Home Gallery Wattpad Upvote monsteracademy   "To put it clearly, I'm going to a school filled with monsters?" ONE: The Girl in the Mirror RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING~!!! You awoke from sleep and blindly reached for the alarm clock on your bed side table. You set the alarm off as you squinted at the time. It was seven o’clock in the morning. It w was time to prepare for school, but your body refused to move. You gave a big yawn and set the clock back on the table. Five more minutes, you thought. You snuggled tighter to Totoro, your three-foot tall stuffed toy. You were slowly drifting back to dreamland when your mother knocked on your door. “Joo Ri-ya!” “Mmmm…,” you answered sleepily, not bothering to get up or even open your eyes. “Wake up! You’re gonna be late for school,” she called outside your door. “Mmmm…” You heard her sigh as she entered the room, then came the sound of curtains being drawn. You shut your eyes even tighter at the sudden stream of sunlight on your face. “MMMM!” You muttered in annoyance as you hid your head under your pillow. “Song Joo Ri, get up now or I’ll drag you out of bed,” your mother said in a disproving tone as she uncovered you from your blanket. You unwillingly sat up because you knew your mother is always serious with her threats. You rubbed your eyes sleepily before putting on your glasses. “Umma, I’m not feeling well,” you told her. She sat on the bed beside you and made a quick check on your temperature. “You’re fine,” she told you. “Hurry up! Breakfast is ready.” “But my body feels tired and heavy,” you insisted. “You’re always tired every time you wake up.” “But it’s not sleepy tired this time.” “Aigoo! Were you up late again last night? I told you to avoid sleeping late. You were reading those comics again aren’t you?” “I didn't! I slept right after dinner. And umma, it’s manwha not comics.” “They’re the same thing.” “Manhwas are korean and they’re awesome. Comics are just…comics,” you explained but your mother didn’t pay attention. “Nevermind. Anyways, I’ve been feeling tired since yesterday, I don’t know why. I don’t seem to have fever,” you said, as you placed your palm on your forehead. “I don’t have a cold either.” “Ah! I know.” “Hmmm?” “Those are symptoms of laziness. Now start moving or we’ll both be late.” “I’m not being lazy! Can’t I just skip school today?” You pleaded. “I’m expecting you at the table in five minutes,” was all your mother answered as she headed out. You gave a heavy sigh and headed for the bathroom. You checked yourself carefully in the mirror. You looked tired but nothing seems to be wrong. You quickly finished your morning rituals and went to the kitchen. Your mother was already there waiting for you. You had kimchi again. You never liked eating kimchi so early in the morning because it smells. However, you’re in no position to complain. Your father died when you were still a child so your mother raised you on her own through selling fish in the market. Though she doesn’t say it, you knew she’s always having a hard time to make ends meet. “Joo Ri-ya,” your mother said as the both of you started eating. “Come home right away after school. We’re going to have samgyeopsal for dinner.” “Wae yo?” You asked, confused. You’ve never had expensive dishes for a long time. “Because it’s a special day,” your mother said cheerily. “Did you sell a lot yesterday?” “No, babo. It’s your birthday! Aigoo, this kid. Don’t tell me you forgot your birthday again. Tsk tsk tsk.” She was right. You did forget that it was your birthday. Not that it mattered. You couldn’t remember when was the last time you celebrated your birthday. Your mother was the only one who always remembered. To you, it was just another ordinary day. “Umma, there’s no reason to cook such expensive food. We can use the money on more important things,” you told her. “Aish! What are you talking about? It’s okay to spend money on good food every once in a while. And I especially saved up for today so don’t worry about it.” You gave a sigh and decided that it was better to not argue with her. She always wins anyway. “Besides,” she continued. “I’m not worried about money. What I’m more worried about is you.” “Wae yo?” “Look at you. You’re only seventeen but you’re acting like an ajumma. You even forget your own birthday. Aigoo! You should have more zest for life. Don’t waste your youth. Go hang out more with your friends.” “We always hang out at school.” “You also need to bond with them outside of school. Aish! You should go out more often instead of shutting yourself in your room with those comics. You’re not getting any smarter with that hobby of yours anyway.” “Umma~!” You frowned. Your IQ was just about average. No matter how hard you study, the highest academic achievement you have ever attained was just being at the middle rank of your class. You were never really that smart. You’ve already accepted that tragic fact a long time ago, but it still hurt a little when other people point it out. With regards to hanging out, it wasn’t that you were intentionally anti-social; you just had no choice but to stay home. You have always wanted to go out with friends but you never really had the money to pay for Karaoke night outs or shopping sprees. “And you have never introduced any of your boyfriends to me!” You almost choked at what she said. “That’s because I don’t have one!” “Really? Or are you just keeping them