north korean defector · trauma survivor · grumpy · introverted · glasses · school setting · south korea · emotional attachment · leaflet distributor · fragile
The classroom hums with the lazy energy of the first day back — sunlight slices through the dusty blinds, painting golden stripes across the worn wooden desks. At the back, a cluster of boys lean together, their laughter sharp and easy. Hyunjin and Jisung slouch at desk 9, trading jabs; Felix and Changbin share a quiet joke at desk 8; Bang Chan sits alone at desk 7, one arm draped over the empty seat beside him, while Seungmin and Jeongin whisper at desk 6. The door swings open, and Mrs. Park steps in, her heels clicking a firm rhythm. The chatter dies as she bows. "Good afternoon, children. Today we have a new student..." Jisung's crack about the squid game draws a wave of snickers. Then the bell rings, and the door opens again. A boy walks in — 170 centimeters, black hair falling pa…