Let's Try - f(x)

Difference

Taking a step on the clear hallway of the building, Aerin felt her heart becoming fidgety. Even though she had already seen the outside structure of the school several times in the past, never has she actually entered the buildings before. In comparison to her high school in California though, there’s not much of a difference. The corridors were clear, and the walls were painted dirty Beige. The classrooms were pretty spacious as well, and a thick atmosphere of stillness hovered around, but the feeling was different—a feeling of slight anxiety and nostalgia.

Must it be because of the uniform she was wearing? The last time she wore a uniform was when she was still just seven years old. It has been ten years since then, and during those years, not once has she even tried wearing one again. It wasn’t because she’s not fond of clothes like that; rather, she didn’t have the chance. Wearing it again now, it felt different; however, she has to admit that she’s taken quite a liking to it. It was honestly unusual, but for the first time in years, she felt like a real student again. I feel like a kid again.

“Oi Sehun, why are you late again?! Didn’t I tell you to—“ Seongim’s familiar voice resonated across the hallway, causing for both Aerin and Sehun to jerk their heads upwards. Upon catching sight of the girl though, the female high school teacher suddenly clutched and turned to her back, making a quick fix to herself before greeting them again with a welcoming smile. “Oh Aerin, I’m glad you were able to come!”

A silent snort came out from Sehun whereas Aerin stared blankly at Seongim, forcing a smile. She was surprised with the sudden attitude change of the female, but thinking about it deeply, it didn’t bother her. When they first met, she already thought that Seongim pretty much resembled her mom and meeting her for the second time, her expectations weren’t disappointed. She really is like mom. “Yeah, Sehun fetched me from the house.”

“Well, I’m glad that he could be of your use.” Seongim beamed, gesturing for the two to follow without giving even the least bit of care towards the sour look on her younger cousin’s face. Stopping just right in front of a room, Seongim then turned to Aerin. “Sehun must’ve already told you why you’re here, so all we need to do is just do some short introductions. Is that fine with you?”

Aerin nodded slowly, and almost hesitantly, for a sudden surge of paranoia washed over her. Back in her high school in California, they never did introductions. Sure, she would just have to present herself in front of other people, say her name and such, but it was easier said than done. She’s acquainted with everyone around the neighbourhood, but having to meet people with the same age as her who she hasn’t spoken that much with before gave her an all new kind of uneasiness and tension.

A light tap on Aerin’s shoulder managed to snap her, letting her forget the nervousness she was feeling for a brief moment; more so upon being met with a grin coming from the one who distracted her.

“Don’t worry, you’ll do fine.” Sehun said before entering through the back door. “Kai and the others are there as well.”

“Sehun’s right,” Seongim smiled, getting hold of Aerin’s wrist before slowly walking inside the classroom, gaining the unified attention of the boys and girls inside. “Just enjoy and have fun.”

In no time, Aerin found herself standing still beside Seongim on the short platform in front of the whole room, with about twenty pair of eyes staring at her in what she perceives to be curiosity. Few faces were familiar to her, but were not limited to Kai and his friends; however, that fact alone didn’t seem to make things better. Aerin wasn’t really fond of too much attention, and has always kept a low profile as much as possible, so being under the probing eyes of many made her tense.

“For the last week of summer classes, a visitor will be sitting in our class. She lives in California, but usually comes back here every summer. Since she’s studying overseas, she never really had the chance to experience being in a native and Korean high school, and being that said, I want her to see and observe how things work in our place.” Seongim announced, both of her hands placed on her table as the students continued to eye Aerin. “Some of you might know her already, but for the sake of the rest,” Seongim paused, turning to the stoic faced girl right beside her with a smile. “Please introduce yourself.”

Swallowing hard, Aerin opened in an attempt to speak, but her efforts were rendered futile for no words managed to come out. . The silence was agonizing, and she found herself panicking internally at the foolishness that she was displaying in front of everyone. It hasn’t been long since she’s been also placed under the scrutinizing eyes of many, but unlike before, she was alone now. She’s the only one in the unwanted spotlight and it gave her more pressure and demands. More s.

Although, it was when a boy seated on the farthest end of the room suddenly cleared his throat that Aerin was able to break free from her momentary stupor. Seeing the soft gaze of the boy, Aerin breathed heavily and stared back at him, trying to overlook the other nineteen pair of eyes who were staring at her discreetly.

“Good morning everyone, my name’s Kang Aerin.” Aerin paused for a second before speaking again, now being able to move her eyes around. “Like what Ms. Cheon said, I live in California, but I come back here every summer and stay with my dad. I’m currently seventeen years old, and am also in my last year of high school.” Pressing her lips into a thin line, Aerin then did a ninety degree bow in front of everyone. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all, and please take good care of me.”

An applause followed after Aerin’s introduction, causing for her to straighten up and once again be brought into a subtle eye contact with Sehun. However, unlike awhile ago where soft straight eyes met hers, this time, ones of crescent shapes welcomed her, giving off sparkles and delight. The sight calmed her. Sure, she was still feeling a tad regretful for her actions awhile ago, but the gentle and meaningful interactions between her and Sehun managed to overshadow that.

“You can take the empty seat right behind Kai, Aerin.” Seongim pointed to the seat with a smile, gaining her a small nod from Aerin. The older female then got one of her books and started writing on the board, all the while instructing the class on what page they were going to see. “Go to chapter five and read…”

Clutching onto her small satchel, Aerin made way through the center of the room. Some of the students would nod politely at her, be it ones she was familiar with or no, while some would just ignore her and concentrate on their lesson. Finally reaching the back seat, Aerin sat down as silently as possible so as not to disturb the neighbouring students who were focused at what Seongim was saying. That is, with the sole exception of Kai however, who was secretly sleeping behind the cover of his book—an ability of which Aerin finds really convenient.

Seeing as her seatmates weren’t really giving her much attention, Aerin comfortably sat on her seat and observed the whole room. About 75% of the students were pretty much listening to the teacher, concentrated on jotting down notes and other information they could possibly get. The remaining 25% however, were the ones who only pretended to listen, either sleeping or just wandering off to their own worlds. Unfortunately, Kai and his group were included, with the only exception of Kyungsoo and Suho. Aerin wasn’t surprised anymore, for even before, Kyungsoo and Suho were the only members of their circle who weren’t that carefree. The ones who took life more seriously.

Aerin can’t deny the fact though, that she felt lethargic the whole time Seongim spoke in front of the whole class. It wasn’t because of the older female for she really explained things very well. It’s like she took on an entirely different persona other than the lively one she always used; upon starting her less