Chapter 01 : Work

Auditorium - First Floor 08.10.20 10:37AM

It's a sound he hasn't heard in quite some time-the excited hum of voices filling the auditorium. The summer has left the school, and his mind, quiet.

Sure-footed, he weaves his way through the crowd, stretching up on his toes here and there to look over heads for his target-but the girl is nowhere to be found. The crowd isn't overly large, their latest crop of recruits small but respectable, not like the overwhelming number of hires from the year before. He holds back a shudder at the thought, finally making his way to the edge of the group before turning around.

It's there that she remains, happily distanced from the mass of bodies by a foot or two, her eyes scanning the crowd. Beside her, she picks up an animated conversation that makes her smile knowingly.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the letter come in, I never thought I'd be accepted -"

"I know! After the interview, I was so scared, I thought surely they were convinced I was a total novice -"

"Did they ask you to provide any references?"

"Y-Yeah, but I was able to use my friend - he's here too, he just got accepted for a teaching position....what about you?"

"No, no - I was so lucky to be introduced to leadership by my friend, Yeonjun."

"Does he teach?"

"Oh, no, he's a legal aide, but he's close with Mr. Kim -"

She leans against the wall, keeping her expression trained to neutral even as she catches sight of a taller man amongst the throng-not physically taller, but taller in the way he carries himself, shoulders hunched as he stands between a few of the other recruits that seem to have trapped the timid man in conversation. Dark brown hair, even darker eyes-wide and doe-like as she stares at the other men and women that surround her, most of them older than her by a decade.

As he watches, it's impossible not to notice just how young the nervous girl seems, certainly standing out among this sort of crowd though the new recruit isn't alone, some of the other occupants of the room around her same age, all fresh and wet behind the ears, eager to a fault. A few of the other, new members of staff had caught his attention earlier, introducing themselves with firm handshakes and broad smiles that he had fought to return but this girl, this one....there's something about her that's different. Out of his element.

It hits him, then this must be the one, this man. They must have found someone for -

He needs to see the principal immediately.

As he turns away, making a beeline for the door, a voice from behind him calls out at his retreating back.

"Jungkook? Where are you going? We still have to -"



But Jungkook is on a mission now, pushing the doors to the auditorium open and moving as fast as his legs can carry him down the empty hallway, past rows and rows of gleaming lockers and across patches of tile, carpet, tile; heading for the front office where he can see lights shining through the window beside the door.

When he enters the lobby, Jungkook is greeted by a sweet voice from the front desk, one of the office secretaries, the one who always smiles at him. He really should learn her name.

"Mr. Jeon."

She says, that same smile on her face.

"Principal Kim is currently in a meeting, I assume you are here to see -"

Jungkook : "Yes, I need to speak with him."

"I can let him know you've stopped by, if you'd like to -"

Jungkook : "No, it's rather important. I'll wait."

She looks taken aback by his blunt tone, normally so taken by him and his quiet demeanor, no doubt, but Jungkook can't bring himself to care, much more preoccupied with the matter at hand and his own excitement. His own trepidation.

Offering the secretary a nod, he moves past her desk towards the back of the office, passing one conference room then another, the Nurse's office on one side, the lights of all of them dark through their open doors. At the end of the hall, a single light remains on, bright and welcoming above a door with a gold plaque seated at its middle.

He leans against the wall opposite the door, recognising the meaning of its closure, his eyes tracing over the familiar words embossed on its surface:

'Kim Minhyun, Principal and CEO.'

The corner of his mouth twitch as he looks them over and over again, filled with an odd sense of nostalgia. How many times has he stood here, waiting?

But it's only moments later that voices can be heard from behind the wooden surface, muffled and indistinguishable at first, drawing closer quickly. The handle to the door turns, stops, turns again, and the door swings open-but, to his surprise, stops after only a few inches, as though whomever is standing on the other side had been stopped, or hesitated.

The conversation within is clear to him now, though the voices are still hushed and low.

"- there's one more thing."

He hears, and he recognises the voice to be that of the principal himself, familiar and pleasant.

Minhyun : "I hope you can understand that we must remain professional while here, in the building."

"Of course."

A second voice answers, higher and unfamiliar, with a bit of a rasp at the edges.

"This is a professional environment, of course I would -"

Minhyun : "You must know that's not what I mean...."

"I-I apologize, I don't quite understand -"

Minhyun : "Everyone arrives for their own reasons, and all are on different stages of their development. You started your journey to join us under one circumstance, but there are those among our new staff who may have had a very different experience."

"Yes, but-"

Minhyun : "Wouldn't you agree that keeping things professional will help serve the development of your peers? So that they may all join you in their own time, having walked their own path without thoughts of favouritism or jealousy getting in the way?"

Jungkook listens thoughtfully, craning his neck to catch every word.

"I-I suppose -"

Minhyun : "And would you not, yourself, want to join in the journey that your peers have undertaken in their own training?"

"I- y-yes, you're right, I'd like to-"

Minhyun : "We all have our own lessons to learn, don't we?"

A pause, filled only with a soft hum of agreement.

Minhyun : "And room to grow. As educators, as peers, as friends. My greatest interest as a leader is to facilitate that growth for you all, but I need your help. Can you commit to our mission, to the institution? And put the past behind you?"

There is a much longer pause, and Jungkook can only imagine the expression on Minhyun's face, having seen it lodged at himself one too many times. It comes as no surprise when the other occupant of the room answers, voice low and cowed into submission.

"Yes...yes, uh-sir? Yes sir. I can commit to that. It's an honor to be here, and I'll be sure to-to uphold the values of this new position as best as I can."

Minhyun : "I know you won't let me down."

"No, sir, no...I won't let you down."

Minhyun : "Alright, that's enough for today. Why don't you head back to the auditorium, join the other new teachers? I'm sure you're excited for the remainder of the retreat!"

"Yes, sir, thank you-thank you for everything."

Minhyun : "Oh, no need to thank me, brother. It's my pleasure."

There's a soft, indistinguishable rustling noise, then the door handle gives a little rattle.

Minhyun :  "We're honoured to have you."

"Thank you."

The other man repeats, and it makes Minhyun let out a small laugh.

Minhyun : "You're welcome."

He concedes.

Minhyun : "Now go, go, go-head back. You're dismissed."

Jungkook leans back from the door, not a moment too soon, as those parting words give him his only warning before the door swings open wide at last, revealing the wide eyes and heart-shaped face of another man as he walks straight out of the office. He looks as though he has just seen a ghost, and reacts as though Jungkook is one as he nearly runs straight into the man hovering in the hallway.

"Oh!"

The man is startled to a halt, eyes opening even wider as he catches himself from careening right into Jungkook. He's a few inches taller, nice-looking, young. His face is kind, eyes crinkling at the corners when he gives a self-deprecating laugh, taking a step back.

"Sorry! Sorry! I didn't know anyone was there."

Jungkook : "It's alright, no harm done."

Jungkook assures him, and the man's smile widens. Jungkook recognises him, then-one of the new recruits from the orientation still going on a few rooms away. A new teacher, he remembers, though he can't recall seeing the man slip away from the group at any point.

"I'll just-"

He ducks down and steps to the side, leaving the doorway open for Jungkook.

"-get out of your way. Sorry again!"

And the stranger disappears down the hall.

Minhyun : "Jungkook! Come in!"

He hears Minhyun call out to him from inside the office, and he steps forward dutifully at the invitation.

Jungkook : "Good afternoon, sir."

He greets the principal, who is taking a seat behind his desk when Jungkook spots him.

Minhyun : "Good afternoon. How are things going out there?"

Jungkook gives him a tight, reassuring smile.

Jungkook :  "Just fine, everyone is getting to know one another, networking-"

Minhyun : "Excellent!"

Minhyun smiles, his handsome face lighting up. It's strange for Jungkook to stand before him, their height difference-normally dramatically reversed-giving him an odd sense of being where he doesn't belong. He quickly takes one of the seats in front of the broad oak desk, the room silent except for the crinkle of leather beneath him.

Jungkook: "Where is Jeongyeon?"

He asks, the absence of Minhyun's personal secretary conspicuous.

Minhyun : "I have sent her on an errand."

Minhyun answers shortly, his tone even.

Minhyun : "But I have a feeling you haven't come to update me on the proceedings, or to ask after Ms. Yoo's whereabouts, have you? Tell me-what's on your mind?"

Jungkook : "I saw HER."

Minhyun : "Ah."

Minhyun : "You didn't tell me you'd found someone-"

Jungkook : "I don't know whether I have, yet-but I'm optimistic."

Minhyun cuts him off with a wave of his hand, as if to cast Jungkook's insinuation aside.

Minhyun : "Tell me, since you seem to have noticed her-what is your first impression?"

Jungkook : "she is...."

Jungkook pauses, thinking back to the young lady who had caught his attention, her round eyes and pretty face.

Jungkook : "Young. Attractive."

Minhyun : "Yes, and...?"

Jungkook : "I noticed her immediately-she's the only person in that room who doesn't seem to know why she's here."

Minhyun : "Innocent, isn't she?"

Minhyun sits back in his chair, the large wingback frame spreading behind him imperiously, only accentuating the principal's broad shoulders.

Jungkook : "Very, though I hope she isn't... too innocent."

Jungkook adds.

Jungkook : "No, no, certainly not....she's an able-bodied, virile young lady. I'm sure she'll be more than receptive to the training."

The principal steeples his fingers together, resting his chin atop them thoughtfully.

Minhyun : "My only concern is her lack of knowledge, her ignorance to our-"

Jungkook : "We talked about this."

Jungkook dares to interrupt, knowing that he's right .

Jungkook : "It's too dangerous, after what happened last time-we need someone new, someone inexperienced, it's too much work to re-train someone-"

Minhyun : "I know, I know..."

Minhyun sighs and drops his hands back to his lap, casting his gaze out the window.

Minhyun : "You always keep me on track, Jungkook. I value your feedback, as always."

Jungkook : "Thank you, sir."

Minhyun : "Well...we've dallied for too long, wouldn't you say?"

Minhyun pats his hands on his knees once before getting back to his feet, Jungkook rising to join him seconds later.

Minhyun : "We should rejoin the others and focus on intake and room assignments. Have they secured their belongings yet?"

Jungkook : "No-we haven't quite gotten there yet."

Minhyun : "Well, we can't let that oversight continue, hm? Let's go make sure everyone is settled in. Shall we?"

He raises a hand towards the door, gesturing for Jungkook to lead the way.

Jungkook turns, but pauses before taking even a step forward, feeling an important question on the tip of his tongue.

Jungkook : "Oh-one more thing."

Minhyun : "Yes?"

Jungkook : "What was her name?"

Minhyun : "Rin Y/n."

Minhyun answers immediately, and Jungkook commits it to memory.

'Rin Y/n.'

He thinks, mulling it over and over again.

'A name worth remembering.'

With his last question answered, Jungkook squares his shoulders and steps out into the hall. Behind him, he hears the click of the door closing, the jingle of keys in a lock-and the prickle of eyes on his neck lingers all the way back to the auditorium.

Auditorium-First Floor  08.10.20 11:04AM

Jungkook stations himself at the front of the long table that has been set up at the heart of the auditorium, several other staff members joining him on one side of the table while the new hires line up on the other side-about 20 in total, he estimates.

A few are here to teach, he discovers as they pass him by one-by-one, each with a small bow in greeting. One is a science teacher, two others are here to work in the library; several more aren't intending to join the school, but are here for the retreat all the same.

At the end of each greeting, he holds out a small black bag to the individual before him, prompting him or her to drop their phones inside.

Jungkook : "To reduce distractions from our work."

He explains to the one person who asks.

Jungkook :  "as we indicated in your welcome letter. It's important that we all get the most out of the retreat before the semester begins."

The line passes quickly, each new member being given keys, lanyards, ID cards-even stationary and clothing embossed with the school logo, all signifying their position in the community.

Jungkook catches himself glancing to the back of the line as they pass, the youngest among them hanging back a few steps, only moving forward when prompted. When she steps up in front of Jungkook, he knows the young lady's name even before she raises her voice to introduce herself.

"Rin Y/n."

She says, and Jungkook pretends to look down at the checklist before her for a moment.

Jungkook : "Ah, yes..."

He says, checking of Y/n's name before raising his head again to meet the young lady's eyes-so wide, so naive.

Jungkook :  "Welcome, Ms. Rin."

Y/n : "T-Thank you..."

Y/n murmurs in response. She clutches at the polo shirt and jacket she is offered, seemingly so nervous that she doesn't even comment when Jungkook neglects to hand her a key card as he did for everyone else. She pauses, looking down at her phone with pursed lips when Jungkook holds out a black bag for her to deposit the device inside.

Jungkook : "Is everything alright?"

Jungkook asks, tone as concerned as he can manage.

Y/n : "I-"

Y/n seems to struggle for a moment, turning the phone display on and back off again with a click of a button on its side.

Y/n: "Yes, I just-I've never done anything like this before."

She admits, then slides the phone down into the bag. It takes a second longer for her to actually release the device and pull her hand away, Jungkook immediately closing the drawstrings of the bag after her.

Jungkook : "Anything like...what?"

Jungkook asks, curious now.

Y/n : "Like a-a real job. Not like this."

Ah, and Jungkook understands now. His lips quirk into what he hopes will be an understanding smile.

Y/n : "I mean, maybe I shouldn't admit it to you, but-I'm nervous. Is that wrong?"

Jungkook : "No, not wrong..."

And Jungkook means it as he replies.

Jungkook :  "I was nervous too, when I first started. But this community is so welcoming, and the staff is amazing. The work we do here is so important, you'll forget about your nerves in no time."

He pauses, giving y/n a meaningful look.

Jungkook : "Trust me."

Y/n : "Yeah-"

Y/n shrugs, looking sheepish.

Y/n :  "I do, I trust you. I'm just being silly. I don't want to give up my phone in case my mom calls-how silly is that?"

Jungkook can't help but give a little laugh at that.

Jungkook : "I wouldn't worry too much about that, kid. You're going to have a great time, and you'll forget all about any concerns from outside very soon, don't you worry."

Y/n seems to relax at that, looking up at jungkook hopefully now.

Y/n :  "You think so?"

Jungkook : "I know so. Now, hurry up, go catch up with the rest of the group! They'll be discussing policies soon, and you don't want to miss anything!"

Y/n : "Okay, okay!"

Y/n takes a few steps down the other side of the table, then pauses and backtracks quickly.

Y/n : "Wait...one more question?"

Jungkook : "Sure, kid..."

Y/n : "When-uh, when do we find out what subjects we'll be teaching? I-maybe I should know this already, but I haven't been given any information about that, so..."

Jungkook : "Oh."

Jungkook smiles at her, broadly this time.

Jungkook : "Don't worry! You haven't missed anything. You'll receive your assignment at the end of the orientation, once Principal Kim has taken the time to assess the departmental needs."

Y/n : "Oh, right-of course."

Y/n shakes her head as if she were being silly.

Y/n : "Right, sorry. Thank you!"

And with a slight bow, Y/n scampers off to join the rest of the line of new hires, looking brighter and more confident than before.

Jungkook takes a moment to consider their conversation, thinking over all that the girl had disclosed to him, then chances a glance down the long table towards the principal himself. Minhyun is, unsurprisingly, staring right back at him.

With a nod of his head towards Y/n, Jungkook realizes what Minhyun is looking for, Jungkook's final decision about the young lady who had just been before him. With a small nod of his own head, Jungkook confirms the decision-yes, he thinks. Yes. Rin Y/n is perfect. The principal looks all-too-pleased with Jungkook's confirmation, a smug smile tugging at his thick lips.

In return, Jungkook raises the black bag in his hand to draw Minhyun's attention towards it, feeling the weight of the phone inside. Minhyun makes his thoughts on the matter clear when the smile immediately disappears from his lips, his eyes sharp and his expression unquestionable. Jungkook knows immediately, exactly, what he is supposed to do.

'Destroy it.'