-Alarm Clock Goes Off-
I groaned as I annoyingly searched for my phone that was somewhere near my pillow. Got it, I turned off my alarm. I yawned as I stretched out, then sat up. I'm so sleepy, I hardly got any rest. Why so many boxes? Oh yeah..I recently just moved to Korea to teach kids at a high school. I smiled. I'm actually pretty excited, my first day of classes start today! I happily got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Quickly as I could I washed my face and brushed my teeth, I looked at myself in the mirror. Okay Janice, day one of your career, I can't believe I graduated college just two months ago. Look where I am now, this is still too overwhelming.
I searched through my bag to quickly pick out an outfit. What does it matter? I'm a dance teacher, I don't need to go dressed all fancy. I decided to go with some regular sweat pants, a fitted white top and a hoodie. I quickly put my sneakers on, grabbed my duffle bag and headed to work.
Walking through the busy sidewalks was whoa, so many people stare. Can't blame them, I'm a foreigner, and with what I'm wearing. I look suspicious haha. I held out my map.
Man where is this high school?! I'm totally lost! I have no idea where I'm going. Should I ask? I hardly know Korean, just a little, but I should try.
"mwolago?"
"ne?" The young woman looked at me concerned. "i haggyoga.... eodi issneunji asib..nikka?" I said. "ne, du beullog alae da-eum uhoejeon-ibnida." She said. Okay, guess I'm not lost after all.
"gamsahabnida!" I said as I nicely walked away. Okay, two blocks down then a right.
I arrived at the front gate of the high school, I took a deep breath as I observed the huge campus. Every student wore a uniform, it was yellow with black outlines. Neat. I started to head on inside, I got a few more stares, many of the students were whispering in each others ears. Seems like they never seen a foreigner before, this could be quite uncomfortable. Shake it off Janice, you're a fun person, as soon as they get used to you they'll love you!
I stopped at the front desk. "Excuse me..hi.. I'm Jane Jones? I'm the transfer teacher?" I said. "Ah..yes.. Ms. Jones, dance right?" The nice lady said. I nodded as I smiled. "Here is your schedule, head on to the dance room, your class will begin shortly." She said. I kindly bowed and headed to the dance room. At least she was kind enough to give me a school map. Okay, room 323? Hmm..where the heck is that?!
Guess that's upstairs, I ran up the stairs, skipping a few steps. The bell rang, crap I guess I'm late. I got to the third floor and looked up at ever room number as I walked by. 315, 316, 317, I think I'm getting closer.
"319...ah!" I fell to the floor, some of my things fell out of my bag. I sighed in disbelief, who did I bump into? I hope it's not the principal. Slowly I turned my head, I saw polished black shoes. My eyes slowly moved up, observing the well ironed pants then the nice well uniform jacket. Finally, my eyes locked with a young boys. His eyes were so big and bright, like an angels. What a handsome young Korean boy. His black luscious hair was long, his bangs hung over his eyes slightly. His hands were in his pockets as he looked down at me.
"neon il-eonaji issseubnikka?" He said in an annoyed tone. What did he say?
"I'm sorry.." I mumbled as I stood up and collected my belongings. "I'm looking for room 323?"
The young boy stared into my eyes like he was looking deeply into my soul. Them he turns around and walks away without another word. Okay? Odd. I groaned softly, I'm late for my first class! I continued to walk down the hall, my eyes widen. Finally! I barged in.
Many eyes glanced at me as I walked in putting my things down and taking off my hoodie. Some girls giggled. I put my hair in a pony tail then observed my class. With my eyes I counted how many students there was, okay. Only 15, pretty decent. I cleared my throat.
"annyeonghaseyo! nae ileum-eun dangsin-i bol su-issneun-i haggyoeseo saeloun chum seonsaeng, Ms.Jones-ibnida. naneun .. dangsin-ui daebubun-eul algo ..uii keullaeseu sijaghaja jeomjeom gidaehabnida!" I introduced myself.
The students stood staring at me for a brief moment then they all gladly smiled and welcomed me. "Uh..who speaks English?" I said.
"..I do." A deep voice said.
"Okay..and what's your name?" I asked the young boy.
"Jackson. Jackson Wang." He said. "Okay, Jackson. Is this your first time taking a dance class?" I said.
"It's actually my 5th time. But everyone else..it's their first time." He said.
"That's okay, uh..could you do me a favor though?" I said.
"What?" He said.
"Could you like..be my translater? I know just a tiny bit of Korean." I said nicely. He smiled and nodded. "Great!". I took out my phone and plugged it to the stereo.
"Okay guys, just follow my lead." I looked over at Jackson, he translated to his classmates and they got into position. I played the song Na Na, and started doing my thing.
To my surprise, many of these kids can keep up nicely. I smiled to myself, Jackson was beside me, his eyes paying close attention to my every move. "Okay guys, 1&2, 3&4, oh na na.." I said as I slowed down so they can get the footwork right.
After I was done, the class clapped for me. I smiled as I bowed.
"You're good." Jackson said.
"Thank you, you guys are better. My respects to you all!" I said as I smiled.
-Bell Rings-
"Okay guys, see ya tomorrow morning. Practice on those moves. I'll most likely add more arm movements." I said.
Jackson nicely translated and a few students high fived me as they left. Jackson was the last to leave. "See ya Ms. Jones." He said. "Bye Jackson. Thank you for your help." I said.
I looked at my schedule, okay. I should be expecting my next class in a few minutes. In the meantime I'll scroll through my phone to see what song I should use to teach a killer choreography. Got it! Out The Speakers it is, I love this song.
"annyeonghaseyo!"
A few girls started to walk in, I kindly smiled and bowed. More girls walked in and smiled, I guess this is an all girls class? No big deal.
The late bell rang, guess this is my entire class, I closed the door and counted how many. Okay, 14. Decent.
"Uh.. annyeonghaseyo.. I'm Ms. Jones, I'll be your dance teacher from now on. I'm not sure if you understand me but..just follow me okay?" I said.
The girls nodded. Okay, let's do this.
I walked over to the stereo.
-door slams shut-
I glanced at who just walked in, my eyes slightly widen. It's the young boy I bumped into earlier. "annyeonghaseyo..." I mumbled.
He glared at me then looked away without a word. Is he a mute or something? Does he not speak English? Whatever. I rolled my eyes and played the song, I walked to the front and got into position. I noticed how many girls were blushing by his presence. I'm assuming he's popular at this school, by the way his bangs cover his eyes, he looks like the bad boy. Something about his eyes though, they seem to just shoot out a rage of hate. He glanced at me staring, I immediately looked away from his gaze and started dancing.
Okay, these girls aren't so quick. Some aren't even trying, guess they picked this class to be next to him. I glanced at him briefly, he seems to be staying focused. I'm surprised how well he can move, nice.
Suddenly he came up from the middle and started doing his own moves. I turned around, what is he doing? Guess the beat took over him, I observed his defined moves. I lightly chuckled, this kid is talented. Wow.
The song came to a stop and quickly paused before another song came on. I walked over to the young boy.
"You...are so good!" I said. "I'm blown away! What's your name?"
He lightly smiled then shyly looked away, still not saying a word.
-Bell Rings-
The class started to grow empty quickly, all the girls scattered. The young boy was the last one to leave, I stopped him. "What's your name?" I said.
"Jungkook.." he said.
"Jungkook...you're very talented." I said as I kindly smiled.
The young boys cheeks got a tint of red and he nervously left the room.
Jungkook... I have my eye on him, he seems like he has a lot of potential.
>>>>
The morning flew by and it was finally lunch time, I locked the room before heading to the teachers cafeteria. Once I arrived, many teachers glanced at me and gave me odd looks. I went over and grabbed a sandwich, and some chips. I sat a nearby table alone and started eating. Man was I starving!
"Hello."
I looked up, a handsome young man stood before me, I instantly got up and shook his hand. "Hi.." I said as I swallowed my food.
"You're the transfer teacher right?" He said.
"Y-yes..I am." I said.
"Welcome to Korea! I hope you're enjoying your first day, are the kids any trouble?"
His English is very good. I don't hear the accent.
"Not at all, they're very sweet. I'm surprised how talented they are. Each individual has potential."
"Well, this is a Performing Arts private school.." he chuckled.
"Heh...I'm Ms. Jones by the way, you can call me Janice."
"Oh..my apologies, I'm Mr. Henney. Call me Daniel." He smiled.
"Okay, Daniel. What is it that you teach?"
"I teach our students, the basics in Art, but I'm actually teaching them the importance of animation. Basically they'll gain skills in creating characters with unique special effects and what not."
"That's cool!" I said.
"Yeah...but for now, they need to learn the basics. I'm teaching 9th graders. Just my luck right?" He chuckled.
"I guess?..I'm teaching all senior classes."
"Guess other's are just luckier." He said.
I smiled.
>>>>
Finally I'm going home! Man, am I tired. I need to hurry home to finish packing, and throw out those boxes. As I walked through the busy streets, stopped by the Cafe and ordered myself a bubble tea.
"Thank you." I kindly bowed and left the Cafe. As I walked out slurping on my drink, I bumped into someone, making me choke. I coughed hysterically until I was calm, someone firmly patted my back.
"Ugh...ahem. I'm okay...thank you.." my jaw slightly dropped. "Jungkook.." I mumbled.
"dangsin-i eodilo ganeunji dangsin-eun bol su issseubnikka?" He said coldly.
What is his problem? "I do watch where I'm going." I said.
He rolled his eyes as he walked on. "Tsk.. damn kid." I mumbled.
Jungkook turned back around and held my arm roughly and pulled me close to him. "You should watch how you speak about me." He said.
My eyes widen, he speaks English.
"Jungkook..y-you're hurting me!" I said.
"Say you're sorry.." he said.
"Ow..let go!" I said.
He held me tighter. "Say it."
"Let her go Jungkook." Another voice said. I turned around only to see Jackson approaching us.
Jungkook let go and I yanked my arm away, rubbing my arm where he tightly held me.
"Are you okay Ms. Jones?" Jackson said.
"I-I'm fine..he was just.."
Jungkook had disappeared.
"Watch out for him Ms. Jones. He's trouble." He said.
"Why is he trouble?"
"Just watch out for him okay? See tomorrow in class." He lightly bowed and walked on.
I stood startled at what just happened, it happened so fast I couldn't react. The way he held on to me, and spoke to me. Seems like Jungkook has anger issues or something. Guess I'll listen to Jackson and watch our for him.
>> TO BE CONTINUED..