To the boy

reunion

My first day at school. Luckily, I wasn't late and made it to the principal's office without incident.

Everything was going well, but I was worried about my classmates. Hoping they were good friends, I followed the teacher into the classroom.

선생님

The transfer student has arrived. He'll introduce himself... Listen to him introduce himself, and then sit in the empty seat over there.

You're the type to just say what you want to say and then call it a day. The closing ceremony will be over soon.

As soon as the teacher left, I walked straight to my seat. Next to me was a boy with his head down, writing something.

친구 A

Oh my, hello! It's been a while, transfer student!

친구 B

So... what's your name?

김여주

Yes? My name is Kim Yeo-ju. I'll be counting on you from now on!

친구 A

Yeah yeah!

-I couldn't even speak to him because the kids in front of me were rushing towards me. I'm curious.

Still, I was relieved that the kids in my class seemed to like it. I had been feeling a bit uneasy, but I guess my worries were unfounded.

친구 B

Hey, hey, it'll be over soon. Let's sit down. Math is next class.

친구 A

Oh my, crazy. Let's go, heroine!

김여주

Huh? Yeah!

After a while, the teacher came in, rang the bell, and the kids who were up were kicked out into the hallway. That's why it happened.

김여주

...But what should I do with the book?

I guess I was lucky.

김여주

Hmm...

As I continue to teach, I find myself needing my textbook even more. I don't know where I'm going.

Oh, should I try talking to my partner and asking him to watch it with me?

김여주

Excuse me, can I look at my textbook with you? I don't have a book...

???

you...?

김여주

...uh?!

A familiar face. Yes, the man I met in the alley.

Oh? We were the same age?? In the same class??? Even sitting next to each other????

???

Easy... If you get caught by that teacher, you'll have a hard time.

He said, putting his index finger to his lips. I nodded as I watched.

김여주

Oh, yeah. Quietly...

???

I can lend you the book. But please talk to me later.

김여주

Yeah, well, just a conversation.

I thought we needed to have a conversation too.

김여주

Oh, my name is Kim Yeo-ju.

???

...know.

김여주

I see... Then what's your name? I don't know.

김민석

Kim Min-seok.

He ended the conversation by saying his name and pushed the book towards me. There was silence again.

I wonder if he feels the same way as me, seeing as he made conversation a condition.

I wish that were the case.