Getting Closer to Mr. 10 [b×b]
Chapter 1 is in Session!
Jungmo drummed his fingers on the table, nervous about the new school rankings.
He's worked too hard to just stay in the top 50. He wants to be in the top 20. He needs to be.
Countless days of tutoring and many moons passing by as he studies and revises his work.
Yet Jungmo still finds it in himself to drum his fingers and tap his feet.
Koo Jungmo
[*cries mentally* I'M NEVER GONNA MAKE IT IN THE TOP 20]
Teacher
Everyone, settle down.
Everyone shut up as if a monster had just walked into the room.
One by one, he stated the number, name and then gave the students directions to their new classroom.
As the number grew smaller and smaller, Jungmo's hold on his smile weakened until finally, once the teacher called is name, his face hurt.
Teacher
Congratulations Mr. Koo, you've made it into the top 30 in the school.
Koo Jungmo
Th-thank you Sir.
Teacher
Go to the main block, top floor, and wait inside the guest waiting room for further instructions.
Either enter lines or deleteWith a nod, Jungmo left the classroom and began to walk to the said room.
It was not as noisy as it was before, walking down the hallway.
The only people left were the students upset over their new rankings. Those who cry on these days are the ones ranking under the top 50.
Girl 1
*Girl sobs as she curls up beside the wall*
Koo Jungmo
Um-excuse me? Are you-
He is cut off by someone pulling him away and down the hallway.
???
Keep walking, you don't have the time to for this.
Koo Jungmo
Huh? Why-also let go please.
???
You're in the top 30. You're basically one of the new faces of the school.
Koo Jungmo
Hold on, how did you know?
???
By now, the only students in the corridor should be the top 30, the idiots below the top 50 or you're dumb enough to be lost.
Koo Jungmo
!
Koo Jungmo
[So rude! Being the face of something, doesn't it mean you have to be on your best behaviour!?]
Koo Jungmo
So you're in the top 30 as well?
???
Of course I am. Why would I not be?
Koo Jungmo
Sorry, I'm just asking!
The boy gives him a side eye but then just rolls his eyes and continues walking, slowing down as they almost arrive.
???
Well, we're here.
Koo Jungmo
Do you know how this works?
???
What do you mean?
Koo Jungmo
I mean, they made us walk all the way here so they must have something planned.
???
Yep. They just go through some requirements you need to meet as the new top 30.
Koo Jungmo
Oh...
Koo Jungmo
[If he says so...]
He opens the door and low and behold, a large group of people sat.
Principle
...So that makes 15. Still have to wait.
The entire room had mixed vibes going on.
One third of the group were busily chatting away, looking so happy that they got into the top 30.
The second third sat looking nervous ad heck and Jungmo honestly thinks that he'd be one of them.
The last part of the group seemed... sure. They looked as if he knew exactly what was going to go down. It's the same expression as...
Koo Jungmo
Oops, I forgot to ask, what's your name?
???
Name?
KangMinhee
Kang Minhee.
And that's when it clicked.
Koo Jungmo
Oh...
KangMinhee
You don't believe me?
Koo Jungmo
Oh no! I see it now!
KangMinhee
Now?
Koo Jungmo
No, I mean... I remember seeing, and everyone saying, that you bleached your hair.
KangMinhee
That was a punishment from the others. There's was no way I would've chosen to do it.
Koo Jungmo
It looked good though!
KangMinhee
I still hated it.
Minhee walked away to the confident looking group, leaving Jungmo to his own thoughts.
Koo Jungmo
[Shoot. Did I make him mad???]
Jungmo fiddled with himself until the rest arrived.
Principle
May I have your attention.
Principle
As you already know, you are our new top 30. Congratulations.
Principle
Before I go through the list, remember: Everyone you see in this school is your ally, friend but also your biggest rival.
Principle
Show us your potential and achieve as much as you can.
Principle
Now, I'll read the list of students in order of the 30th to the 1st.
He announced the new rankings one by one, oh so painfully slowly. Jungmo had his fists clenched from being impatient.
Once he heard the 20th place be announced, then did he release his grip.
He's done it.
He's in the top 20.
But...
Principle
Rank 14, Lee Jinhyuk.
Did he forget to include in his wish to not get-
Principle
Rank 12, Koo Jungmo