Diary of a Freshmeat
Title: Diary of a Freshmeat
Author thinkingfood
Rating: Pg
Pairing/Focus: Jonghyun/Key (hint of Tofuho)
Summary: Key's starting his first day of high lost, confuzed, and alone until he meets a kind sophomore named Jonghyun
A little present for my fairy dongsaengie twinklespink who is starting her first day of high school today. aja aja HWAITING<333 hope this makes you smile bb enjoy!
“And the award for best new writer goes to……ARNNNT ARNNNNT!!!!”
Sunshine leaked through the room’s pink satin curtains, the rays’ ends playfully tickling over the tip of my nose and eyes, shaking away the much needed sleep. The mattress groaned at the shifted weight as I turned to cease the annoying beeping sounding from the cheap alarm clock on a large cardboard box adjacent to the bed. Consciousness dripped in slowly, my senses recovering from the short rest of night.
6:33 AM the clock read, not a pleasing time to say the least and the outside view was just as unsatisfying. The sun, still lighting the sky, had yet to brighten the large blue sky leaving the high expanse a murky darkened purple. There was a name for this sky color: too early to be awake, and I hated it.
What’s the cause of this insane wake up you may ask? School. The first day of school. I loathed the day and this year would be the worst by far. Along with the towers of piling homework assessments and waking up at ungodly hours to attend the international symbol of boredom, I was required to make new friends in a new city all while trying not to die. Yes today is the first day of my high school life from now on I would be regarded the lowest rung of the school’s food chain, just a forgettable freshmeat fending off hungered beast called upper classman.
6:53 AM and my freshly showered hair is still damp, tiny drops trailing like bread crumbs to my closet. What to wear? After devoting countless weekends to choosing the all important perfect ‘First Day’ ensemble, light pink skinnies and a loose white graphic tee was deemed winner. Dressing quickly, I glanced into the mirror for one last time giving my hair a toss, before speeding down the stairs to grab a piece of toast and catch the bus.
“Have fun,” I heard my mom call from the house just as the bus arrived. Fun? I could think of a few other words on describe how today would go.
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As the bus pulled up in front of the school a scene from a madhouse played out. Since when did the definition of high school mean zoo? These people weren’t children they were animals, crazy hormonal animals. Running around climbing on things they had no business climbing on only to later begin hanging off of said items like uncivilized primates. Trying to walking more than five steps without seeing some kid do something stupid was a repeated fail. Whoever said high school makes you more mature was obviously smoking something (like the blackened mass of dead beats blocking the school entrance.) Gosh, between the fog of nicotine smoke and the forest of assorted perfumes I can barely breathe. Mom if I don’t make it out alive remember I love you.
Taking a deep breath in -face nuzzled into the crook of my bent elbow- I hastily ran through from the deadly fumes of the outside, throwing the towering entrance doors open in a rush. Hunching over I rested the palms of my hands on my knees, greedily sucking in as much air as possible to inflate my now shriveled lungs. Looking up, I sighed wondering if the gods were purposely picking on me in my darkness time. The scene laying out in front of me seemed ten times worst then the madness occurring outside. Zoo meets ocean, I thought wading through the raging seas of teenage bodies. Waves of idle students flooded the main hall, sticking themselves against locker, walls, and other important areas that I don’t know… NEEDED TO BE WALKED DOWN.
Navigating my way to the student help office was like trying to leave a frat party sober- impossible. By the time I made it to my destination I had began considering trying out for the football team what with all this pushing and shoving just to travel one step in his gosh- forsaken building I figure I might as well put my abilities to good use. But that thought as well as any others swimming around in my head- like how much I hated today so far- disappeared when I saw him. Behind the wooden stand separating our two spaces, large almond eyes sparkled back into mine. Deep rivers of honey brown with highlights of hazel, green, and chestnut entranced every ounce of my attention.
“Ummm, can I help you,” an angelic voice asked bringing me back to sad reality I lived in. I shook my head snapping out of my dazed state, the only word I could think to form was, “Huh?” The angel chucked at my confusion, his smile only sending me under his spell again.
“How can I help you,” he repeated with patience, the beautiful smile never leaving his face.
Help? Why do I need help? Breathe Kibum! Breathe!
Scraping my thoughts together with little self control I had left, I remembered why I was at the office to begin with.
“S-s-sch-edule.” I mentally slapped myself for how pathetic my voice sounded.
“Sure.” And like that he was gone (momentarily of course but gone all the same) stepping deeper into the room to print my request.
“Cool, you have Ms. Hae homeroom, do you wanna walk together? My homeroom is across the hall.”
My mouth felt numb, unable to form proper words let alone hold a decent conversation so I just nodded falling in step beside the brown haired beauty as we made our way down the hall.
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“No please, you can‘t leave me now.” I clung to my savior’s arm childishly refusing to enter the serious classroom setting set after being ten minutes late. We had been bickering outside the room for five minutes. Me with my whimpering of how I couldn’t enter alone without feeling like a total loser, while he feed me comforting lines one after the other.
“You‘ll be fine, don’t worry so much.”
My hand clenched his sleeve tighter, “No I won‘t what if no one likes me and makes fun of me for being late.” Tears collected in my eyes, a stray drop slipping down my cheek. I was never one to run away from a new adventure but starting high school was different. It wasn’t just a new adventure, it was like stepping into a whole new world; with rules, written and unwritten on what to do and not do and when and how to do them. Everything was so confusing, too confusing.
“Who would be stupid enough to not like someone as cute as you. Being late is no real news, those kids will forget about it by the time you take your seat, okay?” the pad of my angel’s thumb swiped the tear from my cheek, a reassuring smile gracing his lips as he opened the door to my homeroom with his left hand, the right one pushing me inside.
Ok, here goes nothing…
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Bio, Algebra, and History went by smoothly, well pretty smoothly if you subtracted the embarrassment caused Mr. Lee in history. He was definitely one of those ’think outside the box’ kind of teachers, with his odd colored bow tie standing out against his just too small button up shirt. His young age made him an easy target for the class of little beasts who found it wonderfully enjoyable to torture the poor teacher by throwing his little action models of the presidents and other important historical figures across the aisles to each other, laughing as they watched Mr. Lee run from side to side arms extended above his head in a sad attempt to catch his artifacts in a dirty game of monkey in the middle. After, regaining power in the classroom Mr. Lee recommended we play a game to break the ice. The game ended up being charades and guess who was chosen to play first? Yup, yours truly.
Being the good sport I was, I walked to the front of the room and picked a card from the top hat that had magically appeared from someplace else in the room. ‘Homage’ the chicken scratch belonging to my teacher read on the selected card.
Homage? What the hell is that, some type of hummus?
Changing your card was forbidden so I was left, gesturing to an unknown word for what felt like years. The bell buzzed, releasing me from the horrible jaws of charades. My legs shot out of the room in a flash carrying me at road runner speed until the cafeteria was reached.
Great, new school meant no friends and being that the only thing I could focus on was locating my next class the time so making them never occurred.
Weaving through the rows of tables my head swiveled in search of possible groups that would take me in. Clusters of groups filled the cafeteria: Punks, skaters, emos, cheerleaders, jocks, all focus on self containment, not looking to adopt a new member.
Looks like I was on my own for lunch today. Scouting the room I hurried to a vacant table in the corner before it became unavailable. My chews showed my envy towards the rest of the lunch crowd. Those rude inconsiderate people with there little clicks eating and laughing together while I sulk into my sandwich.
Whispers and hushed giggles sounded from the table behind, girls gossiping about bad about everyone and everything of the day.
“Look at what he‘s wearing.” Girl number one said, her index finger pointing directly at her attended target. The other two girls at the table rotated to get a full view at their newly appointed victim. Frowning her face in disgust, girl number two answered. “Sooooo last season.”
Shallow bitches, I thought to myself. How could anyone be that repulsingly vile to a person based on the style of clothing they wore.
“Hush girls you shouldn’t act like that.” The third girl spoke. Finally someone with the decency to judge a person based on their personality and not just their looks, maybe a possible friend for me to make.
“With a fashion sense like that, hasn’t he suffered enough.” Hyena like cackles filled the table, each girl dieing as if the comment was the funniest thing they had ever heard.
“Excuse me,” the voice of the third girl shouted. “You in front with the horrid pink skinny jeans.” My head swiveled to the see the source of the laugher was none other than… me.
Her cruel attacks continued one after the other, asking “Does your umma hate you?” and “Were you paid to wear those.” My blood started to boil with anger, my fingers rolling in to make clenching fist under the table.
Being a lover not a fighter, I deserted my lunch and fled to the school’s roof, taking the steps two at a time, the door slammed as I made it to the top. Engulfing silence calmed my racing heart, the quiet a relaxing change from what laid downstairs. Over the outer rimming the sky scraping buildings of Seoul stood straight like solders protecting the city, looking desolate on the outside masking the busy work of unknown people on its insides.
My knuckles, white from anger, gripped the edge’s railing; the frustrations of the day tightening my hold of the medal bar. “I HATE SCHOOL” I screamed- leaning my chest to rest on the banister, eyes closed and feet planted to the ground- out into the emptiness, letting out all the pent up emotions collected from the moment I stepped into the school.
“That bad?” A familiar voice questioned in the background, his steps pattering as they make their way to stand beside me. His hands rested on the steel railing behind us, the chocolate haired wonder leaned his back against the bar, his head tilted back soaking in the warmth of the day. My eyes couldn’t help but drift sideways to admire my angel. The sun’s lighting angled perfectly across his laxed frame, his body portraying the absolute opposite of mine.
I didn’t answer the question, I couldn’t, not now.
“It gets better.” The promise echoed in the silence, giving me a small spark of confidence. It had to get better right? Again I stayed muted, not knowing what to say or do without sounding stupid. But soon the stillness became awkward like both of our tongues held words we wanted to share.
My mind worked at war speed, thousands of questions occupying my thoughts. What‘s your name? What grade are you in? How will you know everything will get better? What if it doesn’t?
As if the beauty had read the whirlwind of anticipation camping up in my distressed head, answers poured out effortlessly in his breezy tone. “Sophomore Kim Jonghyun at your service, and your name?”
“Kim Kibum,” I managed to choke out.
“Well nice to meet you Kibum, now why don’t we get you some food.” I laughed as Jonghyun whined about his hunger, rubbing his stomach as if he would die if food wasn’t presented soon. Hand in hand we made our way back to my table in front of those snobby cheerleader clones. My feet halted, catching the glares beaming from the table, my heartbeat quickened scared to see how the hyenas would try and embarrass me this time. Sensing my hesitation, Jonghyun gave my hand squeeze, his smile telling me not to worry.
“Jonghyun-oppa sit with me.”
“No me oppa~”
“He‘s sitting with me!”
Jonghyun ignored the begging his eyes focused on the small gathering of students sitting at my not so vacant table. Seated were four boys, each higher in beauty than any girl I had seen today, the popular ones I guessed, probably fought after day after day by love-struck girls and friended by every guy. But why was I walking there?
“These are my friends,” Jonghyun introduced, pointing to each person in turn to their name. “Onew, Minho, and Taemin.”
Onew and Minho paused their on going debate on which super power was the best to acknowledge the newbie standing before them, their eyes silently evaluating me in one look.
“Nice to meet you.” Minho greeted nodding his head in a bow-like manner.
“How do ya do?” Onew smiled reaching his hand out to shake mine.
The last said nothing looking down into his food as he ate, shoulders scrunched in defense, braced for any sudden terror.
“Taeminnie say hi to Kibum.” Obeying the command, Taemin glanced away from his sandwich, a meek ‘hello’ scantly sounding from his mouth before he moved back to his prior position. I bowed back.
“Hungry?” Onew asked holding his chicken fingers out for me to take a bite.
“Of course he is,” a voice cut in “he spent all his money buying ugly clothes he can‘t afford a proper lunch.”
Laugher exploded at the table, the three hyenas high fiving each other at their success. My head hung low, my bangs thankfully falling over to mask my tearing eyes. There was no need to speak back it would only fuel the fire of my embarrassment.
Jonghyun pushed his chair back, his serene smile morphing to an upset frown.
“Don’t worry Jong we got this.” Onew said placing his hand on his friend’s shoulder -sitting the angered boy back down in his seat next to me- and with Minho stood from his chairs making their way over to the mocking trio.
“Ever try wearing real clothes, you should really try it. What do you think Minho, are you attracted to… this?” Onew exaggerated, nauseated by the clothes or lack of on the girl’s body.
“Hell no.” Minho’s tone low and deep dripped with acid, disapproving each outfit with a shake of his head.
The scene was a pleasant change, my giggles controllable as I watched the duo tag team the table with hateful comments. Onew looked like he was going to be sick while Minho gave off the vibe of Say-something-rude-to-my-friend-and-die. Twice I almost fell off my chair my mood flipped by the entertaining event. The bell for the class strained cutting the Onew and Minho’s verbal beat down short. Retrieving their abandoned bags, the two grabbed Taemin and called for Jonghyun and me to follow, making sure to send murdering scowls to my bullies before leaving.
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“Taemin-ah do these pants make my butt look big?” No matter which way I twirled my hips the gym uniform looked horrible. “Who decided on these colors? Were they color blind? Since when does maroon look good with light gray?” Tugging the shirt down didn’t help either, this outfit was ugly no matter which way you wore it.
“It looks we better go before we‘re late?” The two of us were the only ones still in the locker room and I could see why. Nasty smelly sour odors protruded in ever corner of the space, preying on weak noses with their toxic smells.
“I hate gym,” Taemin moaned as we made our way to half circle formed around the explaining teachers. We were playing volleyball today and needed to split off into competing teams. Immediately after the order was given to find team members, Taemin clung onto my arm, hugging it like a scared toddler in a crowded store. “Don’t leave meeeee~?”
Jumping in to whatever team was closest, Taemin and I lined up in rows preparing to start the game. The ball sailed through the air, coasted back and forth over the net by powerful hits. I stiffened a yawn, zoning out to deliberate over what to make for dinner tonight. The bright lights of the gymnasium dimmed, a shade covering the front of my face. Blinking out of daydreams of spicy rice cakes and kimchi the sudden appearance of a body stunned my movements.
“You need to be more careful Bummie, we can‘t let your pretty little face get bruised by a volleyball. So focus for me ok?” Jonghyun poked my forehead lightly, expressing his worries. The touch, yet small and playful, set my heart crazy; the sensation lingering in tingles long after my angel returned back to his class. The teacher -choosing the worst moment to interfere with my enjoyment- blew his whistle, summoning the brunette running back to the soccer field with threats of after school detention.
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Art and English flashed by sending my first day of high school life to a close. I survived! Suddenly drained by the day’s activities walked (shoved, pushed and squeezed) out the school’s entrance, my thoughts replaying everything that happened; searching for my classes, meeting Jonghyun, Onew and Minho’s lunch time battle with the hyenas, Taemin’s company in the locker rooms, even that loud teacher screaming…
“KEYYYYY!!~”
My eyes darted across the yard to see four boys waving like lunatics at me, calling me to join them on their walk home. Running over to them I smiled, maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Moral of the story: 1) bad things are bound to happen the first day of school so dont worry about it and relax.2) School sucks, period. 3) stay positive and you'll get through the day alive. I wish shinee went to my school, maybe i wouldnt hate it as much. Shinee have you covered the Birds and the Bees yet? School is coming in a week for me and I already feel like running away. Love for everyone!
Author thinkingfood
Rating: Pg
Pairing/Focus: Jonghyun/Key (hint of Tofuho)
Summary: Key's starting his first day of high lost, confuzed, and alone until he meets a kind sophomore named Jonghyun
A little present for my fairy dongsaengie twinklespink who is starting her first day of high school today. aja aja HWAITING<333 hope this makes you smile bb enjoy!
“And the award for best new writer goes to……ARNNNT ARNNNNT!!!!”
Sunshine leaked through the room’s pink satin curtains, the rays’ ends playfully tickling over the tip of my nose and eyes, shaking away the much needed sleep. The mattress groaned at the shifted weight as I turned to cease the annoying beeping sounding from the cheap alarm clock on a large cardboard box adjacent to the bed. Consciousness dripped in slowly, my senses recovering from the short rest of night.
6:33 AM the clock read, not a pleasing time to say the least and the outside view was just as unsatisfying. The sun, still lighting the sky, had yet to brighten the large blue sky leaving the high expanse a murky darkened purple. There was a name for this sky color: too early to be awake, and I hated it.
What’s the cause of this insane wake up you may ask? School. The first day of school. I loathed the day and this year would be the worst by far. Along with the towers of piling homework assessments and waking up at ungodly hours to attend the international symbol of boredom, I was required to make new friends in a new city all while trying not to die. Yes today is the first day of my high school life from now on I would be regarded the lowest rung of the school’s food chain, just a forgettable freshmeat fending off hungered beast called upper classman.
6:53 AM and my freshly showered hair is still damp, tiny drops trailing like bread crumbs to my closet. What to wear? After devoting countless weekends to choosing the all important perfect ‘First Day’ ensemble, light pink skinnies and a loose white graphic tee was deemed winner. Dressing quickly, I glanced into the mirror for one last time giving my hair a toss, before speeding down the stairs to grab a piece of toast and catch the bus.
“Have fun,” I heard my mom call from the house just as the bus arrived. Fun? I could think of a few other words on describe how today would go.
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As the bus pulled up in front of the school a scene from a madhouse played out. Since when did the definition of high school mean zoo? These people weren’t children they were animals, crazy hormonal animals. Running around climbing on things they had no business climbing on only to later begin hanging off of said items like uncivilized primates. Trying to walking more than five steps without seeing some kid do something stupid was a repeated fail. Whoever said high school makes you more mature was obviously smoking something (like the blackened mass of dead beats blocking the school entrance.) Gosh, between the fog of nicotine smoke and the forest of assorted perfumes I can barely breathe. Mom if I don’t make it out alive remember I love you.
Taking a deep breath in -face nuzzled into the crook of my bent elbow- I hastily ran through from the deadly fumes of the outside, throwing the towering entrance doors open in a rush. Hunching over I rested the palms of my hands on my knees, greedily sucking in as much air as possible to inflate my now shriveled lungs. Looking up, I sighed wondering if the gods were purposely picking on me in my darkness time. The scene laying out in front of me seemed ten times worst then the madness occurring outside. Zoo meets ocean, I thought wading through the raging seas of teenage bodies. Waves of idle students flooded the main hall, sticking themselves against locker, walls, and other important areas that I don’t know… NEEDED TO BE WALKED DOWN.
Navigating my way to the student help office was like trying to leave a frat party sober- impossible. By the time I made it to my destination I had began considering trying out for the football team what with all this pushing and shoving just to travel one step in his gosh- forsaken building I figure I might as well put my abilities to good use. But that thought as well as any others swimming around in my head- like how much I hated today so far- disappeared when I saw him. Behind the wooden stand separating our two spaces, large almond eyes sparkled back into mine. Deep rivers of honey brown with highlights of hazel, green, and chestnut entranced every ounce of my attention.
“Ummm, can I help you,” an angelic voice asked bringing me back to sad reality I lived in. I shook my head snapping out of my dazed state, the only word I could think to form was, “Huh?” The angel chucked at my confusion, his smile only sending me under his spell again.
“How can I help you,” he repeated with patience, the beautiful smile never leaving his face.
Help? Why do I need help? Breathe Kibum! Breathe!
Scraping my thoughts together with little self control I had left, I remembered why I was at the office to begin with.
“S-s-sch-edule.” I mentally slapped myself for how pathetic my voice sounded.
“Sure.” And like that he was gone (momentarily of course but gone all the same) stepping deeper into the room to print my request.
“Cool, you have Ms. Hae homeroom, do you wanna walk together? My homeroom is across the hall.”
My mouth felt numb, unable to form proper words let alone hold a decent conversation so I just nodded falling in step beside the brown haired beauty as we made our way down the hall.
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“No please, you can‘t leave me now.” I clung to my savior’s arm childishly refusing to enter the serious classroom setting set after being ten minutes late. We had been bickering outside the room for five minutes. Me with my whimpering of how I couldn’t enter alone without feeling like a total loser, while he feed me comforting lines one after the other.
“You‘ll be fine, don’t worry so much.”
My hand clenched his sleeve tighter, “No I won‘t what if no one likes me and makes fun of me for being late.” Tears collected in my eyes, a stray drop slipping down my cheek. I was never one to run away from a new adventure but starting high school was different. It wasn’t just a new adventure, it was like stepping into a whole new world; with rules, written and unwritten on what to do and not do and when and how to do them. Everything was so confusing, too confusing.
“Who would be stupid enough to not like someone as cute as you. Being late is no real news, those kids will forget about it by the time you take your seat, okay?” the pad of my angel’s thumb swiped the tear from my cheek, a reassuring smile gracing his lips as he opened the door to my homeroom with his left hand, the right one pushing me inside.
Ok, here goes nothing…
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Bio, Algebra, and History went by smoothly, well pretty smoothly if you subtracted the embarrassment caused Mr. Lee in history. He was definitely one of those ’think outside the box’ kind of teachers, with his odd colored bow tie standing out against his just too small button up shirt. His young age made him an easy target for the class of little beasts who found it wonderfully enjoyable to torture the poor teacher by throwing his little action models of the presidents and other important historical figures across the aisles to each other, laughing as they watched Mr. Lee run from side to side arms extended above his head in a sad attempt to catch his artifacts in a dirty game of monkey in the middle. After, regaining power in the classroom Mr. Lee recommended we play a game to break the ice. The game ended up being charades and guess who was chosen to play first? Yup, yours truly.
Being the good sport I was, I walked to the front of the room and picked a card from the top hat that had magically appeared from someplace else in the room. ‘Homage’ the chicken scratch belonging to my teacher read on the selected card.
Homage? What the hell is that, some type of hummus?
Changing your card was forbidden so I was left, gesturing to an unknown word for what felt like years. The bell buzzed, releasing me from the horrible jaws of charades. My legs shot out of the room in a flash carrying me at road runner speed until the cafeteria was reached.
Great, new school meant no friends and being that the only thing I could focus on was locating my next class the time so making them never occurred.
Weaving through the rows of tables my head swiveled in search of possible groups that would take me in. Clusters of groups filled the cafeteria: Punks, skaters, emos, cheerleaders, jocks, all focus on self containment, not looking to adopt a new member.
Looks like I was on my own for lunch today. Scouting the room I hurried to a vacant table in the corner before it became unavailable. My chews showed my envy towards the rest of the lunch crowd. Those rude inconsiderate people with there little clicks eating and laughing together while I sulk into my sandwich.
Whispers and hushed giggles sounded from the table behind, girls gossiping about bad about everyone and everything of the day.
“Look at what he‘s wearing.” Girl number one said, her index finger pointing directly at her attended target. The other two girls at the table rotated to get a full view at their newly appointed victim. Frowning her face in disgust, girl number two answered. “Sooooo last season.”
Shallow bitches, I thought to myself. How could anyone be that repulsingly vile to a person based on the style of clothing they wore.
“Hush girls you shouldn’t act like that.” The third girl spoke. Finally someone with the decency to judge a person based on their personality and not just their looks, maybe a possible friend for me to make.
“With a fashion sense like that, hasn’t he suffered enough.” Hyena like cackles filled the table, each girl dieing as if the comment was the funniest thing they had ever heard.
“Excuse me,” the voice of the third girl shouted. “You in front with the horrid pink skinny jeans.” My head swiveled to the see the source of the laugher was none other than… me.
Her cruel attacks continued one after the other, asking “Does your umma hate you?” and “Were you paid to wear those.” My blood started to boil with anger, my fingers rolling in to make clenching fist under the table.
Being a lover not a fighter, I deserted my lunch and fled to the school’s roof, taking the steps two at a time, the door slammed as I made it to the top. Engulfing silence calmed my racing heart, the quiet a relaxing change from what laid downstairs. Over the outer rimming the sky scraping buildings of Seoul stood straight like solders protecting the city, looking desolate on the outside masking the busy work of unknown people on its insides.
My knuckles, white from anger, gripped the edge’s railing; the frustrations of the day tightening my hold of the medal bar. “I HATE SCHOOL” I screamed- leaning my chest to rest on the banister, eyes closed and feet planted to the ground- out into the emptiness, letting out all the pent up emotions collected from the moment I stepped into the school.
“That bad?” A familiar voice questioned in the background, his steps pattering as they make their way to stand beside me. His hands rested on the steel railing behind us, the chocolate haired wonder leaned his back against the bar, his head tilted back soaking in the warmth of the day. My eyes couldn’t help but drift sideways to admire my angel. The sun’s lighting angled perfectly across his laxed frame, his body portraying the absolute opposite of mine.
I didn’t answer the question, I couldn’t, not now.
“It gets better.” The promise echoed in the silence, giving me a small spark of confidence. It had to get better right? Again I stayed muted, not knowing what to say or do without sounding stupid. But soon the stillness became awkward like both of our tongues held words we wanted to share.
My mind worked at war speed, thousands of questions occupying my thoughts. What‘s your name? What grade are you in? How will you know everything will get better? What if it doesn’t?
As if the beauty had read the whirlwind of anticipation camping up in my distressed head, answers poured out effortlessly in his breezy tone. “Sophomore Kim Jonghyun at your service, and your name?”
“Kim Kibum,” I managed to choke out.
“Well nice to meet you Kibum, now why don’t we get you some food.” I laughed as Jonghyun whined about his hunger, rubbing his stomach as if he would die if food wasn’t presented soon. Hand in hand we made our way back to my table in front of those snobby cheerleader clones. My feet halted, catching the glares beaming from the table, my heartbeat quickened scared to see how the hyenas would try and embarrass me this time. Sensing my hesitation, Jonghyun gave my hand squeeze, his smile telling me not to worry.
“Jonghyun-oppa sit with me.”
“No me oppa~”
“He‘s sitting with me!”
Jonghyun ignored the begging his eyes focused on the small gathering of students sitting at my not so vacant table. Seated were four boys, each higher in beauty than any girl I had seen today, the popular ones I guessed, probably fought after day after day by love-struck girls and friended by every guy. But why was I walking there?
“These are my friends,” Jonghyun introduced, pointing to each person in turn to their name. “Onew, Minho, and Taemin.”
Onew and Minho paused their on going debate on which super power was the best to acknowledge the newbie standing before them, their eyes silently evaluating me in one look.
“Nice to meet you.” Minho greeted nodding his head in a bow-like manner.
“How do ya do?” Onew smiled reaching his hand out to shake mine.
The last said nothing looking down into his food as he ate, shoulders scrunched in defense, braced for any sudden terror.
“Taeminnie say hi to Kibum.” Obeying the command, Taemin glanced away from his sandwich, a meek ‘hello’ scantly sounding from his mouth before he moved back to his prior position. I bowed back.
“Hungry?” Onew asked holding his chicken fingers out for me to take a bite.
“Of course he is,” a voice cut in “he spent all his money buying ugly clothes he can‘t afford a proper lunch.”
Laugher exploded at the table, the three hyenas high fiving each other at their success. My head hung low, my bangs thankfully falling over to mask my tearing eyes. There was no need to speak back it would only fuel the fire of my embarrassment.
Jonghyun pushed his chair back, his serene smile morphing to an upset frown.
“Don’t worry Jong we got this.” Onew said placing his hand on his friend’s shoulder -sitting the angered boy back down in his seat next to me- and with Minho stood from his chairs making their way over to the mocking trio.
“Ever try wearing real clothes, you should really try it. What do you think Minho, are you attracted to… this?” Onew exaggerated, nauseated by the clothes or lack of on the girl’s body.
“Hell no.” Minho’s tone low and deep dripped with acid, disapproving each outfit with a shake of his head.
The scene was a pleasant change, my giggles controllable as I watched the duo tag team the table with hateful comments. Onew looked like he was going to be sick while Minho gave off the vibe of Say-something-rude-to-my-friend-and-die. Twice I almost fell off my chair my mood flipped by the entertaining event. The bell for the class strained cutting the Onew and Minho’s verbal beat down short. Retrieving their abandoned bags, the two grabbed Taemin and called for Jonghyun and me to follow, making sure to send murdering scowls to my bullies before leaving.
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“Taemin-ah do these pants make my butt look big?” No matter which way I twirled my hips the gym uniform looked horrible. “Who decided on these colors? Were they color blind? Since when does maroon look good with light gray?” Tugging the shirt down didn’t help either, this outfit was ugly no matter which way you wore it.
“It looks we better go before we‘re late?” The two of us were the only ones still in the locker room and I could see why. Nasty smelly sour odors protruded in ever corner of the space, preying on weak noses with their toxic smells.
“I hate gym,” Taemin moaned as we made our way to half circle formed around the explaining teachers. We were playing volleyball today and needed to split off into competing teams. Immediately after the order was given to find team members, Taemin clung onto my arm, hugging it like a scared toddler in a crowded store. “Don’t leave meeeee~?”
Jumping in to whatever team was closest, Taemin and I lined up in rows preparing to start the game. The ball sailed through the air, coasted back and forth over the net by powerful hits. I stiffened a yawn, zoning out to deliberate over what to make for dinner tonight. The bright lights of the gymnasium dimmed, a shade covering the front of my face. Blinking out of daydreams of spicy rice cakes and kimchi the sudden appearance of a body stunned my movements.
“You need to be more careful Bummie, we can‘t let your pretty little face get bruised by a volleyball. So focus for me ok?” Jonghyun poked my forehead lightly, expressing his worries. The touch, yet small and playful, set my heart crazy; the sensation lingering in tingles long after my angel returned back to his class. The teacher -choosing the worst moment to interfere with my enjoyment- blew his whistle, summoning the brunette running back to the soccer field with threats of after school detention.
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Art and English flashed by sending my first day of high school life to a close. I survived! Suddenly drained by the day’s activities walked (shoved, pushed and squeezed) out the school’s entrance, my thoughts replaying everything that happened; searching for my classes, meeting Jonghyun, Onew and Minho’s lunch time battle with the hyenas, Taemin’s company in the locker rooms, even that loud teacher screaming…
“KEYYYYY!!~”
My eyes darted across the yard to see four boys waving like lunatics at me, calling me to join them on their walk home. Running over to them I smiled, maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Moral of the story: 1) bad things are bound to happen the first day of school so dont worry about it and relax.2) School sucks, period. 3) stay positive and you'll get through the day alive. I wish shinee went to my school, maybe i wouldnt hate it as much. Shinee have you covered the Birds and the Bees yet? School is coming in a week for me and I already feel like running away. Love for everyone!