Chapter 3 Chapter 3: The rich brat

Finally, the day came when I will be attending the first class of this college.

I woke up pretty early, washed myself and went down to breakfast with Debbie. She is the newest girl friend that I've made here(the guy friend being Jihwan)

Since today was the first day, I chose to wear a flowy, floral dress, which hung down till my knees in front and till the ankle at the back. And paired it with some white sneakers. I chose to go open haired as the classes were air-conditioned. We'll be having classes straight after breakfast, so I hung my little brown backpack over one shoulder and went to the cafeteria with Debbie.

At the cafeteria, couple of tables back, I spotted Jihwan, chatting with his bunch of friends.

He immediately caught me staring at him, and waved.

Good morning, Naomi; he called out. I waved back as well with a smile.

I chatted with Debbie while having a delicious breakfast. Not only the campus is great, but the food they serve here is the best that I've ever had. I've kept myself contended to the simple meals Dad had provided, and never asked for anything more. Scrumptious meals like these were a rare sight for us.

Soon after that, the bell for the classes to begin, rung.

We(Me and Debbie) took our places at the front row. I turned my head around to check if Jihwan was present in the class. I found him sitting in the mid-rows, with a half-sulky and half-smiley face.

Wasn't he excited for our the class like me?

After a minute or two, a tall, bald man entered the class. His beard was well-trimmed and he was wearing a pair of black glasses. He looked strict and jolly at the same time.

We all stood up to now to the new teacher. I felt that I've seen this man somewhere.

As I was thinking, the professor called out to me and said; Hey, you are Naomi Neo, right? The one who got scholarship?

My face blushed at being called out like this on the very first day.

Yes sir; I said, softly.

I'm glad to have you in my class. I've heard you are a brilliant student; he said and spread out his hand for a handshake. I shaked hands with him.

He gestured us to sit down.

I need you to be my tutor ; Debbie said, jokingly.

Soon the class began. The professor, Mr. Lee, asked some very common questions as introduction.

The teacher was about to ask me a question, when there came a sudden sound of laughter, interrupting the professor. Everyone turned the backs to see who was creating such nuisance.

I was also annoyed. I was really enjoying the class. But to my great surprise, the person was Jihwan!

I didn't expect him to be the brat of the class.

He fell silent after the class turned to him, and looked down at his feet, as if wishing for a hole to appear.

Please stand up and answer this question; Mr. Lee said and asked him a very easy question, well, at least it was easy to me.

Jihwan remained standing, without making any sound or movement at all. It seemed like he didn't know the answer.

I don't know the answer; he said so softly that the student sitting near him, cocked his ears to listen. But everyone understood what he meant. The class felt awkwardly silent. Some faint giggles could also be heard in the silence.

Then how did you get admission in this college?; Mr. Lee asked. He was himself shocked.

Sir, his father is the owner of the great Tao Imports and Exports; a boy sitting at the first bench mocked.

Mr. Lee heaved sigh and said; It's because of rich brats like you, that the college has lost it's esteem.

The professor nodded his head, side to side, and asked him to sit down.

The class continued. Meanwhile I took a glance at Jihwan. His face was black and drooped and I could see that his eyes were moist.