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Chapter 25
The End of First Justice
“What on earth are you always carrying around that’s so heavy? Don’t you have a locker or something?”
“…It’s heavy, so why are you holding it? Put it down.”
“Forget it. If your back’s heavy too, you still manage to walk just fine, huh?”
Even as they bickered back and forth, Yeonwoo’s lips curved into a small, repeated smile.
“Take it off.”
“…If anyone saw, they’d think you’re my servant.”
“You’re right. Yesterday, I noticed you’re probably the best fighter in our class.”
Yeonwoo chuckled quietly at that teasing remark. Finally, handing the bag completely to Jeongha, Yeonwoo walked toward the bus stop with light, carefree steps.
“Do you know when the mock exam results come out today?”
“Really?”
“Wow, so you’ve basically got first place in the bag.”
“Who said that?”
“You’re seriously annoying sometimes.”
Even as Jeongha spoke sharply, there wasn’t a shadow on Yeonwoo’s face. In fact, she even felt relieved that Jeongha had gotten ahead. Of course, she wasn’t planning on letting him win so easily.
“I know.”
Seeing Jeongha say exactly what he had to Chae Eun-young yesterday made Yeonwoo giggle. Seeing Yeonwoo more relaxed around him, Jeongha smiled faintly.
“Ah, the bus is coming! What are you doing? Go catch it!”
“What?”
“I can’t run, so go catch it yourself!”
“….”
Jeongha first made a bewildered face at Yeonwoo’s scolding, then chuckled and ran toward the bus stop. Watching his long legs stride, Yeonwoo’s eyes curved involuntarily. She felt peaceful—so happy it almost scared her, making her heart pound in her chest.
By the time the two arrived at school, the classroom was in a messy state. Yeonwoo overheard names like Jang Seok-woo and Chae Eun-young, but tried not to pay attention. She had already done her best in yesterday’s fight.
Perhaps understanding this, Jeongha naturally shared one side of his earphones with her. Yeonwoo hummed softly along to the music.
The homeroom teacher entered, tapping the podium with the attendance book.
“Everyone, sit down. I’ll be handing out the March mock exam results. When your name is called, come up and get your sheet.”
At the teacher’s words, the class fell silent as if nothing had happened. Looking back, Yeonwoo realized neither Chae Eun-young nor Jang Seok-woo had come to school.
She briefly wondered why—perhaps they were being punished—but decided to leave it alone.
The teacher quickly distributed the score sheets. When Yeonwoo’s turn came, she went up to receive hers and checked her school-wide ranking.
“2.”
For the first time, she had been pushed from first place—but knowing who took first, she didn’t feel bad. Instead, a competitive drive arose: next time, she would win.
Next time.
As Yeonwoo clenched the score sheet slightly, the teacher continued with a bland expression.
“The first period is coming up soon, so get ready. Seo Yeonwoo, come to the staff room for a moment.”
“….”
“….”
Yeonwoo and Jeongha exchanged a look, unsure if the sudden call had anything to do with yesterday. Without waiting for an answer, the teacher descended from the podium and left the classroom.
With the scraping sound of chairs, Jeongha stood first, and Yeonwoo followed suit. Though all eyes were on them, both maintained composed expressions, ignoring the attention.
“I think both of you could get into Korea University. Actually, I’m certain. As long as you maintain these grades.”
The teacher’s words weren’t about Chae Eun-young or any punishment for Jang Seok-woo.
Korea University.
Hearing the words about the best university in Seoul, Yeonwoo’s eyes widened.
“If you both get into Korea University, you’d be the first from our school.”
The teacher, usually appearing bored with everything, seemed genuinely excited. Only then did Yeonwoo and Jeongha notice the other teachers’ approving gazes.
The vice-principal, seated at the front, looked on with a pleased expression, nodding slowly, though his thinning hair was visible in spots.
“There’s nothing specific to discuss now. First, I want both of you to meet with your guardians. I’ll call your parents soon, so let them know. The June mock exam is coming, so mark it properly. Jeongha, that’s for you.”
“…Yes.”
Guardian.
The word made Yeonwoo tense. Bringing her aunt to the staff room was never something she looked forward to.
She knew if the teacher praised her for Korea University, her aunt would gush endlessly.
“Jeongha, you go first. Yeonwoo, just a moment.”
“Just me?”
Jeongha’s glance carried concern. He wondered if the teacher was calling Yeonwoo because of yesterday.
But with teachers surrounding them, he couldn’t forcefully take her along.
With a casual bow, Jeongha left the staff room, glancing back at Yeonwoo.
“…Why me?”
Yeonwoo worried about what the teacher would say. The teacher noticed her nervousness and rose from his seat.
“Um, let’s go to the counseling office.”
“Yes.”
Though her legs ached, Yeonwoo preferred this private setting over talking in public.
She thought the teacher was more perceptive than she expected. Following quietly, she entered the counseling room and sat down. The teacher clasped his hands on the table.
“Um, first…”
Why was the usually hot-tempered teacher hesitating like this? Yeonwoo realized it wasn’t about Chae Eun-young.
“Korea University doesn’t offer full scholarships for entry. Still, there are scholarships for first-year students, and after that, it’s up to you to maintain your grades, Yeonwoo.”
“…Ah.”
Money.
Given her circumstances in this small town, the teacher surely knew.
Though it was meant to help, Yeonwoo felt uncomfortable hearing it. Her face paled slightly.
“Still, the initial cost will be high. Seoul’s dorm fees, too…”
“….”
“I thought it’d be good to discuss with your aunt. Honestly, I don’t want you to miss the chance to attend the best university with your grades. You understand, right?”
“…Thank you.”
“Go home and discuss it first. Later, when we can meet with your guardian, I’ll speak with them separately. I’ll contact you then.”
“Yes.”
“This is for your future, so think it through carefully.”
The teacher spoke seriously, rare for him, defending Yeonwoo.
Yes, money.
For a while, she had forgotten about it entirely thanks to Jeongha and the absence of gang trouble. How could she have forgotten?
Yeonwoo stood, leaving the teacher behind, giving a brief farewell before exiting the counseling room and closing the door.
“…Hah.”
Leaning against the door, a sigh escaped her pink lips. It felt like waking from a dream. Misfortune always lingered around Seo Yeonwoo, though she had never noticed.
Covering her eyes with her hand, she bit her lip tightly.
