#Also Dalbit is 16-17 years old in this short story hence why he is in school

[sah-crescentmoon]

(Short story below the cut. No need to read it.)

All Eyes on You:

Dalnim could only stare at the board behind the soldier. It wasn’t the board itself that was the issue, even though it was broken. It was what was written in chalk: “CONSCRIPTION.” He dreaded that word. Dalnim never wanted to think about it, which is why he likes school. Well, not really. Teachers would always find a way to talk about the war and how what they learned would benefit their times as soldiers. Dalnim hated those moments in class, especially history. Could they not talk about any conflicts that ended peacefully? Surely there must be some conflicts that ended with a peace treaty. As he continued to be lost in his thoughts, Dalnim failed to realize that someone stood beside him.

"Dalnim!" Dalnim stiffened his body in fear and looked to his side. It was his teacher, who did not look happy at all. Before Dalnim could apologize, the teacher continued. "Why are you not paying attention? All of this information is important when it comes to you to join the military. Plus, this soldier took time out of his to teach you and your classmates about this, so show some respect." Dalnim nodded as he looked ahead. He apologized to the soldier, who didn't seem to mind as he had a soft smile on his face.

"Haha, must be the rain making everyone tired today. I hope you can stay alert as this information is really important," the soldier said calmly. Dalnim nodded. He felt bad for ignoring the soldier. He really should have at least listened to what he said. After all, the path that he wants may not be the path he walks on. Especially since Flower Hill has already carved the path for all its citizens. To become soldiers for a war that would never end unless the Weasels and Wolves are destroyed beyond repair. In his opinion, the war was now a battle on who could spill more blood. Sighing, he listened to the soldier continually talk about the conscription.

The soldier finished his speech, and the class erupted into claps. Each student was also raising their hand to ask questions in excitement. The teacher and the soldier seemed to be pleased with the outcome. The soldiers began to answer some of the questions. Then, one question shocked Dalnim to his core.

"Do you mind repeating that again?" the soldier asked. Dalnim lowered his head in shame. Why? WHY? Using his peripheral vision, he watched as his classmate looked at him. He shook his head. His classmate opened his mouth and repeated that question. Dalnim's stomach began to hurt, and his heart raced as the question was repeated.

"What would you do if you know someone who opposes this war and conscription? Personally, I wouldn't associate with a traitor." Dalnim's classmate asked. The teacher and the soldier looked at one another. Dalnim looked up and saw that they were both staring at him. Dalnim looked back down. He felt his heart pounding against his chest. Dalnim felt sick and held his stomach. He hoped with everything that he would not vomit. Dalnim looked back up and saw the soldier.

"Can you stand up?" The soldier asked. Dalnim slowly stood up but refused to look at the soldier in the eyes. He was both ashamed and embarrassed. He could hear his classmates talking. He couldn't hear what they said. But it must be the same words his sister told him over and over.

"Traitor. Coward. Pathetic."

Dalnim finally looked up and it felt like he couldn't breathe anymore. The soldier wasn't mad or even upset. Rather, he seemed disappointed. Dalnim looked back onto the ground. The soldier, however, pushed his head back up. Dalnim gulped.

"Dalnim, what do you think the soldiers and eventually your classmates are fighting for?" the soldier asked. Dalnim didn't respond. He looked at his teacher, who turned away from him. Dalnim realized he was on his own and all eyes were on him. He hated this. Dalnim could feel tears falling off his face. "Answer me."

"I-I don't... know," Dalnim whispered. His head was hurting now. The soldier wasn't pleased with the answer, but he didn't push Dalnim for an actual response. The soldier just shook his head. Dalnim's heart was now beating in his ears and his vision blurred. He could feel himself breathing heavily, his legs began weak. The soldier seemed alarmed and said something. Dalnim doesn't know what he said as he slumped back onto his chair. His vision went black.

End

Note: I have another short story ready. But, I need to make a drawing. Also won't be posting it until much later to prevent spamming my stuff on the tag. The art could have been better, but y’all, it’s been a while since I went on ham on my art, so I’m still proud of it regardless. The uniform is based on NK school uniforms. Did I succeed? … sure why not.