RE:Print—DON:Hyuck

PRINT:2

“Humanities, laws, human rights and etcetera are the topics that we are often focused on and are considered as the major elements of social awareness and studies and are basically taught since our childhood. Help poor people. Keep connections with good people. Keep your environment positive. Stay positive and so on. We are always taught to not engage in controversies, velitations, contentions, transgressions. We are supposed to avoid making mistakes, errors, blunders. But these are the actual things we learn in the criminal sector, criminology. Is it rational to assert that the stated interdisciplinary demonstrates these entities, crimes and criminals the same way?”

“No, Professor.”

The woman looked at the direction of the voice and motioned the latter to continue with the elaboration. “Well, I might not be perfectly precise but, I think rather than proscribing or interdicting, criminology actually stimulates us to substantiate those elements. Those calamitous and adverse acts implemented by those people. Yes, before anything they're also people like us who become determined to commit crimes and here it questions as to why? Why do they pick such maleficent paths to walk on?” There was a pause after the profound question.

“People would insolently address them as brutal, fatal, sadists. But people forget that every page has two sides. Every flame is caused by an ignite. And this matter uplifts us to read the other side of the page. To read those people's side and to relate. What could be the things they deal? How do they actually feel? How would we feel if we were at their place? What would we do if we were them? Just because we were granted with a life which didn't make us face such situations doesn't mean that everyone else was. I'm not saying that every single one of them is innocent or should be gratuitous.” Another pause took place in the moment of speech.

After a few seconds of construction, the voice rose back. “Not every dark thing is a coal. Neither every bright thing is a diamond. And that is why we should always be patient and considerate with everyone and everything. Besides, even diamond comes from coal, which means we can literally turn coal into diamond too with some help of chisel. That is why we should contemplate with the criminal sector. Because if we see them as the antagonists of our story, then we are also antagonists of their story. Only reality knows whose story is a true story. And so everything requires study. Just like the thesis criminology.”

Another gap of silence occurs but it wasn't a pause between the speech but the speechless, stunned expression on almost everyone's face. Even though it wasn't something really new.

“As expected, once again you went beyond the expectation, Mr. Donghyuck Lee. It's obvious how you presumed that you might not be precise which you actually were not. You were veracious. You didn't just tend to put an explanation but rather an expression.” The professor remarked the man proudly with still a little amusement in her tone.

“I should be thankful to you Professor for letting me have the opportunity to convey my aspects. I'm glad that I could assert a significant moral.”

The woman chuckles and slightly shakes her head as she starts speaking, “Thanks to you, Mr. Lee for being the sunshine of the batch. It's just amusing how you always manage to amuse us. Like, the entire campus is aware of your intelligence and excellence yet it still feels as if we witness an unseen side of yours, which is actually not so surprisingly true even.”

Donghyuck shyly smiles at the praise. “Thank you so much for your kind words, Professor. They really mean to me and motivate me to do even better.”

“That is my pleasure Mr. Lee. Anyways, once again thanks for your input and class, I believe that Mr. Lee's explanation might have helped to understand the thesis of criminology already?” The teacher spoke in an interrogative manner as the students started nodding their heads except the student sitting right next to Donghyuck. The irony of them being that close to such an intelligent man yet no having a trace of intelligence themselves.

The woman coughs a little as she calls out. “Mr. Jungwoo Kim.” The man looked in the direction and his face seemed dumbstruck as to why the teacher called him. “Are we clear with the topic?” She asked.

“Uhh… Which topic Professor?”

“Criminology, Mr. Lee just briefed it and the entire batch understood at least the basics and I believe you might have understood as well since you are close friends with him.”

“Best friend, Professor.” A new voice jolted in and both the teacher and Jungwoo glared at the owner of the said voice.

“Seems like you would like to answer my question instead of Mr Kim, Mr. Dong.” The woman assumes in a menacing tone and the man just lowered his head, avoiding any more discussion with the lecturer. The woman then moved her attention back to Jungwoo who also moved his gaze from his friend while his expression changed from annoyed to agitated. “So Mr. Kim, are we clear with the topic criminology?”

Jungwoo gulped and glanced at Donghyuck who nodded while giving an encouraging smile but that really didn't help though as the man started to get slightly panicked. Probably having no idea as to what the professor was speaking about. “Professor… I…”

“I take that as a yes.” The professor exclaimed, not keeping the query anymore. “Alright then, please brief what we understand from it? What does criminology teach us?”

“Criminology… It teaches us how to be a top notch criminal.” Jungwoo's answer made the entire batch laugh except Donghyuck who shook his head in defeat and the professor who had an unimpressed motion on her face.

“Everyone quiet.” The teacher commanded and frowned at Jungwoo. “I still wonder how did you manage to pass previous semesters and got into masters with such an impulsive personality. If it was in my hands your results would only have only compartments.” She pauses for a moment and shakes her head in frustration. “You will have a separate viva tomorrow and that's that. Class is dismissed and everyone, kindly revise the topics sociology and communications along with criminology. Since we picked that topic in the end today, we'll study it more tomorrow. Thank you.”

The student started bidding their farewells to the professor and exiting the lecture room. Just as Donghyuck was also about to exit, the teacher's voice rose. “Mr. Lee.”

Donghyuck stops and turns towards the teacher who now had a contented smile on her face. “Just wanted to give you a heads up on your application for attending the press information bureau. They have approved it and they even told us that they were beyond amazed with your background and such. They themselves shall be sending you the approval letter. You should receive it today or by tomorrow. Congratulations.”

The cynicism on Donghyuck's features was just excessive after hearing the good news. “It is really an honor to know. I never expected that I could grab the opportunity to interact with proficient seniors. It's beyond an honor. Thank you so much Professor.”

“There is nothing to thank me for. Everything you receive is for your own and only for your own talent and dedication. You are indeed a perfectionist.” The woman clarified in plea. “Well, congratulations once again and see you tomorrow.” She concluded and left the room with a still in daze Donghyuck, who was trying to collect all himself after all the compliments and appreciation.

Well, likewise mentioned, it was nothing new for the professors, students and most likely the entire campus to be amazed and appreciate Donghyuck and their actions were absolutely valid.

As remarked by the professor, Donghyuck was really talented and dedicated. Tended to not only learn the topics but actually abstract them as awareness. Taking every chance as an opportunity regardless of being huge or small.

And that all was not even for his own accomplishment but for the accomplishment for the people, for every being, for the reality and humanity as a whole.

Joining the field of journalism itself was an endeavor of Donghyuck to understand the sequences and situations of the most traumatizing thing known as reality.

______

“Criminology teaches us how to be top notch criminals.” And a hard session of laughter starts after the one line mimicry.

“Yahh Dong Sicheng! It was you whom I was talking to and so is the reason I was scolded, you fucker. I will kill you!” The other man raged and was almost about to smack the crackling latter but was not so unfortunately stopped.

“Hey Jungwoo, come on. It's just a viva, you can easily pull it off. Causing violence won't help but studying in silence will sure.”

Jungwoo huffed in disapproval but stopped his act nonetheless. “Yeah, yeah, Hyuck. You can say that because you're a top tier student. Not everyone was born with an extraterrestrial mind like you.” He complimented though the last sentence didn't sound much complimenting.

“Wait, did you just call Donghyuck an alien or what?” Sicheng exclaims dramatically which made the latter shoot daggers at him. “Hey, I was just kidding. Come on Woo-ah… You may be not a top tier student but for sure you're a top tier playboy. You can play it cool too.” Sicheng concludes and Donghyuck shakes his head at his friend's comment while Jungwoo chuckles in agreement.

“Well, that's right. But the thing is, studying sucks. No matter if I'd do it in silence or violence, it just bores the hell out of me.”

A tap on Jungwoo's shoulder came from Sicheng as he jolted, “I feel you Woo-ah. It could be interesting if it had hotties in it like Bayonetta.”

“Oh my why! Heck yes! I would rather start developing than studying and make a game like Cyberpunk 127.”

The obvious statement made Donghyuck purge in the conversation. “Well, developing also requires study so I don't get the logic.”

“Man… That Johnny Alvarez in that is such a milf. I literally feel my bulge hovering and mouth watering everytime my eyes land on Johnny.” Sicheng purrs, completely ignoring Donghyuck's comment.

Jungwoo nods in a way as if the world's most factual fact was stated. “For real.”

Donghyuck frowns at the thoughts of his friends. The two would always fight when it came to study but always had intense agreements when it came to topics such as these. “I don't know about any cyber punks but you guys for sure are real punks.”

“Speaking of punks…” Sicheng rests his hands on both of his, clinging himself onto them. “Remember that punk Chittaphon? He's throwing a party this weekend and I've heard that so many chicks are coming including your chick, Mark.”

The name put enthusiasm in Jungwoo's features and his lips twitched into a wide smile. “Is he? Like, for real?”

“For real, Romeo. It's your chance. Claim your Juliet before someone else jumps in her pants. I'm also gonna bang some hotties. Gosh… I don't even remember when the last time I got laid. I already feel like a virgin. It sucks.”

Donghyuck unclings himself from the two and shakes his head nauseously. “You guys are remarkably obnoxious! How on earth did we become friends?”

“Yahh Hyuck! Why don't you join us too? It'd be so much fun!” Once again, Donghyuck's exclamation was blatantly ignored.

“No Woo-ah. I've some stuff to take care of. You guys go and have that fun of yours.” The man replied softly regardless of the utmost annoyance.

“But the thing is that, we really can't…”

Both Donghyuck and Jungwoo frowned in confusion at the sudden negative statement. “With having all these assignments and project reports to be completed, how would we get time to enjoy ourselves?” Sicheng helplessly toned and Jungwoo nods in agreement while Donghyuck starts feeling suspicious. Sort of knowing what was the latter tending to do.

“It could be a lot easier though. If someone helps us with settling the topics and content in one place…” Sicheng looks at suggestively followed by Jungwoo's puppy eyes and Donghyuck just rolled his eyes.

The two dramatic males kept staring at their friend until the latter sighed and finally spoke. “Okay, okay. I will but as always, make sure to edit it with some of your own ideas so it won't look obvious.”

“Oh Hyuck, you're the best!” The two men chimed in unison.

“And you two are still disgusting.”

“Aww, that doesn't make you like us any less.” Sicheng exclaimed and Donghyuck was about to retort back but the ringing of the bell interrupted him.

“You two get wasted, I'm heading to the next class.” Donghyuck speaks while collecting his belongings and standing from the table.

“Hey Hyuck, I was wondering if you'd hangout with me today after the class as this will be the only one after the break today and we got plenty of time to fool around but assuming Woo-ah will be stuck with revising today, I'm asking you.”

Donghyuck shakes his head immediately. “No. And I think you too should stop fooling around and start revising the rounds otherwise your number on the penalty check will be next. Take care.” And with that, Donghyuck disappeared in an instant like a flash leaving the two men dumbstruck.

______

As soon as the batch was over, Donghyuck instantly made his way to home because of two reasons. One, he didn't want to have another round of fooling around with his fooling friends. Two, he was beyond excited to tell about his success to the person he loved the most, his only family, his mother.

It has always been his mother's dream that he'd become that someone who could bring inspiration into people. Who could bring the truth to reality and encourage the people to face it with sincerity and humanity. His mother always wanted him to have power in his pen and his words and to be a wise man with values.

But all after those dreams and hopes, his mother never forced him to commit himself into anything which he didn't prefer. She always granted him to be what he wanted, to be the real him. And fortunately, it was the real him, same as his mother.

The things she had wished for eventually become his ambition and becoming a journalist his mission. And to be fair, all those amusing elements of him, the diversity he had of learning and expressing the matters in a different way, the audacity to step on unimagined ways, that were also spirited by his mother, Lee Jieun.

“Mom, I'm home.”

It hadn't even been a minute since Donghyuck's call and the woman appeared with extreme delight on her face. For a few seconds she just looked at the man in gratitude. Then she started almost running to him joyously until she reached him and hugged him.

Well, it was usual for Jieun to hug his son in intense glee everytime he came back home as if he returned from the military. But what was unusual was her saying, “Congratulations, Journalist Lee Donghyuck!” She beamed in as she pulled while Donghyuck just stood astonished.

It was supposed to be him to surprise the woman but it went another way round. No wonder she was his mother.

“You already know? But, how?”

“Just mother instincts.” Jieun replies

“Mom…” Donghyuck whines making the latter chuckle.

Though the chuckles started to fade slightly as the woman started speaking. “I went to the press site and…”

“And you checked that dashboard again. Mom… Why? I've told you not to keep visiting the site, no? What if my name wasn't there? It could have hurt you. Or break your hopes from me.”

Jieun rests her hand on the latter's cheek and smiles fondly. “I would react with the same delight regardless of your being there or not. I am happy that my son achieved such a milestone. But I would still be happy if it was the other way round since then my son would have another round to explore more of his capabilities and time to accomplish his form even better. Not every cross is a sign of failure. Neither every check is a sign of success.” She shifts her hand from Donghyuck's cheek to his shoulder and taps proudly.

“After all, it's not Lee Donghyuck who chases success, it's the success who chases Lee Donghyuck.”

The flattery comment made the younger man chuckle in embarrassment. “Mom…” He whined once again.

“Son…” The lady mimicked her son and both of them started crackling in laughter.

“Anyways, it's such a special day. We're supposed to celebrate! I've already booked us dinner at your favourite restaurant. For now you just get fresh and relax while I'll bring snacks.” Jieun perks as she starts leaving to prepare the food and wow…

Donghyuck felt as if everything happened in a spark. His mother was indeed a sparkle, no doubt. While everyone always gets amazed by Donghyuck, Donghyuck always gets amazed by his mother.

The thoughts kept running inside Donghyuck's head while he refreshed himself and settled comfortably on the couch. He grabs his phone and starts checking random headlines while he waits for his mother to bring the food.

Most of the news were the usual updates but one certain headline caught his utmost attention. “Mom! Where's the remote?” He interrogated loudly from the living room so the lady could hear him.

“What? TV remote? It should be there by the desk near the television!” Jieun shouted from the kitchen.

Donghyuck rushed to the device and turned the television on immediately and was surprised when the same headline was breaking the broadcast as well.

“Another huge personality has been knocked down by the famous underworld mafia, Don. Henry Lau, one of the world's most powerful weaponeers was found dead in his own arsenal.”

“Not only he exploited Lau's arsenal but he even swiftly escaped from the multipurpose public towers. The federal bureau of investigation informed us that the mission was to chase him conservatively, however, upon the failure they revealed it to the public so the public would be alarmed from now on.”

“We have enquired a few people who possibly faced the Don so closely but his identity still remained anonymous. Let's get to know as to how.”

“It is so disappointing that I acted so humbly with a criminal. As an activist it was my duty to be alerted. And no, it was obvious that he only had a pair of glasses on his face as a mask but somehow he managed to paint his entire presence.”

“The crimes of the merciless mafia have finally entered our city–”

The sound died down as the television was shut down. Donghyuck looked at his mother who had a not so pleasing expression on her face. “Is this why you were looking for the remote?”

“I thought these underworld and mafia things were only a story. But they exist for real.”

“Yes. They do exist. But that should not bother you. Just don't pay much attention to such things.”

“But they're in our area, Mom…”

“And that's why you should care about yourself and keep yourself away from these insane things.”

“It could be possible that they are associated with other underground personalities too. Especially assassins.”

“Donghyuck!”

The shout made Donghyuck flinch and he stopped on his rambling. Jieun looked at her son's shocked expression before she sighs and calmed herself to speak calmly. “Hyuck… See, I understand your curiosity to know about new including these things as well. But you should know that it's better to leave some things as they are. They are not going to help you in any way. You're a humble and wise man, sweetie. Don't let these things get you on the other side. Okay?”

The man just nods his head in response, not wanting to keep arguing anymore. Jieun smiles and places the food on the table and kisses her son's forehead before leaving.

Well, Jieun really never restricted her son for anything but topics such as killers, murderers, mafias and especially assassins were some of the exceptional entities she always warned him to not get involved in the slightest ways.

But the more she barred, the more he cared. And now that it was a part of his course, he was going to care even more. He even wondered how she would react when she'd know about the crime sector relating to his study. He would actually love to see her reaction but of course, not today.