I stared at the glowing screen, at the jumbled mess of symbols and characters that were supposed to be Korean lessons, and felt a surge of pure, unadulterated frustration.
Giselle's 'translation assistance' was nothing more than a glorified cheat sheet. It gave me the words, but not the satisfaction I wanted. Not the subtle nuances, the hidden meanings, the cultural context that made all the difference.
I slammed the device shut, that was called laptop nowadays, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the otherwise silent room. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. I needed to dissect this language, to master it, to bend it to my will, not just parrot back phrases like some trained bird.
And then there was this.
I snatched the crumpled piece of paper from the floor, the edges stained and dog-eared. Kim Winter's 'report card.' A testament to the lack of discipline in this... vessel.
"F" in History. "F" in Math. "F" in... everything.
How could I expect to succeed when I was trapped in the body of someone who couldn't even bothered to study?
I crumpled the report card in my fist, the paper tearing under the force of my grip. It wasn't acceptable. None of it was acceptable. I had a duty to perform, a mission to complete, and I was being held back by... her laziness.
Giselle was wrong. I didn't need help. I needed control. I needed to overcome this inherent... sloth, to force this body to obey, to make it worthy of the task at hand.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to regain control. This wasn't a battlefield. It was a classroom. But the principles were the same. Discipline. Focus. Determination.
Then someone knocks on my room's door. It slid open, revealing my Mother.
She stood in the doorway, a tray balanced in her hands, laden with snacks and a steaming cup of tea. Her eyes widened slightly.
"Omo! dear... are you... studying?"
Don't worry Kim Winter's mother, I won't let you down this time.
"Yes Mother, " I said, a little softer than intended. "I am studying."
Her gaze swept across on my study table, taking in the scattered textbooks, the paper sheets and other learning materials.
"I heard from Ms. Park that you've been borrowing books from the library. I had to see it with my own eyes."
Before she could take another step, I rose from my chair and hurried to her side. "Let me help you with that, Mother," I said, gently taking the tray from her hands. "It kinda' looks heavy."
She blinked in surprise, her smile widening. "Oh, Winter-ah, you don't have to-"
"Nonsense, it's the least I can do. And please you can sit here with me inside." I placed the tray on the desk, making sure it was stable and within easy reach.
"There." I said, turning back to face her.
Mother reach out to gently smooth a strand of hair away from my forehead. I had to resist the urge to flinch. It wasn't her fault I was trapped in this situation. She was just being a mother.
"You're such a good daughter, dear. I always knew you are."
I forced myself to relax, to accept her touch. This was my new family. Even if it meant enduring endless cups of green tea and pretending to be someone I wasn't.
~•~
I was walking with Giselle and Felix, their laughter bouncing off the walls of the school hallway. Their voices were close, but my mind was miles away. I was thinking about the gift. It was just a start, a little nudge to see what would happen. But the real thing... that was something else entirely.
I felt a little disconnected, my eyes were unfocused, and my thoughts kept drifting back to the plan, running through all the details, making sure everything was sitting smoothly.
I didn't really pay attention to what Giselle and Felix were talking about.
"Did you see their faces?" Giselle was laughing. "They looked totally freaked out!"
Felix chuckled. "Winter, you're a genius," he said, clapping me on the shoulder. "You always know how to stir things up."
As we walked past the other students, I could feel the weight of their stares, the intensity of their curiosity. But I remained uninterested, detached, my gaze fixed on some distant, unseen horizon.
Let them speculate. Let them whisper. Let them try to decipher everything.
The performance must go on.
But of course if there's a protagonist there should be the antagonist.
Giselle and I were the first student to enter the classroom, since Felix left for an athletic matter.
I stood there, leaning at my own desk, staring at the new table beside mine. In my other hand, I held a well-worn copy of 'How to Learn Korean Effectively' its pages filled with notes and symbols in precise, elegant handwriting.
"No way... you actually did it," Giselle said, her voice tight, I know, she was trying not to scream. "Seriously, Winter? After everything we've done to Jimin, you got her this thing?"
I didn't turn. My gaze lingered on the desk, its nameplate far too ordinary for my tastes.
"We're supposed to be making things difficult for her, not giving her gifts," Giselle continued, her voice rising slightly."What's gotten into you, Winter? You're the one who came up with most of the plans!"
"It is merely a desk, Giselle," I stated, adjusting my reading glasses, since I just discovered that the owner's eyes were unclear. "Do try to maintain your... composure."
"Composure?" Giselle scoffed, "You give that loser a freakin' throne, and you expect me to chill? Are you kidding me? And it's not 'just a desk'!" Giselle exploded, her voice echoing in the silent classroom. "It's a slap in the face to everything we stand for! It's like you're saying she deserves our respect?"
A faint smile touched my lips. "Perhaps, I simply wished to observe the repercussions."
Giselle stared, confusion and annoyance warring on her face. "Repercussions? You're treating this like some kind of social experiment! This is our lives, Winter! Our reputation! Everything!"
"Indeed, Giselle. Life itself is a performance."
She stepped closer. "Don't tell me you're having second thoughts, Winter. We've come too far to back down now. You're the leader, remember? You're the one who keeps us all in line."
I finally closed the book, marking my place with a delicate, lace-edged bookmark. "Leadership, is not merely about dictating actions. It is about understanding the consequences of those actions."
"Consequences? What's that supposed to mean?"
I turned to face her fully. "It means, Giselle, that every action has a ripple effect. And sometimes, the most unexpected actions can yield the most... illuminating results."
"You're talking in circles again, Winter. Just tell me straight - are you with us or not?" Her frustration growing.
"Loyalty," I said, my voice soft, "is a precious commodity. But it must be earned, not demanded."
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed from the hallway, growing louder with each passing moment.
"Felix won't like this Winter."
The classroom door slid open and a small group of students entered, chattering amongst themselves. They stopped short as they noticed the new desk, their voices dying down.
Giselle, seeing the students arrive, gave me one last, hard look before turning and walking out of the classroom.
"Woah, what's this?" one of the students, a boy with bright pink hair, exclaimed, walking over to examine the desk. "Did someone get a new upgrade?"
"Is that...Jimin's name?" another student, a girl with a skeptical expression, asked, pointing to the nameplate. "Seriously? After everything that's been going on?"
A hush fell over the group as they looked from the desk to me.
"Good morning, kids." a bright smile spreading across my face.
The students blinked, clearly taken aback by my uncharacteristic greeting. A few of them exchanged nervous glances.
"M-morning, Winter." the boy with the pink hair stammered.
"G-good morning..." the girl with the skeptical expression echoed.
The other students mumbled their greetings, their voices low, almost fearful.
"So..." I continued, my smile unwavering, "what do you all think of our... addition to the classroom?" I gestured towards the desk. "A touch of... equity, perhaps?"
The students shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond. The pink-haired boy cleared his throat.
"It's... nice," he said hesitantly, his eyes darting nervously between the desk and me. "Really... thoughtful."
The skeptical girl frowned, her gaze fixed on the nameplate. "But... why? After everything that happened... why would you do this?"
I give them a soft smile. "Why, indeed? Perhaps... I simply wished to see what would happen."
The new stage is set.
Then, the classroom door slid open again, and Yu Jimin walked in.
I didn't speak. I didn't move. But from the corner of my eye, I watched her every move. I observed the way her eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail. I noted the subtle shift in her posture, the evident shock on her face.
The other students seemed to hold their breath, waiting for her reaction. The tension in the room was palpable, a thick, suffocating blanket that seemed to stifle all the sound.
Yu Jimin took a tentative step forward, her gaze fixed on the desk. She reached out a hand, her fingers hovering just above the smooth surface of her nameplate.
The main performer has arrived.
~•~
Giselle crossed her arms, her expression tight. "Yah, Winter, just... don't forget what's important. Seriously."
I gave her a thin smile. Giselle's worry was expected, but quite needless.
"Aish, come on, Gi, relax a little!" Felix said, nudging her. "Winter knows what she's doing, right? Hey, Winter-ah, why don't you come over to my place tonight? We can order chicken, watch a... movie."
"Thanks for the offer, Felix, but I'll have to take a raincheck," I replied, my voice smooth as silk but cold as ice. "I've got to bone up for the exam, and my Korean's got to be tip-top. You know how it is."
My priorities are set in stone, see?
He leaned in close, planting a kiss on my cheek. A quick touch, nothing more. I fought the urge to pull away, keeping my face still, playing the part of the cool, collected Winter. It felt peculiar, unnatural, but it's all part of the act, ain't it?
"Alright, do whatever you want," Felix said, stepping back with a shrug. "But you're totally missing out on the fun."
"Yeah, whatever." Giselle muttered, still glaring in my general direction.
"Maybe another time." I replied, flashing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
We split up, Giselle and Felix heading towards the school's parking lot while I turned towards the quiet solitude of the library.
I was aware of her presence, a subtle shadow lurking in the distance. Yu Jimin. She was following me, just as I had anticipated. The experiment was progressing precisely as planned.
~•~
I slipped into the library, the air thick with the scent of old paper and hushed whispers. Time to hit the books.
I drifted through the language and literature sections, my eyes scanning the shelves. I needed a stack of books, something practical for the exam and maybe even a little something to broaden my horizons.
And there she was, still clinging to my shadow. Yu Jimin. Persistence, I'll give her that.
I finally settled on a table in the back corner, a spot with a decent view of the room. Time to put my nose to the grindstone and soak up some knowledge.
I cracked open my Korean textbook, determined to make some real headway. Each character, each phrase, a challenge to be conquered. I might be using Kim Winter's body, but I can't deny that learning this language is starting to get under my skin a little. It's got a certain... je ne sais quoi.
Then, another dame entered the scene. A girl, approaching Yu Jimin with a friendly smile. My head snapped up, my senses on high alert. For a moment, I thought I might have to step in, but I forced myself to stay put. Observe.
They talked, their voices low that didn't reach my ears. The girl seemed to be offering help, explaining something with gentle gestures. Yu Jimin listened intently, her expression softening.
Interesting. A new variable in the equation. Is she actually trying to help her? Or is this some kind of a setup?
As their interaction continued, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
I had to make sure she was okay.
So I stay a little longer.
After an hour and half, I started to gather my books.
Time to cut this little show short.
I stood up, brushing off any imaginary dust from my pants. I gave one last glance at Yu Jimin. Then, I turned and walked away, leaving her to her newfound friend. But I made a mental note to keep a closer eye on things.
I need to figure out what's really going on here.
I headed for the exit, leaving Yu Jimin to her own devices. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking away from something far more important.
~•~
The lamplight cast a warm glow on my desk as I hunched over my Korean textbook. I was scribbling notes in the margins, trying to nail down the similarities and differences of the grammar. This language ain't no cakewalk. But I was determined to crack the code.
I had a stack of flashcards spread out in front of me, each one with a Korean word on one side and the English translation on the other. I flipped through them, muttering the words under my breath. "Hana... dul... set..." One, two, three. I was getting the hang of it, slowly but surely.
A steaming mug of coffee sat beside my books, the aroma filling the air. I took a sip, the caffeine giving me a much-needed stimulation. Gotta stay sharp if I'm gonna ace this exam.
I was so engrossed in my studies that I barely heard the footsteps approaching. But then, the door burst open with a bang, nearly knocking me off my chair. It was Minji, my sister, looking extremely annoyed. She was clutching her smartphone like it was a gat. What in the world is this all about?
"Unnie! You HAVE to see this!" She yelled.
She shoved the phone in my face. I was taken aback, completely flummoxed.
"What's going on, Minji?"
She just glared at me, her jaw tight. "Just watch the video, seriously." she snapped.
I sighed and took the smartphone, my curiosity piqued.
It was a video taken in the library. I recognized the location instantly. And then I saw her. Yu Jimin.
It was the same girl earlier, all smiles and fake concern, talking to Jimin. Too rehearsed, too sweet. Then, the camera angle shifted, revealing another girl filming the whole thing. It was a setup. A cruel, calculated trap.
The video continued, showing the girl's true colors. The mocking laughter, the smug satisfaction, the blatant exploitation of Jimin's vulnerability. It was sickening.
Those low-down dirty rats!
I stood up from my seat, my chair scraping against the floor. My hands clenched into fists.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Yu Jimin, being humiliated again.
"Minji. W-who is that girl? The one who was pretending to be nice to Jimin?"
Minji's face was still flushed with anger. "That's Hyeri, Unnie. She's a total snake. Always trying to stir up trouble. What's even weirder is that she idolizes you so bad."
I filed that information away. Hyeri, huh? And she idolizes Kim Winter.
"Dearest sister, could you give me everything you know about Hyeri."
"What? Why should I do that? Seriously, unnie, what's going on? You never ask me about anyone. Why Hyeri all of a sudden?"
I sighed, trying to sound convincing. "Look, Minji, what Hyeri did to Jimin was wrong. It was cruel and unfair, and I can't just stand by and let her get away with it."
Minji scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please, unnie. Don't give me that 'holier than thou' act. You're the last person who should be talking about what's right and wrong. I mean, come on, you're Kim Winter! You've been bullying Jimin for ages!"
I stared at her, the weight of her words hittin' me like a torpedo. The kid's got a point. I'm tryin' to be a good egg, but she ain't buyin' it for a minute. This whole situation is a bust. I ain't gonna get anywhere with this line of chatter.
"Alright, Minji," I said, my voice smooth as silk. "I gotta hit the books. Big test comin' up." I gestured towards my desk, tryin' to look all studious.
Seeing her chance, I gave her the ol' 'get along now' eyes.
"Wait, Unnie..." Minji said, her voice curious now. "Why are you saying all this? And why do you even care about Jimin all of a sudden?"
I smiled, then lightly pushed her towards the door, "Don't you worry your pretty little head about Jimin, Minji. Everything's gonna be fine. You should trust your older sister once in a while, don't you think? And as for why now... well, that's a secret."
I winked, then gently guided her out the door, leavin' Minji standin' there with a puzzled look on her face. Gotta hand it to myself, that was a smooth getaway. Now, time to put my plan into action. First things first, I gotta find this Hyeri dame.
As I closed the door, I muttered to myself, "Alright, Hyeri, you think you're so smart, huh? Well, I'm about to show you what real power looks like. You messed with the wrong dame. And now you're gonna pay the piper. Just you wait and see."