Home Gallery Wattpad Upvote monsteracademy   "To put it clearly, I'm going to a school filled with monsters?" THIRTY-NINE: Cutting Classes Monday came shortly, and you were more than excited to wear Lay’s bag to school. Ji Min had been fussing about how both bags you received from Lay and Lu Han were MCM and how it was an expensive luxury brand. You just noticed that the two bags did have similar designs. But it didn’t matter to you if they were as expensive as Ji Min said they were. You could care less if Lay gave you the cheapest bag in the universe. You would still gladly accept it and love it just the same. You put the purple backpack on and checked yourself in the mirror, as though putting your things in it had made any difference to how it looked on you last time you checked. You smiled a little too happily and placed Lu Han’s cream backpack back into your closet. You don’t know when you’ll be able to wear it since, as you told Suho yesterday, you don’t have a habit of changing bags. But from the way that he gave it to you yesterday, you really didn’t have a choice but to take it. “Don’t forget your compress,” Ji Min said, throwing you a warm towel. You caught it and put it over your hand. Because of the incident last Friday when you ran off the clinic and carelessly yanked your dextrose off, the vein where the needle had been started to swell and it was getting a bit painful. Doctor Jung said, along with a little scolding, that the vein got infected and you were supposed to apply hot compress on it for a few days along with some medication. Your other injuries on the other hand were almost healing. The bruise on your arm was still dark but it wasn’t that painful anymore, and the onion-sized bump on your nose was nothing more than a peanut-sized dome now. You walked your way to school in high spirits with a bright, almost annoying, smile. There were talks from other students about how you were wearing Lay’s bag. You already expected it. There was no way his fan girls wouldn’t recognize the bag. And to be honest, you were enjoying it. You liked the feeling that other people recognized that it's Lay’s bag you were carrying around. You could already hear warnings signs screaming at the back of your head. But against all logical sense, you even made an effort to walk a little slower than usual so you could show it off a little longer. “This girl has a deathwish,” Ji Min shook her head helplessly. And as though the heavens are smiling upon you, you came across Lay on your way to the classrooms. “Lay!” You greeted cheerfully. “Good morning, Joo Ri. Good morning Ji Min,” Lay smiled. “Good morning!” Ji Min greeted back. “Good morning girls,” Suho, who for some reason you’ve only noticed just now, greeted cheerfully. “Oh! Good morning Suho,” you answered. “You wore my bag,” Lay told you. “Yep! Thanks for this,” you answered. “Don’t mention it. It looks good on you!” “Really?” You replied, and inwardly giggled. “Say Joo Ri, how about this one? Do you like it?” Suho said, showing you his checkered-ish leather backpack with what looked like a G logo somewhere at the front. “If you don’t like the other bag before you can have this.” He’s still at it, you sighed. Ji Min gaped at Suho in astonishment but looked even more shocked at you when you declined. “Thanks Suho but really, I have enough bags I can use. But I really appreciate the offer.” “I see. You can always change your mind,” he smiled. “You dimwit! That was a Gucci!” Ji Min whispered. “A what?” “You know, Gucci!” She answered as though any normal person should know what it is. “Sorry. I don’t understand,” you told her. “Seriously, you are unbelievable,” she said, shaking her head but you just shrugged. “Look, isn’t that Lay’s bag she’s wearing?” You heard a student murmur. “What’s the meaning of this? And they’re walking to school together! Are they together together?!” Another one said. You secretly laughed. You wouldn’t really mind if people thought you and Lay were a couple. In fact, you liked it. A lot. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” Ji Min whispered. “Am I?” You smiled brightly. “Well don’t get too carried away. Those girls don’t look like they’re enjoying this as much as you do,” she warned. You just giggled, not minding her warning. You and Lay had small talk with the occasional interruption of Suho and Ji Min until they reached their classrooms and you continued walking towards your own. You reached your classroom and ignored the hostile stares you got from your female classmates. “Good morning Sehun-ah!” You greeted cheerily. “Good morning,” Sehun greeted back. “Chanyeol-ah, you’re here!” You exclaimed when Chanyeol emerged from somewhere under his desk. It seemed like he was picking up something on the floor. “Yep! They decided to cancel our suspensions so we wouldn’t miss out on the reviews,” Chanyeol told you happily. “Why that’s great then! But where’s Kai?” “He’s probably late, unless he cuts classes again,” Chanyeol answered. Aish, that fox, you frowned. “Good morning Kris!” You smiled at Kris, who was unsuspectingly staring out the window. He threw you a glance before grunting a response. You smiled one last time before finally settling on your seat. Sehun looked surprised while Chanyeol was looking at you with a horrified expression. “Joo Ri-ya!” Chanyeol said, roughly pulling at your shoulder. “What?” “What do you think you’re doing?!” He said under his breath. “WHAT?” “You just greeted that guy!” “Yeah?” You answered indifferently. “Are you making friends with him?” “Why not?” “Are you crazy?! I told you, stay away from him. He’s dangerous.” “Chanyeol-ah, he’s okay,” you laughed. “He even saved you from being expelled, remember? Why don’t you try making friends with him too?” “Like hell I would!” “I really don’t get what you’re getting so worked up on. Yeah, he’s a little on the cold side, but he’s a nice guy. And have you thanked him yet?” You told him. “He’s a bad idea. I’m telling you,” Chanyeol said, ignoring what you just said. “Some grateful brat you are,” you frowned at him. “I-I didn’t ask for him to help me! Besides, you were the one who asked for his help,” he answered defensively. “Don’t mind him Joo Ri-ya. He just couldn’t accept the fact that he’s indebted to angry bird, after all the badmouthing he did. It’s hurting his pride,” Sehun told you. “Shut up!” Chanyeol yelled. “Suho?” You muttered when you saw Suho by the door. “Yeah that’s Suho-hyung,” Sehun said. “Let me see if he needs something,” you said and went over to Suho. “Joo Ri!” Suho said when he saw you approaching. “Hey. Do you need something?” “Yes actually. Do you mind handing these to Wu Kris over there? It’s from the Chairman,” he said, handing you a thin stack of papers. “Sure. No problem.” “Thanks Joo Ri. I’ll be going then,” he said and turned to go. “Hey wait!” “Hmm?” He enquired. “Have you seen Kai lately? He hasn't been showing up.” “Ah, ne. I went to their room last night. He’s doing well.” “Ahh. I see. Well, he’s not here yet. I don’t know if he will be coming in today,” you said hesitantly. Suho smiled, already too familiar with the worried look on your face, and placed his hand on your shoulder. “Kai has very deep scars from the past. He's carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders. For now, it’s best that we give him some time alone.” “Those scars you’re saying, is that why he and his dad are not in good terms?” “Don’t you worry. He’ll be fine. I assure you,” he said, avoiding the question while gently patting your shoulder. “Araso,” you sighed. That just makes me even more worried. “I’ll see you at lunch!” He said and went. You handed the papers to Kris and your teacher came shortly after to start class. Most of your classes were, as Chanyeol said, indeed reviews for your coming midterm exams. Kai didn’t show up for the rest of first period and you figured that he most probably won’t show up for the rest of your classes. You were glad when break time came. Reviews stress you out more than they help. For one, going over the horrors of your past lessons didn’t really excite you. Furthermore, reviews make you all panicky because they were like megaphone reminders that your exams are just around the corner, and the more you listen to the lesson recaps, the more you realize that you are so not ready for the exams. You always never were. “Joo Ri-ya, where are you going?” Sehun asked when you made your way to the door. “Toilet,” you answered. “I’ll go too. Wait for me.” “Me too,” Chanyeol said as the two of them caught up with you. “Hey, are you guys stalking me?” You asked, remembering what Lu Han told you last time. “What?!” Chanyeol exclaimed. “No! Of course not! We’re just also going to the toilet!” Sehun said defensively. “What he said,” Chanyeol seconded, trying to look as innocent as he can. You peered at them suspiciously then sighed, deciding to just brush the matter off. “I can’t wait for this day to end. My head hurts with all those reviews,” you grumbled. “It’s a good thing that we’re having reviews Joo Ri-ya. We don’t get to discuss new lessons and we don’t have to study for the exams anymore,” Chanyeol told you, grinning happily. “Why should that be a reason for you not to study?” Sehun questioned. “Isn’t that what reviews are for? I already took down all the things they tackled today. Every single detail. I just have to make sure that I don’t forget them and I'm good to go,” Chanyeol replied, feeling proud of himself. “You still need to study since we don’t exactly know what items are gonna come out,” Suhun told him. “Then why did they give us reviews in the first place, stupid!” Chanyeol said. “I’m saying the reviews are only supposed to guide us! It doesn’t mean you don’t have to study anymore!” “That only applies to nerds. Like you,” Chanyeol answered, ruffling Sehun’s hair which made the latter growl in irritation. “As for cool guys like me, we’re smart enough to know that review items equals answer sheet. You’re in high school long enough to know that already.” “Aish, do what you want and fail by yourself,” Sehun retorted. “Oh! Hi D.O.!” You greeted when you came across D.O. who seemed like he was on his way back to his classroom. Sehun almost immediately shut up. D.O. glared at Sehun, ignoring you; Sehun also did the same. “Here they go again,” Chanyeol muttered, rolling his eyes. “Uhm...guys...,” you said hesitantly. “I’ll be going first,” Sehun said icily, not taking his eyes off D.O., and stomped away. “Wait! Sehun-ah...,” you tried to call out but he didn’t stop walking and seemed like he didn’t want to listen. “Just ignore that brat,” D.O. said in a tone that was close to being a growl. He was intensely glaring at Sehun’s leaving form, and for a second you hoped he wasn’t gonna go after Sehun and punch him, or more like throw him across the hall. You wouldn’t be shocked if he told you he was already mentally ripping Sehun’s limbs apart the way he ripped the door off the old storage room before, judging by the way he was glaring at him. You heaved a sigh. “A-aren’t you guys gonna try to talk this out?” You asked D.O. “That brat thinks he’s so smart he doesn’t listen to anyone,” he spat. “Neither do you,” Chanyeol said. “Stay out of this,” D.O. hissed. “Aish! Seriously! Kids nowadays don’t know how to listen to people older than them,” Chanyeol huffed and walked away, annoyed. You gave another exasperated sigh. “You know D.O., I hate to say this but, Sehun has a point. I mean I’m kind of grateful for what you did, but it wasn’t really necessary. You could have just ignored them. I didn’t really mind.” “I didn’t do it for you. I did it because she was so noisy it’s ticking me off,” he answered, giving you a contemptuous glare. “Araso,” you sighed, too weary to feel embarrassed. “But still, she’s a girl. You shouldn’t have talked to her that way. And she was humiliated in front of the whole cafeteria,” you explained. “You people think what you want to think. I don’t care,” D.O. scorned, before stomping away like the others. You didn’t know if it was just your imagination, but you thought he sounded a little hurt. “D.O.! Ya, D.O., jamkaman,” you tried to plea, but he ignored you, leaving you standing in the hallway alone. Great. Now he hates me too. Way to go, Joo Ri, you gave another helpless sigh. “Are you alright, Song Joo Ri-sshi?” You turned to see Tao, staring down inquiringly at you. “Oh, hi!” You greeted. “Is there a problem?” He asked, glancing over at D.O.’s leaving form. “No, no. Nothing’s wrong.” “You look troubled,” he replied, studying your face. “Oh. It’s nothing. I mean it’s not nothing but it’s fine. Well, I mean it’s not fine but it will be, hopefully. What am I saying? Hehe,” you said scratching your head. “Is there anything I can do to help, Song Joo Ri-sshi?” He offered. “Oh! No, no. Thanks very much, but it’s alright, really. Uhm, by the way, you don’t have to call me by my full name all the time. You can just call me Joo Ri.,” you said, trying to change the subject since the conversation was getting a little uncomfortable. You didn't want to discuss soccer team problems with someone who had nothing to do with it. “Alright then, Joo Ri-sshi,” he smiled after pondering for a little while. “I mean you can also drop the sshi. Hehehe,” you told him. “Or I guess that’s fine, if that’s what you prefer.” “Then you can also just call me Tao.” “I’ve already been doing that,” you answered, laughing. “You still call me sshi.” “Oh yeah. Right. Hehe. Then I’ll just call you Tao from now on,” you smiled. “Where are you heading, by the way?” “I just want to get some drinks,” he told you. “Drinks?” “At the vending machine.” “Oh right,” you muttered, remembering that there were a couple of vending machines lined at the end of the hallway. “Mind if I go with you?” “That’s alright,” he answered. “Thanks.” You went with Tao, forgetting your initial destination. Besides, you had only wanted to go to the toilet because you wanted to get away from the classrooms to take your mind off the exams. Moreover,, you were feeling so stressed you could really use some comfort food. You chose a pack of cheese Kettle Corn while Tao took two cans of Coke from the item slot of the nearby machine. “Is the other one for Kris-sshi?” You asked. Tao looked at one of the cans and answered, “Yeah. How did you know?” Really. It’s not like you guys have any other friends apart from each other. “Just a guess,” you shrugged. You both started walking back. “Want some?” You offered while holding out the open popcorn pack to Tao. “Thank you. But I’ll decline,” he answered. “Okay,” you mumbled, amused at his response. You couldn’t help but notice the way he and Kris talk. They have this distinct style of saying words that made them sound too formal, if not medieval. Are all Chinese supposed to be like this? Oh wait. That devil’s also Chinese and he’s way beyond rude. “You really,” you were about to say ‘idolize’ but your brain was able to grasp a better term at the last second, “respect him a lot, don’t you? Kris-sshi I mean.” “Yes. He is someone I really admire,” he said more to himself than to you. “Have long have you known each other?” you asked. “For as long as I can remember. I have always been by his side.” “Oh. So you have been friends for that long.” He twitched for some reason but didn’t say anything. “I guess I admire him too,” you told him after popping a few popcorns into your mouth. “He always seems so smart and levelheaded. I’ve never seen him panic during pop quizzes or get nervous during oral exams. And he always seems to know the answer to everything!” Tao looked at you with interest as you continued to babble on. “And he’s really helped me a lot in class. And now he has also helped the team. I wouldn’t know what else to do if he didn’t agree to help me. Haahhh...,” you sighed. “I owe him a lot. And seems like my debts are piling higher,” you laughed. “Duizhang always does what is right without expecting any form of compensation. If you’re concerned about having to pay him back, you don’t have to worry about it,” Tao told you. “I see. Then I guess he’s really nice,” you smiled. Wish those two were the same, you frowned, thinking of Lu Han and Kai and how they always charge favors. Your thoughts led you to Kai again. It has been like that lately. Every time you think about something, your thoughts would always lead back to Kai one way or another. “By the way, what is duizhang? I noticed you’ve been calling him that,” you asked, trying to distract your own train of thought. His jaw twitched a little. He just stared intently ahead, not answering your question. “Is that a nickname you made up for him or something?” “Yes. A nickname,” he answered dismissively. “I see. Before I really thought that’s his name. I even called him that,” you laughed. “So what does it mean? And if you don’t mind me asking, I’ve noticed you two always keep to yourselves. Don’t you...have other friends here at school?” “What happened with the matter regarding the soccer team?” He asked, not answering your question. You noticed his discomfort and decided to drop the subject. Personally, you’re not much of a talker and you splendidly at conversations. But you always find yourself babbling away during the few times you’re with Tao. You had always thought that he was nice just like Kris, as opposed to what most people think about them. And you wanted to know him better and perhaps become his friend, if that’s even hypothetically possible. But since Tao is a taciturn, though probably not as aloof as Kris, you had always felt that you should be the one to keep talking or the atmosphere will take on that usual awkward silence wherever those two were concerned. “It’s all settled now. They’re not gonna be expelled. And their suspensions are even withdrawn,” you answered happily, “That’s good.” Though a certain fox still decided not to come to school. That guy’s really looking for trouble, you sighed, your thoughts trailing back to Kai again. “This is your classroom right?” Tao said, pulling you away from your musings. “Ah, yeah,” you answered. You didn’t even notice that you were already by the door.