Chapter 5: Uproar

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

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Teacher Han was standing stiffly in front of the principal's office.

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He was fidgeting, looking part nervous part impatient.

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I turned to Soo-hyeon.

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"Soo-hyeon-ah, you go back first, I'll be back to class soon."

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"But-"

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

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Soo-hyeon nodded, looking reluctant to leave, but she left in the end.

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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."

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I have a script to study and a graduation to prepare for, I'm afraid Teacher Han is the only teacher who had time for nonsense like this.

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Teacher Han looked like he had another bone to pick, but he went away with a curse under his breath.

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He opened the door without a knock.

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

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

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He didn't have any sense charisma or an intimidating look.

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He looked ordinary.

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"Teacher Han and student Kim Ha-na, please take a seat."

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

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"I heard that there has been conflict between you two. Can you each explain what happened?"

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"Then, shall I start?"

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"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."

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"To quote, he said 'A person without respect like you have a sh*t future don't you know that? You want to become an actress? Your only hope is the unspoken rules'."

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"These words are not only inappropriate to be said towards middle school students, but it also shows the teacher's lack of propriety and self control."

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"In conclusion, I request that the principal give Teacher Han a proper punishment so that he can reflect and improve on his mistakes."

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The school principal showed impatience in his face, impatience towards me, " Teacher Han Myeong-soo, what do you have to say?"

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Teacher Han looked at me with grudge in his eyes, "Kim Ha-na's story is twisted to her benefit. She is late and disrespected her teacher this much. She even insulted me again earlier. She insults me as if I am someone horrible in a horrible situation! She needs to be given punishment!"

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Wow, if he didn't look so much like a salaryman in his late 20s, I would have thought that I was watching a little kid.

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"Well, you seemed to have a partial memory loss as you have conveniently left out why I gave you that jab."

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"Remember? You were cursing at me and cursing that I would only be succesful through the unspoken rules. How could I not get angry? Besides my insults are weak at best. You can't even endure such a thing, why are you even working with kids?"

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"Please stop the argument."

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The school principal nodded, "Student Kim Ha-na, your teacher is just thinking for the best for you. Having respect towards people who are your elders is very important. You should reflect on yourself."

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

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"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?"

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

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"No harm? You seem to agree with Teacher Han's actions. You are allowing a teacher to curse and harass students when you should have protected them."

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"In a way, you are even worse than he is."

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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.

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What a disgusting thing...

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

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

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"What!!! Wait, slow down, what are you talking about?"

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

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His eyes turned worse when he saw Teacher Han.

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

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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."

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"Yessir!!"

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He turned around and opened the door.

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Ready to rush faster than the wind...

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By doing so, he met the bright gazes of reporters holding microphones and cameras.

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The flashes of light from the press cameras are dazzling.

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"Principal Shin Dae-hwan, is it true that you are involved in an embezzlement case involving politician Han Seung-tae?!!"

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

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

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

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

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

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I played the recording from my phone.

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I watched as everyone's faces changed, the principal looked downright terrified, Teacher Han's face became as pale as a sheet of paper, and the reporters' eyes gleamed like they had found a prey.

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When the recording concluded, I said with bright eyes to the cameras, "Regardless of their involvement with the embezzlement case, I consider Principal Shin Dae-hwan and Teacher Han Myeong-soo's actions to not be suitable as educators of the future generation of our country. I also hope for best conclusion could be done about the embezzlement case."

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"If you would please give way to me as I need to return to my studies, thank you."

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

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Is this how superstars feel?

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Behind all reporters, I saw my mom.