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Chapter 29: She's Not a Goddess, Just a Fraud
The moment Seo-jin rested his head on the desk, Ju-kyoung's brows furrowed slightly. She quickly turned back to her usual position, pretending she hadn't noticed.
But Seo-jin wasn't sleeping yet. With his head tilted, he peeked at her through half-lidded eyes. She sat there, listening intently to the chatter of students and the class teacher's endless comebacks to their jokes.
Why do I feel like I know her…? he thought, his voice barely audible, not more than a whisper. For a few seconds, he stared as if searching through old memories. With a sigh, he gave up, shut his eyes, and drifted off.
When Mr. Han dismissed the class, the room erupted into groups. Laughter, games, gossip—everyone settled into their routine.
For a brief moment, Soo-hoo's eyes met Ju-kyoung's. She seized the chance, flashing him two playful winks and her brightest smile.
Soo-hoo froze. His chest tightened in surprise, but before he could even think, Kangsu appeared at his side, effortlessly stealing his attention.
"What's on your mind, Soo-hoo?" Kangsu asked, her expression calm, though her curiosity was sharp.
His face returned to its usual cool mask, unreadable.
"The English teacher wants to see you," she added, already walking ahead. Without hesitation, Soo-hoo stood and followed, his tall frame moving with quiet strength.
Ju-kyoung leaned toward Su-ah, who was still absorbed in her compact mirror, reapplying gloss.
"Is Kangsu… close with Soo-hoo?" Ju-kyoung asked carefully.
Su-ah nodded without hesitation. "Yes, they've been close since childhood. Honestly, Kangsu might be the only girl he truly talks to."
Ju-kyoung blinked, surprised. So even someone as cold as Soo-hoo has people he's warm to…
Su-ah smirked. "Smart ones always stick together."
Her boyfriend, who had been hovering nearby, chimed in. "And on top of that, they're both ridiculously good-looking. Totally unrelatable."
Su-ah laughed and clasped his hand. "Babe, that's why I keep my grades low. I want to stay relatable." She beamed up at him, her puppy-like smile shining.
He chuckled. "Your smile is making all my organs breakdance."
The couple laughed together.
Ju-kyoung groaned inwardly, lifting her book to shield her face. I'm so done with this couple already…
But her small escape was interrupted.
"Hey, Seo-jin!"
The voice was loud, deep, commanding.
Ju-kyoung turned sharply along with the others. A group of boys stood in the doorway, eyes locked on Seo-jin.
Seo-jin, now awake, didn't bother moving much. His expression was calm—almost bored.
"You should come pay your respects if you're back," the leader said.
Slowly, Seo-jin rose. His irritation was clear, though his movements carried a certain heavy grace. Without a word, he walked out, the others trailing after him like shadows.
Ju-kyoung's heart raced as she watched them go. Ten against one? What are they planning…?
---
The back of the school was quiet, the air heavy with tension. Seo-jin walked ahead, his steps steady, before turning to face the group. The breeze swept across the field, brushing his dark hair back.
"Hey, brother. Perfect day to die, isn't it?" the leader said with a smirk, his tone sharp.
Seo-jin tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "Are you all a girl group? Why are you standing like that?"
The boys stiffened, some shifting awkwardly as they realized their stance was… less intimidating than they thought. A few had their hands on their hips, almost posing.
The leader's smirk faltered.
"What? You gonna punch me?" he taunted, forcing his pride back.
"Alright, come on then." He raised his fist, grinning.
Seo-jin didn't flinch. Instead, his voice boomed. "Hey, Cho-rong!"
The group froze at the sharpness of his tone. Seo-jin took a step closer, his eyes like fire.
"This joke's gone too far."
And then, like breaking glass, the tension shattered into laughter.
"That was gold, Seo-jin! You're a real celebrity," one boy said, patting him on the shoulder.
"No wonder you used to be a trainee—you can act," another laughed.
Seo-jin scowled faintly, though his aura softened. "Ridiculous." He exhaled sharply. "How much longer do I have to play along with this?"
"Come on, admit it," one teased. "You enjoyed it too."
Seo-jin gave a small laugh. "Have you all been well?"
"Yes!" the leader grinned, his round belly jiggling as he laughed.
Seo-jin's brows shot up. "Cho-rong… you look even bigger than before. Trying to bulk up?"
"Seriously? I lost ten kilos!" Cho-rong snapped.
Another joked, "Yeah, all in the wrong places!"
The group burst out laughing again.
Then Cho-rong's face sobered. "Is your mom doing better?"
Seo-jin's eyes softened. He nodded. "Yes. She's doing better."
"What a relief. I offer my condolences."
The smile fell from Seo-jin's face. He leaned close, voice sharp. "Condolences are for the dead, idiot."
The boys howled with laughter.
Cho-rong flustered. "Then what do I say?"
"Consolation," Seo-jin answered flatly.
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Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Ju-kyoung set down her tray. Kangsu sat in front of Su-ah, while Su-ah and her boyfriend cozied up across from her.
"By the way, Han Seo-jin seems… rough," Su-ah said, twirling her spoon.
Her boyfriend nodded. "Definitely got that bad boy aura."
"Rumor has it," Su-ah whispered to Ju-kyoung, "it wasn't a leave of absence. He was disciplined for beating a kid to death."
Ju-kyoung froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. Beating a kid to death…?
"Yes," Su-ah insisted.
Panic surged in Ju-kyoung's chest. Oh no. How am I supposed to give him back his helmet now?!
She dropped her spoon back onto her tray, sighing. This year is really not for me…
Kangsu frowned. "That's not true. He told me it was family matters."
Su-ah shrugged. "Nobody knows for sure."
Ju-kyoung forced herself to take a bite, but her appetite was gone.
Then she overheard whispers from the table nearby.
"So that's the goddess transfer student."
"Yeah, she's stunning."
"Even looks pretty while eating."
"Her classmates are so lucky."
Ju-kyoung lowered her spoon again. The whispers spread across the cafeteria like wildfire. Students kept stealing glances at her, some subtle, some not at all.
Smile, Ju-kyoung. Just smile…
Her lips curved upward, though inside, anxiety twisted like a knot.
Even from across the room, at her brother's table, she could hear the murmurs.
"She's the junior goddess."
"She's seriously gorgeous."
Ju-young glanced at her, his jaw tightening. He scoffed and muttered under his breath, "She's not a goddess… just a fraud."
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