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Chapter 27: Saved by the Bell
The bus swayed gently, and the cool evening breeze slipped in through the open window, brushing against Ju-kyoung's face. She clutched the bag on her lap—the one holding Soo-ho's suit and the book she had promised to return. Somewhere between her thoughts and the rocking motion of the bus, her eyes grew heavy. She didn't notice when she drifted into a light sleep.
A man slipped into the seat beside her. Ju-kyoung's skirt fell just above her knees, leaving her legs visible, but she remained unaware. The man glanced around carefully, as if making sure no one was paying attention. He pulled out his phone and slyly shifted his bag to cover his hand, slowly lowering the device toward Ju-kyoung's skirt.
He didn't notice Kang-su, who had boarded quietly moments earlier and now stood toward the back of the bus.
The faint click of the camera shutter made Kang-su's eyes narrow. By the time the man swiped the first picture, Kang-su had already moved. She reached out and grabbed the back of his shirt, her voice firm and cutting through the bus noise.
"Give me your phone."
The man jerked, startled, and swung his arm backward, striking Ju-kyoung's shoulder. She startled awake, blinking in confusion at the sudden commotion.
"What's this?!" the man barked, trying to play innocent.
"You pervert!" Kang-su's voice rang out, sharp enough to turn heads. "I saw you taking pictures."
Ju-kyoung gasped, her eyes widening in horror as the realization sank in.
"Kang-su—what… what's happening?" she stammered.
"Call the police. Now," Kang-su ordered without taking her eyes off the man.
The bus grew tense. Students looked around nervously, murmurs rippling through the crowd. The man shoved Kang-su hard, trying to break free.
"Disgusting!" he spat, forcing his way toward the door as the bus screeched to a halt.
"Hey!" Kang-su shouted, and without hesitation, she bolted after him.
"Wait—Kang-su!" Ju-kyoung cried out, but the bus pulled away, her hands pressed helplessly against the window. Outside, Kang-su was already chasing him down the street with an athletic speed that made heads turn.
The man pushed through pedestrians, but Kang-su was relentless. "Stop!" she roared, her voice echoing through the street.
The scene unfolded like a live-action chase movie. Ju-kyoung's heart pounded as she watched from the bus window. Kang-su, her hair streaming behind her, moved with such determination that Ju-kyoung couldn't look away.
Finally, Kang-su ripped her bag from her shoulder, twisted her body, and hurled it with all her strength. The bag cut through the air and struck the man squarely in the back. He stumbled and fell, scrambling to get up, but Kang-su was already on him. She pinned his arms behind his back, her voice sharp and unwavering.
"Police!" she called out, and as if on cue, officers rushed in from the corner. She released him into their hands, calmly retrieved her bag, and dusted off her skirt.
"Check his phone," she instructed coolly. "You'll find everything there."
Back on the bus, silence hung in the air until Kang-su climbed aboard again. She gave the driver a nod. "I tapped my card earlier," she reminded him, then returned to her seat as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
A ripple of applause broke out from the students.
"She's amazing," one whispered.
"She serves justice," another added in awe.
Ju-kyoung stood frozen, her mouth slightly open. When Kang-su sat down, she finally found her voice.
"Were you… startled?" Kang-su asked with a small smile.
Ju-kyoung nodded, still breathless. "Yes. But—you were incredible."
Her words tumbled out, her admiration plain. The image of Kang-su's hair flying in the wind, the speed in her steps, the unshakable courage—it was burned into Ju-kyoung's mind.
Kang-su chuckled, brushing it off. "Are you okay? That's what matters."
Ju-kyoung's chest warmed. Without thinking, she grabbed Kang-su's hand. "Kang-su… I'd love to have a boyfriend like you."
Kang-su laughed again, shaking her head. "Whatever you say."
By the time they reached school, the three girls—Ju-kyoung, Kang-su, and Su-ah—were walking together, blending into the lively crowd. Su-ah nudged Kang-su with pride.
"I'm not even surprised. Last time you scolded middle schoolers for smoking. You're my girl crush."
"Stop it," Kang-su teased, though a faint smile curved her lips.
As they walked, Su-ah tugged at her skirt. "Can you believe? I nearly forgot to zip it this morning."
Neither Ju-kyoung nor Kang-su commented, though Ju-kyoung's lips twitched at Su-ah's usual antics.
"I wish uniforms had elastic bands," Su-ah sighed, then turned suddenly to Ju-kyoung. "Limju, what was your old uniform like?"
Ju-kyoung froze, her throat going dry. Her past—her biggest secret—sat like a heavy stone in her chest.
"Well…" she began, struggling.
"Do you have pictures? Show me," Su-ah pressed with puppy-like eyes.
Ju-kyoung's palms dampened with sweat. For anyone else, showing an old school uniform would be harmless. For her, it meant exposing the truth she had buried.
"I… I don't take pictures," she muttered, voice barely above a whisper.
Su-ah grinned knowingly. "It was ugly, wasn't it?"
Ju-kyoung forced herself to meet her gaze, her heart hammering. The world felt too loud, too close.
Before she could answer, a cold voice cut through the air.
"Move."
They all turned. Standing behind them was Soo-ho, his sharp gaze unreadable as always. Even without expression, his features were striking—too angelic, too untouchable.
Ju-kyoung's breath caught. She shifted awkwardly as Soo-ho brushed past her without a glance. Relief washed over her like cool water.
Saved by the bell, she thought, exhaling quietly.
Kang-su called after him playfully. "Soo-ho, be nice!"
He ignored her, walking on.
Moments later, a familiar voice called out, "Su-ah, Su-ah!" Her boyfriend jogged over, and Su-ah lit up instantly, her whole face glowing.
But then—a shout rang out. "Watch out, a motorcycle!"
The three girls were yanked back just in time as a helmeted rider sped past, startling the crowd. The bike skidded to a halt near where Soo-ho walked, its tires screeching.
Students gasped, voices rising in alarm.
The rider removed his helmet slowly, and the world seemed to fall into silence. Ju-kyoung's eyes locked on his face, her blood running cold.
Her legs nearly gave way. No. Not him. Not here.
Her heart screamed as her lips formed the words only she could hear:
"What is he doing here?"
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