Aeri was the last to get onto the bus.

As she approached the other students, who were occupying the back of the bus, they gave her unwelcoming glares.

Aeri got the message instantly and sat herself at the front away from them.

“Why are sitting here alone and not with your friends?” Her teacher sat down next to her.

“I…I like the front of the bus better.” She lied.

“Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

“You can tell me, I won’t judge.” He gave Aeri a convincing look.

“Thanks ssaem, but really it’s nothing.” She gave him a forced smile.

“Aeri, you know you’re not good at lying, right?” Her teacher chuckled.

“Fine…” She took a deep breath and let her thoughts spill.

“I…well, I kinda came to this school with no memories of my past…”

“I know…it’s on your record, at first I was worried about how you’d adjust but you seemed to have made friends so quickly.” He smiled.

“That’s the thing… I thought I had friends, but for some reason everything suddenly changed…”

“I’m sure you’re just overthinking it Aeri. I've seen you with Minhee and Soonmi, there's also Hoya and Hyunsik.”

“I'm not...and even if I am overthinking...I came here not knowing myself and I still don’t know myself. I’m a stranger to everyone including myself. I’m scared my friends will find out the truth and leave me, the truth that even I don’t know.” She stopped.

“Aeri, no one will ever fully know themselves. That’s how life is. Life is like a game. Some people will spend their entire life just searching for who were really are and the sad truth is, they may never find it.”

“What if I’m one of those people?” She turned to him.

“You are who you choose to be Aeri. Sometimes the answer is right in front of you, you just have to keep your eyes open.”

“I guess.” Aeri sighed.

~

“Ssaem! We’re hungry!” Some students complained as they got off the bus.

“Yea! Ssaem! It’s already 12, when can we have lunch?” Another asked.

“Now. Boys come help me carry the coolers and girls, you can set up the tables.”

Everyone quickly busied themselves, that is everyone except Aeri.

When she tried to help, the others pushed her aside.

“Hyunsik! I’ll help you with that.” Aeri walked towards him and grabbed the other end of the box.

“No, it’s fine. I can manage myself.” He took off her hand and walked away.

“Ca