3

Next day, Klein wokes up and heard his mother walking out of the house. Seems like he woke up a little late today. He got a message from Han which makes him a bit annoyed. If he ignores the boy, would it be more peaceful after this? Right when he thought about ignoring Han, the boy sent another text.

Han is sleepy: Good morning boss! (*・ω・)ノ

Han is sleepy: I had cereal only for breakfast today and I have an exam today!!!

Han is sleepy: I stay up all night reading your previous novel and forget to study!

K: I didn't ask you to stay up and read my book. It's your fault.

Han is sleepy: How can you say that!!! I am supporting you and you said mean things like that to me!!! (╥_╥)

K: Focus on school. And stop changing your username.

Han no longer texts Klein which makes the boy smile. When he opened his door, he saw his instant noodle and brought it inside. He cleans himself before he starts eating. While eating, he did the same as always, which is watching random videos on the internet. He watches some streamers and takes some notes.

Don't blame him for getting inspiration almost everywhere. Even his situation right now is considered a good inspiration for a character's backstory. He wonders if he should create a character that represents himself but thinking back, he uses his personality a lot for his character so he scratches the idea.

After a few hours of entertainment, Klein saw a text which he picked up on his phone immediately. He saw an unknown number who introduced themself to him. He reads it and it turns out to be the girl from yesterday.

???: Hey! I am Woo Young! The girl from yesterday!

He blocks it and throws his phone on his bed. No way he would answer a text from someone he barely knew. When he focused on his writing, he saw Han text him. He moves his gaze from the laptop and reads the text.

Han is crying: Hey K…I didn't get to finish my test paper!(」°ロ°)」

K: Well. Good job. Now I know you're a dumbass.

Han is crying: You're hopeless!!!! I am gonna cry at the corner!

K: Do you read romance stories?

Han hates K: Yes! I like friends to lover! Best troupe!

K: …Alright, enemies to lover it is.

Han hates K: YOU ARE MAKING ME HATE YOU MORE!!

Klein heard his mother's footsteps and went out this time to clean his own dishes. "Hey mom." When he started washing, he felt his mother's hand petting his head. He looks down quietly and continues his job. He knew very well his mother was happy to see him out of his room.

When he turns around, his mother smiles and gives him a small cake. Klein pouts and accepts the cake. "You were hoping that I forgot did you?" Klein hated celebrating his birthday because not once did he have a great birthday. But since this year is only him and his mother, he felt it's fine to celebrate.

He puts the cake on the table and lights a candle. His mother widens her smile and pulls out her phone to take a picture of her baby. She's glad her son wanted to celebrate it with her this time. They heard a knock which made Klein's mother open the front door. There stood Klein's homeroom teacher.

"Sorry for disturbing you, ma'am. I have a school trip form for your son…it needs your signature."

"Right…I don't think my son wants to join the school trip."

Klein peeks a bit and stares at his teacher who looks disappointed.

"Ma'am…They're having a meeting about removing him from the school. Besides, he's a second year student who will soon be third year…can you try talking to him?"

"I can't…after that boy's death…my son just locked himself up…His friend's death must've hit him hard."

The teacher hesitated for a while but before he could say anything, Klein's mother opened the door wider.

"My son is in the kitchen. Do you want to talk with him instead?"

The teacher was startled a bit and looked at his car. He inhales and gathers his confidence. He never talks with Klein in class or outside of class. He needs to be an adult for real now and he nods at the mother.

When they enter the kitchen, Klein is already gone. They heard a sound from Klein's room which made his mom sigh. The teacher knew Klein might hear them and hide from him. He's worried about the child so he went and knocked on Klein's door.

"Klein? It's me..Mister Ryan."

"I am aware of your existence, thank you."

"O-oh…well, you know why I am here right?"

Klein slowly opened his door and his teacher gave him a small smile. They're now in his room and Mr Ryan is surprised to see his room is perfectly clean. They sat down on Klein's bed and the guy saw his student shaking a bit.

"You never talk to me before don't you?"

"...I have no reason to talk with you."

"I remember seeing you talking with him only. Sorry for your loss."

When Klein becomes quieter, Ryan changes the subject and pulls out his tablet. There is Klein's biodata and also his picture had an expelled stamp. Staring at it, Klein takes it from his teacher's hand and sighs.

"They already expelled you but if you decide to go to school now, I will try my best to help you stay. But you might move to class E due to your attendance and grades these few months."

"Hm…I no longer want to be a teacher. I don't have any reason to continue my study. Unless…you give me a reason to study again."

The teacher doesn't want to force his student but he doesn't want his best student to drop out early. He's even worried about Klein's lifestyle.

"Seong wanted to be a teacher like you."

"...alright. Consider this as a thank you for not giving up on me."