Chapter 47
A sleek car glided into the school compound, its polished surface reflecting the sunlight like a mirror. The driver, a black suited man emerged, rushing to open the door for the occupant with a bow. A middle-aged woman, likely in her late forties or early fifties, stepped out, her refined features and poised demeanor exuding an air of confidence. She was Korean, her dark hair styled in a neat, rolled ponytail that accentuated her elegant neck. Her gloves, a deep shade of black, added a touch of sophistication to her outfit.
The driver quickly opened an umbrella and held it over her head, shielding her from the sun's rays. She didn't flinch or acknowledge the gesture, her expression unwavering as she began to walk towards the school reception. Her stride was purposeful and deliberate, the sound of her heels clicking on the pavement echoing through the air like a rhythmic accompaniment to her dignified gait.
As she entered the reception area, the women behind the desk immediately stood up, greeting her with a chorus of "Good afternoon, ma'am." Their voices were respectful, their faces composed. However, she barely acknowledged them, her gaze sweeping past without a hint of recognition. With a subtle dismissiveness, she walked away, leaving the receptionists to resume their seats.
Her presence seemed to command attention, and the atmosphere in the reception area shifted slightly, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen next. The woman's confident stride and the driver's attentive service suggested that she was someone of importance, perhaps a high-ranking official or a distinguished visitor. Whatever her purpose, it was clear that she was a woman who expected respect and attention, and would likely not hesitate to demand it.
The black suited man waited behind, a as the woman glided towards her destination – the principal's office. Her knock on the door was a gentle tap, a soft murmur that summoned the principal's voice, bidding her enter.
As she stepped inside, the principal's eyes lifted, and she rose from her seat, a picture of respect. "Good afternoon, ma'am," she greeted, her voice warm and deferential. "Please, have a seat."
The woman sank into the chair, her gown rustling softly as she crossed her leg, the movement economical and precise. The principal offered her a courteous smile and asked, "Tea or coffee, ma'am?"
Her response was immediate, a raised hand that spoke volumes. "I didn't come here for that. I want to see my son."
The principal's laughter was a gentle sound, a soothing melody that filled the room. "Of course, of course," she murmured, her fingers dancing across the phone's keypad as she dialed a number.
"Hello, yes. Please ask hyun min to come to my office now. Okay, thank you," she said, her voice a perfect blend of efficiency and respect. The woman's presence was a palpable force, commanding a certain level of deference that the principal was happy to offer. As she waited for her son to arrive, the woman's gaze swept across the room, her eyes lingering on the principal's face.
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The room was a battleground, the sounds of clashing swords and grunting fighters filling the air as Hyun Min's fingers flew across the controller. The virtual world was his reality, and he was lost in its depths. But then, a knock on the door shattered the illusion.
He paused the game, his eyes flicking towards the door as he wondered if he'd imagined the sound. But the knock came again, insistent and clear. Hyun Min's gaze lingered on the screen for a moment before he stood up, his movements economical.
He walked over to the door and opened it a crack, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the male teacher standing in the hallway. The teacher's smile was a gentle one, but Hyun Min's response was decidedly ungracious.
"Your attention is needed in the principal's office," the teacher said, his voice friendly.
Hyun Min's "Okay" was a monotone whisper, his tone a perfect blend of indifference and annoyance. Without another word, he closed the door, shutting out the teacher and the outside world.
The controller slipped from his fingers, abandoned on the bed as he reached for the black hoodie draped over the back of his chair. He pulled it on with a swift movement, the fabric enveloping him like a shadow. With a quiet efficiency, Hyun Min left his room, leaving the virtual world behind.
-- --
The door creaked open, and Hyun Min stepped into the principal's office, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of apprehension and resignation. And then, they landed on her. His mother sat infront of the principal, her presence commanding attention like a magnet. The principal's smile was a thin, polite line, a stark contrast to the tension that crackled in the air.
"Ah, Hyun Min, your mother is here to see you," the principal said, her voice a gentle attempt to ease the awkwardness.
Hyun Min's gaze locked onto his mother's, and a familiar knot twisted in his stomach. It was a look that spoke volumes, a look that said more than words ever could. Without a word, she turned to hyun min her voice a low, even tone. "Let's talk outside."
The principal watched,her eyes darting between Hyun Min and his mother before returning to her papers, a gesture that seemed almost... cautious. Hyun Min followed his mother out of the office, trailing behind her as she walked with purposeful strides, her heels clicking on the floor like a metronome.
They walked in silence, the only sound the soft rustle of her clothes and the click of shoes against the floor.
They reached a quiet spot outside, a secluded bench nestled among the trees, and she finally stopped, sitting down with a quiet elegance. Hyun Min stood before her.
"Sit down," she said, her voice firm but controlled, a gentle command that Hyun Min couldn't ignore. He hesitated for a moment, his body tense with resistance, before taking a seat beside her, leaving a deliberate gap between them. His mother didn't seem to notice, her gaze fixed ahead, her eyes narrowing slightly as she began to speak.