Kim Daeho swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat.
"About what?"
He had no idea what they wanted from him this time. Fearfully, he scanned the faces of his friends.
"Steal the exam answer key for us," Taejoon announced.
"W-What? I can't do that," Kim Daeho stammered, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Taejoon's expression hardened. "You'll do it whether you like it or not."
Daeho's heart raced. "But... how? The teacher keeps it locked up."
"That's your problem," Taejoon said, his voice cold. "You figure it out. Or else."
"But if I get caught—"
"No excuses," Taejoon interrupted, dismissing him with a wave. Daeho stood there, reeling, his mind racing with thoughts of how he would pull it off.
He had no idea how he was going to do it, but one thing was clear: he didn't have a choice.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Daeho shuffled to his next class. His thoughts were consumed by the impossible task ahead. He could already picture the stern face of Mr. Lee, the math teacher, who was notorious for his strictness. Getting anywhere near the answer key without being noticed seemed like a fantasy.
The incoming exam week was looming over the school like a dark cloud. The hallways buzzed with nervous energy as students exchanged notes and whispered about the upcoming tests. The library was more crowded than usual, with mostly students who cared about their grades hunched over their textbooks and scribbling frantically.
Shinra High students didn't really care about the school's academic activities and exams. The reason why Taejoon and the others feared failing was because of certain rule. Because anyone who failed would have to do community service around the school for a week.
In class, Daeho's anxiety only grew. He couldn't focus on the lesson; his mind kept wandering back to Taejoon's threat. He needed a plan, but every idea that came to him seemed riskier than the last.
After school, Daeho decided to linger in the hallway outside the teacher's office. He watched as Mr. Lee locked the cabinet and placed the key in his desk drawer before leaving for the day. It was a small detail, but it gave Daeho a sliver of hope.
With that, he left and went to his hiding spot on the rooftop to figure out how he would get the answer key without being caught.
__________________
Park Woojin yawned and walked to the vending machine near the library. Days had passed since the incident with Yoo Minhyuk's gang. Since exam week is coming, he had been diligently studying the previous lessons.
He checked the time on his watch and saw that it was almost eight in the evening.
A few other students were in the library, just like him, reviewing for their exams.
He massaged the back of his neck, which had become sore from sitting in the same position for too long.
After getting a can of soda from the vending machine, he made his way back to his study spot.
The library was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of pages and the soft clicking of keyboards. Park Woojin took a deep breath, trying to shake off his fatigue. He knew he had to push through; the exams were crucial, and he couldn't afford to slack off now.
He resumed his studies with renewed focus, flipping through his notes and textbooks.
After finishing up, Park Woojin quickly packed his things and left the library. He walked quietly down the hallway. As he was about to turn a corner, he heard a rustling sound.
Nervously, he headed toward the source of the noise. The area was somewhat dimly lit.
He noticed it was near the teachers' department, and sure enough, he saw that the door was slightly open. Was there still a teacher left here?
He was about to leave when he realized something. Wait a minute… if a teacher was still here, why were there no lights on?
Curious, he looked back at the door and peered through the window. However, the blinds blocked his view, making it difficult to see inside.
Park Woojin's curiosity got the better of him. He crept closer to the door, trying to make out any movement through the narrow gaps. He could hear faint murmurs and a sound of footsteps.
Deciding to investigate further, he gently pushed the door open a crack and peered inside. The dim light from the hallway barely illuminated the room. He saw a figure moving around—someone was definitely there, but their face was obscured by shadows.
Is there a thief? he thought.
Woojin felt a growing sense of unease. Should he inform the guard outside?
I think it's better that way. He was about to leave when he noticed a faint flicker of light coming from inside. His eyes widened in surprise as the light illuminated the figure's face.
Kim Daeho?
Park Woojin's heart raced. What was he doing here at this hour? The suspicion of theft was quickly replaced by a mix of confusion and concern.
He saw Daeho rummaging through a drawer, looking increasingly anxious. It was clear he was searching for something specific.
Feeling concerned for him, he decided to reveal himself. Due to the noise he made while entering, Daeho looked up at him. Fear and anxiety were unmistakable on his face when he saw Woojin.
"What are you doing here?" Daeho asked, his voice trembling with fear.
"I should be asking you the same thing. What are you doing here, Daeho?" Woojin replied, his tone firm and concerned.
Kim Daeho took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he met Woojin's gaze. He looked away, his eyes darting around nervously as if searching for an escape route.
The dim light from the hallway cast long shadows, making the situation even more unsettling.
"I— I needed to find something," Daeho stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's important."
Woojin frowned, his concern deepening. "Important enough to be here in the dark, rummaging through a drawer?"
Daeho's expression grew more distressed. "I know it looks suspicious, but please, just... just let me explain. I'm looking for some documents that were supposed to be here. They're crucial for my project, and I can't afford to lose them." He said, on the verge of tears.
"You're lying," Woojin said firmly, surprising Daeho. He had thought Woojin would buy his explanation, but it seemed he was wrong.
"What do you mean? I'm telling the truth, Woojin!"
"I followed you yesterday." Daeho froze at what Woojin said. "After you left the store, I followed you."
Daeho's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "What are you talking about? Why would you follow me?"
"I saw you acting suspiciously after you left the store. And I know for a fact that the cigarette you bought was not for you, right?"
"Why would you think so?"
Park Woojin gave a weak smile. "You may not believe me, but... I often saw you around the school. We're the same. We're both at the bottom of the food chain. We're prey."
Daeho was speechless at what he heard. All this time, he thought he was the only one who felt this way, but he never imagined that Woojin felt the same.
"You and I both know this well. We serve those on top just to survive." Woojin sighed, keeping his eyes on the floor. "What you're going through, I believe I've experienced too."
Park Woojin looked up at him. "But Daeho, you can't do things like this. If someone else had caught you instead of me, you'd be in serious trouble."
"But what should I do?" Kim Daeho uttered in frustration. "Taejoon will keep bullying me if I don't do what he asks," he said, struggling to keep his composure.
Park Woojin looked at Daeho, his expression also grieved. "We'll figure something out. But first, let's get out of here before anyone else shows up."
Daeho nodded and together, they left the school.