Echoes of Yesterday: Broken Hearts

1

It was a Tuesday, the usual tension of exam day was in the air. This time, however, an announcement came over the PA system: the teacher for class 11A, Ms. Kang, was sick, so they'd be joining Class 11B for the test under Mr. Kaa, a teacher known to be much more relaxed than Ms. Kang.

Sana: "They say Ms. Kang is out. Class 11B's teacher is taking over for the exam!"

Sara: "Mr. Kaa? Really?"

Lia: "I don't know if it's true. Alright I will see you in class."

As she walked into class, she greeted Minji, who was lounging at her desk, surrounded by a small crowd as she talked about her vacation in New York.

Hyuna: "New York again? Didn't you just go there?"

Minji let out a soft laugh, crossing her legs.

Minji: "That was ages ago. And honestly, once you get used to a certain lifestyle, anything less feels... disappointing."

One of the girls leaned closer. "Did you go shopping on Fifth Avenue?"

Minji smirked.

Minji: "Obviously. I don't fly across the world to not shop. Though, it's a bit tiring when everything starts to feel the same."

Lia tilted her head.

Lia: "Must be hard."

Minji glanced at her, amused.

Minji: "You have no idea."

Another student spoke up shyly, "What hotel did you stay at?"

Minji waved a hand dismissively.

Minji: "The usual. I don't really pay attention to the name if it's not five-star, I'm not staying."

The group laughed softly, hanging onto her every word. Minji's gaze drifted toward the doorway, a knowing smirk forming on her lips. Taehyung, the star of Class 11B and everyone's school heartthrob, was already there, also surrounded by his friends.

Taehyung was effortlessly popular, the kind of person who could win everyone over with a single smirk. All the girls were whispering about where to sit, hoping to land a seat near him.

Jimin: "Watch all these girls try to sit by you. Every exam is the same."

Jimin smirked and sat down.

Taehyung: "As long as they don't expect answers. I'm not exactly Mr. History."

As everyone settled in, a few students began to joke with Mr. Kaa.

Bolshik: "Mr. Kaa, you're looking very handsome today. Any hints for the exam?"

The class laughed as Mr. Kaa chuckled, shaking his head.

Mr. Kaa: "Flattery won't save you. Sit down, and let's keep it honest today. No cheating, please."

He scanned the room, nodding in satisfaction, but his brow furrowed slightly as he noticed an empty seat.

Mr. Kaa: "Alright, looks like we're only missing... Seonmi?"

Just then, the door swung open. Seonmi stumbled in, her two braids slightly messy, holding her pencil case. She bowed, breathless from running.

Seonmi: "I'm sorry for being late, sir. Can I still take the exam?"

Mr. Kaa: "Of course, Seonmi. Find a seat quickly."

As she settled in, Seonmi felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She glanced around and noticed Taehyung smirking slightly in her direction, which he quickly hid when Mr. Kaa glanced his way.

Minji: "Class president is late. Oh no."

Mr. Kaa: "Minji, please concentrate on your exam."

The room broke into soft laughter, and Minji rolled her eyes.

A few seconds later, the usual chatter faded into nervous silence, broken only by the scratching of pens.

Seonmi exhaled quietly and began writing, her focus sharp despite the exhaustion.

A few seats away, Taehyung stared down at his paper, his pen unmoving. His jaw tightened as he skimmed the questions again. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated.

Taehyung: "Shit, I didn't study this part."

He muttered under his breath, tapping his pen against the desk.

Seonmi noticed. So the golden boy struggles too, she thought.

A moment passed.

Then, quietly, she shifted her paper just enough.

Taehyung's eyes flickered sideways. He hesitated, like he didn't want to take the chance but the ticking clock pressed on.

Their eyes met for a brief second.

Seonmi didn't say anything. She simply looked back down at her paper, leaving it angled.

After a pause, Taehyung leaned slightly, glancing at her answers. He quickly scribbled something down before straightening again.

Seonmi continued writing as if nothing had happened.

For the first time, Taehyung glanced at her again not with confidence, but curiosity.

Mr. Kaa: "Taehyung, mind telling us what's so amusing?"

Taehyung: "Nothing, sir."

Minji smirked, leaning back in her chair.

Minji: "He's probably laughing at her. She thinks she's perfect, but showing up late."

Yunjin: "Hmm."

The exam continued in focused silence. When the bell rang, Seonmi was one of the first to stand and hand in her paper. Mr. Kaa took it with a nod of approval.

Mr. Kaa: "You did well, Seonmi. I can see why Ms. Kang speaks highly of you."

Seonmi: "Thank you, sir."

As she turned to leave, Taehyung noticed her pause slightly, overhearing two girls nearby.

Minji: "She always thinks she's better than us. Total teacher's pet."

Yunjin: "Yeah... you're right."

Seonmi's expression didn't change, but she walked out a little faster.

Taehyung watched her go, something unreadable in his eyes. He stood up, about to follow but before he could, Minji stepped in front of him with a bright smile.

Minji: "Hey, Taehyung, do you want to eat lunch together?"

Taehyung blinked, momentarily pulled out of his thoughts.

Taehyung: "Yeah, sure. Let's go."

They walk to the cafeteria together, chatting casually. As they settle down with their trays, Taehyung's eyes drift over to Seonmi, sitting alone a few tables away.

Taehyung: "Hey, who's that girl over there? I always see her around but... I don't even know her name."

Minji glanced over, her expression tightening slightly the moment she spotted Seonmi.

Minji: "Oh, that's Seonmi. She's our class president."

Taehyung: "Hmm... she seems interesting."

Minji let out a quiet scoff, picking at her food.

Minji: "Interesting? Not really."

Taehyung: "What do you mean?"

Minji shrugged, her tone turning dismissive.

Minji: "She's just... weird. Always by herself, barely talks to anyone. Acts like she's above everything."

Taehyung frowned slightly, glancing back at Seonmi.

Taehyung: "I don't know... maybe she just likes being alone."

Minji's eyes snapped back to him.

Minji: "Why are you defending her?"

Taehyung: "I'm not. I just don't think- "

To be continued...