“This .” I mumbled as I stared up at the unfamiliar ceiling painted in a most annoying shade of pink. I sighed, glancing over at my clock, 6:00.

The clattering of dishes could be heard from the kitchen as I slipped on my white satin dress that my mom insisted on making wear it to the first day of school. We got here yesterday so we didn’t have an opportunity to go get my school uniform or to even visit the school for that matter.

“Honey! Breakfast’s ready. You’re going to be late if you don’t hurry.” My mom’s voice rang throughout the house.

“Coming!” I shouted, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

“You’re dad will take you today.” My mom announced with the most excited tone of voice. I could literally see unicorns and rainbow flying around her like a halo.

I couldn’t help but smile when I saw my dad’s half-asleep face. He was never a morning person and I bet he never will be able to. He gave me the look when I sat down on the table, next to him. I pouted: he wanted me to walk to school!

“Please?” He pouted and mouthed.

“Fine.” I said under by breath and made a face before turning to my mom. “Mom, I want to walk to school today.”

She spun around, stuttering, “But- but- it’s your first day of school!”

“Mom, I’m 17. I won’t die walking to school.” I took a bite from my warm pancake.

“But- but.”

“Mom. It will be just fine.” I took the last bite and stood up. Grabbing my backpack on the way, I leaned over and gave each of my parents a kiss before running out of the house. “I will see you later. Love you.”

“Be careful, honey! Watch for cars and…” My mom’s voice slowly faded as I ran farther away.

I have only passed by the school once when we first moved here. The view from the moving truck’s window gave me a pretty good first look of the school. I was not impressed with the super bright yellow uniform but I think I can grow used to it.

The school is a good three blocks from my house, but fortunately, it’s a straight route because my sense of direction is not the best in the world.

Grasping tightly onto my brown, leather backpack, I took a lungful of the morning fresh air. It felt nice to walk around so early in the morning, so fresh and calming.

“Excuse me!!! Please get out of the way!”

Shocked by the scream, I stepped aside and turned around only to lose my balance and fell.

Shortly later, there was a loud crash just a few feet ahead of me.

“Oh my god! Are you ok? I am so sorry!” A large figure appeared within my peripheral as I tried to get up. The guy grabbed my arm and pulled me up without any difficulty.

“Thank you.” I said quickly as I dusted the dirt off my dress and tucked my flowing hair behind my ears and looked up. Whoever this guy is. He is cute! He had a slightly tan skin tone, a sweet little smile and mesmerizing eyes. His hair was neatly styled, covering his forehead. He was wearing that ugly yellow uniform. He must goes to my school then. I couldn’t help but smile.

“No no, I’m sorry. I should have looked at the road.” The guy’s voice was surprisingly soothing and warm.

“Don’t worry about it.” I laughed it off, feeling somewhat guilty because I was dazing out as well.

He subtly scanned my body from head to toes before he yelped, “You’re bleeding!” and pointed at my bloody knee and palm.

I lifted up my hand and leg to check what he was talking about. I was surprisingly calm about the torn skin and blood gushing out (slightly exaggerated here). “Wow. I didn’t feel a thing.” I let out some meaningless words before realizing that the boy was freaking out, apologizing.

“You go to that school, right?” I said, pointed at the school two blocks ahead.

He nodded, still staring at my knee.

“Do you think you can give me a ride?”

“Huh?” He looked up, puzzled, before he turned to his bike. “Yeah, of course!” He smiled and ran to his bike and stood it up. “Come on, hop on.” He urged.

I got on, slightly conscious about the length of my dress. Noticed this, he took off his jacket and handed it to me, “Here, use this. You don’t want the whole neighborhood to see.”

I grabbed it and smile. “Thanks.”

“So where to?” He asked as he started paddling slowly.

“Straight ahead.” I said.

“Do you go to our school?” He glanced back, curious.

“Yup. First day of school.” I sang a little as I grabbed slightly onto his waist as he sped up.

“You just moved in?”

“Uh.” I nodded.

“No wonder. No one in the neighborhood ever travel this way, or at least at this time.” He scratched his head.

“That still doesn’t give you the benefit of closing your eyes while riding a bike.” I mocked.

“Hey! I do look. Just not enough.” He protested.

I laughed, “Sure, sure.”

“We’re here.” He slowed down and made a full stop in front of the school gate. There was still no one around. The school was still pretty much empty.

“Performing Arts School of Seoul, eh?” I read the sign on top of the gate.

“Yup! That’s my school.” He said proudly.

“You really are one of those super proud students aren’t you?” I laughed, looking up at him.

“I have all the reasons to be.” He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you want me to take you to the nurse first?”

“Yes, please. It’s starting to stinks a little.” I laughed and started walking.

The campus was beautiful, plenty of trees all around, super clean and most important of all, really spacious. The nurse office was really nice to. There were several empty beds, covered with cream yellow cotton sheets separated by yellow curtains. The school sure sticks with their school color.

The beautiful, young nurse smiled as soon as we entered. She brightly greeted the boy in English, “Jongin-ssi. Good morning!”

The boy bowed politely before turning around to help me in since I was limping the whole way.

“Omo! Who do we have here?” The nurse slightly tilted her head to see the incoming patient.

“Annyeonghaseyo.” I smiled and bowed politely.

“Omo!!! So pretty!” The nurse exclaimed as she skipped her way to my side and offered me some extra support.

“Eh?” I chuckled and looked up to Jongin. He just shrugged and smiled.

It didn’t take long for the young nurse to dress my scraped knee and palm. During that time, I got to know that her name is Lee Gaeun and she had been a nurse in the school since she had graduated from medical school, 3 years ago. She also gave me a quick run through of the school rules and its system, which proved to be very helpful later on.

“It’s almost time school starts, I’ll take you to the teachers’ lounge before I leave.” Jongin announced and stood up. He grabbed my backpack for me and led the way.

“Thank you so much for your help.” I bowed at Gaeun unnie before turning around and followed Jongin outside. There were a lot of students around now.

“I never got to catch your name. What’s your name?” He asked as we walked through a short hallway, avoiding the other students.

“Oh. I almost forgot. I’m Yoomi, Park Yoomi.”

“Jongin, Kim Jongin. Nice to meet you?” He stopped and reached out his hand for a handshake. I took it and smiled, “Nice to meet you, too.”

“Ms. Park?” We both turned to the source of the voice.

“Mr. Lee. How are you?” Jongin bowed to a well-dressed man around his 50s.

“Oh. Jongin-ssi. How are you today? I’m very well.” The man let out a laugh that echoed throughout the whole first floor.

“This is the principal.” Jongin pulled me forward and introduced.

“Oh. Annyeonghaseyo.”

“Your parents called. They were wondering if you have already checked in with me.”

“Neh? My parents did?” I’m dead! They must have freaked out. My eyes widen, threatening pop out of my eye sockets.

“Don’t worry.” The principal laughed, “I told them that you were sightseeing the school.” He ensured me that everything is fine.

I sighed, relieved.

“Well, come one. We need to get your uniforms fitted and your schedule fixed for your first day of school.” Mr. Lee urged me to move on.

“Well, I will be on my way to class then.” Jongin bowed and took his leave.

“Thanks again, Jongin-ssi.” I called out as he walked away. The boy turned around and waved as he slowly disappeared through the door.

“I see that you’ve already made some friends.” The principal chuckled as he led me to the teachers’ lounge. “How did you meet Mr. Kim?”

I looked up at him and smiled, “By accident.”