Side Story Chapter 39 – Parent-Teacher Open Class (2)

They say the first button must be fastened correctly.

It means if you start something well, the process and result will be good.

Maybe it was because the start of the class went smoothly without any problems.

The following lessons continued very smoothly as well.

Especially since Yeonwoo’s presentation moments ago seemed to ignite a spark.

The children became more proactive in their presentations compared to the beginning.

It seemed to stem from a competitive spirit not wanting to lose to Yeonwoo.

Perhaps the fact that their parents were watching played a part too.

“When was the most embarrassing moment of your life?”

“I forgot my wallet while taking the bus!”

“When there was no toilet paper in the bathroom!”

“My mom and dad were suddenly wrestling in the living room in the middle of the night!”

“Right now…”

“When we were in the middle of ahem, and my mom walked into the room!”

Of course, just because they were enthusiastic doesn’t mean it was always good.

[……’Our’…..?]

‘……F*ck…’

But any parent knows.

No matter how passionately the children burn with enthusiasm,

There is a clear limit, whether fast or slow.

To put it simply, children’s focus is not endless.

Sure, besides the exceptional ones, no one can always focus.

In the case of children, their ability to concentrate has a shorter limit compared to general people.

That was no different here and now.

Had they lost even the strength to hold onto their desire for the lesson?

Were they tired enough to be oblivious to their parents’ presence?

Before long, the kids started showing a completely different side from before.

Even though the class was ongoing, they began to look elsewhere.

Acting quite sullen instead of their usual vibrant selves.

Well, this was the true appearance of children, after all.

“Alright, everyone, let’s tell Santa what you wish for this Christmas!”

Still, it seemed the teacher had anticipated this situation.

She suddenly interrupted the lesson and made a surprising suggestion.

Thanks to that, the children began to sparkle their eyes and refocus.

How skillfully she was able to shift the lesson to ignite the children’s enthusiasm!

She used stimulating words that every child couldn’t help but be interested in.

Moreover, with that statement, she even threw a glance toward the parents.

It must mean to listen to the children’s wishes and prepare for Christmas.

Indeed, it wasn’t a waste to call her a competent teacher.

“Teacher, but is Santa really real?”

“Of course! Santa gives gifts to all the good children.”

Of course, some kids were more skeptical than curious.

“Hey, Santa exists!”

“Really? What’s the proof?”

Before the teacher could respond, another kid jumped in to quell the doubts.

“My dad made a wish, and it came true!”

“Really? Even though he’s an adult?”

But simply,

“It’s true! I wished for hair, and he really gave it to me!”

“Stop lying. Your dad is bald. Where’s he gonna get hair?”

The claim was so absurd that it only fueled more skepticism.

Wishing for hair when the person is bald.

Honestly, how could one say a wish was granted?

It was clearly nothing but a childish lie.

“Under the pillow.”

“Aha. So Santa really does exist.”

It wasn’t a lie.

Truly regrettably.

And tragically, indeed.

However, it wasn’t without reward.

The children began sharing their wishes one by one.

Of course, they were just shouting, regardless of whether anyone was listening.

At least they didn’t interrupt the lesson in the middle, so that was a relief.

“What are you going to wish for?”

“I’ll wish for a trip together with mom and dad!”

“I hope I get a puppy as a gift!”

“I want toys! I want toys!”

“I wish my sister would give birth to a wife for me.”

……Sometimes, I thought it’d be okay to cut them off, but anyway…

[……’A wife for my sister’…?]

‘Korean is so difficult…’

Meanwhile, amidst the raucous atmosphere, there was one child looking gloomy.

“Jieun, why does your face look like that? You seem so sad.”

“I have bad memories of Christmas.”

That was a face a child shouldn’t make, nor could they make it.

Although it’s a given, Christmas is a happy day.

Especially for kids, the meaning of Christmas will be special.

A thrilling day where they can spend time with family and receive gifts.

It should be a day filled with laughter, happiness, and miracles.

What on earth happened to that child to wear such a face on that day?

“Why is that? Ah, if it’s hard to say, it’s okay not to talk about it.”

“No…I want to say it…”

“Then shall we talk to the teacher about it?”

As if someone had passed away.

“My grandfather passed away on Christmas.”

“Oh dear… Are you okay…?”

There was indeed someone who had died.

They say everyone dies, but that doesn’t make death feel light.

Especially when the deceased is someone close to you.

That’s why Jieun must be suffering like that.

“So I always wish carefully.”

“Cheer up. Jieun is a good child, so your wish will be granted.”

“That’s right. The great ones always watch over us.”

……I don’t really know what a sign is, but it was a very heartbreaking thing.

[You, it seems you suddenly see something in ‘that window.’]

‘I didn’t see anything. Anyway, I didn’t see anything.’

Anyway, I was glad the children grew interested in the lesson again.

Honestly, with that many parents watching.

It would be embarrassing if the main characters were indifferent.

Not just the parents, but the teacher as well.

In that sense, the teacher’s comments were effective.

It was enough to heat up the atmosphere this much.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Santa doesn’t exist!”

“Oh my, Taeyoon. What do you mean by that?”

However, only a few were swept away by the mood.

A child named Taeyoon shot back in a sharp voice, dousing the excitement with cold water.

Momentarily, the other kids revealed subtle doubts and blatant resentments.

Even the parents watching from the back frowned slightly, but…

That kid just raised his voice, continuing to say what he had to say.

Even in kindergarten, he spoke casually and boldly.

“According to that, Dad is Santa! Who would fall for such a lie!”

“…….”

At just such a sharp truth, even that couldn’t be silenced.

Perhaps the teacher found that scene quite amusing.

Taeyoon the brat started ramping things up even more.

With a smirk, he shifted his gaze toward the back of the classroom where the parents gathered.

“Am I right, Mom!”

“……”

Thanks to that, everyone began to look at Taeyoon’s mom.

The children gazing with eyes mixed with worry and shock.

The parents with sharp looks full of blame and reproach.

Of course, I was no different.

The existence of Santa Claus is an area that should be preserved in a child’s heart.

Even if they find out the truth later, they should never learn it uncomfortably like this.

This is the mistake of parents who haven’t educated their children properly.

But disregarding that, the clueless little brat kept talking.

“Dad is Santa, isn’t he!”

“…….”

“Say it! Tell the truth!”

Then, slowly, Taeyoon’s mom, who had been keeping her head down, finally spoke.

“I’m sorry, Taeyoon…”

“See! I was right!”

I was contemplating whether to regress and make this a thing of the past.

Even if nobody else knew, Yumi and Yeonwoo were here right now.

I thought such a truth might be too early for them to know.

Especially the uncomfortable truth that their dad is Santa.

“That day…… was just that one time…”

“……Mom…?”

In another sense, Dad was really Santa.

[Uh…….]

‘Ah, F*ck.’

At the same time, it was an uncomfortably true fact for someone.

Perhaps it was because we live in a world with Hunters,

There surely were all kinds of freaks.

The only fortunate thing was that the situation had somehow settled down.

“Taeyoon, I really envy you! Your dad is Santa!”

“Uh…uh-huh…”

“Can you tell him to get me a game console as a gift?”

“I’ll… try to tell him…”

Seeing the children enjoying themselves like that made me feel…

Really, it seemed like a good thing.

The children’s innocence might be preserved.

And there was no need to regress.

Moreover, they were even showing interest in the lesson now.

“Honey! What do you mean by that! He’s definitely my child!”

“I’m sorry…… I couldn’t resist Santa’s gigantic candy cane…”

Of course, for someone, it wouldn’t be a fortunate thing at all.

[Her lips smelled strongly of peppermint…]

‘Eli…’

Anyway, good things lead to good endings.

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