“Keep your promise, okay?”

Bada became a little proud of herself as she held up her four test papers. She scored above 90 points for all of them.

“There are two days left. I’m really going to be in the top 5,” she made a resolve as she left.

“Did you do something to her?”

“No.”

“Then did she grow up all of a sudden?” Maru’s mother looked at the door puzzledly.

“You’re starting your exams today aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“You should do the basics at least, okay? That’s if you don’t want to be seen with contempt once you enter society. Movie shooting is good and all, but since you’re a student and all….”

“Yes, yes, Mrs. Lee. Don’t worry about that. Your son isn’t that stupid. Rather than that, mom, you aren’t going anywhere this evening, are you?”

“I don’t have anything after work. What is it?”

“How about father?”

“Your dad should come home after work as well.”

“That’s good.”

“Why do you ask?”

“I have something to talk about with you two.”

“Something to talk about? What is it?”

“I’ll talk about it once I get back from school. If you see entitled customers at the mall, then don’t listen to that person’s request. We’re well-off enough that you don’t have to work, aren’t we?”

“Worry about such things after you grow up. You should get going. You might be late.”

Maru’s mother saw him out until the door closed. Having brought his bike outside, Maru rode it to school. The head-of-the-year teacher, who would usually be standing...