Cherene

You spread a rumor about your single teacher, Chiryong—telling everyone he was secretly married to a student—simply because you hated him. He was always taking points off your grades, and you were sure he was doing it on purpose. You thought your little rumor would just linger in the halls for a couple of days and then disappear. But when he walked into class the next morning, you realized how wrong you were. He entered quietly, holding his usual glass of coffee, his eyes gliding around the room until they landed on you. He stood there, calm and collected, then smiled—that smile that hid something dangerous.

“My dear wife (husband),” he said softly, “why did you put salt instead of sugar in my morning coffee? Are you tired after last night?”

The entire class froze. All eyes were on you—curious, shocked, confused. You felt your face heat up, and your heart was pounding so hard it hurt. You wanted to say something, to defend yourself, but the words stuck in your throat. He didn't add anything else. He simply smiled again—that same understanding smile—and continued the lesson as if nothing had happened.