Chapter 3 THE BIG BULLY

"Yes, it is me," Adrian replied icily.

Lara responded with an air of discomfort, "Oh, look who has finally graced us with their presence. What's up, Adrian?"

"Save your pleasantries for yourself, Lara," Adrian retorted.

Startled, but quick to regain composure, Lara replied, "Adrian? Um, nothing really. Just engaging in a cordial conversation with Gilbert."

Adrian's tone grew stern, "It is not acceptable to bully someone simply because they are a scholarship student, let Gilbert be."

Mockingly, Lara retorted, "Oh, are we defending the poor little scholarship kid? What's the fuss? He should know his place."

Nervously, Gilbert interjected, "Adrian, it's alright. Just ignore her."

Lara furiously raised her hand to slap Gilbert, Adrian stepped between Lara and Gilbert, but Gilbert immediately tried to stop Adrian from saying more to Lara.

Adrian placed a reassuring hand on Gilbert's shoulder. "No, Gilbert, I refuse to stand idly by while someone like Lara attempts to diminish your worth by bullying you, You deserve respect, just like anyone else."

Becoming defensive, Lara challenged, "Who do you think you are, Adrian? The prince of Blackwood College?"

With a determined expression, Adrian responded, "While I may be the son of the President of this prestigious college, that does not grant you the right to treat others unjustly. You should feel ashamed of yourself."

Angry, Lara dismissed with a wave of her hand, "Whatever, Adrian. I have no time for this." She stormed off, casting a venomous glare at Gilbert.

Adrian turned to Gilbert, offering a reassuring smile. "Do not fret over her, Gilbert. You are an integral part of this college, just like anyone else. If she dares to trouble you again, inform me. I shall not tolerate anyone bullying you or anyone else."

Grateful, Gilbert expressed his appreciation, "Thank you, Adrian. Your support means a great deal to me."

The students were left stunned and curious as to why Adrian, being part of the Elite wheel , would find himself in the general class. Ordinarily, the elite had their own separate classes they do attend.

Just then, a teacher entered the scene. Adrian cheerfully greeted the teacher and promptly proceeded to his own class.

KOREA SEOUL

Ji-hye and her mother, Mrs. Kim, hurried through the bustling streets of Seoul, carrying bags filled with their shopping. They had an exciting adventure ahead: getting ready to move to the vibrant city of New York. Ji-hye, known for her mischievous spirit, couldn't contain her excitement.

When they entered a trendy boutique, Ji-hye's eyes lit up with anticipation.

She noticed a display of colorful accessories and couldn't resist sneaking away from her mother's watchful gaze. She playfully tried on oversized sunglasses, flashy hats, and funky scarves, giggling to herself all the while.

Ji-hye darted through the aisles, her fingers gently grazing the vibrant fabrics.

Aware of her daughter's antics, Mrs. Kim searched through the clothing racks, calling out, "Ji-hye, we need to find practical outfits for the city. We don't want to look out of place."

Ji-hye emerged from behind a rack, wearing a comically large hat and holding a jumble of mismatched accessories. With a mischievous grin, she exclaimed, "But Mom, New York City is all about standing out! We need to make a statement!"

"Ji-hye, we also need to find warm coats for the chilly New York winters," Mrs. Kim reminded her.

Ji-hye let out a dramatic sigh and rolled her eyes, although her mischievous smile betrayed her excitement. "Alright, alright, Mom. But can't we at least look for something stylish too? I want to make a fashionable entrance in the Big Apple!"

Mrs. Kim chuckled, understanding her daughter's desire to make an impression. Together, they explored the boutique, selecting warm coats, cozy sweaters, and fashionable accessories that would keep them both comfortable and stylish in their new home.

As they headed towards the cashier, Ji-hye couldn't resist teasing her mother. "Hey, Mom, do you think New York City is ready for the unstoppable duo of Ji-hye and Mrs. Kim?"

Playfully tapping Ji-hye's arm, Mrs. Kim replied, "Oh, I believe they better be. We will bring a touch of Seoul's spunk and style with us wherever we go!"

With laughter and anticipation in their hearts, Ji-hye and Mrs. Kim exited the boutique, ready to conquer the world together, one fashionable step at a time.

THE KIM HOME, KOREA

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, orange glow through the windows of their Seoul apartment, Ji-hye and her mother, Mrs. Kim, found themselves amidst a flurry of half-packed suitcases and scattered belongings. They were preparing for their relocation trip to New York the following morning, and Ji-hye's mischievous nature added an element of liveliness to the task at hand.

Mrs. Kim, a perpetually worried and nagging presence, paced back and forth, her brow furrowed with concern. "Ji-hye, please focus and assist me in packing. We have a great deal to accomplish, and we cannot afford any delays," she chided, her voice tinged with frustration.

Ji-hye, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, deliberately moved at a leisurely pace, dragging her feet as she gathered her belongings. "Oh, Mom, why must we go through all this trouble? Can't we simply leave them behind? It's too much work," she grumbled, intentionally provoking her mother.

"Ji-hye! Can you not be serious for once? We do not have time for your pranks!" Mrs. Kim snapped, her frustration boiling over.

Ji-hye, a mischievous grin adorning her face, twirled her sock puppets and replied in a mock-serious tone, "But Mom, these socks are eager to join us on our grand adventure! They are convinced they can become stars on Broadway!"

Mrs. Kim couldn't help but chuckle, her heart warmed by Ji-hye's infectious enthusiasm. "Well, if those socks harbor dreams of becoming Broadway stars, who are we to stand in their way? Let us make space for them in the suitcase," she said, playing along.

With renewed excitement, Ji-hye continued her imaginative play. She gathered clothes, toys, and various trinkets, each item transforming into a prop for her lively make-believe world.

When Ji-hye reached for her cherished stuffed animal, a well-worn bunny with floppy ears, she held it high, pretending it was a famous explorer. "Captain Flopsalot, are you prepared to conquer the concrete jungle of New York with us?" she asked, giving the bunny a high-pitched, adventurous voice.

Mrs. Kim smiled, her heart swelling with affection for her spirited daughter. "Oh, Captain Flopsalot must be thrilled to join us on this daring adventure," she replied, matching the playful tone.

Together, they packed their belongings, engaging in playful banter and laughter along the way. Amidst the chaos of their spirited packing session, memories of their time in Seoul filled the room. Mrs. Kim paused, a nostalgic smile gracing her lips as she stumbled upon a worn photo album. "Remember when we had that picnic in the park, and you decided to chase after the ducks, Ji-hye?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Ji-hye's mischievous demeanor softened for a moment as she peered at the old photographs, a fondness evident in her eyes. "Oh, Mom, those ducks never saw me coming! But I bet New York has some truly swift pigeons to chase!"

As the night grew darker, their apartment transformed into a labyrinth of packed boxes and sealed suitcases. Mrs. Kim surveyed the scene, a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction on her face. She approached Ji-hye, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

"Ji-hye, my little adventurer, tomorrow we embark on a new chapter of our lives. New York awaits us, with all its excitement and wonders. But remember, no matter where we go, we shall always have each other," Mrs. Kim said, her voice filled with love and determination.

Ji-hye grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Yes, Mom, partners in crime, ready to conquer the Big Apple! New York won't know what hit it!"

Amidst their mother-daughter moments, Mr. Kim entered the room.

"Oh, Appa is back!" Ji-hye exclaimed happily, running to embrace her father.

"My princess, how are you?" he asked.

"Appa, I'm not fine. I'm exhausted from shopping and packing," Ji-hye complained, pouting.

"I'm sorry, my princess. Have a goodnight's rest. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow," he said, patting her back.

Mrs. Kim cleared her throat. "So, am I invisible?"

"No, honey. Come here," Mr. Kim said, gesturing for her to hug him.

But she playfully tapped his chest and left the room in anger.

"You see, your mother's temper is fiery," Mr. Kim remarked.

"Go and make amends with your wife, Appa, before she metes out a grave punishment," Ji-hye chuckled and winked before running off to her room.

Mr. Kim chuckled lightly, but as his mood shifted, he fell into deep thought, seeming confused.

As Ji-hye settled into her bed that night, the room filled with hushed whispers of anticipation. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of the adventures that awaited them on the bustling streets of New York, and her dreams were filled with visions of playful escapades and new friendships to be forged. Yet, sadness also enveloped her. She felt a pang of sorrow for leaving behind her childhood neighborhood and friendships.

"It's the law of life, anyways. Twenty friends cannot stay together for twenty years," she said, motivating herself.

She drifted off to sleep, ready to embrace the excitement and challenges that awaited her in her new home.