worst encounter

First meeting

A bell rang at the end of the hallway. Children poured into the classroom, and sunlight streamed down onto my still-empty desk. I thought it would be an ordinary, uneventful day. Until Han Tae-san transferred.

담임 선생님

“Wait a minute, before we come in, let me introduce someone.”

The class became quiet at the homeroom teacher's words.

The door opened, and a boy with a blank expression entered. He was expressionless, silent, and his eyes were cold. The air in the classroom felt frozen in an instant.

한태산

Han Tae-san

Taesan nodded without even saying hello. A murmur of discontent spread through the air.

When the seating assignments were over and it was break time, I picked up my bag and quickly walked down the hallway toward the snack bar. Just then, as I was turning a corner, I bumped into someone.

thud-

The notebook I was holding fell to the floor and scattered.

The person standing in front of me was transfer student Han Tae-san.

He glanced at my notebook for a moment, then tried to pass it by. Just one word.

한태산

be careful

It wasn't an apology... It was a statement that shifted the blame onto me. I was instantly annoyed.

김여주

Hey, wait a minute

My voice got louder without me realizing it.

김여주

It was you who bumped into me

Taesan slowly stopped. He turned his head and looked at me. His expressionless face, his eyes as cold as ice.

한태산

so?

A short and cold word… .

Before I could say anything, he looked away and just walked away, without even looking back.

I stood there for a while, then picked up the notes that had spilled onto the floor. My heart was pounding.

김여주

(What the heck, him?… Without even a word of apology?)

A whisper heard on the way back down the hallway.

학교 친구들

"The transfer student didn't look good." "He seemed angry." "He looks like he'd be good at fighting. I don't think you should mess with him."

Regardless of good or bad, my first impression was the worst.

When we returned to the classroom and sat down, the homeroom teacher announced the seating arrangements.

담임 선생님

"Your new partner... won't change for the next month. Let's take good care of each other."

김여주

Next to my name is... Han Tae-san?

The whole classroom was in an uproar, but I was the one who had to deal with it.

I slowly turned my head. My eyes met Taesan's.

No expression at all. Just cold eyes.

김여주

“…Let’s get along well.”

I forced myself to greet her politely.

Taesan didn't even answer. He just nodded slightly. That was it.

김여주

…