Chapter 18: The Open Forum & Public Explosion
The Big Day – Daehan International School Auditorium
The atmosphere in the auditorium was unlike anything the school had ever seen. Bright lights illuminated the hall, cameras from national television stations lined the back, and journalists typed furiously, eyes full of anticipation.
On stage, a massive banner read:
> "Student Open Forum: Voices Never Heard"
Seats were filled with students—some curious, others desperate to speak. At the front row sat the principal, board representatives, and distinguished alumni invited for the occasion. Among them was Hwang Da-kyung—a young parliament member and a proud Daehan alumna.
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Backstage
Han Jimin clipped a mic onto Gevran's collar. "You ready?"
Gevran inhaled deeply. "I'm never truly ready. But this isn't about me. It's about the ones who were told to stay silent."
"If you're nervous, just imagine everyone in bunny pajamas," Kasang quipped.
Kaeyan chimed in, "Or imagine you're the one wearing bunny pajamas, hyung. Even better."
They all chuckled softly, brushing off the tension before showtime.
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The Forum Begins
An official school moderator opened the forum, then handed the microphone to Gevran Yi Jido.
"I'm not a great speaker. I'm no hero. I'm just someone who once fell—and knows what it feels like to be forced into silence."
The auditorium quieted.
"At this school, we're taught to compete, to be the best. But in that race, sometimes we forget those trampled behind. This forum isn't here to blame. It's here to listen. So, let's begin."
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Confessions Begin
One by one, students stood up.
"My mom's part of the janitorial staff. I've always been scared to speak."
"They told me to stay quiet when I reported bullying. Said I'd ruin the school's image."
"I'm a transfer student from the provinces. I just wanted friends... but I was shunned because of my accent."
Sobs echoed from corners of the room.
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Min Hyuk's Side Panics
From the student council section, Min Hyuk looked furious. He whispered to one of his allies.
"If this goes on, we're the ones who'll be disgraced. Shut this thing down."
But before his friend could move, Hwang Da-kyung rose from her seat.
"I'd like to speak," she said.
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Hwang Da-kyung Speaks
"I once sat right here, too. But I stayed silent when my friend was bullied—because I was afraid it would ruin my reputation. I'm ashamed of that past."
She looked directly at Gevran. "But this young man proved something: that change can begin with a small act of courage. And today, I pledge my full support for the formation of an Independent Student Council at Daehan."
The auditorium erupted in applause.
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After the Forum – Outside the Auditorium
The media swarmed Gevran and his team. Their photos flooded evening news segments. Headlines blazed across the internet:
> "High School Students Launch Nationwide Anti-Bullying Forum"
"Korindro Heir, Gevran Yi Jido, Leads Student Ethics Revolution"
"Elite School Becomes Epicenter of Korea's Youth Movement"
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Night – Yi Family Home
Gevran came home exhausted but smiling. At the dining table, Kaeyan and Kasang had stacked a mountain of tteokbokki.
"For our star orator!" Kaeyan cheered proudly.
Yi-Ana welcomed Gevran with a warm hug. "You made me proud. But still... don't forget your homework."
Gevran laughed. "Yes, Madam Chairwoman of Farmers."
Kasang added, "She's chairwoman of a school board, not a homework plantation, hyung!"
Everyone burst into laughter around the table.
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End of Chapter 18
A new message appeared on Gevran's phone screen.
> "You spoke up… but this is only the beginning. Be ready. The world doesn't like the truth."
—Unknown Sender
Gevran stared at the screen. His eyes sharpened.
This was only the beginning of a much wider battlefield.
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