Chapter 5: Uproar

I texted my mom, giving her a brief rundown of the event in case some things went wrong.

I saw Teacher Han in front of the principal's office.

"Soohyun, you go back first, I'll be back to class in a moment."

"Hana, but-"

"It's fine, nothing should happen. I've texted my mom earlier. If she arrives, please show her the way."

Soohyun nodded, looking reluctant to leave, but she left in the end.

I turned to Teacher Han, "If the principal is available, shall we start? No one has as much free time as you do after all."

Teacher Han looked mad, but he opened the door without a knock.

I walked behind him, my phone in recording mode, safely tucked in my skirt pocket.

...

...

...

The principal is a middle aged man that looked no different than anyone else. The more I look at him, the more ordinary he became.

"Teacher Han and student Kim Hana, please take a seat."

He gestured to the sofas from his office table. After we sat down, he moved to the sofa at the head position.

"It has come to my attention that there has been conflict between the two of you. Now, I have decided to mediate before there are anymore issues."

Oh, this looks interesting.

"Shall I start?"

"I was nearly late for class, Teacher Han over here seemed to want to punish me as if I am late. He didn't agree with me talking back towards him, so he started insulting me personally. To quote, he said 'You have horrible grades and terrible attitude. You want to become an actress? Your only hope is the unspoken rules'."

"These words are not only inappropriate to be said towards middle school students, but also shows the teacher's lack of propriety. In conclusion, I request that the principal gives Teacher Han a proper punishment so that he can reflect."

The school principal looked a bit impatient, "Han Myungsoo, what do you have to say?"

Mr. Han looked at me with grudge in his eyes, "What student Kim Hana spoke of is a story heavily tilted in her favor. She is not only late, but shows extreme disrespect towards her teacher. She needs to be given punishment."

The school principal nodded, "Student Kim Hana, Mr. Han Myungsoo is just thinking for the best for you. Having respect towards people who are your seniors is very important. You should reflect on yourself."

I thought he would at least put up a fight, I guess I hoped for too much.

"Principal, Teacher Han said to me that I would only attain success if participate in the unspoken rules, do you agree with saying something like that to your students?"

"Student Kim Hana, he is just thinking of the best for you. He means no harm."

"No harm? Your words sound so gentle, but they don't seem to disagree with Teachet Han's actions. You are as bad as he is."

I stood up from my seat. At the corner of my eye, I saw Teacher Han's eyes change, there is an extra something in those eyes.

What a disgusting thing, his brain is filled with those deplorable thoughts all day.

Before I could say anything else, someone barged into the office.

"Principal Shin, this is not good! The press is here for an embezzlement case!"

"What!!! What are you talking about?"

His eyes wavered, he then seemed to realize the presence of Teacher Han and me.

"I don't know why exactly they are here, but I heard a few of them mention embezzlement!"

The school principal's eyes turned serious, "Lock the gates and prevent them from entering, we must not let them wreck havoc in this school."

"Yessir!!"

He turned around and opened the door. He met the bright gazes of reporters holding mics and cameras.

The flashes of light from the press cameras are dazzling.

"Principal Shin Daehwan, is it true that you are involved in an embezzlement case involving politician Han Seungtae?!!"

"We heard that the amount is estimated to be 250 million won, is that correct?"

A hum of questions continued pouring, the principal looked distressed and Teacher Han's face is completely white.

I planned to do something a bit different with this recording, but airing it on the news seems even better.

I faced the cameras with confidence, gathering all the voice in my chest.

"Excuse me, I have no idea about this embezzlement issue, however I would like to show my experience with interacting with Principal Shin Daehwan so far."

I played the recording from my phone.

I watched as everyone's faces changed, the principal started to look terrified, Teacher Han basically turned as pale as a sheet of paper, and the reporters' eyes gleamed like they had found a prey.

Teacher Han tried to stop me, but I managed to avoid him. In the end he just looked ridiculous.

When the recording concluded, I said with bright eyes to the cameras, "Regardless of their involvement with the embezzlement case, I consider Principal Shin Daehwan and Teacher Han Myungsoo actions to not be suitable as educators of the future generation of our country. I hope the best conclusion could be done about the embezzlement case. If you would please give way to me as I need to return to my studies, thank you."

The whole room was silent as the reporters made way for me, snapping my pictures as I passed.

Behind the reporters, I saw my mom.