Wonderwall • ℍ𝕒𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕠

𝟙𝟘

Being a single mom is never easy. It's a constant battle that can be exhausting at times. But despite the challenges, they always manage to find a way to make things work, even when they feel lost. Everything Jisoo did, she did it for her son. Her thoughts were always consumed with his well-being. It was the unwavering love for her child that gave her the strength to persevere, time and time again.

Tragically, not every story has a happy ending when a crucial person is lost. Their family experienced a profound loss of someone who brought joy and laughter when it was needed the most, and since their disappearance, things have never been the same.

JongSuk's world was thrown into chaos, as he grappled with an emotional crisis that affected everyone around him. Despite Jisoo's best efforts, nothing seemed to be sufficient to help him. The most challenging part for Jisoo was the absence of anyone to lend a hand and offer support when she felt overwhelmed.

In a hurried manner, she navigated the corridors of JongSuk's school. Earlier, she had received a call from the principal's assistant informing her that her son had been involved in a dispute with one of his teachers.

Initially, Jisoo couldn't believe what she was hearing and thought it might be a cruel prank from a stranger, especially since the caller wasn't the principal himself but someone on his behalf due to his illness.

Upon reaching the principal's office, she entered the reception area. The secretary immediately identified Jisoo and offered a respectful bow of acknowledgment.

"Miss Kim... please follow me," the secretary said to Jisoo. Taking a deep breath, Jisoo complied and followed the secretary towards the principal's office. As they walked, the secretary began to speak again.

"As I mentioned over the phone, Mr. Hung won't be available to discuss your son's situation, so I have asked your son's class mentor to handle it for the time being," the secretary explained as they approached the room. Upon reaching the destination, Jisoo offered a slight smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Thank you," she uttered gratefully as she stepped into the room. The first thing that caught her eye was her son's expression twisted with anger. It was so intense that she couldn't focus on what had transpired between him and the teacher he had confronted. Her senses were overwhelmed, making her oblivious to the details. And then, her gaze instinctively found the person responsible for overseeing JongSuk's situation.

"You?" she murmured under her breath as she instantly recognized his face. A slow, gentle smile spread across his face as he looked at the woman standing before him. Tilting his head slightly downward, his hand moved reflexively to the back of his neck, rubbing it in an attempt to alleviate the awkwardness of the moment.

"I assume you must be JongSuk's mother?" he inquired, his gaze locked on her. Jisoo felt a surge of anger towards him for his behavior during their last encounter at the bakery, but she knew now was not the time or place to address it. With JongSuk in trouble, she had to tread carefully and avoid any actions that could jeopardize her son's schooling.

"Yes, I am JongSuk's mother, Kim Jisoo," she said, extending her hand for a handshake. He was taken aback by her approach but decided to reciprocate. Grasping her hand, he met her unwavering gaze.

"Jung Haein, JongSuk's class mentor," they both exchanged forced smiles as they shook hands for a brief moment.

"Please, take a seat," he offered, and Jisoo promptly obliged.

"Well...I assume you've been informed about what your son did to the chemistry teacher this morning," he stated, noticing her nod in response.

"However, I would still like to hear my son's side of the story," she insisted. Haein smiled at her cheeky expression and nodded in agreement.