The next morning, Hana woke to the sound of her mother bustling in the tiny kitchen. The smell of barely cooked rice and morning tea drifted into her room. Hana's alarm hadn't gone off on time, leaving her scrambling to dress in her slightly wrinkled uniform. Her younger brother tugged at her sleeve, asking for breakfast. Hana gave him a hurried smile, but her mind was already on the day ahead Seonghwa High awaited, with its whispers, glances, and perhaps, more threats.
As she walked to school, her mind replayed yesterday's events Minjun's teasing smirk, Jisoo's protective gaze and the folded note warning her to watch her back, the memory of the words sent a shiver down her spine.
"You okay?" Jisoo's voice broke through her thoughts as he fell into step beside her, He had been waiting at the corner as usual, his schoolbag slung casually over one shoulder.
"I… I think so" Hana replied, trying to sound confident. "It's just… strange you know? That note."
Jisoo's brow furrowed "I don't like it, Someone's watching you or trying to scare you."
Hana shook her head. "Maybe it's just… a prank?" But the unease in her stomach refused to be ignored.
By the time they reached the school gates, the courtyard was alive with chatter, groups of students clustered together, laughing and exchanging gossip. Hana and Jisoo navigated through the crowd, careful not to draw attention. But as they approached their classroom Minjun appeared again, leaning against the wall with his signature smirk.
"Morning, Hana" he said, voice casual but eyes sharp. "Did you survive your first night back home or did poverty bite you already?"
Hana flushed but kept her composure. "I survived" she replied curtly, adjusting her bag.
Jisoo frowned "Minjun, must you always tease her?"
Minjun's smirk widened "Jealous, Jisoo? Don't worry I'm harmless… for now."
Hana felt an uncomfortable warmth in her chest, Minjun's words were infuriating yet… intriguing. She shook her head "Focus Hana don't get distracted".
Hana's first class was literature, held in the same room as the club, She found a seat near the window hoping for a quiet morning, but fate it seemed had other plans. Minjun entered last sliding into the empty seat across from her, Hana tried to ignore him pretending to write notes and adjust her notebook.
"Interesting handwriting" Minjun said, leaning slightly toward her "Careful… it's too neat People might suspect you're hiding something."
Hana blinked. "Hiding something? I… I'm not hiding anything."
"Are you sure?" he asked, eyes glinting with mischief. "I've seen a lot of people here who pretend to be someone they're not."
Hana's pen trembled slightly in her hand She didn't answer. Minjun's gaze lingered on her longer than she liked, making her feel exposed.
Across the room Jisoo watched silently frowning, He could see the way Minjun's words affected Hana and it frustrated him. He wanted to step in to protect her, but he knew this was a delicate situation He could only hope Hana would navigate it safely.
---
Lunch was no relief Hana carried her modest meal to the usual corner, hoping for peace. But as they sat a group of girls from Minjun's circle approached.
"Well, well, if it isn't the new girl," one sneered. "I heard your uniform… isn't exactly designer what a shame."
Hana froze, cheeks burning. The laughter echoed in her ears.
Minjun, however didn't step in immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair observing silently. Hana noticed his smirk and for a moment, she thought he might be enjoying this.
Before the girls could continue, Jisoo stood up. "Leave her alone," he said firmly, His voice carried a quiet authority that surprised even him.
The girls rolled their eyes and walked away, murmuring under their breath. Hana felt a mixture of relief and gratitude.
"Thanks," she whispered to Jisoo, her hand brushing against his.
"You don't have to thank me," he said softly eyes lingering on hers. "Just… stay careful."
Minjun leaned forward suddenly, breaking the tension. "You handled that well," he said to Hana. "I expected less."
Hana's eyes widened. Was that… a compliment? She didn't have time to think because the bell rang signaling the next class.
By the afternoon, Hana had almost convinced herself that yesterday's note had been a one time scare. But as she entered the literature club room, she noticed another folded piece of paper on her desk.
Her hands shook as she opened it. Written in the same neat handwriting were the words;
"Don't trust him. Not everyone is who they seem."
Hana's heart pounded. Not Minjun? Not Jisoo? Who…?
Jisoo noticed her pale face. "What is it?"
She handed him the note His eyes darkened instantly, and he scanned the room asif expecting to find someone lurking in the shadows.
"No one should be watching you like this," he muttered. "I… I'll protect you. Promise."
Hana felt warmth mixed with fear. She wanted to trust him, but the words on the paper hinted at a world she didn't understand a dangerous game she had unknowingly stepped into.
After school, the literature club gathered to discuss their latest assignment. Hana found herself paired with Minjun for a group exercise. At first, the tension between them was obvious, each word measured, each glance cautious. But slowly, as they shared thoughts on the poem before them, a small connection began to form.
"You have a good eye for detail," Minjun admitted quietly, eyes softer than usual.
Hana blinked. "I… I try."
He smiled faintly. "Most people here wouldn't notice. But you… you see things others overlook. That's… interesting."
Hana felt her cheeks heat up. She wanted to say something, anything, but the words caught in her throat.
Jisoo, watching from across the room, clenched his fists subtly. The jealousy he tried to hide burned quietly in his chest. He couldn't deny it Hana was beginning to shine, and Minjun was clearly captivated.
As Hana and Jisoo walked home through the crowded streets, the weight of the day settled over her. The teasing, the notes, the tension with Minjun all of it pressed against her chest.
"Hana…" Jisoo's voice was hesitant. "You're… okay, right?"
Hana nodded. "I think so. It's… just a lot. I'm not used to all of this."
He sighed. "I'll always be here, No matter what happens at school or outside… you can count on me."
Hana's heart ached with gratitude. She wanted to believe him, She wanted to trust him completely. But the notes the whispers and Minjun's intense gaze reminded her that life at Seonghwa High was anything but simple.
As she reached her small apartment, Hana paused to look back at the bustling streets. She had survived another daybut she knew this was only the beginning. Shadows were already forming around her heart and the choices she would make now would echo far into the days to come.