Kai's story begins in Advanced Calculus one blazing August day. It is the first day of the fall semester. Already he has been receiving party invites, welcoming pats on the back from former teachers, and flirty winks from admirers. For a mere sophomore at Seoul National University, he sure is hanging high off the rungs of the social ladder.

"Aye, Kai." Kris, one of his best friends, high-fives him as he walks into Advanced Calc. "You're in this class too? This is gonna be a blast." Behind him, Kai sees everyone in the room perk up at the sight of him. A few people wave or smile.

Kai grins. "Definitely." He is about to say more, until the rapping of a ruler against a whiteboard cuts him off.

"Glad to see everyone here," the stern-looking professor intones.

Her hair is pulled up into a tight black bun, her eyes scanning the rows of students with a hawkish stare.

"I am Professor Oh. This is my first year teaching, but let me assure you: I am more than competent. I obtained my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Yale University. Then, I graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2 years ago with a phD in Calculus. I've participated in international math forums, and won a prize for a theoretical proof I wrote."

Eyebrows shoot up, slight gasps punctuate the silence. Damn, Kai thinks. She's smart. It's obvious that this lady is not to be messed with.

"There are 4 rules in my class," Professor Oh continues. "One: I don't accept late work, so you'd best get everything turned in when it's due. Not a second late. Two: all work will be done in black ink. Anything else will be thrown away."

"What the hell," Kai mutters.

Professor Oh's head swivels in his direction. "Third, there will be no talking when I'm talking," she says while boring her eyes into Kai's. "I am to be given the utmost respect. " Kai narrows his eyes.

"Finally and most importantly, I am always right. Questions?"

Professor Oh is met with rather terrified shaking of the head from everyone- save for one student.

Kai's arms are crossed.