lost in his thoughts, his mind a whirlwind of worry and uncertainty.
He didn't know what to do now. Kang Young and his followers would probably come after him again. He could run away today, but what about tomorrow? And the day after that? He could flee once, but Kang Young would surely track him down if not today, then tomorrow. Minwoo felt trapped, helpless. He thought that he could do nothing about this matter anymore. Whatever happened, happened. It wasn't like he had a choice back then. What could he have done?
If he gave his money to Kang Young, how would he survive? Minwoo hadn't found a part-time job, and his uncle and aunt had stopped providing money. All he had were a few thousand won, and almost all his money was in his wallet. If Kang Young had taken it, Minwoo wouldn't be able to buy food or daily supplies after a few days. Even if he hadn't taken it, Minwoo knew he wouldn't last more than fifteen days. He was desperately trying to find a part-time job to earn enough to live, but he wouldn't ask for much. His expenses were far less than those of normal people. Minwoo lived alone, only buying necessary items when needed. He wouldn't spend on himself, and he didn't even know where to spend his remaining money.
Minwoo had no friends, no interests, and sometimes the bullies would take his money under the guise of lending it, never to return it. Back then, he didn't mind. Lending some money for a peaceful life was fine for him. Those kids were only after money and wouldn't bother him if they got what they wanted. Minwoo was actually fine with it because, at least, he wasn't beaten like some other weaklings. Other students knew Minwoo lived alone and had nobody to stand with him. It was as if they pitied him and left him alone because of that. Once they got some money from Minwoo, they would stop bothering him for a while, then come again.
But now was different. Minwoo had no source of money he could rely on. He would have to earn by himself. Minwoo shook his head and looked out the window at the sky. As he gazed at the distant clouds, he thought, "This world is quite boring. There's nothing in this world that I cherish, nothing I want to do, no goal. Other people have dreams—becoming rich, having everything they want: money, cars, houses, no work to do, a beautiful wife. But what about me? What do I want? Do I want those things? No, I don't think I need those. Actually, a simple life is fine for me. I don't really have goals like becoming a millionaire or something."
After a few hours, the school day ended. The bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Minwoo packed his bag and stood up from his seat. Students began to leave, heading toward the school gate exit and then on their way home. Some were happy, some were with groups of friends, laughing and chatting about their day. Some were couples, happily discussing their plans. Others ran off as if they had something exciting waiting for them after school. But for Minwoo, there was nothing much. He would go alone, maybe Kang Young would beat him, then he would buy some dinner from a convenience store and head to his apartment. What else could he do?