The sunlight filtered through the curtains as Ah-Yumi stirred awake, her mind still restless from the previous night. She had spent hours rehearsing how to introduce herself to her new classmates. The thought of standing in front of strangers, in a language she was still learning, sent a nervous flutter through her chest.
After dragging herself out of bed, she brushed her teeth, fixed her jet-black hair, and slipped into her neatly pressed uniform. Breakfast with her parents was brief—just a few encouraging words from her mother and a reassuring smile from her father.
Outside, the crisp morning air filled her lungs as the car pulled up to the school gates. The building loomed ahead, modern and imposing, as students bustled about in tidy uniforms. Taking a deep breath, she walked through the entrance and made her way to the principal's office.
The principal greeted her warmly, handing over her schedule and classroom number. "You'll do great, Ah-Yumi," he said with a kind smile. "Your teacher is expecting you."
With her heart pounding, she climbed the stairs to her classroom. Upon entering, the class teacher greeted her with a cheerful, "Good morning, everyone. We have a new student today." Turning to Ah-Yumi, the teacher added, "Introduce yourself to the class."
The room was silent as every pair of eyes turned toward her. Ah-Yumi froze momentarily, her heart hammering like a drum. Stay calm. Look confident. Don't mess this up, she told herself, forcing a practiced smile onto her face.
"Hello, everyone," she began, her voice clear and poised, much to her surprise. "My name is Ah-Yumi. I'm from Japan, and I'm looking forward to studying with all of you. Please take care of me." She bowed slightly, the picture of grace.
The classroom erupted into polite applause, with a few students murmuring among themselves, impressed by her composure.
Oh no, they're looking at me. Are they judging me? Did I say something wrong? Was my accent weird? she screamed internally, her mind spiraling into chaos. What if they think I'm trying too hard? Or worse, not trying hard enough?
Her teacher gestured to an empty desk near the middle of the classroom. "Thank you, Ah-Yumi. You can take your seat there next to Kim Eeunsoo"
She nodded politely, her steps measured and calm as she walked to her seat. Don't trip. Don't trip. Just get to the desk. Oh god, what if someone tries to talk to me? What do I even say?
As she sat down, the boy that sit next to her was cold and stroic, He glared at Ah-yumi and looked away not interested.
Ah-Yumi turned to him, she notice the first person she met is not even interested as she looks over to the window and thought to herself "How am I supposed to survive this year?!"
From the outside, she seemed perfectly composed—a picture of confidence. But inside, Ah-Yumi's inner monologue was a chaotic whirlwind.