“Seniors! Your final year in high school has finally come!” Our teacher for our last period before lunch break, hollered with much enthusiasm. Mrs. Bang sure is an energetic mentor.

            “As a challenge to you, young people. This year,” she continued. “A few more months before you finally set your foot in college, I challenge you to make a difference. I challenge you to think big! Out of the box and far, far out of your comfort zones. Do something, anything that will let you have that exciting, fun and even spontaneous feeling. We all live in this small town and the world out there is completely different from everything we experience here. Out there,” and she points her finger towards the window in which all heads followed suit.

           “We have no room for games because out there! Life is different and we have to tackle it with utmost passion, focus and discipline. So, youngsters, try and be free. Let out your emotions and live your high school life to the fullest! Because this is it and this is the last. You may never return and most certainly, there’s no turning back.”

            The class was silent. Not even a pin drop can be heard. Surely, the teacher-in-charge for the drama club can definitely deliver some awestricken speeches.

            “That is unless, if you fail.” And on cue, the entire class broke into laughter. “That’s it for today and don’t forget, this afternoon is the clubs’ fare. The drama club has a lot of openings and we are already casting for the roles of this seasons play. Anybody interested, you are most welcome.”

            “Ne!” the class answered.

            “Class dismiss.” With that, the bell rang and the first half of my first day in senior year went by like a flash.

            “Are you interested?” Taehee asked as she put away her things in her bag.

            “In the drama club?” I asked back.

            “Yeah.” She nodded.

            “No, I’m more of like the person to be behind the act and not the one portraying it.” I answered, unconsciously shrugging.

         “Hmm, I heard they’re doing something grand this season though.” She said. “Was it something about a mask and some serious singing?”

            “The Phantom of the Opera.”

            “Yes, that thing!” she concurred quite eagerly.

            “So are you interested?” I asked her.

            “I don’t know anything about the whole plot yet but I will definitely try out for the lead role. Just like what Mrs. Bang said, it’s our final year. We should live it to the fullest!”

            “I’m sure you’ll nail it.” I said.

            Lunch break surely made the small school noisy. Students of different levels were all chatting in their satoori. Having a different accent, I sometimes find it hard to understand them but surely they are fun to listen.

            Out of the blue, I heard my name being asked. My head immediately shot towards the door.

            “Oh, the new student? She’s over there, seated beside the class president.” I witnessed one of my classmates said.

            I don’t know why but I suddenly grew nervous. Apparently, anxiety took over me and I had no choice but to duck my head low. All these changes sure were too overwhelming for me to fully absorb.

            “Thank you.” A foreign voice answered and my heartbeat just won’t stop racing. In fact, the ones noisy environment suddenly became too silent, almost deafening.

            “Hi.” The foreign voice approached.

            “Y-yes?” I answered without looking up.

            “Park Jimin, president of the Natural Science Club.”

            “H-how may I help you?” I asked and tried to look up. I was met with a cute set of dopey eyes.

            “We want you to be part of us.” He frankly spoke.

            I felt myself gulp.

            “I do not qualify.” I simply answered.

            “Ms. Han, you’re insulting my feelings for not accepting my shake.” Then he reached out for my hand and shook it himself.

            “S-sorry.” And I mentally wanted to slap myself for stuttering so much. But really, how did this guy know stuffs about me.

            “Secondly,” he said without letting go. “You’re beautiful, please don’t be too conscious. I’d appreciate it if look me in the eye.” And he smiled.

            I may be awkward but I grew up in the city and what he’s saying is starting to give me doubts. Is this guy trying to recruit me as a member of their club or is he hitting on me?

            “Thirdly, I’m not hitting on you, I’m just telling the truth.” That got me though and he’s starting to creep me out.

            “Lastly, I know you won last year’s National Scholastic Decathlon.” I heard a few awes from some students after hearing what he said.

            Why does he have to say that? My anxiety is really growing into me. This final year, I don’t plan to live my life as how it was before. I plan to lay low and stay out of the public’s eye as much as possible. Nothing is similar now to how it was before. Everything I had was taken from me and I don’t plan to live and move on as if nothing really happened. I don’t want to experience the same thing again. I don’t want history to repeat itself.

            “Please?” he asked with the best of plead he can muster.

            “I’m sorry, I’m not that person you’re talking about.” I answered and withdrew my hand.

            “But you are, I looked into your school records and it confirmed—”

            “I’m sorry sir, but I don’t like other people mingling with my own business.” I cut him through. “I’m sorry, but I can’t be of any use to your club.” And then I lowered my head once again.

            I heard Park Jimin sighed.

            “And my apologies for my rudeness. I do not mean to intrude.” He spoke with a down-spirited voice.

            I took a deep sigh, prior to my conscience. Why is it that I think I did what was right but it also felt wrong in all ways?

            “The club still wants you though.” He added. “I’m really sorry. Annyeong.” And I heard him left.

            Afterwards, I buried my face in my palms. So much for a peaceful start.

            “Is it true?” I heard one of my female classmates said. “Yuki-ssi, is it true that you are the Han Yuki who won last year’s decathlon?”

            “Daebak1.” I heard a few mumbled.

            “Ttokkttokkhae2.” A few others said.

            “Jeongmal3, Yuki-ssi?” Taehee was the last one to voice out.

            “Guys you’re scaring her.” He said which took me by surprise. “She doesn’t want to talk about it and let’s just leave her be. She was already disturbed, let’s try not to bug her more.”

            “Ne, Kai-ssi.” A very clear reply was heard from the entire female population except me. I concluded that this Jongin, or more popularly called Kai, is one of those sought-after guys in the entire campus.

            “Sorry about that.” He told me.

            I nodded.

            “These kids tend to get excited especially with celebrities