Act 5: An Empty Promise
Soo-jin's House
173 Haebaragi 2-dong
Soo-jin turned on the music as she prepared breakfast for herself, her father, and sister. After her mother died, Soo-jin took over most of the things her mother usally did, so she is always the one who wakes up earlier and does the chores. While Jae-joon once tried to provide for his daughters every morning, his inedible cooking made Soo-jin take matters into her own hands. Basically going "muh do-it-yourself".
Jae-joon woke up, when Soo-jin was still cooking. Without saying a word, Jae-joon sat on the breakfast counter, and Soo-jin slid him a warm cup of coffee, fresh from the espresso machine. Always the taste he loves, something that even Jae-joon himself can't make better. After some sip on the coffee, Jae-joon could feel his awareness increasing.
"So, what's for today's breakfast, Ddal-a?" asked Jae-joon.
"Same as yesterday, miso soup with rice and tamagoyaki," said Soo-jin, "but we're running out of groceries soon, so I must buy some tonight."
"Can't we skip that to the weekend? The thought of letting you shop alone in the evening is not something that eases me."
"I can take care of myself, Appa. Besides, I'd like to try cooking some of the Korean-style food as well."
"Alright, but don't go somewhere shady. You're still new in this town."
"Maybe I'll take Yu-ra and Hye-ri with me."
"Wow, you're making new friends quickly here. That's good. And by the way, what is this song you're playing? IU?"
"How do you know that this is IU's song?"
"Hey, I know Korean singers, alright? But it's very unlikely of you, the first day to school and suddenly listening for a Korean song."
"Well, Hye-ri told me that I must listen to IU's song since they're good. And I thought she's right."
"Okay, as long you don't do that because your friend mistook Ayumi Hamasaki for IU based on the first syllables."
Jae-joon laughed. He's kidding, of course. But Soo-jin stares him in the eye in a threatening manner.
"Oh, so it's true then. Alright..."
"Well, that's one of the points. But I also think that if I wanted to start a new life here, I'd better do what locals do. You know, when in Rome, do like Romans, right?"
"Right..."
Jae-joon sighed. He knew exactly what his daughter meant.
"Ddal-a, I must apologize for you," said Jae-joon.
"For what?" asked Soo-jin.
"I just found out yesterday that this city enacts prohibition on Sensha-do. I know that sensha-do means a lot to you, especially when you have to leave the opportunity to play sensha-do in Japan, only to find that there's none here. As a sensha-do veteran, I know that is difficult."
"Well, you're not mistaken, Appa."
Soo-jin put the miso soup with rice and tamagoyaki, both on her and her father's side of the desk.
"I was devastated when I first found out from my homeroom teacher, Na-ra ssaem. But, I don't know; you have to work here, so I must adapt."
"Don't do that, you made me sounds awful."
"No, please don't think about it that way. You don't do anything wrong, Appa. You just didn't know about the fact. Besides, you know that my last incidents regarding senshado gone wrong. I'm still not sure to do sensha-do again."
"Oh, you mean you don't want to be senshadoka anymore?"
"No, of course, I still want that. I still and will always like sensha-do, I'm just not sure if I could do better this time. Maybe this is the break I need to think about everything."
"Hmm, sounds like you're making excuse to yourself, or to save me from guilt."
"No, I'm not making excuse."
"Ddal-a, listen, I moved here not just because of me myself, but also all of us as well. This is not my life alone, or our family in general alone. You and Hyun-jin have a life too, and those are worthy to consider. So if you don't feel comfortable with this, then I'll try to transfer back to Seoul when my terms here finished."
"You'll do that, Appa?"
"Anything for you, Ddal-a."
"But I can't speak for Hyun-jin, she seems has found things she liked here. As long as you and Hyun-jin are happy, I can manage."
"That made me felt more guilty."
"Look, Appa, you're required to work here for a year, right? It's still far away, and things could still change for the better by then. Who knows, maybe with me having new friends, I could enjoy living here as well, even without sensha-do."
"Alright, Ddal-a, we'll see by the time my contract here is nearing ends."
"But for anything that would happen, promise me that you won't decide on your own, okay? You have two daughters, me and Hyun-jin, and we don't want to be kept out of the loop."
"Deal."
"Including when you're seeing someone new."
Jae-joon coughed, completely caught off guard by what his daughter just said.
"Geese, it's still our first day. I haven't know any girl here, except if you counted Lady Boss and my underling Si-eun, and the secretary Si-yeon."
"We have a year, plenty of time for you to meet new girls. It's not like I expect you to get married soon. Besides, Mom has died more than a year now, it's only natural if you're seeing another girl."
"I'm seeing girls right now, two to be precise. Their name is Soo-jin and Hyun-jin."
"Appa! I'm serious."
"I also serious. Look, I'm currently focusing on both of you, alright? Plus, we're moving to a new place, so I'm going to make sure that the transition going well, alright?"
"Okay, but if you..."
"I know, I'll tell you if I'm seeing one."
Right as they are speaking, Hyun-jin, half-awake, walked to the breakfast counter and sat there. A bowl of miso soup and a plate of rice with tamagoyaki has been prepared beforehand for her.
"I know you will wake when smelling the food," said Soo-jin.
"Don't blame me," said Hyun-jin, "can't help it if your dishes are always enticing."
"Just eat," said Soo-jin half-giggled.
"Alright, itadakimasu," said Hyun-jin.
"Wow, you need to change the saying into jalmeokgeseumnida, Hyun-jin-a," said Jae-joon, "you see how people looked at you when you said 'itadakimasu' in the bunsik."
"Right, okay, won't happen again. Oh, by the way, your secretary and underling, which one is more beautiful?"
Jae-joon gagged for the second time. Caught off guard again.
"Hyun-jin-a, not you too," said Jae-joon.
"What? I'm just picking up where you left up," said Hyun-jin.
Both Soo-jin and Hyun-jin then cheered.
"We're just colleagues, and I don't have any intention to see another girl," said Jae-joon, "I have you, both of you, and you're my focus right now, understand?"
"He just hasn't met the right girl, right?" said Hyun-jin.
"Yep, no doubt about it," said Soo-jin.
"Alright, let's stop this conversation, right?" said Jae-joon, "turn on the TV, I'd like to see what's in the news today."
Jae-joon turned the TV, and the morning news is currently airing from the Blue House.
Yesterday, the President has ratified new law from the parliament that shall allow sensha-do to thrive in the Republic of Korea. The new law, named Law of Sensha-do Establishment, will facilitate the establishment of sensha-do as electives in all middle schools and high schools in entire Korea, as well as encourage the provincial government that still banned sensha-do to abolish the prohibition. Before the law, the Republic of Korea has signed a series of memorandums of understanding with the government of Japan, the People's Republic of China, Russia, and the United States to further expand the development of Sensha-do in Korea, things that are currently lacking compared to the North, which already has extensive senshado program throughout the nation.
While most representatives of the regionals and parliament agreed to the law, some ultra-conservative politicians still refuse the enactment of this law, repeatedly calling sensha-do "Japan's Second Intervention over Korea". Despite the harsh statement from various sides, nationwide surveys have shown that the majority of people of Korea support this law by 96 percent concurrence,the highest in history. They're hoping that the law should provide a much-needed boost for the national economy, as well as expanding job opportunities in Korea. The provincial government still applying the prohibition of sensha-do, however, hasn't made any comment regarding the enactment of the law. The highlight is in the city of Gwiseon, where the first prohibition was applied. Had there's no motion to object to this new law, Gwiseon, as well as all cities in Korea still banning sensha-do, would be forced to lift the ban by a maximum a year after the enactment of this law. From Blue House, Cho In-ha reported for MSC.
The news made all three of them speechless.
"So what is this supposed to mean? Is sensha-do would be allowed, now?" asked Hyun-jin.
"Not so fast," said Jae-joon, "if Gwiseon true to their decision, then they could submit a motion to object the enactment of the law, at least in Gwiseon. If the motion gains enough support, at the very least, though Gwiseon would be forced to lift the ban, there are no articles that oblige each region to make their sensha-do team, so it won't break the law if they just neglected to make one. Besides, making the sensha-do team is a long process, and very much expensive, even with government support and subsidies. If starting from scratch, at best, there will be two more years before any team could be made."
"Two years?" asked Soo-jin, "isn't that too long?"
"Sensha-do is not just about tanks, Ddal-a," said Jae-joon, "there's training, facilities, maintenance, not to mention the capable personnel to run the team day-to-day. All has to be in accord with RKSF's standard, which, if I'm not mistaken, is now following Japan's sensha-do standard. Unless..."
"Unless what?" asked Soo-jin.
"Unless Gwiseon already has a team with a basic foundation, then the formation of the team could be expedited," said Jae-joon, "though it's very much unlikely. Prohibition in Gwiseon has been on for more than two decades, longer than any other sensha-do prohibitions in Korea, and if I heard was right, also the harshest of all. It would be hard, if not impossible, to find sensha-do related things here."
"I see," said Soo-jin, "but two years? I'll be graduated before joining any sensha-do team here."
"Cheer up, Eonnie," said Hyun-jin, "who knows, things could go faster than expected. I mean, this is a good start, right?"
Soo-jin smiled. Despite her's happy with the recent development, what her father told her is very much reasonable. Making a sensha-do team is not just getting tanks in certain amounts. There are infrastructures, tools, logistics, and other essentials that need to be provided to make a fully functional sensha-do team, and she hasn't seen those kinds of things in Gwiseon, yet.
The Courtyard
Baekhap Girls' Academy
Mugunghwa Educational District
Soo-jin arrived at the school a little bit late than usual, though she's not late for school. She's walking in a little absent-minded manner, definitely thinking about the news she saw earlier today. If Gwiseon shall lift the prohibition, that would be great, but lifting prohibition and made a senshado team are two different things. Just because Gwiseon will finally submit to the new law, there's no guarantee a senshado team would be made right away. As her father said, the prohibition has been going for more than two decades. Such a long period could dampen any spirit of senshado, and even made a lost generation, which knows nothing about senshado. Pitching an idea to them would be very difficult, if not impossible.
"PING!"
A message tone from her group chats tolled. Not long after meeting Yu-ra and Hye-ri for the first time, they have made a group chat among the three.
HYE-RI: Soo-jin-a, have you arrived at school yet?
SOO-JIN: I'm in the courtyard. Why? What's happened?
YU-RA: You just arrived? Did the bus broke-down or something?
HYE-RI: Yeah, you're supposed to be here 15 minutes ago. We fear something happened to you.
SOO-JIN: Ha ha ha. No, Guys, I'm fine. It's just that, something's bugging my mind earlier, so I missed the first bus.
YU-RA: What is that? Care to tell?
SOO-JIN: I'm not sure.
HYE-RI: Why? You don't trust us?
SOO-JIN: No, it's just, related to that you-know-what.
YU-RA: Oh, that? Ha ha ha. You could tell us, it's okay. We can find some quiet place.
SOO-JIN: You sure it's okay?
YU-RA: Of course, it's not like the wall here has ears. Tell us anything that bugged you, okay?
SOO-JIN: Ha ha ha, okay then.
Suddenly, her phone got ripped from her. Soo-jin is startled, and before she knows it, Yoon Ji-soo has already stood before her, holding her phone in her hand.
"Ah, I thought you're the only one that's unclassy," said Yoon Ji-soo, "turned out you're worst than I thought. Who's on Korea still use this phone model?"
Ji-soo wiggles Soo-jin's phone in front of her. The phone is an old model, LG Lollipop of rose-red color.
"Give it back!" said Soo-jin.
"Give me your token first," said Ji-soo, "you've promised to give me your token, remember?"
"I never promised you anything," said Soo-jin.
"But you didn't refuse that either," said Ji-soo, "so, give me that, and I'll give you your phone."
"I don't have that anymore," said Soo-jin, "I've given it to someone else."
"What? You..."
Ji-soo seems snapped by what Soo-jin said. Soo-jin then tries to grab her phone, but Ji-soo flicked and with a single move, threw Soo-jin to the grass ground. The grass is wet by dew and just recently cut, so the blades stuck on Soo-jin.
"Go on, get it," said Ji-soo, teasing Soo-jin with her phone.
Soo-jin rise and once again lunged herself to grab it, but Ji-soo, which taller than Soo-jin, played her by lifting her hand so that Soo-jin can't reach it. When Soo-jin tries to lunge herself, again Ji-soo does her flick trick, and once again throws Soo-jin to the ground. This is no joke, Soo-jin recognized that Ji-soo is currently doing some move of baguazhang on her.
"You're no fun," said Ji-soo, "get this yourself, if you can."
Ji-soo then throws Soo-jin's phone with her full power. Soo-jin yelled, but there's no way she could run to catch the phone on time. However, as the phone was about to hit the pavement, someone jumped and catch it, falling to the hard pavement as a result.
Soo-jin paused for a second. The girl that saves her phone now lying on the pavement, and that must be a hard fall. Her pink headset came off her head when she fell. Soo-jin recognized that headset.
"Ga-eun-a!" called Soo-jin.
Soo-jin quickly rushed to Ga-eun that started to rise from the fall. Ga-eun groaned in pain, but when Soo-jin came, she smiled and showed Soo-jin's phone in her hand.
"Gwaenchana?" asked Soo-jin.
"Yeah, and look," said Ga-eun, "I caught your phone."
Ji-soo seemed annoyed that the phone is safe, so she rushed to both girls. But before she finished her strafing run, three other girls stood in her way. From their quirky clothes, everyone could see that they're the History Buff: Seondeok, Haeryung, and Maria.
"Move, you weirdos!" said Ji-soo.
"So that you could hurt our Jeonha?" asked Seondeok, "yeah, in your dreams, girl."
"You messed with Jeonha, you messed with us," said Haeryung.
"What is this? You are their friend, now?" asked Ji-soo to Soo-jin, "your standard just hit the new rock-bottom."
"Leave now, while we still ask you nicely," said Maria.
"I can defeat you, even if it's 3 to 1, you know that, right?" said Ji-soo.
"We know, but you also will making a scene," said Maria, "I don't think that's what you want right now. So go ahead, beat us now."
Ji-soo was about to land her punch before she realized many students are now attracted to the commotion. The situation is now not good for her.
"I'll let you off this time," said Ji-soo, "and you, Tank Girl, you're lucky for now, but if you crossed me once again, I'll make you sorry that you've been born."
Ji-soo turned and go her own way, and by that time, everyone sigh in relief.
"Gosh, I thought she would never go," said Seondeok, "my legs are almost shaking."
"You're good at keeping your poker face, though," said Maria.
Soo-jin has already been carrying Ga-eun, whose injured legs made it hard for her to walk on her own, due to falling. They're approaching the History Buff.
"Hey, are you okay?" asked Soo-jin.
"We're fine, Jeonha," said Maria, "how about you?"
"Fine, but you don't seem to be fine facing her, do you?" asked Soo-jin.
"Ah, yes, Jeonha, we scared to death," said Haeryung.
"Ji-soo once beat the hell out of us during our middle-school time," said Maria, "that's why if she doesn't back down, we'll be in trouble."
"I'm not surprised," said Soo-jin, "she's tough, despite how she looks. I couldn't see that coming on the first time."
"Jeonha, we can't accompany you for long," said Seondeok, "would it be okay if we leave you here?"
"We'll be fine," said Soo-jin, "everyone is here right now, and she has sent her message. I don't think she'll cross me again for the time being."
"Then please excuse ourselves, Jeonha," said Maria.
The History Buff then leaves Soo-jin and Ga-eun.
"You go through all this pain just to save my phone," said Soo-jin, "and injured yourself in the result, Ga-eun-a."
"Gwaenchana, it's like doing something for a friend," said Ga-eun.
"But I'm your friend," said Soo-jin.
"That's so nice of you, Soo-jin-a," said Ga-eun, "besides, I have the same phone, look."
Ga-eun took out her phone, which is the same model as Soo-jin's LG Lollipop. Only, Ga-eun's is in blue pattern color. Soo-jin was surprised to find someone having the same phone as she is.
"I thought I'm the only one using it here," said Soo-jin.
"Well, I think we're the only ones still having this model," said Ga-eun, "but for using it, I only use this to play music. I'm a bit lazy to move those to my current phone. You're still using it? Cool."
"Yeah, I'm not playing games or SNS that often, so this is fine," said Soo-jin, "besides, my late Mom's photos are all in here, so despite the obsolete model, this phone is precious to me."
"Oh, glad I could save a treasure belongs to my friend," said Ga-eun.
"Well, not really a treasure, but yes," said Soo-jin, "oh, I nearly forgot something... What's your number?"
"Oh, here..." said Ga-eun.
Soo-jin opened her group chat and proceeds to add Ga-eun.
"I made this group chat after meeting with Hye-ri and Yu-ra, and since you're also my friend, I'm adding you here," said Soo-jin.
"Oh, that's very nice of you, Soo-jin," said Ga-eun, "no one ever added me to their group chat before, well, I know Yu-ra's and Hye-ri's, but we don't make any group chat."
"Wait, seems Hye-ri and Yu-ra has flooded the group," said Soo-jin.
"You're right, you should answer," said Ga-eun, "they must've been worried."
SOO-JIN: Sorry for the abrupt stop, Guys.
YU-RA: Where the hell are you? Why did you suddenly stop that way?
HYE-RI: And how do you add Ga-eun's number? You're with her currently?
SOO-JIN: Yes, I'm with her, she has helped me with something.
YU-RA: You're in trouble? But if Ga-eun with you, I think you'll be alright.
SOO-JIN: Yeah, I'll tell you guys later, but do you brought any band-aid or iodine or something to patch some wound?
YU-RA: Are you injured?
SOO-JIN: I'm fine, but Ga-eun did.
YU-RA: Enough said, both of you, go to the bathroom down the hall, we'll see you there. Now!
A few minutes later, all four of them met in the bathroom. Hye-ri is patching up Ga-eun's wound, while Yu-ra fixes Soo-jin's make-up.
"You don't have to do this, Yu-ra-ya," said Soo-jin, "I'm fine."
"Be still, you lost your make-up, and I have to fix you right away," said Yu-ra, "for a girl, make-up is both sword and shield, and you don't want to hang around with a broken sword and cracked shield."
"How about you, Ga-eun-a?" asked Hye-ri, "are you okay?"
"Yes, not so hurt anymore after you patched those," said Ga-eun, "thank you very much."
"You should have told us when Ji-soo picked you," said Yu-ra, "at least we can face it together."
"No time for that, Ji-soo grabbed my phone so quickly that I was failed to react," said Soo-jin, "besides, everything is okay now."
"Yeah, you're great, Ga-eun, catching some small object in the air like that," said Hye-ri.
"Hey, she's an outfield player on our middle-school baseball team, remember?" said Yu-ra.
"Oh yeah, how can I forgot about that?" said Hye-ri.
"Well, I never made a great catch during the time we played," said Ga-eun.
"But you made a great catch in such perfect timing now," said Hye-ri.
"I just got lucky," said Ga-eun.
"But, is it okay? I mean, what about with Ji-soo?" asked Hye-ri, "will she pick you again?"
"I'm not sure, I don't think so," said Soo-jin, "she has stated her message, so I don't think she'll do it again. We have no more business with her."
"You have to be careful, though, Soo-jin-a," said Yu-ra, "Ji-soo has many friends, and she came from an influential family. Messing things with her won't go any lightly."
"I know," said Soo-jin, "though she is tough enough. She's not just a big-mouthed bully. She has power and skills, and is not afraid of using them."
"What do you mean?" asked Hye-ri.
"She meant, Ji-soo is an excellent fighter," said Ga-eun, "I saw her move when taking down Soo-jin. A person with no martial skill whatsoever won't move the way she did."
"Ah, and I thought she's just full of hot air," said Hye-ri, "but if we all there, she won't beat us, right?"
"I honestly don't know," said Soo-jin, "and I don't intend to find that out either."
"Come on, let's stop this negative talk," said Yu-ra, "let me tell you, how about if later today, all of us, Dandelion Café, you know, to hang out, and do what girls do, and of course, you may join, Ga-eun-a. Correction, you must join us."
"Me?" asked Ga-eun, "but I…"
"Please, you must join us," said Soo-jin while holding Ga-eun's hand, "I want to be with my friends at this time."
"Nobody ever asked me out before," said Ga-eun, "but sure, why not? That would be fun."
"Great, oh, will you go to Na-ra ssaem later?" asked Yu-ra.
"Eh? What for?" asked Soo-jin.
"Taking your book back, of course," said Yu-ra, "you said that book is very important to you, so I guess Na-ra ssaem would consider giving it back to you."
"Can I do that?" asked Soo-jin.
"Officially, no! But Na-ra ssaem is a kind person, so she'll return the book, I'm sure," said Yu-ra, "besides, you are new, yesterday is your first day at school in this town. She'll understand."
"Yeah, the only thing Na-ra ssaem doesn't compromise is on your scoring grade," said Hye-ri, "if she thought you only deserved a C minus, then C minus it is."
"You can at least try, Soo-jin-a," said Ga-eun, "who knows?"
Soo-jin smiled and nodded
The class of Na-ra is coming next, right before the lunch break. Aside from learning, Na-ra also reminds the class that the class head election is the day after tomorrow, and everyone interested in taking the post should submit their name to her by end of school hour tomorrow. Any student could also nominate their friend for the position. As Na-ra added in the end, "Democracy shall be observed."
As predicted, the first definitive candidate is Yoon Ji-soo. But she does not nominate herself. Instead, two of her friends, Lee Mi-joo and Go Hye-rim, nominated her for the post. After Ji-soo announced her running for the class head, seems nobody wanted to run, but Soo-jin could see that they seem to wait for someone else to nominate themselves.
"Alright, the admittance is still open till the end of school hour tomorrow," said Na-ra, "anyone wanted to run, just tell me before that time, arachi?"
The bell ringing and everyone prepares to leave the class for the lunch break. Yu-ra quickly cues Soo-jin, that this is the right time to talk to Ms. Na-ra, so Soo-jin quickly goes to her.
"Ssaem," said Soo-jin.
"Yes, Soo-jin-a, what's the matter?" asked Na-ra.
"Nothing, I just wonder if I can talk to you about something," said Soo-jin.
"Of course, we can talk in my office," said Na-ra, "come with me."
"Wait, let me carry your books," said Soo-jin, quickly took Na-ra's books on the table, which is quite a lot.
"Oh, you don't need to..." said Na-ra.
"It's okay, Ssaem," said Soo-jin, "I'm happy to help."
"Oh, well, if you insisted..." said Na-ra.
But the books that Na-ra ssaem brought are way heavier than it looks. Soo-jin managed to carry those, despite her surprise on the initial lift, and how Na-ra ssaem able to carry that with no effort. Na-ra has no sign that showing that she's a physically strong girl.
"You okay? Is it too heavy for you?" asked Na-ra while moving.
"No, Ssaem, it's okay," said Soo-jin, "I used to carry such weight back in Japan."
"Really? Ah yes, I haven't had the chance to ask you, but how do you find life here? I do hope that you can fit well here."
"To be honest, Ssaem, I'm still working on it."
"Ah, since there's no you-know-what here?"
"Well, that's one factor."
"One? So there's more?"
"More like pros and cons. I have no you-know-what, but I found new friends here as well."
"You mean Hye-ri and Yu-ra?"
"And Ga-eun as well."
"Really? Well, Yu-ra and Hye-ri are good girls, I'm glad you befriend them. However, I always had the impression that Ga-eun is hard to approach. After you said that, perhaps Ga-eun can only open up to certain people."
"I guess so."
Na-ra walked at in fast pace, without any sign that she's out of breath. Soo-jin measured that for whatever reason, her homeroom teacher has good stamina. And if she's moving this fast while carrying full weight, then she has a decent strength as well. Soo-jin herself could match her, due to her rigorous training as a loader in Japan. Before they knew it, they already arrived in the faculty room. Soo-jin followed Na-ra into the room, to Na-ra's desk.
"Just put those in the table, and take a seat," said Na-ra.
"Ne."
Soo-jin put the books carefully on Na-ra's table before she took a chair and sit next to Na-ra at the desk.
"Now, what can I do for you, Soo-jin-a?" asked Na-ra.
"Well, I don't know how to say this, but..." said Soo-jin.
"Just say it, then. I'm all ears, don't be afraid."
"Well, it's about yesterday, I mean, about the book."
"Oh, right, the book."
"What book?"
A stern, authoritative voice, suddenly forced its way into their conversation. Na-ra turned and startled to see the vice-principal of Baekhap Girls' Academy, Kang Hoon, is standing near them.
"Gyogan-seonsaengnim..." said Na-ra.
"I happened to walk past by till I heard something about the book, Na-ra ssi," said Kang Hoon, "and as I happened to know, yesterday, you seized a contraband in the form of a book and failed to report to me."
"There are so many things I must do yesterday, Gyogan-seonsaengnim, so I haven't yet..."
"Any finding of contraband and illicit materials should be reported directly to me. Are you forget, or just neglected to follow my direct instruction?"
"I'm sorry, Gyogan-seonsaengnim, but in my defense..."
"You're not in the position to defend yourself on your fault, Na-ra ssi. Now I'm asking you, is this book this student asked you, is the same book in question?"
"Gyogan-seonsaengnim, it's..."
"Just answer me, yes or no, Na-ra ssi."
Na-ra hauled a deep breath, with an annoyed expression. Everyone now looking at them, and Na-ra, Vice-Principal Kang Hoon, and Soo-jin are in the spotlight right now. Lying to Vice-Principal Kang Hoon won't do any good now, as he would keep forcing to get the book.
"Yes, Gyogan-seonsaengnim," said Na-ra.
"Then give me the book, that you failed to report yesterday," said Kang Hoon, extending her hand.
"I don't think that necessary, Gyogan-seonsaengnim, Soo-jin here is a first-timer in this city, and she didn't know about the rule here..."
"I decide which one is necessary, Na-ra ssi. Especially about contrabands, which is something of my domain. And your negligence to report right away can be considered as an act of subordination. You can't hide anything from me, Na-ra ssi."
Na-ra silenced. She then opens her drawer and takes a book which Soo-jin recognized as her book, then hands it over to Kang Hoon. After receiving the book, he then turns his stare on Soo-jin.
"Your name is Soo-jin? Is this your book?" asked Kang Hoon.
"Y-Yes, Gyogan-seonsaengnim..." said Soo-jin.
"You're the transfer student from Japan, right? From the first time I heard about you here, in my school, I know that you'll be in trouble. This city doesn't need tank nonsense, we've been living like that and we're not intended to change things, especially to poison the mind of young girls with Japan's imperialist ideas like you did. Now, as a vice-principal, I will teach you myself on how to become a true city-dweller..."
Kang Hoon lifts his arms, but suddenly Na-ra stood between him and Soo-jin as if trying to protect her.
"Forgive me, Gyogan-seonsaengnim, but I can't allow that," said Na-ra.
"Move!" yelled Kang Hoon.
"No! I remind you that Soo-jin is the student in my class, and anything that happened or any affair of my student there is in my sole authority. I won't let you or anyone else interfere with the affair of my class!"
"How dare you! You don't know who I am?"
"I know who you are, Gyogan-seonsaengnim, and your position doesn't supersede the school rules in any aspect. So I suggest you read again the school rules till you truly understand what's in it. And if you're trying to intimidate my student again, by any reason, you have to face me and go over my dead body first, you understand, Gyogan-seonsaengnim?"
Kang Hoon backed off. He seemed startled after Na-ra talked back to him, and in a harsh manner. But Na-ra is correct; Baekhap Girls' Academy has rules about class autonomy, and that a homeroom teacher holds sole authority over his or her class. Meaning, anything that happened in the class shall only be observed under the discretion of its homeroom teacher. Not even the school principal could interfere with the decision made by a homeroom teacher regarding his/her class's internal affairs.
"Fine, I'll let you off the hook this time, for now," said Kang Hoon, "but I won't forget this, so you just wait. In the meantime, I seized this book to be terminated like any other contraband. Since this is not your class, so that means I have the authority to do that, Na-ra ssi."
Na-ra stared at him in a hostile manner, while Kang Hoon left, carrying the book with him. After he's gone. Na-ra punched her desk so hard that it surprised everyone watching the event.
"Damn that son of a..." cursed Na-ra while shaking her hand that she used to punch the table. It's hurt.
"Ssaem, are you okay?" asked Soo-jin.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, it's just a minor injury," said Na-ra, "the more important is, are you okay, Soo-jin-a? I'm sorry, I can't protect the book. I never thought that Vice-Principal Kang Hoon would walk past us in such unfortunate timing."
"I'm fine, Ssaem, don't worry about me. What has happened, happened."
"That must be a precious book of yours, right?"
"Well, that's not a rare book, to be honest, at least not in Japan. However, it was given by someone dear to me."
"Ah, such sentimental value, I wish I could save it. In the hand of Vice-Principal Kang Hoon, it's going to be terminated for sure, and ASAP, due to how I yelled at him."
"Well, I cannot say that he didn't deserve that, though."
Na-ra tapped Soo-jin on the shoulder. Right at that time, Yu-ra and Hye-ri entered the faculty room.
"Soo-jin-a, are you okay?" asked Yu-ra.
"We heard that there was a commotion here," said Hye-ri, "involving Vice-Principal Kang?"
"It's okay, Yedeura, all good now," said Na-ra, "I've yelled him into submission."
"You yelled at him, Ssaem?" said Hye-ri in disbelief, "daebak!"
"Hye-ri-ya, don't say that," said Yu-ra, "this could lead to trouble for Na-ra ssaem in the future, you know?"
"No, no, gwaenchana, it's not like he can do anything harm to me in any way," said Na-ra, "by the way, do you come to collect Soo-jin?"
"Yes, Ssaem," said Yu-ra, "if she's finished with the business, though."
"Yes, she's finished. I'm just not happy with the result," said Na-ra, "will you go somewhere?"
"We're going to Dandelion Cafe, actually," said Soo-jin.
"Dandelion? That's a great place to hang out," said Na-ra, "especially if you need to pick yourself up after that event."
"Yes, Ssaem, thank you very much," said Soo-jin.
"Don't be, I'm sorry things went the way they did, I wish it could have gone the other way around," said Na-ra.
"Well, it is what it is, Ssaem," said Soo-jin, "so, if there's nothing else to discuss..."
"Jankkanman, I just remember something," said Na-ra, "your tokens, where did you spent them yesterday?"
"Oh, we spent them to support The History Buff, Ssaem," said Soo-jin.
"History Buff? Ah, yes, what-so-called as The Freaks Trio from Class 4-D. I know them, they're good girls, though I don't understand why Lim ssaem nagging about them almost every day," said Na-ra, "and about the token, I got a result here which said that there'll be no new elective this year. So, you all will be required to select from the existing electives. Now, I don't want to sound like someone who abused my position, but, would you consider joining Pansori electives?"
"P-Pansori?" asked Soo-jin.
"Yes, ah, you see, I'm the adviser of Pansori Elective, and I'd be happy if you, I mean all of you, joining the elective," said Na-ra, "will you? Ah, you know about pansori, right?"
"Yes, Ssaem, I do know pansori," said Soo-jin, "my haramoeni almost always take me to one of the shows each time I go to Korea."
"Your haramoeni? So she likes pansori?" asked Na-ra.
"Well, was, before she..." said Soo-jin.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Na-ra.
"It's just that, it's not like I'm very much familiar with that, since it's been years since last time I watched the show," said Soo-jin, "besides, I'm not very confident with my skills on singing those."
"It's okay, our electives aren't meant for you to be excelled at singing pansori. Most of the time, it's more about how you appreciate and enjoy pansori," said Na-ra, "unless, of course, you're qualified into the pansori performance teams, then we'll expect more of you. So, how about that?"
"I-I must ask my friend first since we promised to go together," said Soo-jin, "how about that, Yedeura?"
"Hmm, I must admit, it's not my first choice," said Yu-ra, "but I never have any first choice."
"Let's take it!" said Hye-ri, "it's better than if we took Jultagi."
"Why? Jultagi is good to exercise your composure, balance, and agility," said Na-ra.
"Oh, please, Ssaem, no thank you," said Hye-ri, "I don't want to jump around in a tightrope on that height. So, no, Ma'am, thank you."
"Will Ga-eun be okay with this?" asked Soo-jin.
"Ga-eun? I think she is only happy to be with us, to tell you the truth," said Yu-ra, "go ahead, just take it."
"Alright, let's take Pansori together," said Soo-jin.
"Good, I'll note this to Elective Board," said Na-ra, "the first meeting is this Saturday, at noon so I'll see you guys at that time, don't be late."
"Yes, Ssaem," said all three of them.
"And, Yu-ra-ya, it would be a pleasure to have you again," said Na-ra.
"Yes, Ssaem, so do I," said Yu-ra.