𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 | 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐣𝐚𝐲

45: back story pt 2

We both laughed and said our goodbyes and then it was me on my own for good this time. Walking into the airport felt like leaving all my troubles behind. I was a new person. I was ready to fix the mess I left behind

***

I sat in the dreaded chair, in front of a principal who I knew didn't like me one bit. When I arrived back in Seoul, Chae and Naeri were delighted to tell me all the gossip that had gone down whilst I was away whilst playing our favourite arcade game. That included how Jay used the school's speakers to clear up the crappy rumours people were spreading around. Me, pregnant? It was so laughable that just thinking about it almost put me in hysterics. Hopefully, I wouldn't need a negative pregnancy test to be let back into the school.

"Miss Eun, your absence is detrimental to your progress. You have missed assessments and key readings. There is no way you will be able to catch up to your peers," the principal stated. 

"I have carried on my syllabus learning whilst I was away. It may not be classroom level, but I am not behind," I argued my case. 

"Even so, I can't return you to the same class as they are now too advanced," the principal flicked through my files and sighed. Even though my learning was scattered from one country to another, my grades were consistent and my knowledge only expanding. The unfortunate part was that we were so close to exams now, that the school couldn't guarantee me an exam entry if it would come out as a fail.

"I don't know if it's enough, Hyerin-ssi. The board won't go through with this," 

"What if I entered the night classes and continued studying throughout the day in my own setting," I suggested, "I'll do my lessons in the library or something and submit my assignments earlier than everyone else! Please, just let me-,"

"I'll think about it," the principal interrupted me and gave me a look of agreement, "night classes may work but in order for the school to put you up for exams you will have to achieve high marks in your homework and assessments,"

"I can do that,"

"That includes getting higher marks than the smartest of your grade. I'm sure you are familiar with them already," she raised a brow. I knew instantly that they meant the golden trio. I smirked remembering my old friends...That's right; old friends.

"I won't let you down, after all I learnt from the best," I smirked. 

***

The first exam came I was more than ready. Without being in school, I could study for the whole day with no breaks. I had complex maths, hard science and wordy english all committed to memory. I was going to smash this exam. Though, since I had arrived a month before the exam period, my name was no where on the class record. I didn't have a seat number, exam code or a time table. 

I believe the messy organisation was down to the switch in principals. Knowing how pesky it was to switch roles (ironic I know), I understood and complied with whatever the new principle could give me. She was much nicer and understanding than our last. It turned out that the old principle was caught committing fraud and was outed during a court case between two students? I wondered how that mess of a trial went down.

With a makeshift timetable and a note explaining my random appearance, I made my way to the first exam. I wore a hoodie - Jay's hoodie - to try and hide my face from other students. I often wondered why I didn't throw it away or leave it with Seonhui. As I thought about it, I realised that I had to tie together my loose ends with him. Whether or not he forgave me, the least I could do was give it back. 

I took a seat in a spare space at the back. I hunched my back over the desk, pulling the hood over more to cover my face. I didn't realise how closely the students would sit together. We were about half a metre apart in organised rows. The invigilators marched down the aisles furiously, stopping students looking or communicating with each other. Their efforts were strict, but it was not nearly enough to stop the one and only Park Jongseong from catching my eye. 

Of all the times I could have bumped into him it had to be now. From the corner of my eye, I could see him staring at me. He looked confused as I predicted but also scared as though he had seen a ghost. I tried to pull my hood down further, but what was the use? He had already seen me. I'd may as well take the whole hoodie off and expose myself right here.

I advised myself against that, since I did not want to be the reason students got distracted during an exam. 

"Mr Park if you do not keep your eyes forward I will have to punish you for communicating in an exam!"

I heard the invigilator scold him and I couldn't help but frown at how just appearing here is messing things up for him already. I needed to stay clear of him at least until after exams. Even if he knew it was me and even if he hated me for staying away. I can't jeopardise his education. Not even Seonhui would forgive me for that.

I put my hand up and asked to move seats claiming that I had forgotten my glasses and can't see the clock. They moved me to the front of the hall where I swapped with another girl. I was thankful for the easy move  and looked around me. Jay or any of the others were out of sight - for now. Just to be safe, I took off the hoodie and let my hair fall over my eyes. 

"You may now begin your exam,"

***

Each exam it got harder and harder to hide from them. I couldn't even study in the library anymore since they were there every second they could take. The last time I went into the library was before the last exam. Luckily, I only needed to return a book to the shelf and so was hoping to slip in and out without the noticing. 

I couldn't help but to steal a glance. They looked the same, obviously, but they had matured. Not visibly, but I could sense it. Maybe me staying away was good for them. After all, I had caused quite a ruckus between them in the past. Was I too late to reconcile? They got along well as I imagined and they looked happier. I didn't need to run into their paths again. 

My thoughts lingered until I saw Heeseung's head turn towards my direction. It felt like those horror movie moments where the dolls head move to face you. I flinched and instantly fled the scene. The book I returned was not well balanced on the shelf and instead fell flat on the floor. I hated the feeling of leaving it there but I couldn't go back now. 

I couldn't go back.

The hiding was so painful and tricky. It grew tiring over the weeks, but soon it was over and the principal revealed to me that I had successfully graduated Seoul High School. I was in tears of joy thinking about how much I have been through the last few months. I could only thank my hard work and Seonhui's support.

"I'm seriously impressed," the principal beamed in delight. 

"Thank you. I told you I would come through," 

"If only the valedictorian was offered for effort. I would award it to you right now," she laughed and I smiled at her rewarding compliments.

"You have only been here for a short amount of time but you have managed to exceed all of your teacher's expectations. However, you did fall behind by one mark," the principal explained.

"So... I failed one of my exams?" I questioned confused as to why she mentioned. 

"No, no, no. Your overall score for all of your exams collectively was one of the best, but Park Jongseong managed to get one mark higher than yours. That makes him the valedictorian. I'm very sorry," 

"Don't apologise. He deserves it. He really is one of the best," I glowed with pride. 

"Well, with all said and done, I will see you  tomorrow for graduation. Hopefully you will be able to see all your classmates again during the ceremony,"

I took a moment to take in her words. I'd see them again. 

My friends.

Park Jongseong.

 Was I ready to apologise for how I left him? And more importantly, will he forgive me?