Jasper and Jae-hye showed Seung-ho around Ulsan City, introducing him to a diverse range of people. They visited bustling markets, serene temples, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Throughout the day, Seung-ho noticed the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the common people. Luxury cars zipped past dilapidated buildings, and designer-clad individuals rubbed shoulders with those in humble attire.
As they walked through a crowded marketplace, a group of teenagers caught Seung-ho's eye. They were laughing loudly and pushing each other playfully, their carefree demeanor a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that seemed to permeate the city.
"Who are they?" Seung-ho asked curiously.
Jae-hye followed his gaze and sighed.
"Fifteen year old kids. Come on let's take you to a cafe club where you will meet our friends," Jae-hye said.
So they went to the cafe club.
"Yo! Jasper, Jae-hye who is this?" Four guys and two girls asked.
"My cousin Seung-ho, same age as us seventeen years old but has an American accent and is from America so doesn't know Korean culture," Jae-hye said.
"Let me introduce you," Jasper said.
Jasper began introducing Seung-ho to his friends.
"This is Min-jae, our resident jokester. He's always cracking jokes and keeping the mood light."
A tall, lanky boy with a mischievous grin stepped forward and waved at Seung-ho.
"And this is Soo-jin, our group's resident genius. She's top of our class and has a photographic memory."
A petite girl with glasses and a serious expression nodded at Seung-ho.
"Next up, we have Ji-hoon, our sports star. He's on the basketball team and has a scholarship to the elite academy."
A muscular boy with a charming smile gave Seung-ho a friendly pat on the back.
"And these lovely ladies are Yoo-na and Hye-rin. They're both talented dancers and part of the school's performance troupe."
Two girls with long hair and bright smiles bowed gracefully to Seung-ho.
As Jasper finished the introductions, Taotao suddenly appeared beside Seung-ho, his adorable fox face now sporting a mischievous grin.
Jae-hye's eyes widened at Yoo-na's comment, and he couldn't help but agree inwardly. Seung-ho's striking features and graceful movements had caught the attention of everyone in the cafe.
"Yeah, he's always been the handsome one in the family," Jae-hye said with a proud smile.
Meanwhile, Seung-ho approached the counter, his gaze fixed on the "Help Wanted" sign. The manager, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, looked up from her paperwork.
"Are you interested in the position?" she asked.
Seung-ho nodded confidently.
"Yes, I am. I'm a hard worker and quick learner."
The manager studied Seung-ho for a moment before handing him an application form.
"Fill this out and bring it back tomorrow. We'll schedule an interview."
Seung-ho took the form and thanked her before returning to his friends.
As he sat down, Taotao leaned in close, his voice barely audible.
"A job at a cafe? How... quaint. But I suppose it's a start."
Seung-ho ignored Taotao's sarcastic remark and turned his attention back to his friends.
"Seung-ho! There is an amazing mechanic shop around the corner why not work there?" Jasper asked and Seung-ho touched his chin and refused right away he didn't want to bother with anything else he just wants something simple.
"No."
"It pays 20 an hour."
"Us dollars or Korean won?" Seung-ho asked.
Jasper blinked in surprise at Seung-ho's sudden interest in the currency.
"Uh, Korean won. But still, that's a pretty good wage for a student job."
Seung-ho shook his head, his expression firm.
"No, thanks. I prefer something simpler."
He glanced back at the cafe counter, a thoughtful look on his face.
"I'll stick with the cafe job for now."
Taotao rolled his eyes beside Seung-ho.
"You're passing up a lucrative opportunity for a minimum-wage job? Your priorities are... intriguing."
Seung-ho ignored Taotao's commentary and turned back to his friends.
"So, what else should I know about this elite academy? Any particular... rules or customs I should be aware of?"
His question was met with exchanged glances and hesitant smiles from the group.
"In the school we all attend they are four groups you should watch out for!"
"What are they?" Seung-ho asked as he sat down and looked at his new friends.
"The first group is the 'Heir Apparents.' They're the privileged kids from wealthy families, born with silver spoons in their mouths. They run the school and expect everyone to bow to their every whim."
Jae-hye's expression darkened as he spoke.
"They're the ones responsible for most of the bullying and corruption at the academy."
Min-jae chimed in, his tone bitter.
"And don't forget the 'Scholars.' They're the brainiacs, always studying and competing for top grades. Some of them are just as bad as the Heir Apparents, using their intellect to manipulate and exploit others."
Soo-jin nodded in agreement.
"There's also the 'Athletes.' They're all about physical prowess and school pride. Some of them are decent, but others use their strength to intimidate and control."
Ji-hoon spoke up, his voice cautious.
"Then they are the scholarship students us," Yoo-na said.
"Why do all sound like it's a nightmare?" Seung-ho asked.
Yoo-na sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping.
"It is, in a way. The scholarship students are at the bottom of the food chain. We're seen as inferior, like we're only there because of charity or pity."
Hye-rin nodded solemnly.
"And if you're caught associating with the wrong group, or if they find out you're a scholarship student, you can forget about having an easy time at the academy."
Seung-ho listened intently, his brow furrowed in concern.
"That sounds terrible. Is there no one looking out for the students' well-being?"
Jae-hye snorted derisively.
"The administration? They're in bed with the wealthy families. They turn a blind eye to most of the corruption and abuse that goes on."
Min-jae leaned in closer to Seung-ho, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"There are rumors about some students disappearing without a trace. No one knows what happened to them, but... it's not pretty."
Seung-ho's mind raced with the information he had just received. The academy sounded like a breeding ground for corruption, manipulation, and possibly even danger. But in truth he was not scared he went to juvenile detention before and went to school if that speaks for anything he can handle himself. They play with money he will play with cards.
Seung-ho finished the application and walked straight toward the manager who smiled brightly at Seung-ho.
"You are so handsome and beautiful you will truly bring customers in!" The manager said.
"Thank you manager…?" Seung-ho said.