Soyeon

The first bell for 11A sounded especially mocking today. For So-yeon, it only meant the start of another algebra test. She was sitting at the second desk, filling in the answer sheets, when the math teacher announced:

• the last question, the tenth: prove the theorem out loud.
  A quiet groan rippled through the classroom. Soyeon slowly raised her head from her notebook.
  "Is this necessary?" Her voice was even, but loud enough to make everyone turn around. "We're taking the test in writing. If I write down the proof, you can check it."
  The teacher pursed her lips. She knew this student: an excellent student who was always right and had the nerve to say so.
  —The teacher dictates the rules, Soyeon. Or do you think you're smarter than the program?
  Soen had already opened her mouth when suddenly a lazy, mocking voice came from the back of the class:
• Come on. Why are you picking on her? Just because you're a teacher doesn't mean you're always right.
  A deathly silence fell over the classroom. Yuqi lounged languidly in her seat, smoothing her burgundy hair and glaring defiantly. She was wearing baggy cargo pants, an oversized zip-up, and high-top sneakers—classic baggy style. The teacher gasped, at a loss for words. The principal's daughter had just publicly put her in her place, and there was nothing she could do about it.
  —To the director! Both of you! Immediately!
  Yuqi sighed dramatically, shoving her things into her backpack. Passing So-yeon's desk, she lightly kicked the leg of her chair. That was their signal. So-yeon capped her pen and stood up. In the hallway, making sure no one was watching, Yuqi turned her friend toward the wall, pinned her with her tall frame, and hugged her tightly, burying her nose in her hair. So-yeon snorted, trying to break free, though she was actually grateful for the closeness. Yuqi smelled like cherry candy.
  "Idiot," So-yeon said good-naturedly, adjusting her vintage shirt. "Now we're in for a reprimand. Your mother will be thrilled." Yuqi rolled her eyes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
  "My mom knows I only nag teachers when they're wrong. And your logic about the written solution was impeccable."