Final Test and Restlessness

A few days have passed, and today is the last day of the midterm exams. The rumors about me have gradually faded.

All the students are neatly seated in class, and the tense atmosphere fills the air. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I've studied hard, and this is my chance to prove my effort.

But honestly, I feel a bit nervous. I'm scared. Scared that all my hard work will end up in vain, scared that I’ll disappoint the people around me, scared that my scholarship will really be revoked because of my declining grades.

The homeroom teacher lightly pats my shoulder from behind, placing the exam sheet on my desk. "Stay focused. Just concentrate on your test and don't think about anything else," she says softly before walking away.

I nod slowly, steadying my breath, and start reading the questions. The classroom is so quiet, only the sound of pencils scratching on paper and pages turning can be heard.

Everything goes smoothly until...

Thud!

The sound of something falling to the floor.

I reflexively turn my head. A pencil lies on the floor right next to the class president’s desk. No one seems to care, too engrossed in their own exams. But my eyes remain fixed on that pencil.

Something feels off.

I squint, trying to see more clearly. Vaguely, I notice a strange pattern on the pencil’s body. It looks like tiny writing that's almost invisible. I'm not even sure it’s writing. I don’t want to overthink it, so I compare it with my own pencil, but the difference is pretty obvious.

Before I can look any closer, the class president hurriedly grabs the pencil, covering the pattern with his slender hand. His movements are stiff, almost panicked.

Is that pattern some kind of new release?

"Narin, is there something wrong?" the homeroom teacher asks, noticing my lack of focus. But I don't turn to her. My gaze remains locked on the class president, whose face now shows surprise.

We end up staring at each other until I realize the entire class is now looking at me.

"The class president," I say without breaking eye contact. The class president's face grows even paler, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. What exactly is he afraid of?

"The class president? What's wrong with him?" the teacher asks in confusion. All eyes now shift toward the class president.

"Oh, his pencil fell earlier. I wanted to help, but it seems he’s already taken care of it," I explain, covering for him since he says nothing.

"Alright. Continue your exams. You don't have much time left. Make sure to answer carefully."

The students return to their test papers, and so do I.

But one question keeps lingering in my mind.

His behavior lately has been strange. Is something going on with him?

---

One by one, I carefully and thoroughly answer the questions. A sense of relief slowly spreads within me—I think I did pretty well on this test. I've studied hard despite all the problems I’ve faced. I just have to wait for the results when the test sheets are returned.

After the exam ends, students begin to pack up to go home. The school requires everyone to leave immediately after the exam for comfort and security. But rumors among students say otherwise.

They say the exam papers are stored in a secret place within the school, known only to a few teachers, to prevent anyone from tampering with the results. I don’t know if that’s true or just a rumor, but if it is true, the school has done its best.

"How was your test earlier?" Hana asks as she walks beside me.

"The test earlier?" I repeat her question.

"Ah, I shouldn't have asked you. I should be more worried about myself now," she groans.

I frown. "Why?"

"I don’t know. I just answered whatever I remembered."

I smile faintly. "You'll know once the results come out."

"I know you’re just trying to comfort me."

"At least I’m trying."

"So, you’re saying my test was a complete mess?"

I chuckle softly. "Not like that."

"Ugh... I totally messed up this exam. I’m doomed."

I sigh. "You don’t know the result yet, so stop complaining."

Hana snorts. "If I were you, I wouldn’t complain either, Narin."

I fall silent. Her words hit me a bit. A beautiful girl with a comfortable life says something like that? If we compare ourselves, I’m far behind her. But maybe I don’t really know the burden she carries. People always judge based on appearances.

Before I can respond, the school speaker suddenly blares.

"Good afternoon, Korean International School students. Please leave the school premises immediately. The school will be closed at 6:00 PM. Make sure not to leave any belongings behind. Thank you."

I let out a sigh and head toward the gate. But there, in front of us, Do Hwan is already standing as if waiting for someone. Of course, we walk closer.

"Waiting for someone?" I ask, breaking his trance.

He turns around. "Wanna go home together?" he asks with a bright smile.

Hana snorts irritably, turning her face away as if disgusted by his presence. Over the past few days, the three of us have gradually gotten closer. We’ve spent more time together—studying, having lunch, or just walking home. Still, I know Hana hasn’t fully accepted Do Hwan in our circle.

How could she, when the guy she once liked is now closer to me? And even worse, Do Hwan’s presence is one of the reasons our friendship feels slightly strained.

We walk to the school gate together, chatting lightly about the test and weekend plans.

"Narin, got any plans for the weekend?" Hana tries to ease the tension.

I shrug. "Not sure, maybe just stay home."

"How about we go out together?" Do Hwan suddenly suggests, making us both turn.

"Where to?" I ask.

"Out of town, maybe. We could relax after this exhausting week," he suggests.

Hana snorts again, clearly displeased with the idea coming from Do Hwan. "Why go out as a trio? I can invite other friends."

I glance at Hana, but Do Hwan remains calm. "If you don’t like it, you don’t have to come."

Hana glares sharply. "Who said I wouldn’t come? It just feels weird to hang out with someone I barely know."

I take a deep breath, trying to diffuse the tension. "Alright, stop fighting. We can discuss it later."

Our conversation halts as Do Hwan’s steps slow down. I and Hana turn to see a man standing next to a black car at the gate, waving his hand at us.

Isn't that...

Hana, unaware of anything, waves back enthusiastically. "Oh my God! Who’s that? He’s so handsome and charismatic."

No one answers. Do Hwan’s face changes drastically, his eyes blazing with anger.

The man starts walking closer, but before he can reach us, Do Hwan quickly strides forward and roughly grabs the man’s collar.

"What are you doing here?" he growls.

I panic, while Hana looks shocked. People around us start to notice and whisper.

"Do Hwan, let go," I say, touching his arm.

The man just smirks. "Why? Can’t I meet my own little brother?"

Hana gasps. "Brother? So he's Do Hwan's brother?"

Do Hwan grits his teeth. "Shut your mouth and leave! I don’t want to see you."

But his brother just chuckles. "You know I won’t just leave, right?"

I can feel the tension between them. I know there’s something going on, but I don’t understand why his brother always bothers him if he truly hates him.

The man glances at me, smiling eagerly as if he just noticed my presence. "Oh? You’re here too? Wanna come with me?"

Before I can respond, Do Hwan shouts, "LEE DA REUM!"

***