10. Mom's gift

I couldn't sleep well last night because of what had happened at school. I could still feel Minseok's lingering touch on my body which sickened my skin. Yesterday's incident didn't leave me alone even in my dreams. Barely getting four hours of sleep I woke up with a mild headache and a sweaty body. My ears felt hot like I was blushing which indicated at I was likely running a fever.

I chose to ignore it and just quietly leave for school. I sat at the dining table as mom set the breakfast. For some reason, she was extra enthusiastic today. But I felt too fatigued to ask for the reasons.

Once I was done eating mom stopped me saying, "Seo-ah, now that you go to a prominent school I don't want you to feel left out. I know even if you needed anything you wouldn't ask. And this school might be too different from your other schools. I hope you can make lots of new friends and live a carefree life like kids your age."

She beamed giving me a box. I raised my eyebrows in amazement and opened it. Inside laid the most stunning pair of sneakers I could ever yearn of owning. It was black with a small silver chain for decoration and minute silver details. My eyes widened as I blinked twice still not believing how much money mom must have expended just for me to not feel ashamed in school.

Mom chuckled at my speechless state making me snap out of the daze.

"Mom, you didn't have to get them...", I said in disbelief.

"I didn't have to but I wanted to." She said shrugging, "I know you love shoes so take it as your birthday present, Seo-ah. I don't want my son to feel any less than the other kids. You know, good shoes take you to good places. I want you to go to all the good places, dear." She said beaming warmly and patting my cheek lovingly which made me tear up. I smiled and hugged her as thank you. Resting my chin on her shoulder I blinked rapidly to get rid of the tears.

If only you knew... Mom, what should I do for you to never find out the reality...? I don't want you to be sad so please...

"Alright! You're gonna be late dear. Change your shoes and go before you miss your bus!", She said pulling away from the hug.

"No, I'm not wearing them now. I'll wear them on some special day."

These shoes are too precious to be worn to school...

~~

And in fact, I was late for school... By an hour. Which rewarded me with a punishment from the P.E. teacher. I'll have to make 10 laps of the playground. The worst part was that my fever and headache got worse after the lunch break.

Our history teacher was yet to come and Baekhyun was 'playing' with me. His so-called game had me on the edge. He was playing a 'finger stab game' with my hand. Not with anything soft but with a pen.

"If you stab his finger you owe me 100M won", Daejung put in the bet as he sat on the teacher's table.

"Deal!", exclaimed Baekhyun. "Seonie if you don't wanna get hurt don't move your hand." her said faking a sweet voice to sound like he was mocking me.

He held my right wrist with his left hand while holding a pen in the other.

How did I even end up in this situation?

His grip was as powerful as iron or it was just my fever. Baekhyun's speed was insane which made me worry. He rapidly stabbed the spaces between my fingers a couple of the students cheered. I shut tight my eyes not wanting to see my finger get stabbed. I wanted to move my hand but that would be even more dangerous.

How can they take pleasure in this? Will you like it if you were in my place...

Baekhyun cheered on winning the 'game' and Daejung groaned in disappointment. The teacher entered the classroom and looked at my face which had gotten paler because of dread.

Maybe he will help-

His eyes examined the classroom before saying, "Quit messing around and get back to your seats. Turn to page 64 of your books and blah blah blah."

He just ignored the scene he just witnessed? That easily? Is it because Daejung is much stronger or because I don't hold any authority in this school? But why does power even concern you when your job is to teach and guide the student as their teacher? Maybe Daejung isn't the problem... Maybe it's me. He's discriminating because I come from a humble background...

My breathing was heavier because of my poor health condition and I wasn't sure how I will do 10 laps after school.