Class 12

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Wednesday.

The history class had just concluded. Sang-ho was erasing the chalkboard and addressed the students.

“Shall we hold the next class outdoors? Wait outside, change into your athletic attire, and join me.”

“Yes.”

“Teacher…”

Among the responses from Se-hee and Tae-hwa, a small voice emerged.

Sang-ho widened his eyes, gazing at Na-bit.

“Huh? What’s the matter, Na-bit?”

“I believe I left my gym uniform at home…”

Na-bit hesitated and looked up at Sang-ho, her hands anxiously twisting.

Sang-ho glanced at Se-hee and Tae-hwa.

“Se-hee has a different uniform for martial arts… Tae-hwa, do you have a gym uniform in the dorm?”

Since Tae-hwa wore only a skirt due to her tail, she must have spare pants. However, Tae-hwa avoided his gaze and mumbled,

“I sold it…”

“You sold it?”

“Girls’ gym uniforms can be sold for a high price… I don’t wear it anyway.”

Sang-ho was unfamiliar with this.

“So, you don’t have one. Hmm…”

He couldn’t force Se-hee and Tae-hwa to lend their clothes, especially if they would get all dirty. After a moment of thought, Sang-ho asked Na-bit,

“Do you want to wear mine? I’ll fetch it from my quarters.”

“No, I’ll just attend the class like this. It’s fine.”

“You might scrape your knee.”

“I can heal myself.”

Na-bit tried to smile brightly. Sang-ho reluctantly nodded.

“Alright. Everyone, get ready and come out. I’ll wait for you on the field.”

“Okay~.”

He left the classroom following the children’s response.

***

“Kyah!”

Na-bit stumbled forward.

She tripped while dodging the stuffed bear’s attack. Sang-ho quickly approached her.

“Are you okay?”

“Ouch…”

Tears welled in Na-bit’s eyes as she lifted her head. Blood streamed from her scraped knee. Not only that, but her school uniform was covered in dirt. Sang-ho helped her up and sat her down. Brushing the dust off her shoulder, dirt scattered in the air.

“Told you so….”

“Uh…”

Na-bit reached for her knee, emitting a faint light from her hand. It wasn’t a heat he could feel, but it was warm. New skin formed wherever the light touched, healing the wound. Watching this, Sang-ho patted her back.

“At least you healed quickly. That’s a relief.”

“It’s no big deal.”

Na-bit smiled.

She stood up as if she was never hurt and created a barrier against the stuffed bear. Sang-ho originally wanted her to rest but seeing her eager to continue the lesson, he held his tongue and manipulated the bear again.

“Here I come, Na-bit.”

“Yes!”

The stuffed bear charged at the barrier.

***

End of the day.

Sang-ho looked at Na-bit, who appeared more timid than usual. Her uniform still had dirt stains, which seemed out of place for a rich girl like her.

“Na-bit, you should do laundry once you get home.”

“Hehe…”

She smiled, but there was a hint of unease in her eyes. Sensing her mood, Sang-ho asked,

“Is something wrong?”

“No…”

Na-bit hid her eyes behind a playful smile, ensuring that he couldn’t discern her true feelings.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

“Really?”

He didn’t want to press her further. Looking at the children, he remarked,

“Great job today, see you tomorrow.”

“Yes!”

“Take care.”

While Tae-hwa and Se-hee cheerfully bid him farewell and left the classroom, Na-bit exited with a heavy heart.

Observing her demeanor, Sang-ho contemplated whether he should offer her counseling right away.

‘…She said she’s okay. I shouldn’t intrude too much. I’ll observe and decide tomorrow.’

With that thought, he locked the door and prepared to leave, unaware that he might not see Na-bit the following day.

***

The next morning.

Before the students arrived, Sang-ho was in the teachers’ office, studying mana theories.

Today, for some reason, his left leg felt sore and numb, which was quite uncomfortable.

‘Darn, no matter how I look at this, the content seems wrong…’

As he furrowed his brow and pored over the thick book, the office door suddenly swung open. Sang-ho quickly looked up.

“Sang-ho! Mr. Sang-ho!”

The person who rushed in was Seolmi.

She hurriedly approached and grabbed Sang-ho’s shoulder, shaking him. Her hands trembled.

“Sa, Sang-ho, among your students… Oops.”

Seolmi slapped her own cheeks and whispered into Sang-ho’s ear.

“Do you have the daughter of the chairman of Taegweol Group in your class?”

“Ah…”

A sinking feeling washed over Sang-ho.

Na-bit’s father.

‘I knew this would come.’

The chairman of a prominent domestic corporation, the Taegweol Group.

But such a title didn’t matter. Whether he was wealthy or a celebrity frequently featured on the front pages, Sang-ho didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was one thing.

The parent.

To a teacher, they were like the sky.

‘So, this is what Na-bit was worried about.’

She must have been caught because of the dirt. Rising from his seat, Sang-ho inquired,

“Is he here at the school?”

“It’s a disaster! He’s currently in the principal’s office, furious. Let’s hurry. Quickly!”

Seolmi wrapped her arm around Sang-ho’s shoulder. With her support, he swiftly made his way to the principal’s office.

Even before reaching the principal’s office, they could hear the loud, enraged voices. Seolmi’s anxious eyes met Sang-ho’s.

“As soon as you enter, bow.”

“I mean, even if I bow…”

“Do it! If you get fired, I’ll be the junior again.”

Seolmi patted Sang-ho’s back as they reached the door of the principal’s office.

‘…This is crazy.’

Should he really bow? Sang-ho sighed deeply and gripped the door handle. Seolmi whispered, clasping her hands as if praying,

“Do your best.”

Taking a deep breath, Sang-ho opened the door. The noisy room suddenly fell silent.

Inside were four individuals: Haelan and three unfamiliar men. Haelan, as usual, occupied her desk, while the men sat on the sofa. All eyes turned to Sang-ho.

One of them was a middle-aged man with neatly trimmed white hair and a beard, a face he recognized from newspaper articles. Next to him sat a young, burly man.

In front of them was a sharp-looking man in his 30s.

‘Who is he?’

Sang-ho briefly pondered. The middle-aged man was undoubtedly Na-bit’s father, and the burly man beside him likely served as a bodyguard.

But who was the man in front? Sang-ho had a hunch.

If he had affiliations with the school, yet Sang-ho had never seen him, and he was in a meeting with the principal and the chairman of Taegweol Group, he must be a representative figure.

The chairman of Ye-hyeon Girls’ High School.

‘…Probably.’

Sang-ho nodded slightly.

“I’m Kang Sang-ho.”

“You’re Kang Sang-ho?”

The middle-aged man with white hair stood up abruptly, his face contorted with anger.

“Did you teach my daughter to fight? Encouraged her to be a faith healer who fights?!”

Sang-ho had to suppress an immediate retort. Based on his battlefield experience, it was common sense for faith healers to know self-defense.

He had come prepared to be extremely apologetic, but anger kept welling up inside him.

However, he couldn’t let that anger show.

“I understand your concern, sir.”

Sang-ho bowed his head once more.

“We initially applied for a different teacher. How did you end up as the homeroom teacher? Is there something wrong with this school?!”

“I apologize for any inconvenience, sir.”

Sang-ho bowed again.

“If you entrust your daughter to me, I will ensure she becomes someone who can protect herself and chart her own path.”

“I make the decisions about my daughter’s future! All she needs is bodyguards for protection! What do you know about making her fight? I pay the tuition for this school precisely for her to focus on her mana healing!”

Sang-ho listened in silence.

“Do you realize that if she believes she can fight because of your teachings and gets into an accident while secretly working as a hunter, you will bear the responsibility? Can you handle that burden?”

The mention of a student secretly working as a hunter and having an accident struck a chord with Sang-ho.

He was already aware of one student who had done just that.

“…If that’s your concern, then you should trust me even more.”

Sang-ho’s statement made Bong-jin’s face shift through various shades of red and purple.

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“If she relies solely on bodyguards and encounters a monster stronger than them, what will she do? Succumb without resistance?”

“By that logic, nobody would ever be safe!”

“In reality, such situations are quite common.”

“Reality? What do you know?”

Sang-ho locked eyes with Haelan.

Without uttering a word, she closed her eyes, as if comprehending everything.

Sang-ho redirected his gaze to Bong-jin.

“I’m just a retired hunter.”

“On whose authority…”

“I’ve witnessed countless people meet their end despite giving their all. If you don’t give your best, death comes even easier. That’s why I teach my students how to fight to the best of their abilities, whether it’s martial arts, magic, spells, or faith. It doesn’t matter.”

Sang-ho maintained a firm gaze on Bong-jin.

“Na-bit is stronger than you might think. Would you consider allowing me to teach her for just one year? By the second year, you can change her homeroom teacher. I’m only asking for that much time.”

Bong-jin stared at him in silence.

Finally, he spoke.

“No.”

Sang-ho felt deflated.

Bong-jin shook his head.

“You can’t teach her combat. Starting next week, she’ll be placed under another teacher. Understand?”

“Sir…”

“I’ve made up my mind. Principal, please make the necessary arrangements.”

“If that’s the case, sir. Please allow me to make one more request.”

“What is it?”

“Explain your perspective to Na-bit… and then let her make the choice herself. If she decides to change her homeroom teacher, I will willingly step aside.”

Bong-jin looked puzzled.

“Why are you so fixated on my daughter? You…”

“I can’t give up on a student who hasn’t given up.”

Sang-ho responded with unwavering determination.

Bong-jin contemplated after meeting his gaze.

“…I’ll consider it.”

“Thank you.”

Sang-ho lowered his head.

Then, the sharp-looking man who had been quietly observing stood up from the sofa.

“It appears that matters have been somewhat resolved. Chairman, I understand you’re busy, so let’s conclude this. I’ll accompany you to the school gate.”

“Yes. My apologies for the morning interruption. I had no other available time.”

Bong-jin exited the principal’s office, followed by his bodyguard and the man who appeared to be the school’s chairman.

‘Sigh…’

Sang-ho exchanged glances with Haelan, who wore a similar expression.

“You handled it well, Teacher Kang.”

“I’m not sure if it was the right decision.”

“You would have been in a worse position with the chairman if you had given in. Standing your ground was the right choice.”

Is that what this is about? Sang-ho cleared his throat.

“What kind of teacher does the chairman prefer?”

“Someone firm and resolute. Similar to me. He simply doesn’t favor you because your abilities haven’t been proven. If he knew what you had experienced, he would probably have a different opinion. He respects strength.”

Despite appearing distant from the world of combat on the surface, it seemed the chairman had a different side.

Sang-ho felt a heaviness in his chest. His primary concern was Na-bit.

“Did Na-bit not come to school then?”

“She likely didn’t. If she had, she would have come with her father.”

“Ugh…”

Na-bit didn’t have a cellphone, so Sang-ho had no means of reaching her, even though he wanted to talk to her.

He sighed in frustration.

“I suppose I should mark her as absent?”

“Yes, you should. You don’t need to cater to the parents.”

Haelan nodded.

“Go teach your class. You handled the situation well.”

With heavy steps, Sang-ho headed to the classroom.

It was already past the start of class. As Sang-ho opened the classroom door, Tae-hwa and Se-hee greeted him.

“Teacher, you’re late! Late!”

“Teacher, Na-bit hasn’t shown up.”

Seeing the concern on Sang-ho’s face, the girls widened their eyes.

“What happened?”

“Is something wrong with Na-bit?”

“You two don’t need to worry.”

Sang-ho retrieved the attendance book and grabbed a pen. The names of Se-hee, Tae-hwa, and Na-bit were neatly written on the attendance list from top to bottom.

Cheon Se-hee, checked.

Lee Tae-hwa, checked.

Hana Na-bit.

His hand halted.

‘It feels really odd not to check it.’

It was the first time there had been an empty space. Sang-ho glanced at Na-bit’s desk, which remained as vacant as the unchecked box on the attendance sheet.

It felt incredibly awkward. She had always occupied that seat.

‘Na-bit can handle it. She’s not foolish.’

He reassured himself and closed the attendance book.

***

The following day.

Sang-ho stood at his desk, gazing at the students.

It was a repeat of the previous day.

“…Na-bit didn’t come again today.”

Se-hee cast a silent glance at Na-bit’s desk, while Tae-hwa idly swung her feet and rested her head on her desk.

“Ugh~ Now it’s just Se-hee and me left, ugh~.”

Fiddling with the attendance book, Sang-ho got lost in thought.

‘I haven’t heard anything about her transferring to another class… Did she not come to school at all today?’

He felt like he should make a call.

Na-bit’s home phone number was saved in his cell phone. He retrieved his phone and approached the door.

“I’ll make a quick call and be right back.”

Stepping outside the classroom, he shut the door and pressed the call button. Before the dial tone could even begin, someone answered.

[Who’s calling?]

It was a young male voice. Sang-ho briefly wondered if he had dialed the wrong number.

However, when he was immediately asked for his name, he realized this wasn’t an ordinary home phone; it was likely a secretary’s phone.

“This is Kang Sang-ho, a teacher from Ye-hyeon High School. Is this Chairman Ha’s residence?”

[Yes. What’s your message? I’ll… Huh?]

There was a commotion on the other end of the line. Sang-ho strained his ears but couldn’t make out the sounds.

The noise eventually subsided, and the voice changed.

[Nalse.]

Sang-ho recognized it as Bong-jin.

“Sir. Did Na-bit not come to school again today?”

[Sent her. Did she not go to class? She left a bit late today.]

“Uh… So, am I still Na-bit’s teacher?”

Bong-jin grumbled in response.

[What can I do? She locked herself in her room crying all day. I couldn’t bear it any longer, so I gave in.]

“Thank you, sir.”

Sang-ho expressed his gratitude once more.

“Thank you so much.”

[If my wife had seen her like that, it would’ve caused a scene. It’s fortunate she’s not at home… So be cautious. Only you and I are aware of this. It could lead to significant trouble if my wife discovers it. Handle it discreetly. I’ll pretend to be oblivious.]

A shiver ran down Sang-ho’s spine.

While Bong-jin had granted permission, Na-bit’s mother had not.

‘More challenges lie ahead…’

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

[Alright…]

Bong-jin let out a deep sigh.

[Take care of my daughter.]

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Sang-ho’s mouth.

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

[I don’t care about your best… just make sure she stays safe.]

“Then I’ll do my best to teach her in a way that ensures her safety.”

[You… Sigh, I’m hanging up now.]

“Yes, take care.”

As the call ended, Sang-ho pocketed his phone. With one parent’s consent secured, he felt as though he had conquered one mountain, though more challenges awaited.

As he was about to re-enter the classroom, he spotted someone coming up the stairs.

A gray-haired girl with a bright smile.

She appeared so radiant that it was hard to believe she had been crying all day yesterday.

“Teacher!”

Na-bit rushed forward and hugged Sang-ho tightly, taking him by surprise.

“Uh, um… Na-bit?”

“I thought I wouldn’t see you again…”

She murmured against his chest.

Caught off guard by her unexpected gesture, Sang-ho eventually raised a hand and gently patted her head.

“Let’s go to class.”

“Yes.”

Na-bit clung to Sang-ho’s side, her steps light as they made their way to the classroom. Looking down at her, he felt a sense of contentment.

A radiant smile graced her beautiful face.

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