38 The Concerned Teacher, Mr. Lee (1/2)

”Student Lee Gun, can I see you for a moment before class?”

Just as Gun was heading to his classroom, a teacher pulled him away.

Gun greeted the teacher politely, ”Good morning, teacher. Is something the matter?”

”Let's talk in the office, okay?”

”Yes...” Gun lowered his head politely, acquiescing. Considering the teacher's somewhat serious look, it was probably about his recent class skipping.

”Student Lee Gun, I know that you are the school's top student, but even so, this behaviour is unacceptable,” the teacher began. ”No, it's because you are the top student that it is unacceptable. To skip your classes... even if they're just after-school lessons, think about what this behaviour looks like to outsiders. Are you looking down on your teachers?! Aren't you making our school look bad?! Are you trying to tarnish our school's reputation?!” He spoke slowly in the beginning, but as he reached the end, his voice raised, catching the attention of the other people in the room.

”Yes, I'm sorry.” Gun apologised perfunctorily. These kinds of people only wanted to hear themselves talk so there was no point in trying to butt in or talk back. He was so used to this kind of treatment that he could barely care about the teacher's scolding. He appeared apologetic and obedient on the surface, but inside, he couldn't care less.

”Hey, Teacher Ahn, aren't you just angry because Student Lee Gun skipped your lessons thrice? Does it hurt your pride or something, knowing that the top student thinks that your lessons are so useless that he can just skip them?” Another voice snidely commented.

”Teacher Lee! Watch your mouth!” Hearing that snide comment made the scolding teacher become more incensed.

Gun turned to look at the newly arrived teacher. It was Lee Dong Ho, his homeroom teacher. Gun bowed his head politely, greeting him.

”Now, now, Teacher Ahn. There's no need to spit everywhere.” Teacher Lee laughed in amusement. ”Oh?” He looked up then pointed at the ceiling as if in realisation. ”Would you look at that; the bell's rung.” Just as he said it, the bell really did ring, just on time.

”Well, enough of your scolding. It hurts my heart when you scold a student from my class, you know?” Teacher Lee says with a faux-hurt look. He placed his hands on Gun's shoulders and led him away. ”Now let's go. Don't you have a class to get to as well, Teacher Ahn?”

”Hmph!” Teacher Ahn couldn't be bothered to argue with Teacher Lee, so he simply left angrily, heading to his classroom.

”Come on, Student Lee Gun. Let's go to class.” Teacher Lee patted Gun's shoulder reassuringly, dragging him to class.