A New Teacher Steps In
Whoa...
The first thing that greeted me as I stepped into the faculty building on the first floor was a massive, grand hall finished in gleaming white marble.
I didn't know much about architecture, but this hall had that elegant, old-world European vibe, stretching open all the way to the second floor.
Around the wide walls of the hall, beautiful seniors of Lily Academy were displayed in photos and accomplishments under the title "Lily Academy's Shining Beauties."
Right at the center of the entrance, a cat-ear shooting star logo sparkled prominently, large enough that anyone entering couldn't miss it.
I looked up at it and gulped down a dry lump in my throat.
If this shooting star logo is connected to the shooting star that brought me to this world, there must be some clue hidden by the person who designed it.
Online searches turned up zero information about the logo's creator.
Obviously, someone inside the academy would know, but if an outsider started digging around asking questions, they'd definitely look suspicious.
That's why I was standing here today in my new teacher's position.
Don't get ahead of yourself.
I took a few deep breaths—how many, I wasn't sure—and headed for the faculty office, following the long corridor right next to the lobby.
The administrative offices, divided by specialty to handle the students from across the country who had transferred in, filled the air with the constant clack of photocopiers and the thud of heavy document bundles as assistants rushed past.
Beyond those busy administrative sections lay the parents' waiting room and the counseling room.
"Honey, are you ready?"
"...Yes. Let's go."
A middle-aged couple, dressed from head to toe in a famous luxury brand, gripped each other's hands with tense faces as they entered.
Peeking in through the window for a moment, I saw the young teachers in the counseling room bowing and bowing to the middle-aged couple, looking utterly flustered.
Watching them fawn over the child made me realize just how high up the Lily Academy chain really went.
At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of person Jung Si-young was to drop an inexperienced newbie like me straight into such a place.
She didn't look like someone with a powerful backer.
To me, Jung Si-young was just a fox doctor who liked to tease people and get clingy with patients.
As I replayed that thought in my head, I found myself reaching the stairs at the end of the corridor.
According to the helpful directory board on the adjacent wall, the faculty office I was looking for was on the second floor.
Principal's office, chairman's office, student council president's office... same floor as places I didn't really want to get too close to.
Wearing awkward high heels, I cautiously climbed the stairs to the second floor.
Just one floor up, and the air felt strangely different.
The cluttered vibe from the first floor had vanished completely; the corridor now carried a cool, quiet stillness mixed with a faint pine scent.
Matching the peaceful atmosphere, I gripped the document folder with the appointment letter tightly and crossed the corridor in silence.
Then I heard a cold voice talking to someone.
"Did you hear? Handle that matter that way."
"But President, that approach is going to cause quite a bit of backlash from some students..."
The voices were coming from the student council president's office, where the door was slightly ajar.
I didn't ask for your opinion. I gave an order as president. Or does that mean you're challenging the president's authority?"
"...I'm sorry."
Inside that silver nameplate door stood a student with her head bowed as if she were the one in the wrong.
In front of her on a thick brown antique wooden desk sat a female student with flowing, voluminous white hair.
The moment I glimpsed her beauty, I thought, "Wow, she's gorgeous."
But her golden eyes held a sharp, piercing gaze that undercut that beauty.
If she just smiled a little, she'd be even prettier.
I was about to glance at the fluffy lion ears on her head when her eyes slid over to me.
"...!"
Startled like a fox caught by a predator, I awkwardly waved my hand as if we were making accidental eye contact and then quickly closed the door and hurried away.
That white-haired girl is the student council president...? A little scary.
I might get in trouble even as a teacher if I messed up.
Next time, I'll take the opposite stairs up.
"Second-year faculty office... found it."
I stood in front of the door at the destination I'd finally reached and carefully knocked before stepping inside.
The cool air from the air conditioner mixed with the paper scent and a faint air freshener aroma tickled my nose.
Teachers sat at computers handling tasks or chatting in groups.
A small female teacher spotted me and came over.
If not for her outfit, she looked young enough to be a student.
"What brings you here? Or did you... come in today as a new teacher?"
Yes, that's right. My name is Woo Yeo-eun.
I see... You have a really great figure and you're so pretty. Foxes are like that, after all.
She scanned me with her black eyes, complimenting me, but I sensed something off about the atmosphere.
Not just my imagination? The teachers looking my way carried more than warm welcome; there was a subtle wariness.
I'm Dam Si-ah. As you can see, I'm a marten, not a weasel. You know? Marten.
Ah, yes...
She seemed sensitive about the topic, so the female teacher pointed at her brown ears and emphasized it over and over before finally satisfied and retreating.
Come on. I'll show you to your seat.
Dam Si-ah, the female teacher who guided me to the window seat, sat on the edge of the desk and started explaining.
Originally the head teacher was supposed to help with your placement, but she's away handling an urgent matter right now. Would it be okay if I explain instead?
Yes, that's fine.
Good. So, do you know what kind of work you'll be doing at the academy?
I heard you're in charge of a class...
Correct.
Dam Si-ah nodded up and down.
Take attendance at morning homeroom, pass along any announcements, and after that the kids will go to their individual classes. You'll have some free time after that.
If there's work, handle it here in the faculty office. When you have time, come observe classes to check on learning progress. After all afternoon classes are done, have a closing ceremony. If there's counseling to do with the kids, go ahead and do it. Easy, right?
W-well, I don't think it'll be too difficult.
In other words, my job was basically to take care of everything outside of teaching.
So the kids could focus only on class and not stray from the right path.
It didn't sound too easy, but it was way better than being a teacher for a specialized subject.
Then do your best! If you have any questions, come ask me. Oh, and the details about your duties are all in the computer. Ms. Eun-jin said she prepared it before she went on leave.
Thank you.
Dam Si-ah patted my shoulder lightly with her small hand and headed back.
I thought I had things under control when I came in, but now that I was sitting here and hearing what I actually had to do, I was honestly so nervous I felt like I might die.
Not to mention...
That person is that person, right?
Who in the world got in here? How did this academy—...
I was trying to read the kind predecessor's helpful work manual on the computer when voices drifted over from the side, muttering while glancing my way.
The atmosphere then and the muttering now... it was probably because of Jung Si-young's recommendation letter.
Thanks to that, I passed the interview process formally but without any real check, yet it seemed that's exactly why bad rumors had spread.
Self-inflicted trouble, but already on the first day like this... my head hurt.
I need to be careful for a while.
From now on, I'll just have to show I work hard and gradually build up my favorability.
Even if I take the long way to the destination, it's better than failing.
Sitting on the uncomfortable cushion like I was in a bed of thorns, I fiddled with the academic management system as time drew near closing ceremony.
Now that I couldn't sit in the faculty office anymore, I picked up the attendance roster that was entirely mine and stood up.
With jittery steps I exited the faculty building.
With steps quick from tension, I crossed the campus.
With steps filled with excitement, I stopped in front of Class 2-F, the second-year class I was responsible for.
Hoo...
Holding the door handle tightly with a trembling hand, I pushed open the classroom door and took my first step as a teacher.
Ah, Yeon-nim!
And there I was, facing the familiar dog that was enthusiastically waving its tail at me.