TALENT WORLD

An acoustic guitar string makes its melody echoing throughout the room as Ryujin was practicing performing some chords, when a girl approached her and reached out her hand. “Heya, Ryujin. You don’t remember? It’s Kitsumi. Just wanna say, sorry about stealing your pen last week, I didn’t mean it. I was just... desparate, y’know? So yeah, so sorry!” But Ryujin remained quiet and strung another chord, and Kitsumi grew a little confused. “Uhmmm.... Ryujin....?” Suddenly the school door was wide open, as everyone turned towards the door thinking it was the teacher, but it was Lia. Her posture and strong walk had so much aura that matched one of a qualified and respected teacher. Lia walked towards the seat next to Ryujin’s, which Kitsumi is sitting on. Lia spoke to her gently while shaking her hand. “Oh heyyyyy, Kitsu...... So good to see you again!” Kitsumi was intimidated by her, reminded of the anger Lia unleashed on her last week. “Uhmmm..... sorry....... Li- Lia......” Lia lowered her tone. “Can I have my seat now?” And Kitsumi immediately stood up and left. “Sorry! I’ll go now!”

The class finally started as Taeyang returned to call Lia to perform a piano piece. Lia stood up in front of everyone, but has some remarks before sitting on the piano. “Mr Taeyang, I just want to say, I am having the time of my life in this Music class! Just... thank you so much, you really are the best teacher! I thought this entire talent class will just be full of pressure and loneliness, but here I am having fun. Anyway, I’ll go!” Lia sat down and performed to impress everyone. She returned to her seat and finally, the girl next to her will have her turn now, Ryujin. Ryujin, remained seated in fear, and not a single word came out of her mouth. Taeyang tried to encourage her. “Come on, Ryujin, you can do this! Come on stage with your acoustic guitar, you can do it.” But Ryujin could not find it. “I.... I c- c......” And before she knew it, the whole class started chanting her name. “Ryujin! Ryujin! Ryujin! Ryujin!” Ryujin’s eyes started to become teary and she started hugging Lia, and burst out of tears on her shoulder as her classmates kept chanting her name. Lia, unable to take this, finally stood up. “Hey! Guys, guyssss, stop chanting her name okay? She can’t...... she just can’t...... please stop okay?” With her hands spread wide to signal the entire class to stop. Finally, the entire class went quiet and Ryujin continued crying so hard on Lia’s shoulder.

As some girls were heading out of the class, they made a stop at Ryujin’s seat. “Awwwww, little girl still crying??? Such a poor baby..... Just gonna cry cry cry....” And Lia stood up to them. “Not cool. Not. Cool.” The girls chuckled and left the class, but one of them stayed for a second. “Hey Lia, aren’t you tired of babysitting Ryujin? Like... I think you should take a break for one day, like y’know, skip class. We would even write a letter for you, cuz gee, you really deserve a break from all that babysitting. Just saying. Byeeeee.” They waved mockingly at the two, as Lia kept comforting Ryujin. “Come on Ryujin, you gotta socialize! You can’t just hug me all day long like this, what if I get sick? What if I’m late? What if...... come on Ryujin you can make friends here.....” It takes a little while, but Ryujin finally lifted her head off Lia’s shoulder. “I..... can’t.” Lia comforted Ryujin some more, and later on the two went to their homes.

Another day came, and Ryujin was anxiously waiting for Lia to come, as the seat next to her remains empty. Minutes by minutes passed as the class already went on, and Lia has yet to enter the class. Some of the girls in the corner noticed Ryujin sitting alone without Lia by her side, and they looked at each other and chuckled. Ryujin noticed this and immediately looked down in horror, unable to say anything, making two of her classmates chuckle even more. “Awwww, she looks so lonely, do you guys think she needs some..... socializing?” Ryujin felt more tense, as she felt a presence coming closer and closer to her. She clearly feels someone sitting next to her and closed her eyes and keep her head as low as possible, with her hands shaking intensely full of sweat. Finally, Ryujin slowly opens her eyes, and turned her head towards her left..... and no one was there, everyone had left to the canteen. She heard some girls laughing from outside of the class, which seemed to her that they had played with her fear of socializing, and she took a deep breath of small relief.

Ryujin headed to the toilet to make use of the breaktime, and she heard two girls talking. She opened the restroom door and found Kitsumi talking to her friend, and Kits gleefully smiles at Ryujin, causing her to immediately close the door again. Ryujin was so socially anxious, and kept the door shut for 10 minutes. She then looked at the clock, which stood at 15:13, two minutes away from the next class starting. She put her hand on the door knob, but she heard Kitsumi’s voice from the other side. “Ryujinnnn........ where are youuuu.......... come out Ryujinnnn.........” Ryujin instantly put her hand off the door knob in fear. She desparately wanted to scream for her to go away, but her nervousness would not allow a single word to come out. Kitsumi started knocking, and Ryujin’s heart started beating much faster. Until she decided to remove the door lock, and Kitsumi immediately opened the door. She pulled Ryujin’s hand to force her to leave the toilet and she walked towards her until she is cornered to a wall. Ryujin mustered all her courage and tried to get it out. “I..... I..... K- Kits.......” Kitsumi smiled, and then chuckled. “Ha....ha.... I am listening....” And Ryujin pushed further to form her words. “Kits....... sumi..... class...... started...... Can I...... go...... please......?” Ryujin was unable to look at Kitsumi, as she kept disrespecting her personal space and keep her cornered. “Ohhh, Ryujin....... What are you going to do about it?”

Ryujin’s hands were shaking the most they have ever been, as Kits kept staring her down. “What. are you gonna do..... about it.......” As Kitsumi shaked her head refusing to move even an inch, Ryujin started separating her two hands, and slowly moved her shaky right hand..... and slowly..... tapped onto Kits’ hand that was closed into a fist. Kits slowly opened her right hand, and finally.... shook Ryujin’s hand. And Kitsumi lets out a chuckle “Tch.... ha.... ha..... See you in class.” Kitsumi finally left the restroom area and Ryujin instantly let out a loud gasp to catch her breath. She grabbed her own tie and pushed it towards her chest as she was breathing heavily. She looked at her watch again.... and it was 15:23, an entire eight minutes late for the next class. Ryujin puts her hands together, took a deep breath, and finally makes her way to class.

Ryujin returned to her lone seat, staring at the empty seat that Lia was supposed to sit on sharing the table with her, missing her guardian angel. In front of everyone’s seats, a boy named Marcus stands with his electric guitar and performed in front of everyone, and the keys combination that he played was rather complex, which surprised everyone. Once again, Taeyang called for Ryujin to perform, but she puts her sweaty hands together again and unable to muster any words. Ryujin started slowly shaking her head, and after 5 awkward minutes, Taeyang had to let her not perform once again. Taeyang had a quick call outside the class, and returned the class to quickly grab his bag and suit. “Guys I.... my kid is in trouble, I really have to go......” And he immediately left the class. The class was all quiet and beyond awkward. Suddenly Kitsumi SHOUTED towards Ryujin. “Ryujin, are you really gonna just be quiet all day, every day? Like every single day! You’re just gonna be like that forever!? Like seriously! Why are you-” and suddenly the door was SLAMMED open, and a guy walked with LOUD steps towards Mr Taeyang’s desk, and every single student went quiet hearing such a loud demeanor.

No one knows who he was, as everyone assumed he was just a substitute teacher for Mr Taeyang, but Ryujin... slowly lifted her head and recognized.... it was Jaz, her old classmate in the opening week of high school. Jaz finally spoke with a clear tone of voice. “Guys, where’s Mr Taeyang? Shoot, I thought I would be assisting him in class, but it seems I’m replacing him completely for now eh?” Jaz had some knowledge of music and taught the class well, until he read a certain name in the attendance. “Luss.... Sinn Lushin? Where is Sinn Lushin?” And Ryujin immediately lifted her head in confusion, thinking if it was meant to be her. Jaz continued his attendance list for the end of the day. “Sinn Lushin is another one of those that skipped class? Geez, what’s happening here.....” As always, the same thing happened, as Jaz called Ryujin to come in front of everyone to play some guitar notes, but she still refused. The class got chatty all of a sudden, with even some calling Ryujin a coward for not being able to step in front of the class. Jaz had to stop their chattiness. “You know what, you guys want to know why she refuses to go up in front of everyone? I have seen many people like her before. It’s because once she goes up in front of you she’s gonna blow your mind. Like her musical performance will be so complex it’s gonna make you all go WOWWWWWWWW. Like seriously, you guys are notttt ready to see her talents, she is just being humble she is actually really great! She really is-”

Ryujin stood up from her seat immediately. “Oh my god I am not! Hey stop, guys I am not! Okay? This guy is just.... just no! I can’t play! Hey, you, I know you okay? What is this, I can’t even play music, we know each other......” Jaz insisted. “My name?” Ryujin started pointing at him. “It’s Hadddzz...... Hafd..... Hats........” And Jaz shaked his head. “Yeah you don’t know me, anywa-” And Ryujin interrupted him again. “No! I know you! I know you, I just.... your name is just way too hard to pronounce! Just.... I know you, but no! I am not that good! Geez, stop it with this nonsense story, I am not tha-” And Jaz also interrupted. “Just being humble I see...” And Ryujin stood taller. “I am notttt! I’m not! No!” And behind her, Kitsumi tapped her shoulder. “Ryujin, have you been so good at music this whole time then why didn’t you show-” Ryujin quickly turned towards Kits. “Shut upppp!” And Kits sat down. “Oh geez, calm down.” And the whole class laughed. Ryujin awkwardly turned towards Jaz again, and for a second couldn’t help but break into laughter. “Tch!” And the entire class heard Ryujin laughing for a split second and started chuckling together in surprise. Jaz pointed towards Ryujin. “Now you also know she is a secret comedian.” And the whole class breaks into comedic laughter with Ryujin shyly putting her hands covering her mouth holding all the laughter in.

Jaz would eventually leave the class, and Kitsumi continued her request. “Hey, Ryujin, I still wanna hear your super complex musical performan-” Ryujin cuts her off “Kits, I can’t okay? I’m not that pro, geez....” And everyone’s heads turned as they started chatting with one another. “Wait, Ryujin is talking now????? What did that guy do, Ryujin, do you really know him?” Ryujin smirked for a bit, in disbelief that she finally talked, and she continued. “Kits, I’m not a super musician okay, gosh....” The class realized they had no teachers and are perhaps free to go home, so Ryujin stood up and looked around, and noticed some of her classmates smiling at her. “Ryujin come onnnn, let’s be friends!” Ryujin shyly looked down, and smiles a little bit. She feels that perhaps she is...... happy? Ryujin could not form another word as the social anxiousness returned to her, and she just grabbed her bag and left the class to head home.

Meanwhile, another week of dance classes would come about, as Jaz came to class almost late but still ended up giving everyone a confident greeting. “Hey guys, ready to slay another day?” But Hanbin, the top dancer in the class, shrugged it off while in a relaxed position laying on two chairs. “What are you, the class leader now?” Jaz still answered confidently. “Yessss, let’s steal the show today!” The entire class lit up their spirits, but Hanbin remained in a relaxed laying position. “Hey, Jaz, how was being Mr Taeyang’s assistant?” Yeji also raised her hand. “Yeah Jaz, how was reuniting with Mr Taeyang again? I missed him so much!” The smile slowly disappeared from Jaz’s face. “Well... that meeting was... interesting. Mr Taeyang wasn’t there. I thought it would be teaching the class side by side with him but..... he wasn’t there.” Yeji looked down in disappointment. “Dammit, where could he be? I thought you finally reunited with him. He is still our best teacher so far.” Before Jaz responded, the teacher entered the class.

As always, the dance students are overworked, and their classes went overtime. It was 21:00 in the night and the dance students are still practicing in class. Yeji was called to dance in pairs, and this time she is paired with Hanbin, the best dancer in the class. He spoke confidently to Yeji. “Alright, I heard you prepared really hard for this song right? Let’s see how you fare with me.” Yeji took a slight breath and stood tall. “Yes, I trained for 3 weeks nonstop for this song, I can do it.” Everyone was cheering for the two students for their confidence, and finally, the song ‘Mic Drop’ was played, and the two danced next to each other to the song, and the difference was crystal clear between the two. Just 5 seconds into the song no one in the entire class even looked at Yeji, which embarasses Yeji even more. The song finally ends, and Yeji felt more awkward than ever. As everyone anticipated the teacher’s comments, she simply nodded to Hanbin, and to Yeji, she simply spoke. “No comment.” Yeji finally sat down next to Jaz and spoke. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but..... I miss our old teacher, Mr Ronnin. He was also bad but.... he lets us improve you know. What is wrong with her??? She is such a negative monster! She has no heart and keeps criticizing no matter how much effort we put..... But it’s okay... we can do better.” The two discussed and ended in a rather uplifting tone, until the teacher spoke again. “As for Yeji, meet me at the teacher’s room, everyone else can go home.”

The next day witnesses Jaz performing next to Kana, the second best dancer in the class, and this did the exact same thing, exposing all of Jaz’ dancing flaws compared to trained dancers like Kana. Jaz felt really disappointed with his own performance and none of the class even looked at him. With Yeji nowhere to be seen, he had to bottle it up to himself, until the teacher calls. “For Jaz, meet me at the teacher’s room, everyone else can go home.” And right before one student reached the door, the teacher closed it. “You know what, I changed my mind, you all stay here for a second. Jaz, come here, in front of everyone.” Jaz stood up and approached the teacher’s desk, and she took a deep breath before speaking. “........DO YOU KNOW THERE’S KPOP IDOLS THAT WORK THEMSELVES OFF SO MUCH THAT THEY DON’T EVEN HAVE TIME TO SLEEP????? DANCERS ALL HAVE TO BE PERFECT! IF IT’S NOT PERFECT, IT’S NOT GOOD! Can I give you some notes? YOU’RE OFF BEAT! YOU’RE REALLY OFF BEAT! ALL THIS SLOOPY MOVEMENTS AND OFF BEAT IS NOT DANCING! THIS IS MUSIC OKAY? THIS IS MUSIC, SO EVERYTHING MUST BE PERFECT! I’M SORRY, BUT THIS IS MUSIC!!! I DON’T CARE IF YOUR FRIENDS ARE ALL YES-MEN, YOU ARE NOT A DANCER AND I AM JUST BEING DIRECT AND HONEST ABOUT YOU!!!”

The entire class went quiet, and Jaz slowly lays on the floor and puts his head down on the ground, unable to process everything he had just heard about his biggest dream and his biggest passion. His classmates started to agree with her, including Kana and Hanbin. “Yeah she is right you know, she is just being direct with you! Just being honest! This is just room for improvement!” But Jaz was still laying on the floor. The teacher lowered herself down to reach Jaz’s face that was still on the ground. “I’m gonna tell you a decision the faculty has already made a week ago. Jaz...... YOU’RE OUT. THE ENTIRE ART FACULTY DECLARED THAT YOU ARE BANNED FROM ALL ART FACULTY CLASSES. GOODBYE.” The teacher quickly left, as Jaz was left on the floor full of tears. Jaz had heard nothing the entire time he was on the floor, not a single person came up to him to express their concerns, if they even had any for him. He was left there all alone, no one helping him process his future, no one cared.

Friday finally came, and Yeji was walking around the main building of Talent School, which are made for the academy students, and she saw many poster of the other faculties, with one of them being Art Faculty, as she reads the Email she received from 2 months ago. “Congratulations! You are accepted to the Art Faculty: Dance Talent Classes! Time to show your talent to everyone!” She immediately dropped her phone to the floor on purpose. She looked at the Art Faculty paper and grabbed it and walked far away, then crushed it with her hand and threw it in the trash can. Later in the day, Yeji found herself knocking on a door of a strangers’ house, as a woman opened the door for her. “Come in!” Yeji smiled for a bit. “Hi, my name is Yeji, I am a high school student at Busan Talent School. I am here to see one of my teachers, is Mr Ronnin here?” The woman guided Yeji towards his room, as she knocked on the door, she heard a friendly man’s voice. “Come in! It’s not locked!”

Yeji came in and saw Mr Ronnin on his bad with bandages on him. She immediately rushed towards him in concern. “Yeji...... I had an accident. I had to retire immediately. I won’t be able to dance ever again. I..... I am sorry for everything I did..... to you...... to Jaz....... how is he doing now?” Yeji was hesitant to answer it. “Mr Ronnin I..... I have not heard of him.....” Yeji remained speechless unable to process that her first dance teacher is in this state, as she tried her best to speak. “Mr Ronnin, I...... I had....... I have been kicked out of the dance class...... and the entire art faculty. I....... I am so ashamed of myself.” Mr Ronnin looked to the ceiling in disbelief, realizing the cruel acts of the current teachers, as Yeji continued. “I used to believe.... that every effort counts.... even if you only learned 0.1% of a dance choreography.... it still matters...... But I guess...... It does not matter anymore...... None of my efforts ever mattered.........” Mr Ronnin was speechless realizing his student’s future. “Yeji I.... I am really sorry for what you’ve been through. I wish this school isn’t so much of perfectionists that this had happened to you. Yeji.... what are your future plans?” At the same time as Yeji’s answer, Mr Ronnin heard a boy’s voice saying the same thing. “Academy.” Mr Ronnin realized that Jaz was at the door.

Jaz slowly walked towards Mr Ronnin that is laying injured on the bed, and he firmly spoke. “Mr Ronnin....... I miss you. I really do. You’re the best dance teacher in this school. I wish...... you are still sitting there as our teacher...... How could this happen..... to me..... to Yeji..... and especially to you.......” Mr Ronnin was in tears hearing the words of his student. “Jaz.... Yeji..... you two may not be born with the most talents... but you two are the kindest students I have ever known. Despite the dance classes ending, I believe in the future, the both of you can be the smartest and most charismatic academy students there is. Please..... let me and my family remember the two in my precious life.” His wife stood by with a camera and took a picture of Mr Ronnin, Jaz and Yeji, for a family memorial, as all three of them were full of tears. Jaz and Yeji both immediately hugged Mr Ronnin’s weak body laying on the bed, crying that they could see him one last time. “Mr Ronnin...... we will make you proud.....”

*****

An eraser was SMASHED towards the floor, as the teacher angrily demand his students to remain quiet, but this was followed by even more talking noise as the students talk even louder than before. So the teacher grabs a big ruler and smashed it to the whiteboard, making a really loud sound which finally lead to the students becoming quieter, as the teacher finally asked the question. “What in the world got you all talking so much? Is it games? Toys? Boardgames? Movies? Because I can assure you none of that is important, listen to your teacher!” A hand was raised up. “No!” And the teacher picked up the big ruler to point towards the hand. “Don’t you dare question your teacher young man you have no ide-” But he quickly interrupted. ” Teach, are you really asking the question? Like, why is it that adults like you always ask a question but never wait for us to answer? Like geez we actually have an answer, your rhetorical question implies we would always say “yes” or “no” to your question but that’s not case! Teach listen please..... We are actually still talking about our senior that graduated from this elementary school, Jaz! Jaz graduated from Daejeon Elementary school and now he is taking dance class in Busan Talent School right??? We are still talking because we are still impressed of him! Come on teach, tell us more about him! How is he doing now? Do you have a video of him dancing? Ohhh, cuz we want to see it so badddddd!”

The teacher took a deep breath and calmly took a seat. “Students..... I’m sorry but.... I have to tell you something disappointing. Jaz....... is no longer taking dance class.” All the 9 year old students looked at each other with a big gasp. “He got kicked out of dance classes. Teachers told us that he was the worst dancer in the entire class. He is not destined to dance. I am so-” One student suddenly stood up. “But at least he is still coming here right? You said he is coming here tomorrow to visit his juniors. We still wanna see him, dancer or not.” The teacher shed a tear to his paper, to which he moved it to avoid further damaging the attendance paper. “I...... he cancelled it. He is really unhappy, and is having a really hard time right now. So he cannot visit us.” The student raised his voice. “But you promised us!” The teacher raised his head. “Yes, I know I promised he would come.” But the student shaked his head. “No, not that........ You promised us...... that whatever we want to do in life. Whatever dreams we have...... it is possible and will 100% become our future job. EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED TO JAZ THEN! WHAT IS THIS, YOU SAID HE LOVED DANCING AND WILL BECOME A DANCER NO DOUBT, YET HERE WE ARE WITNESSING HOW JAZ FAILED AND GOT KICKED OUT OF DANCE SCHOOLS. SO WHAT’S THE POINT, NOTHING IS POSSIBLE ANYMORE? WILL WE GET A JOB THAT WE HATE? ARE OUR DREAM PROFESSIONS REALLY JUST DREAMS? AND YES THAT IS A RHETORICAL QUESTION, MISTER, BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS ALL TRUE! THERE IS NO HOPE HUH???” He rushed towards the corner of the class and sat on the floor to cry on his own knees.

The teacher walked towards him. “Rian come on.... Rian! Rian! Come on don’t be like this, stop....... are you crying......? Are you cry-” As the teacher was asking that, he noticed Rian was crying even harder, so he stopped his words. “I’m sorry Rian..... I really am.....” The two sat down for a moment of silence. And then..... the teacher spoke. “You know..... it is a misconception that a student owns the failure. The saying that a student fails because he got an F. What if I told you that, when a student receives an F, the F does not belong to the student, but to the teacher? Yes, it is the teacher’s failure, not the student. A teacher failed at their job when the student does not understand the subject matter enough to formulate it into words during the exam. After all, it is the student’s party that pays to receive education. Why should the student do all the work? Yes, the student must put effort into learning, but as long as the student is putting any kind of effort into learning, it is all the teacher’s jobs to ensure the student passes the exam. And it is a teacher’s worst failure if a student could not pass exams and graduate. So what happened to Jaz, in some ways, it is my failure. And let’s be honest, it is his dance teachers’ failure, because while they may be professionals, they have failed to teach him how to dance.”

The class has ended and Rian still refused to pack up his bags to go home, to which the teacher grabs his arm. “Come on Rian, pack up your bags, because I have somewhere to take you. I have.... a short story to tell, about Busan Talent School.” This made Rian to immediately got up from the floor and command a pinkie finger promise with the teacher about the story. The teacher agreed and Rian immediately packed up his bags and they took off to head to the library. In there, the teacher turned on the LCD screen and delivered a screen presentation, exclusively for Rian alone, as he spoke. “Behold, Rian. In Busan Talent School, there are Four Worlds. The World of Dancing, The World of Music, The World of Basketball Sports, and The World of Football Sports. Together as The Four Worlds of Talents, the school became South Korea’s biggest hope for the future generation of Sports and Artistry. Ambition within this school is like no other, with the school kicking out numerous students who are deemed not talented enough for their branch of Talent Class. Until one day, the mass expel of students sparked a major outrage in Busan, and Families all around the city gathered and protested with all their hearts to give students a chance. Busan Talent School or BTS is not pleased with this, and announced that they refused to give quote on quote “Untalented” students a chance. But instead, they introduced a new branch to their school. Academy. Some people would call this..... The Fifth World. A place in BTS where students could study like in any other high school, using their books and pens. Currently, Jaz sits in the Fifth World.” Rian was fully in awe after hearing the story. “Wowww......” As Rian is finally cheered up enough to go home, a question shows up in his head. “How is Jaz doing right now?”

*****

Meanwhile in BTS, having almost zoned out in class, Yeji snapped out of it, raised her hand and spoke immediately, interrupting the teacher. “Miss Naeun, will Mr Taeyang come back?” She smiled. “Oh Yeji, he has moved to Music Classes long ago, what is the matter?” Yeji was rather surprised. “Oh, I thought he said he loved us and would always keep an eye on us and visit us from time to time. Yet he never visited Academy class, not even once ever since moving to teach Music Class? What is this supposed to mean?” Miss Naeun tapped her table to get Yeji’s attention. “Yeji, Yeji, Yeji. It’s just passion. He’s passionate about music, so he chooses to do Music. Come on, respect what he wants to do in life. It’s nothing personal and it’s not that deep, okay? He is just really passionate about making music, the same way you, Yeji, are passionate about...... studying.... and reading books......” Yeji got a little angry and stared down the teacher. “I am not passionate about books and studying! Not at all! I am passionate about DANCING! Until that old woman kicked me out and-” Naeun took a step back to lean against the wall and stared down Yeji. “Yeji......... Yeji. Move on. None of us want to hear about your past. You were kicked out of dance classes because you can’t dance, accept it already. I’m sorry but, we are sick of hearing you and Jaz complaining and complaining about what happened to you, you two and the rest of the class are all ACADEMY students now! So I warn you..... stop.” Yeji relaxes her posture and looked down, and her deskmate beside her, Jaz, was seemingly quiet, but writes roughly on his notes until it makes audible sounds, clearly letting out his frustrations.

Jaz handed Yeji an eraser, as soon as she needed it for corrections in her notes, and the two were fully focused for a while, until Yeji tapped her elbow towards him to ask for the eraser again. She gave it back within 3 seconds, only to ask for it back again. “It’s not gone yet, gimme that...” He gave her his eraser once again. “Yeji, just take your time till it’s completely erased, don’t-” The eraser was already back on his table. Yeji whispered that it is completely erased, so she spoke in whispering voice. “By the way Jaz, there’s this thing with Miss Naeun, she- Oh wait it’s not completely erased, can I have the eraser again?” He let out a sigh. “Yea sure just take it at this point, see? It’s not erased just keep rubbing on it till it’s gone, geez.” Finally, Yeji took her time for about 12 seconds till her writings were completely erased, and she could finally correct and rewrite her notes, and she finally spoke. “I’m sorry, I just feel bad about borrowing stuff, you know. I feel like I always have to bring it back as soon as possible. But yeah I guess it’s only causing more trouble for you and for myself.” Jaz finished his notes and rested his exhausted hands as he spoke whispering. “So what was up with Miss Naeun? Something up with her? Is something wrong?” Yeji whispered back. “No, nothing. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with her, it’s more like..... I miss Mr Taeyang, you know. Don’t get me wrong, she is an absolute angel and probably the kindest teacher ever, but I just miss the memories with Mr Taeyang.”

Jaz proceeded to ask Yeji. “Perhaps you could keep asking Miss Naeun about it? Or maybe even request her to ask Mr Taeyang to personally come teach us!” But Yeji shaked her head. “Nahhh, I know exactly what she would say. I already smell threats.” Jaz closed his notebook. “What would she say if you kept asking?” Yeji continued to write her notes. “I am not going to say it. Cause I know it would sound so annoying, and that’s exactly why I gave up asking her. So yeah I will not say what she would say.” Jaz agreed and rested his posture, until he heard Yeji speak in a mocking imitation voice mimicking Miss Naeun in exaggerated manner in high pitch of a child. “Just be grateful you’re still in Talent schoolllll...... You wanna get expelled huhhhh...... You wanna get expelled Yeji...... Be gratefulllllll.... This is expensive school stop complaining.... Grateful, Gratefullllll.............” Jaz couldn’t help but let out a laugh for 3 seconds, and Yeji noticed and was really surprised. “Wait, did you just laugh for once?” He tapped his finger on the table. “Yeji, I didn’t know you could joke around! Oh my god Yeji, you are actually funny! I know you’re actually mad and just wanna mock Miss Naeun but geez, that was gold.” Yeji lifted her face up and smiled. “Wow, I didn’t know you could laugh either..... ahahah.... Oh my god I actually forgot how to be angry now, why would you ruin my anger? Let me be angry in peace dammit!”

“YOU TWO, QUIETTTTT!!!!!” Miss Naeun screams at Yeji and Jaz’s desk. “Laughing around during class, are you even taking this class seriously? You should be grateful that you’re still in Talent Schoo-” Yeji interrupted her loudly. “SEE JAZ???? SHE SAID IT! I KNEW SHE WAS GONNA SAY IT! SHE IS SO PREDICTABLE!” Jaz couldn’t help but break into his loudest laughter of his life from Yeji’s perfect guess, and the whole class couldn’t help but start giggling too. Until they realized Miss Naeun’s angry cold expression staring down Jaz and Yeji. “I said.... silence. I do not want to hear another word coming out of your mouths. Class! This is an example of two bad students! No wonder they got kicked out of dance cla-” An interruption occurs. “MISS! DON’T GO THERE THAT’S TOO FAR!” Another student named Sunyoung yelled at Miss Naeun, as she lowered her voice to remain polite. “Miss Naeun, please, stop scolding them. They have heard enough from their former dance teachers, don’t you think Jaz and Yeji deserves a break? Everything you said about them, they have heard it all. Please, be nice to them.” Miss Naeun suddenly stopped, and spoke to her. “Sunyoung, are you defending these..... I...... I’m sorry..... That was too far. You’re right. Yeji, Jaz, I’m really sorry. I’ll give you two a pass in the upcoming homework from my bad attitude, please forgive me.....” And two students, Zaeyoon and Haeran, immediately stood up. “Wait, What???? That is not fair! You can’t just-” Miss Naeun walked towards them to stare them down. “Oh, wanna question your teacher now?” Haeran and Zaeyoon immediately sat back down to their seats.

Jaz stepped outside the class in the corridor to meet Sunyoung as she introduced herself to him. “Hi, I’m Sunyoung. You’re Jaz right?” “Yeah I’m Jaz. What does Sunyoung mean?” “Good question! It means kind! Kind hearted and pure! It’s very beautiful, right? It’s so-” All of a sudden, Yeji was in front of Sunyoung with teary eyes about to give Sunyoung a big hug, and Sunyoung dodged to the right. “Hey, What the hell?????? Who are you? You are not my bestie, no hugs!” Yeji was disappointed and leans on the pillar. “But why, I just wanna say thank you, like seriously you helped me from probably getting expelled today....” But Yeji was going for a hug again and Sunyoung moved away. “No hugging! You’re not Kits! You’re not my bestie! Geez, I don’t like you already.” Sunyoung became quiet and walked away from them, and Yeji was even more disappointed. The two were back at their class, and as the day ends, two students were in front of them, Haeran, and Zaeyoon, and they DROPPED their 2 notebooks in front of them. Zaeyoon spoke. “Since you two are so priveleged with unfair bias from Miss Naeun, you two are gonna do OUR homeworks for us! No excuses, you must do the homework just like us! We are both students after all! It’s only fair!”

Yeji shaked her head. “Hey! This is not fair either! If we do your homeworks for you, then YOU wouldn’t have to do your homework. Miss Naeun gave us a pass, you two haven’t earned it!” Haeran was angry and raised her fist at her. “Oh yeah, want to have a fight right now? Two can fight two!” Jaz whispered to Yeji. “Yeji! Yeji.... just take their notebooks, trust me.” Jaz took over. “Okay! We will happily, do your homeworks for you.” Zaeyoon laughs. “Ha- Ha Ha! Good boy! Now this is what I call fair!” Zaeyoon and Haeran took their bags and went home, as Jaz took their books to his bags, and Yeji questioned him. “What is this? I don’t wanna do their homework for them, you shouldn’t do their homeworks either! Come on, we were mistreated, we deserve a little break!” Jaz smirked for a bit. “Guess what?” “What.....?” Jaz took a little moment of silence, until he spoke. “.............I am not gonna do it. Next week Miss Naeun is gonna be so mad at them!” Yeji breaks. “Oh my- AHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAHA! GENIUSSSSSSSSS!” The two raised a high five to each other’s hands and kept laughing for an entire minute.

The next day comes, and Jaz comes to class with a giggly mood. He handed over Zaeyoon and Haeran’s books to them, and they thanked him with glee without even opening their notebooks. “Thanks so much Jazzieeee you’re such a good boyyyy!” “Oh you are SO welcome!” Jaz went back to sit with Yeji as the two excitedly wait for what’s to come. Miss Naeun finally checks Zaeyoon and Haeran’s work, and found an empty page. “Wh- Where’s your homework? Did you not do your homework?” Zaeyoon immediately turned his head to Jaz. “Jaz? What the- I thought you did....” “YOU ASKED JAZ TO DO IT? ARE YOU....” Zaeyoon tried to calm her down. ’No! Miss Naeun I would never! I think I left the book at home! Miss Naeun I really did it I left it at-” Miss Naeun stared the two down. “I HEARD YOU! YOU JUST ADMITTED YOU ASKED JAZ TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK FOR YOU! I’M GLAD HE RESPECTED HIMSELF ENOUGH TO NOT DO IT! YOU LAZY KIDS!” Haeran grabbed Miss Naeun’s hand. “Noooo please Miss Naeun calm down we really left our books at home!” “I SAID SILENCE! EVERYONE, CLASS DISMISSED, YOU TWO ARE STAYING IN THE CLASS WITH ME!” Haerin panicked. “Noooooo! Yeji, Jaz, I’m gonna fight you after this-” “You’re going to what??? YOU WANT TO FIGHT? AT SCHOOL, OH YOU REALLY WANNA GET EXPELLED” And as Yeji and Jaz left the class, they heard the two scream “MISS NAEUN NOOOOOOOO...........” And both Jaz and Yeji was giggling so much. “Hahahahahahaha I knew it! They deserve it! They sound like lazy bullies anyway, we did it Yeji!” Their laughs echoed through the air as they walked downstairs.

By the time Yeji and Jaz reached an empty graduation hall, they were still laughing, making their voices echo loudly through the empty room. Despite the hall having chairs, the two sat on the floor while snacking with canteen food. “Ahahahahaha! I’d never thought being in academy would be fun! Gosh I really thought we’re done for in life Jaz! That was so.... GOLD! Literal comedy gold!” They rolled on the cold floor laughing for a bit, until they sat back down laying on one of the pillars. Jaz opened his snack of chips. ” Well, this hall is pretty interesting. I guess this is the place we go to when academy students are graduating. It’s pretty cool!” However, Yeji was looking up to the ceiling. “Jaz.......... remember in the very beginning of high school when, you were replacing Mr Taeyang as the teacher to do the attendance and all.... you dropped the chalk and started.... daydreaming at the ground. What..... were you daydreaming about?” Jaz was rather surprised by this question. “Oh, you remembered? I can’t believe you paid attention to my little gestures. So..... what was I daydreaming about? I was just..... thinking of Mr Taeyang’s words the day before that. During the very first school day, Mr Taeyang called me to go to the teacher’s room, and spoke to me privately, he said that because he heard so many students talking to each other about wanting to leave academy and wanting to do football and other things, he had to make a case against the school to cancel our registration as permanent academy students, and he got into trouble for a bit. But then, he succeeded, but he warned me, saying that “congrats, you all will have your desired talent classes, but please do well, or else......“”.

Yeji was shocked. “Or else???? That’s not so Mr Taeyang of him to speak of! Or else what?” Jaz continued. “Or else, he would be very, very disappointed of us. So yeah it was just a weird thing for him to say, like, why not just yay we’re all in our desired talent classes y’know? But why all this expectations about having to do great in our classes. But hey, none of that matters now, we are both back in Academy anyway.” Jaz continued sharing snacks. “You know, Yeji...... I think..... we shouldn’t miss him too much. Yeah he was a kind angel and all of that but..... I heard all of that from his own words. So maybe, he is also somewhat of a perfectionist like other teachers here..... So maybe if we keep thinking of him as a literal angel, we may feel really disappointed or even betrayed in the future if he did not turn out to be the super kind angel we thought he was. I hope not but, let’s just not paint him as that great you know. We deserve our peace!” Yeji looked all around the ceiling of the large yet empty hall. “Hahahah... what is this, so dramatic! It’s like.... are we in a movie or something? Life is so unreal! I love it! Yeah I agree, let’s not expect too much, you never know if someone is bad on the inside! Ooops, the bell is ringing! Let’s go home Jaz! High five....?” Jaz raised his hand. “Yessss today was so much fun! HIGH FIVEEEEE!” Jaz and Yeji had their loudest high five yet that echoed through the entire empty graduation hall, and Yeji panicked. “Oh shoot, we’ll get caught! We’re not supposed to be in this hall, go GO GO!” The two were laughing so much while running to get out of the hall as soon as they could clumsily.

Meanwhile inside the music class, Taeyang once again called Marcus to perform in front of the whole class, but this time, he sits on the piano as Marcus had an electric guitar with him. The two performed together in front of the class as the No. 1 Music Student & Music Teacher Duo, and impressed the entire class with their 30 second musical piece that they wrote together. Lia whispered to Ryujin “Goshhh they are so good aren’t they?” But Ryujin remained quiet, which concerned Lia. “Come on Ryujin, why won’t you talk for a bit. I heard you talked last week, what happened? Did you just suddenly become extroverted that day? Something must have happened right?” But then the door was open and someone stepped in with an elegant walk. “Well well well..... so this is the Music Class, of the Art Faculty, greetings, Mr Taeyang. Greetings, music student. I am Yoon Jessica, a second year student of the Basketball world of BTS, current champion of the Second World.” Jessica bows down 90 degrees towards everyone. “I have been tasked by the school counsellor to guide a student named Shin Ryujin. I heard she has been struggling, but I won’t discuss it here in front of everyone because it may be personal to her. I would like to speak to her personally.” Ryujin was so scared that she started crying on Lia’s shoulder while shaking her head refusing go, but Lia comforted her. “Come on, Ryujin, you can do this, this is just help. You are getting help, there’s nothing to be scared of. Come onnnn......” Ryujin slowly got up and gradually walked towards Jessica’s direction, but due to her social anxiety, she was looking at the floor the entire time.

The two met at the counselling room and Jessica tries to comfort Ryujin, but Ryujin still refused to look at her. “It’s okay..... it’s okay...... your name is Shin Ryujin, right? Ryujin, isn’t it? What is it? I heard you have social anxiety. Unable to socialize, because you are incredibly shy, it’s hard I know, I have been there in elementary. For once, I just want to step up and refuse to do nothing. Tell me, what’s up?” It took a solid 3 minutes until Ryujin spoke a word. “I...... don’t like people. Their eyes, looking at me, telling me that I did something wrong...... telling me that I should apologize..... telling me I should regret whatever I did, even if I don’t even know what I did....... It feels like..... I am always the wrong one. Just going out and seeing people’s eyes already put all the guilt, all the blame on me. Why can’t I ever be right? I’ll make it..... clearer. Why is it that people always talk to me when I did something wrong, but never talk to me if I did something right? Or something great or impressive! Why do they always have to say it to me when I did something wrong? Can’t they just keep it to themselves? Why are they so mean when I am just trying to live. Why don’t they just mind their own business?” Jessica tapped her elbow. “Ryujin.........” Jessica’s eyes were in tears. “You are just like me 6 years ago. To this day, I still don’t understand why either. Ryujin please...... you have to let go of the fear of other people’s thoughts of you. You never bullied anyone, never intentionally harm anyone, but they do. The fact that you feel bad about it just proves that you are good. Come on, they are weirdos. Come on Ryujin, girl, cheer up!”

After about an hour in the counselling room, Ryujin and Jessica stepped outside to the back garden of the Art Faculty. “Well, Ryujin, I don’t believe you will be talking to your classmates anytime soon, but just know that I have tried my best to help you, and I believe you will eventually talk again someday. You did it once last week! You just have to find it in you, your social confidence! Socializing is hard, but you can find it if you keep trying! I believe in you Ryujin. I really do.” The two shook hands and Jessica left, as Lia had found Ryujin and started approaching her. “Ryujin.” Ryujin turned around and gave Lia a big hug, and started crying on her shoulder all over again. “Argh, come onnn Ryujin..... I can’t keep babysitting you all the time.” But Ryujin kept going. “Lia..... please don’t ever skip class again..... I can’t handle school without you..... socializing is so hard......” Slowly..... Lia removed Ryujin from her shoulder to finally speak to her eye to eye.

“Ryujin..... the day where you talked to your classmates for the first time ever....... I wasn’t there. I called in sick. Why was that the day that you spoke.......? Do you........” Ryujin started to feel a little tense, as Lia continued. “Do you........ Do you hate me?” Ryujin grabbed her elbow. “.......Huh? Li- Lia..... I don’t hate you! It has nothing to do with you, okay? It’s......” Lia was even more confused. “It’s what? There’s no way you just decide to be loud all of a sudden, it’s what, Ryujin?” Ryujin was thinking harder. “It’s........ I don’t...... remember his name.....” Lia looked eager to what she heard. “His??? Ryujin, what is going on??? What happened, please I am so confused. Marcus? Mr Taeyang? Who are you talking about?” Ryujin let go off her grip and stormed into the class without answering Lia’s question, as Lia immediately followed her.

“Ryujin, I am sitting beside you, you can’t escape, tell me what happened that day?” Ryujin was too shy to speak that she wrote something on her book, which says “Lia, I’m 16, I don’t have to answer whatever you’re curious about, stop asking please.” And Lia immediately stopped and gave Ryujin a hug. “Oh..... I’m.... I’m really sorry...... I invaded your space.....” Mr Taeyang finally spoke. “Alright, our final performance of today is Lia and Ryujin! Give it up for the two, hopefully Ryujin will finally show us her talent for the very first time! Come on Ryujin, step up, we believe in you!” But Ryujin remained so quiet in her seat while shaking her head still refusing to step up. Lia spoke to her from the class’ small stage. “Come on Ryujin! You can’t keep being like this forever!” Mr Taeyang nodded his head. “That’s right, Ryujin, unfortunately you can’t just keep doing nothing in the entire study year. Go on stage, please do not disappoi-” Mr Taeyang stopped himself mid sentence, but Lia turned towards him. “Huh...? I’d never thought you’d say that...... Mr Taeyang? Are you...... disappoin...... I’m so sorry, please forgive Ryujin, she is really shy, she is working on it! She has seen counsel and psychologists! Please........” Mr Taeyang collected himself and spoke to Lia. “No, I am not feeling that at all. I’m sorry Lia, I didn’t mean to say anything uncomfortable. Ryujin, come on.......” And for one last time, Ryujin shook her head, signalling a no once again. In the end, Lia performed by herself. Mr Taeyang showed his appreciation. “Well done, Lia! You’re so talented in playing an acoustic guitar! Ryujin...... it’s almost December..... you have to do something..... there is just no way around it. You must do something in this class.” As classes ended, Ryujin left the class before everyone else, even before Lia, and Ryujin’s face was full of tears as she left the school.

The first music class of December finally came, and Lia was sitting alone. She told her classmates that Ryujin is too anxious to come to class, and Mr Taeyang shook his head a little bit, but Lia noticed it. “Mr Taeyang please....” “Lia, I am not implying anything, if she is not coming to class, then fine. Come on, I know her very well, you know I always tolerate, right Lia?” Lia remained quiet. All of a sudden, Marcus spoke in front of everyone. “Guys, I have a big announcement to make! During the break, please come to the back garden of the art faculty! Students from dance class will be there too! It will be big, so don’t miss it!” Mr Taeyang approached Lia. “Ryujin has to perform next week, as per the school’s rules, it will be her last opportunity. Not only she has to perform, but she will have to study well to perform these notes. Let her know about this, because I have been denied further delay requests for Ryujin. I wish I could help, but the school has rejected my case to give Ryujin more chances after next week. Next week will be her last opportunity, so please tell her to toughen up and study well.” Lia shook her head. “Mr Taeyang..... please, separate the school days. On the day of Ryujin’s performance, please only have 5 students in the room. It is the only way Ryujin would be confident enough to go on stage. Please Mr Taeyang I know her, this will work.” Mr Taeyang smirked for a little bit, clearly seeing it as a strange request, but eventually he nodded his head. “Alright Lia. Sure, only 5 students will be in class when Ryujin is performing. I will tell the rest that it’s a day off.” Lia’s eyes couldn’t believe it and was almost in tears. “Thank you..... so much..... you are the best teacher......”

Everyone finally arrived at the back of the Art Faculty, and Lia was looking around among the Dance Students to find Jaz and Yeji, but they were nowhere to be seen. Hangbin approached Lia. “Hey, are you looking for someone?” “Uhh.... I heard Yeji and Jaz studies here..... right?” Hanbin shared a laugh with Kana after hearing those names, and then turned their heads back to facing Lia. “NO. I do not know who these people are. They were never dance students, sorry.” Lia was really surprised. “Oh how? That’s..... unexpected. I guess they changed their minds. Okay see you then.” Finally it was time for Marcus’ moment. “As your second year mentor, I have made a year long best friend, who always stood by my side this entire time. Now here I am with her, my best friend herself, Jessica.” Jessica showed up from the crowded dance students and continued Marcus’ words. “The Face of the Second World, Yoon Jessica, meets The Face of the Third World, Hong Marcus. Oh, Marcus.... do you have anything more to say.....?” Marcus smiled at Jessica. “Of course....” He softly took Jessica’s hand as the two gazed at each other. “Jessica....... will you be my girlfriend?” Jessica smiled so widely, and uttered her words. “Marcus..... Yes! I will be your girlfriend!” The two started hugging each other, but after a moment, they faced the crowd once again. “I, Marcus, do not wish to make this moment only about myself, and Jessica. I want to speak to YOU. One of you, one day, can be in our shoes. You, Music Students, could be The Face of The Face of The Third World next year. And you, Dance Students, could be The Face of The Fourth World next year. Now be inspired, and work the hardest you possibly can!”

Lia raised her hand for a question. “Okay, so I assume Football is the First World then? Question, who is the face of The Fifth World? Everyone suddenly went quiet. Marcus, after processing the question, finally speaks. “The what??? The.... Fifth World? Ahahahahaahahah!” Marcus and Jessica broke into laughter in synchronized fashion. “There is no fifth world! Right Jessica? I mean losers exist in the world, obviously, but this school is clearly called “The Four Worlds of Busan Talent School” Okay? It is divided in four pieces, nothing more!” Lia was once again, confused. “Oh.... I thought there is something else..... It’s just four here?” “Yes, there are only Four Worlds, Lia. But thanks to you, we all had a laugh! Thank you Lia, you’re awesome.” As Lia was looking at the ground, Jessica suddenly appeared beside her and put her arm on her shoulder. “Heya! Lia, right? I like your humor! Can we be friends? Don’t worry about it now, I’ll show you around! Wanna see.... my world? Come!” Lia was still too deep within her own confusion that she did not say anything but still walked with Jessica.

More than two hours later, Lia finally arrived in The Second World, where before her lies a series of Basketball courts. “Behold, Lia.... My World.... The Second World. The Basketball Talent School. Wanna play? Let’s go!” Jessica ran to nowhere and left Lia alone, but only within a minute, she came back and threw a Basketball. “CATCH!” It was close, mere inches away from the ball touching Lia’s face. “Oops, Give me a warning dammit!” “I’m SO sorry! Hehehe! Let’s go!” The two proceeded to have fun having a friendly basketball match, although Jessica is besting her in every way, Lia still had fun, until..... “Gotcha! Ahahahaha! Ask a teacher for another ball please, I am playing with my friends!” A girl took their ball away from them, and Lia’s day couldn’t have been any more confusing, but Jessica calmed her down. “It’s Kazuha. She is.... like that. She’s too lazy to ask the teachers so she likes.... stealing our basketballs. Annoying I know. Let’s grab another one!

After walking all the way to the basketball storage room to grab another basketball, the two finally made it back and played at the court again. Jessica saw Kazuha watching so she stayed alert this time. “Hey! Kazuha! Why are you here again??? You have your own ball now!” But she shook her head. “No! We threw it too far, it landed on the roof! Please, Jessi, give us another one!” Jessica was getting tempered. “Zuha, no! You go pick up another one yourself! Lia, let’s keep playing. Somehow, Lia was finally gaining momentum and was about to slam a dunk, until... Kazuha’s hand grabbed Lia’s basketball and stole it once again. Jessica had lost it. “KAZUHAAAAAAAAAAA! COME BACK HERE, I’LL TEACH YOU A LESSON!” Kazuha immediately ran all around the school as Jessica ran after her, visibly and audibly furious. Lia was also furious and grabbed a stick and smashed the holder of the Basketball net with it. “Dammit....... That girl....... IS RUINING EVERYTHING! SHE IS SO ANNOYING ARGGHHHHHH!” But some basketball students noticed and asked her. “Hey. Are you okay?” Lia turned towards them. “DO I LOOK OKAYYYY? Shut up or I’ll teach YOU a lesson instead!” “Okay okay okayyy stop we’ll leave you alone!” And the students retreated back to their basketball courts.

All around the school’s corridors in the indoors area, Jessica kept chasing after Kazuha, but she had clearly lost her. “KAZUHA COME OUT, I’M GONNA TELL YOU SOMETHING. I HAVE A GOOD GIFT WAITING FOR YOU!” As there were no signs of Kazuha, the athletic Jessica started to become mentally tired. “Argh! Dammit! Zuha..... YOU WON THIS TIME!” Jessica started to walk away in frustration. From behind an open door of a classroom, Kazuha showed up and started giggling about herself outsmarting the athletic Jessica. She walked gleefully, until she passed another classroom with an open door, and a hand grabbed her from behind the open door, and she showed up from hiding and got so close to her face while pointing right at Kazuha. Lia was so irate and screamed at her. “HA HA HA HA! SO FUNNY HUH? WHO OUTSMARTED WHO????” Lia took the basketball away from her, and then got on Kazuha’s face again. “This basketball.... IS MINE! YOU BETTER PICK IT UP YOURSELF FROM THE STORAGE ROOM NEXT TIME. YOU HEAR ME! Oh or, do you want to meet Jessica right now? I’ll take you to Jessica!” And Kazuha started panicking so much. “Nonononono, NONONONONO! PLEASE DON’T TAKE ME TO JESSICA, I’M SO SORRY!” Lia stomped her foot on the floor. “Sorry???? You did it twice! TWICE! Oh, looks like someone wants to get expelled! Well guess what, I CAN EXPEL YOU RIGHT NOW! Yeah, I’ll gladly make your wishes come true! I HAVE MY PHONE RIGHT HERE WANNA GET EXPELLED, ZUHA? WANNA GET EXPELLED? I will call, hey Mr Taeyang, I found a lovely student who is STEALING OUR BASKETBALLS!” And Kazuha screamed. “NOOOOOOO! PLEASE I WILL STOP, PLEASE! Please........ please..... are we cool?” Lia let out a chuckle. “Ahah..... seeing a bully get scared.... is so funny. Yes, we are cool. You’re good!” Kazuha took a breath of relief. “Phewww...... thank yo-” “BUT I’M STILL TAKING YOU TO JESSICA!” “NOOOOOOOOOOOO-” As Zuha screamed, Jessica heard her and ran towards the scream’s direction. “OH KAZUHA THERE YOU ARE YOU COWARD! I’M GONNA LECTURE YOU SO MUCH TODAYYYYYYY!”

The day finally came where Ryujin will have to perform. With only 5 students in the class, Lia included, Jessica came to the Music Class to drop Ryujin in, as she was the one that convinced Ryujin not to skip class. Lia smiled at Jessica. “Jessi..... are you in anyway.... a psychology student?” Jessica laughed. “Oh what? No! No, I wish, ahahahah! I just read a lot of internet articles about psychology, so yeah that’s why I was assigned to see Ryujin from time to time!” Lia let out a little laugh, but Jessica did not know why, as Lia gradually lifted her face back up. “Jessica...... the other day..... where we played basketball...... and lectured that Kazuha girl...... I had so much fun...... I think we are friends from now on.” Jessica took a while before realizing what Lia said. “Yeah I also had so much fun! It was..... wait, what? Lia...... I’m so happy! I am your friend now! We have very similar personalities! Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you, Ryujin, stay calm, you can do this!” Mr Taeyang closed the door after Jessica had left, and spoke to his students. “Alright, students, the time has come. Ryujin..... only 5 students are here to watch you. Come on stage.

As always, Ryujin was looking at the floor, but she was pushing not to shake her head. A good 5 minutes had passed, and Ryujin..... got up from her seat. She took her seat at the drum set, and she lifted her head to look at the other other students, and they all cheered immediately. “WOOOHOOO! RYUJIN! FINALLY YOU’RE DOING IT! COME ON RYUJINNNNN!” Ryujin started her little drum taps. “5....6..... and.” The BOOM, Ryujin performs a little drum solo, which lasted for a minute. And as Lia watched closely, Ryujin got closer and closer, and finally, she had finished the entire musical sheet and hit the one minute and seven second mark. Ryujin’s face was full of tears, as Lia was also crying and offering her the biggest hug they have ever had, as they shed a tear towards each other’s shoulders in their hug, and the other 4 students cheered so loudly. “WOOHOOOOO RYUJIN YOU FINALLY DID ITTTTTTTT!” Lia tried to utter some words. “Ryu...... jin...... you....... did it...... I knew it....... I knew it.......!” But Mr Taeyang, spoke with a low tone. “Students! Quiet!” And the entire room became quietly tense. “It is time I made my announcement whether Ryujin will continue or not! Because ALL THIS TIME, she has being doing nothing, followed by nothing, followed by NOTHING!” Ryujin looked down and did not like this vibe at all. Mr Taeyang utters his most important words. “Ryujin........ concerning your status as a Music Talent student....... I have to say this..... Shin Ryujin........” Mr Taeyang gripped harder on his piece of paper. “Shin Ryujin................. You................................... Are staying as a music student in the art faculty!” Everyone started clapping their hands again to cheer for Ryujin, and Ryujin once again embraced in the tightest and warmest hug full of tears with Lia.

*****

Meanwhile, another class with Miss Naeun occurred, as she greeted the students. “Hi everyone, it’s finally December, do you have any wishes?” Zaeyoon raised his hand. “My wish is for someone to do their job! Especially their homeworks! And never get others into trouble for not doing their work.” Hearing this, Miss Naeun chuckled a little bit, and the same went with Jaz and Yeji. Jaz pointed a finger at him. “Oh, look who is talking.” Zaeyoon and Haeran started whispering to one another, Jaz and Yeji started whispering to each other as well. Miss Naeun stood between the two desks. “Oh cut it you guys, you all have fair conditions, you do your homework, you’ll be fine, you don’t do your homework, you’ll get into trouble.” Yeji raised her hand. “Miss, will we have like a Christmas party?” The class went a little quiet, as Miss Naeun wasn’t sure with what she heard. “Uh, I’m sorry? Christmas party? Well, the thing is, Christmas is a time where people go home to their own cities to be with their families! So of course none of us will be at school by Christmas time, so I don’t get why you’d expect such thing.....” Yeji looked down. “Because other faculties has it. Football, Basketball, Dance, Music, they all have parties and all the fun activities. Why does academy not have it? Why? Come on, we gotta have fu-” Miss Naeun interrupted. “Well, sweetie, because it’s called ’The Four Worlds of BTS, go to the entrance and see the big text there! Everywhere it says 4WBTS School! The Four Worlds are Football, Basketball, Music, and Dance! We are not a talent world! We are just..... lost people.... I guess.”

While this made Yeji rather sad, she understood the reality of her new life to some extent. She brought her book to the canteen, but Jaz was not with her, as he had to submit one of his works to the room of teachers. When he returned he found himself walking alone in the corridor, until he encountered the two people he would never wish to encounter at this time, Zaeyoon, and Haeran. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.......” Zaeyoon took Jaz’s bag, and cornered him to a dead end wall. “YOU...... got me, and Haeran into trouble. YOU, didn’t do our homework. You’re a favorite, the teacher likes YOU, and lets you get away without doing anything. Does that sound fair? Surely not..... not to me.” Haeran continued his words. “Well now..... I’m gonna make you pay.....” Zaeyoon inspected Jaz’s school suit and took out some cash. “Hmmm.... it’s not a lot, is it? Just enough to buy a meal and a drink, and that’s it. Tomorrow, you can just ask mama for more money..... What about donating some to us huh?” Jaz tried to take his cash back but Zaeyoon blocked his path and gave it to Haeran. “Just give it back dammit! You’re such a bully! What, if I don’t want to do your homework, then I don’t wanna do it! You do it yourself, it’s in your name!” Zaeyoon was mad. “Oh really? Do it ourselves, huh??? Seems like you’re not getting our point!” Haeran took out Jaz’s notebooks and Module books. “These look useful, mine if we borrow it? It won’t be long, we just need some time.... like..... FOREVER. Buy your own books!” “No, you thieves, GIVE THEM BACK! Guys, guys..... you guys better bring my books back, or I’m reporting this..... you guys are gonna get expelled for real....” But Zaeyoon was ready. “Oh no..... it’s not like you’re EVER coming back to school.” This really confused Jaz, until Haeran revealed he took his student ID from his wallet, and Haeran laughed. “Bye bye, Jaz.”

The next day, Yeji sat alone, wondering why Jaz was not next to her. His number was not active either, and this really confused her. Haeran suddenly sat next to Yeji, and Yeji was not pleased. “Please go away.” Haeran laughed it off. “Huh? Go, away? Come on, you’re alone and lonely, I can be your friend!” But Yeji kept writing, and did not make any eye contact with her at all. “Haeran..... go..... away.” Haeran smiled, without moving an inch. “I am not going away. As you know, my name is Haeran. You’re Yeji, right? I predict, that your deskmate, that Jaz guy, he won’t be back anytime soon. So from now on, we’re best friends! Right Yeji?” Haeran reached out her hand towards Yeji, and Yeji kept writing, and writing. But after about a minute, Yeji looked at her, and saw that her hand was still reached out towards her, so Yeji took her hand. “Sure..... we’re besties... I guess.”

Miss Naeun spoke to class. “Students! Securities in this school has found a boy wandering around claiming to be a student, but he doesn’t have a student ID card. Thankfully, security did their job and kicked him out of the building. Be safe everyone, if someone doesn’t have a student or teacher ID card, do not interact. Report to the security and make sure they get escorted out as soon as possible.” Yeji find this news rather surprising, and for a second she has a thought that the boy being referred to could be Jaz, but she snapped herself out of it because to her this was just overthinking unrealistic scenarios. During the break, Yeji was walking around the corridor when she found a destroyed cellphone on the floor, and it looked somewhat similar, but Yeji cannot recognize it due to how cracked it was. She picked it up, but before she got anywhere, Zaeyoon and Haeran was there and cornered her. Haeran took the broken phone from Yeji’s hand, and threw it in the trash bin. “That’s where that thing belongs. Oh Yeji, I have so much to say to you. AND I MEAN..... SO MUCH.”

Back in the class, Sunyoung continued asking questions as always being the only lone seater in the class, but excelling at her job as a student consistently. But she heard Zaeyoon and Haeran talking so much getting louder and louder, and this got on her nerves. Sunyoung raised her hand and closed her fist, expression her frustration at these loud talkative students, before she rushed her paper to complete it so she can finally lay on the table while closing her ears. Finally, classes are over, so she left the class, but she heard someone scream. “SUNYOUNGGGGGGG!” She turned towards her left, but she didn’t see anyone. She decided to walk through the corridor, and eventually, she encountered Yeji, crying so much as she grabbed Sunyong’s hand. “Sunyoung...... Please...... I need you around from now on..... Jaz is gone and..... I WAS BULLIED! I WAS BULLIED A FEW HOURS AGO BY ZAEYOON AND HAERAN! THEY TOOK MY ID AND BROKE MY PHONE! AND TOOK MY MEAL MONEY TOO! Please Sunyoung you have to help.... or else I won’t be able to come to school tomorrow or ever again!” Sunyoung looked rather concerned, but she eventually frowned. “Yeji! Yeji! Who are you to ask me for so much? You’re not my bestie! You’re not my sister! You’re not even my friend, okay? I was taken away from my best friend because of the Four Talent Classes nonsense, and no one will replace her! Back off, Yeji! BACK OFF!” Yeji went quiet but the tears kept rolling down her face even more. “I.... I am sorry.... but I really need you.... Sunyoung please help me.......” Sunyoung got irritated. “Yeji, you’re weird! You have been weird! You’ll never be a friend of mine! Now back off! I’m leaving.....”

This response devastated Yeji, but not even a moment passed as a security shouted at her. “Hey! You there! Student ID please!” Yeji immediately ran through the corridor. Another security sitting on the backyard spotted her and walked towards her too, and she ran the opposite direction. She kept running and running, until she reached the teachers room and immediately opened the door. She tried calming herself down and wiped her tears away, as she slowly walked to a very familiar figure. “Mr Taeyang.....” Mr Taeyang slowly stood up with a look of surprise on his face, as Yeji continued. “Mr Taeyang..... it’s me.... Yeji.....” As he finished standing up, Yeji immediately give Mr Taeyang a warm hug as she burst into tears. “Yeji..... you’re here! How you been? I’m so proud of you!” After a moment, Yeji spoke. ” Mr Taeyang, I have to get to the point.... Two students bullied me.... took my student ID.... and destroyed my cellphone. Mr Taeyang please..... Without my student ID I cannot enter the school ever again. Securities were chasing me to ask for IDs. Please... can you tell the school about it so they can let me in?”

Mr Taeyang’s eyes were clearly emotional, as he took a minute to even utter a single word. “............I am so sorry Yeji. I....... I ran out of clauses. I made many cases for my students and..... a week ago I made my final case. So..... I cannot make anymore cases for any student. I’m so sorry Yeji........” The entire room was quiet. Yeji was speechless and did not even look at Mr Taeyang anymore. The school was closing and Yeji was still in the teacher’s room, until it was so dark, security was locking the room so Yeji had to leave. At the school gate, Yeji saw a poster of the Dance Talent Classes with text “LOOKING FOR ALL FUTURE DANCERS! COME AND DANCE YOUR HEART OUT!” And Yeji took that poster and tore it to pieces and dropped it to the ground and started stomping on it while screaming. “YEAH YEAH RIGHT, DANCE DANCE DANCE, KEEP DANCING, KEEP DANCING YOU’RE SO GOOD AT IT! YOU’RE SO GOOD, YOU’RE SO MUCH BETTER THAN ME, IT’S SO IMPRESSIVE THAT I WANNA SCREAM TO YOUR FACES RIGHT NOW!!!! SO MUCH FUN, DANCING IS SO MUCH FUN HUH????? KEEP DANCING CAUSE YOU’RE SO GOOD AT IT, SO GOOD THAT YOU HAVE TO EXCLUDE OTHER PEOPLE FROM YOUR FRIENDS CIRCLE LIKE A BUNCH OF EXCLUSIVE BRATSSSS! CONGRATULATIONS HANGBIN KANA YOU’RE SO GOOD UNLIKE ME!!! AND I’M TOTALLY HAPPY FOR YOUUUUUUU I’M KIDDING I HATE YOU ALLLLLL!!!!!!!” Yeji delivers her final stomp to that piece of paper until it is the smallest pieces of torn papers she had ever seen, almost as small as pepper. Eventually the security told her to leave.

It was finally the weekend before the final school week prior to Christmas holidays, and Zaeyoon was taking his cousin to the opening day of Busan’s Christmas market. “Did you know that if you bring your student ID, you get a student discount for entrance fee?” “Oh, I didn’t know that! But Zaeyoon.... I am not a student. I am a 15 year old supermarket worker! So I don’t get why you are telling me this.” Zaeyoon smiled. “Well, I have another student ID!” His cousin was so impressed. “Wow.... how did you get this?” “Well, because I work very hard at school, the teacher decided to grant me a second Student ID in case if I lost the other one!” He took a glimpse at the student ID. “That’s such good news! Why is the name not Zaeyoon?” Zaeyoon immediately took away the card. “Do you want the discount or not? It’s a made up name, okay? They made a mistake, that’s all. Now, do you still want the discount?” He nodded. “Sure! Sorry for prolonging this.”

The two finally entered the Christmas Market and had a blast as all visitors do during the opening day. Eventually, Zaeyoon’s cousin was tired and was sitting on a table with some fries. “Come on, we gotta look around, there’s so much stuff to see ’round here!” “I can’t, I’m tired of walking, you go by yourself please.” Zaeyoon sighed. “Oh... okay then..... see you around, I’m gonna explore!” Zaeyoon took off, and bought many stickers and toys from the market, and continued exploring, until the place becomes more and more crowded. Zaeyoon was about to pay for food, so he took out his wallet, but the crowded place made him drop his wallet. A stranger’s hand reached out to his wallet and took it. Zaeyoon immediately faced that stranger, who was wearing a face mask and sunglasses. “Hey! Bring it back, you thief! It’s mine!” The stranger SHOUTED at Zaeyoon. “Thief....? THIEF???? LOOK WHO’S TALKINGGGGG!!!!”

He took his sunglasses off and cornered him to a wall and stared right at his face. “LOOK AT YOURSELFFF! YOU’RE THE THIEF DAMMITTTT!” He took his face mask off and revealed himself to be Jaz. “Hi, ZAEYOON. You wanna have your wallet so bad? I’ll take MY STUDENT ID, and here, HERE’S YOUR WALLET BACK YOU JERK!” Jaz took back his Student ID card, and the THREW the wallet to Zaeyoon’s face. Zaeyoon SNAPPED and approached him. “HEY! HEY! HOW DARE YOUUUU WANNA FIGHT TOUGH GUY YOU WANNA FI-” Zaeyoon speared Jaz to a nearby table and a pack of chairs as the two had an all out brawl there. Since Zaeyoon is so tall and quite muscular, he overpowered Jaz and SLAMMED him to the half snowy ground, and he landed some punches to his body and face. But suddenly, Jaz kicked him in the gut just hard enough to stun him, and got up and landed another punch till he is down on the ground.

Jaz grabbed a wodden chair and lifted them up high about to throw it to Zaeyoon. “GET LOOSSSTTTTTT!” “NONONONO! NOOOOO JAZ CALM DOWNNNNN!” Zaeyoon said as he was crawling on the ground trying to get up and is fearing for his life because of that chair. Jaz overheard a lady talking. “Call the police! We got a fight going on call the police now!” Bruised and a little wounded on his face, Jaz walked fast and grabbed the lady’s hand. “Hey. Don’t call the police. Look, he stole my Student ID, and my student ID has his fingerprints all over it. If you call the police, HE is going to prison, not me. But Zaeyoon is just a 16 year old student. I don’t like his guts but.... I don’t want him to go to prison either. So please don’t call the police, he deserves another chance.” The lady was eventually convinced and decided not to call the police. He looked at Zaeyoon and stared him down for a moment. “Zaeyoon....... grow up.” He left him and went out of the Christmas Market, and he looked at the ID to check the photo and the name, “HWANG YEJI.”

The final week of school arrived, as Sunyoung sits alone once again, and neither Yeji or Jaz was in the class. “Alright class, now it’s time we decide the leader of the class! Time to vote who will be the class representative!” Miss Naeun handed out papers with all the names of the 24 students, and reclaimed her papers with the students’ votes. “Alright class, let’s see who will be our LEADER. We have our 3 candidates here let’s see...... Sonyoung has 5 votes!.” Sunyoung looked down and brooded in disappointment. “Zaeyoon has...... 7 votes! And last but not least.. Yeji has....... 12 votes!” Sonyoung, while usually quiet, suddenly YELLS. “.......HUHHHH???????” Zaeyoon and Haeran has so shocked and yelled at each other. Miss Naeun threw away all the papers and it all landed on Sonyoung’s face, as she spoke to all her students. “Give me a break, are you guys telling me, that out of all people who are mature, disciplined and determined to lead your class, you’re telling that you want someone WHO HAS BEEN SKIPPING CLASS FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS? Is that who you want as your.... LEADER? As your class representative? Are you guys serious??????? I am not buying this, I am just not......” Sunyoung raised her hand. “Well to be honest Miss Naeun, we are all a bunch of lazy people who studies a lot at home...... First of all, we wouldn’t want a careless loudmouth like Zaeyoon to be our leader. And second of all, we are all just.... unreliable. Like, most of us skip a lot of classes because we knew that as long as we study for the exams we will be fine. But Yeji? And Jaz? They ALWAYS come to class!”

Miss Naeun stared down Sonyoung. “You can say that right now. Are they in class now? Were they in class in the previous 11 days? They’re now the biggest class skippers!” Sonyoung immediately stood up and STARED at Miss Naeun right in the face. “Oh yeah??? They’re skipping class right now??? ARE YOU SURE??? Don’t you think that maybe they got into an accident??? That they cannot make it to class, and maybe has issues with their phones so they couldn’t inform any of us??? Did you think of that possibility?” Miss Naeun was about to speak, but a second had passed and she was immediately frozen and speechless. “I.... uh..... Sonyoung I............. you can sit down, Sonyoung.......” Sonyoung finally sat down, and many students from the back started talking. “That’s right Miss, we want Yeji as our leader! She never skips class.” Sonyoung continued. “She may be one of the stupidest students who failed so many exams, but.... if there is a job to do, she would definitely do it. She will put all the effort to represent our class the right way it’s meant to be represented. She is RELIABLE. Yeji, the low marks student, the annoying student who asks for help all the time, the one student that I honestly dislike so much more than anyone else, Yeji is our LEADER.”

Miss Naeun had to take a breath for a minute until she finally did her duty. “Alright students, from today on out, throughout the second semester, Yeji.... will be the Leader of the Class. Yeji is the class representative. I hope you won’t regret this decision, because you better hope that next semester, Yeji will stop skipping class and actually come here to do her job.” Sonyoung nodded. “Yes, Miss Naeun, I am sure, she will come back to be our leader. If her number was still active I am 100% sure she would respond in less than a minute and fulfill everything she needs to do.” Zaeyoon laughed his way out of the class. “Yeah yeah right, happy holidays guys, I’m leaving this comedy show, y’all are a joke.” And before Sonyong left the class, Haeran confronted her while speaking to the class. “Do you all justttt HATE me that much? You HATE me that much that you have to vote for THE BIGGEST CLASS SKIPPER AND A-” Sonyoung interrupted. “YES. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.” Sonyoung stated it clearly and walked past Haeran and left.

Finally, Christmas holidays had arrived, and Jaz was at a Busan snowy mountain enjoying the food while looking at the snowy Christmas scenery. As he was buying another burned satay, someone next to him looked familiar to him. “Uhmmm...... Lia?” She had to have a look until she recognized him. “Oh my god- Jazzz???? How you been? It’s been FOREVER!” The two had a seat as they were having their meals. Lia calmed herself down and spoke to Jaz. “Jaz I.... I heard what happened. You were.... kicked out of the dance classes right?” This triggered him, but he looked down on the ground and managed to find his words. “Well.... yes it happened but... that’s quite a while ago. I have SO MUCH worse things going on right now, I can’t believe how unpredictable life is.... About the dance classes.... I want to move on. It’s just the past, okay?”

Lia smiled hearing his words. “Okay Jaz, I have to go now so yeah.” The two hugged it out and waved. But then Jaz sees another familiar face. “Yeji????” Yeji was right in front of him, they were so shocked that they finally saw each other, and they hugged. Jaz immediately looked back and screamed. “LIA! LIAAAAA! YEJI IS HERE COME BACKKKK!” “Run, Jaz, Runnnn!” Jaz made a run for it and finally reached her. “LIA YEJI IS HERE!” “YEJI IS HEREEEEE???? WHERE?????” The three finally came together and took a big warm selfie together with tears rolling down their eyes. Lia got to go home at last, while Jaz and Yeji sat down in the corner on the high snowy mountain of Busan, looking at the beautiful night scenery of Busan during Christmas. Yeji took a bite at her smoked satay, and then spoke to him. “Jaz I..... something happened to me..... something really awful..... I was.......” Jaz spoke to her. “You were bullied? Bullied and.... robbed?” Hearing this caught Yeji off guard. “Wait what?” Jaz continued “And had your Student ID stolen from you? And your cash stolen as well? And your phone smashed to the ground and stomped and crushed by shoes and a stick to oblivion?” Yeji was so shocked. “How.... did you know that? It did. That was exactly what happened to me! You......” Jaz took a breath, as remembering it was not comfortable for him. “That exact situation happened to me as well, that’s why I was gone. I was denied entrance from the school because I didn’t have the ID.” Yeji could not believe that Jaz experienced the exact same thing the day prior. “So what are we going to do???? Do we never come to school again? Do we drop out just because of some.... bullies?”

“Yeji.... I found something.” Jaz took out something from his wallet. It was a student ID card.... with the name.... “HWANG YEJI.” And Yeji was in utter disbelief and covered her mouth as her face was full of tears. “YOU..... FOUND IT????? OH MY GODDD.........” Yeji took her Student ID Card and put it on her face to grip it tightly as if she would never let it go again while crying her eyes out while the ID is on her face. “I CAN’T..... BELIEVE IT........” After a moment, Yeji had a thought. “Wait..... Jaz..... did you find your ID?” Jaz remained quiet. “Wait.... you didn’t find your ID? I......... What’s going to happen to you?????? Are you leaving???? Are you never coming to class again????? Please no.... NO! NO.........” Jaz’s eyes was full of tears, and after a minute, he took a deep breath, and formed his words. “Yeji...... I don’t plan on quitting.... I don’t plan on dropping out. Maybe I may be forced to quit eventually.... But I think my biggest shame is not dropping out or failing.... My biggest shame, is to not do anything to prevent myself from dropping out and failing. So I believe..... I will be back.... somehow...... I just have to try......pray for me Yeji.....” Yeji gave Jaz the biggest hug and the two cried an ocean of tears, letting it all out, while being on top of the snowy mountain with a scenery of a snowy Christmas Busan City right in front of them.. “Jaz.... Please keep trying.... I believe you can come back to school somehow............. Thank you.............. for finding my ID.... thank you for sticking by me all this time while I was always alone.......... Jaz....... Thank you so much....... for everything..........”

END OF CHAPTER 1