11 A Freightening View

Now that I think about hanging out with my students yesterday, I just realize that I never hung out with anyone in my teens.

All I did was training vigorously and killing targets. I never had any friends outside UCA. Marjorie restricted me to make friends outside the agency. It was for my own good as an assassin and I acknowledged it.

I wish I could turn back time to experience such a thing but I'm happy right now.

Mr. Yang called me to his office to talk about future activities and the progress on our investigation.

"Did you find the location where the culprit used the ATM card," I ask Mr. Yang.

"I tried any hacking means, but I still can't find it. I don't even know the goddamn PIN number. This is why we have to ask the kid."

"The PIN number is crucial to find the culprit. Or it would have been. I think it's gonna be harder to approach her for that.We can't even find a strategy right now."

Mr. Yang jokingly suggests, "We can just ask her directly for that."

I chuckle and reply, "Why do we even bother?"

We finish the time to talk as I head to my first class.

After finishing the lesson five minutes early...

"Open discussion time!"

I rest my buttocks against the table and initiate the open discussion.

"Right. Is your restaurant done with the renovation?"

Hanchul answers, "Yes."

"Nice! Finally we get to eat Jung chicken! Hey guys, we should eat there."

After today's schedule ends, I quickly fix my things on my desk, get my bag and leave the faculty room.

Await outside the gate are Yongjoon and other of his friends, Seungmin and Sunwoo.

I did invite Yoonwoo but he said he's busy, so he remains in the faculty room.

Yongjoon shouts from beside the gate, "Mr. Lee!"

They approach me and I speak, "So you decided to join me?"

Seungmin cheerfully replies, "We're looking forward to tasting Jung Chicken."

"Aren't you gonna go to play at the PC bang?"

Sunwoo queries, "By any chance, are you also a gamer?"

I deny, "Nope."

Chaeyoon joins in suddenly and asks, "Are you going to Jung Chicken?"

The guys have their faces in disappointment. Chaeyoon notices and complains, "What's with those faces? You don't want me to come?!"

I tell her, "It's okay. (point at myself) As long as I'm the party leader, there's nothing these guys do!"

The guys are in shock as they look at me and call my name as if they're begging for mercy.

"Mr. Lee..."

I start to walk and signa them, "Let's go!"

I bet Chaeyoon teases the guys with her tongue face and they are pissed.

Then, I suddenly stop remembering something, "Wait a second… Where's Hanchul?"

"I think he just finished cleaning the room and is on his way now. I can't believe you actually forgot him, Mr. Lee."

I did. I'm sorry. I just got too excited.

Later, we finally arrive at Jung Chicken, which by the way is located at Sinsa-dong, and get to order what we want, with Hanchul this time.

Hanchul addresses his gratefulness, "Thank you so much for coming here to our restaurant! this means a lot to me!"

Chaeyoon looks around and compliments the interior of the restaurant, "Wow, look at the design and color scheme of your restaurant. They're on point."

"The renovation is pretty much a success," I comment.

"And the pictures on the menu are looking delicious," Sunwoo adds.

I notify, "You're just hungry."

The rest laugh as Sunwoo is left no choice but to chuckle.

The sliding door makes the sound as Minyoung and Yoona enter.

They always stick together, do they?

Chaeyoon shouts, "Mingyoung-ah! Yoona-yah!"

The boys quickly arrange seats for the newcomers while Minyoung and Yoona greet us.

The situation of Jung Chicken starts to get stable with the family's new ideas for promotion.

At least for now.

I swear to God, if the police take no action for the other stores in this streethood, I'll do it myself.

We finished our dinner and it was delicious. People are just passing on Jung Chicken. I should invite other classes and teachers. Even Mr. Yang.

Yongjoon, Seungmina and Sunwoo head straight to the PC bang, and the girls head home.

As for me, I'm going to the rooftop of a certain skyscraper where one can view the whole city. It's me and Yoonwoo's secret place.

As I climb my way to the rooftop with a bottle of Coke in my hand, I text Yoonwoo to come only to receive a reply… that he's still busy.

I text him back to do that at home to feel more convenient if ever he's still at school.

I finally reach the rooftop and open the door outside.

As soon as I step outside, I clearly see the skyscrapers of Seoul as they start to light up. It's almost getting dark.

I roam around to check if there are other people.

I check the first three corners and the coasts are clear.

As for the last one…

I see a bag…

And a frightening view.

One girl wearing the school uniform of Apgujeong High is standing beyond the rail.

Now that I see her back, she IS one of my students.

Is she going to jump off? What the hell?!

I mumble, "What is this girl doing?"

I quickly run towards her to stop her suicide.

I see she's one step away from jumping off.

I yell at her, "Kang Shinhye!"

She hears my voice and looks back.

But she slips, causing her to lose balance and fall off.

That takes me by surprise but not enough to waver.

Her hands are starting to go away from the rail but I manage to reach the rail.

It's not too late.

I jump over the rail while holding one hand on the rail.

I keep holding the rail as I reach the girl's wrist.

Quivering with fear, Shinhye looks at me and and speaks, "Mr. Lee..."

I yell at her again, "What the hell are you doing, Shinhye?!"

She yells back, "Let me go, Mr. Lee!"

"Do you want to die that badly?!"

Shinhye starts to cry and reply, "Please… let me go..."

I immediately pull her towards the rail and surround her with my arm to make sure she doesn't move.

Still in tears, she stares at me and asks, "Wh… why did you do that?"

I answer, "So you won't die, that's why."

I give her the alternative, "Instead of jumping, you can just cry."

Gradually, Shinhye cries heavily while on the rail.

We are not in a good spot right now. I tell her to stop crying and go down the rail.

I just saved a life. I hope something like this won't ever happen again. Especially right in front of my eyes.