A Model Student's Life 2
Even though seating had switched from rank order to a lottery system, the tense atmosphere from the old academic exams lingered on. On the day of the test, which felt like skating on thin ice, I stubbornly refused Mother's offer to drive me and instead hitched a ride in Jong-hyuk's father's car to the exam hall.
Kyung-soo had already claimed his spot, radiating an aura that screamed don't disturb me from behind as he made his final preparations. Jong-hyuk and I slipped out of the noisy classroom and leaned against the hallway wall.
Jong-hyuk's expression had eased a bit, but something still gnawed at him—he rested his head against the cold corridor wall.
If every exam day felt like this...
"At least this time it's easier having you next to me."
"I'm glad I could help, but what's up? I blew all my pocket money on lottery tickets last time—didn't even get dust."
"You know how sensitive Kyung-soo gets before exams, right?"
"Yeah... he's definitely on edge... like he'd kill over the sound of a pin dropping."
"That's why exam season is hell for him."
Jong-hyuk said it playfully.
"What? It's exam time—you gotta cram too. Where's the suffering in that?"
"Exams are suffering. Forcing yourself to review stuff that just won't stick."
"You're the weird one. Not worried about your scores?"
"Eh... Then why'd you come out here with me?"
"Rainy test papers aside, the real battle starts in high school. So stick close and grind from then on—no slacking."
"What?"
"Your half-assing shows, you know?"
I can't exactly say I saw you venting to me about it in the future, can I? I hid the truth behind my teasing words, thinking of what his dream had been—what mine was.
"What if I study hard and beat you?"
"Then I'll pass you next time. It's not a one-off test."
"What if I take first in the whole school?"
"If you earned it through real effort, I'd bow down: 'You're amazing~' Congrats and all. It's not just you and me competing—we're going to the same high school, but really, it's against every kid our age nationwide. In a world like that, if your friend grinds to number one, wouldn't you be even happier? More reason to celebrate? And hey, think I can't do it? I'll run hard in high school too. I've got a goal now."
"You'd really be okay if a friend overtook you...?"
"Wouldn't you?"
"See? No way."
"If they're a friend, you celebrate harder."
"What?"
"You know exactly how they pulled it off. As a friend, you get it—so you cheer louder."
"I..."
Jong-hyuk's face lit up like he'd found the exit to a inescapable maze. At that moment—
"No can do."
"You rebelling against me? I dropped out—think that makes you hot shit? I'm not asking much. My crew's throwing a festival; just sell some tickets. What's so hard?"
"Still, ten thousand won a pop... too pricey... and..."
"If you can't show that much loyalty in our 'friendship,' it makes me sad... ngh..."
Thwack. Crash.
"Ow... Last time you forced it too, and no one bought any. For real."
"Then drag some girls over."
"That's..."
"If not, bring your damn sister. You ignore me this time, I'll fucking kill you. I dropped out—no cops matter anymore. No joke—pick one and do it, got it? Asshole? Don't think you're big shit just 'cause I handed you the throne while I was gone. Figure out how to kiss ass for scraps. Understand?"
"But... I'm not even the top dog anymore..."
"What? I announced you were taking over when I quit—what bullshit is this? I crushed anyone who challenged."
"The new transfer kid..."
"Ah... fuck... you got your ass handed to you by the new guy?"
"..."
"I'll handle it. Where's he live?"
"Uh... with Jong-hyuk's family..."
"What? That dump? Annoying... nah, no adults meddling then. Can't go near school, so tail him when he steps out—pick a time and place quick, yeah?"
"Y-yeah..."
The dizzying haze snapped back, the taffy-slow dialogue fading as sensation returned to me under An-nam Bridge.
Moon Jae-ha grabbed Jae-min's collar, ruffling his hair playfully at first—then harder. Jae-min shot me a desperate, pleading look.
Guess I need to sort this out and ask later...
I locked eyes with Jae-min—brace yourself—then gripped Moon Jae-ha's wrist as he smacked him.
He smirked, trying to shake me off, but my grip held firm. His face hardened.
"Hey. Who the hell are you to butt in?"
"Didn't know, but looks like your 'top dog' is getting beat."
"What? The fuck you on about?"
"Can't just stand by while a classmate from my school gets hit. Unless he's really the boss—then maybe I'll take a shot at the title myself."