I'm having nightmares again.
Son, wake up. - My mother's voice breaks through my sleep.
- I don't want to wake up... - I mumble, pulling the blanket over my head. - I don't want to go to school...
There's no choice. That damn school waits for me every day.
Son, breakfast. - Mom puts a plate of food on the table, but I have no appetite.
Mr. Kim our driver is already standing in the living room. As always, he's in a perfectly pressed suit with a gentle smile.
Young master, please get in the car. I'll drive you to school."Alright..." I answer, trying not to meet his gaze.
The road takes only ten minutes, but every turn brings me closer to the place I fear.
School gates. Noise. Laughter. And... him. Lee John Hu. Alone. He's standing against the wall with his two friends. As always, waiting for me.
"Hey, Kang So Joon," his voice is loud, lazy, but there's a threat in it. "Did you bring the money? I asked for ten thousand won. Did you bring it?"
I stay silent, but he's already stepping closer, holding out his hand.
"Come on, hand it over. When class is over - you're done for. Got it? If you don't come...," he leans toward my ear, "I'll break these little fingers of yours."
I lower my eyes so he can't see how my fingers tremble.The bell rings for break. I go to the roof because I have no other choice.
The wind pulls my bangs, but I still try to lower my head. Up there, on the roof, Lee John Hu and his two friends are already waiting.
"You're late," he smirks, rolling up his sleeves. "Bad habit. Needs fixing."
The first hit lands in my stomach. I double over, and they laugh. Then another - this time to my shoulder.
"Weakling," one of them throws. "You don't even fight back."
I fall onto the concrete. Cold crawls down my back, and my ears ring with the sound of their laughter. I count the seconds until it's all over.
That was my last day at that school.In the evening, I struggled to go downstairs and got into Mr. Kim's car. He didn't say a word - just started the engine and drove me home. I looked out the window, thinking only about one thing: finally, this will all end.
But on the way home, at the intersection, I saw him. Lee John Hu. Alone. He was standing on the corner... and petting a cat. That same hand that hit me today gently touched the soft fur. His lips held a warm, almost tender smile.
It was strange. He looked... different. So different that I couldn't look away. And for some reason, I remembered that moment better than the blows.