The car door slammed open, and a young man stepped out, his designer sneakers splashing into the shallow puddle at the curb. His expression was already dark, storm brewing in his eyes as he jabbed a finger toward the cracked mirror dangling from his sleek ride.
He took a step forward, pointing at Linda.
"You just broke my side mirror! You're going to pay for that!" he snapped, his voice sharp.
Linda, completely wet, clothes clinging to her skin, water dripping from her hair, didn't flinch. Her chin lifted defiantly, anger flashing in her eyes.
"You soaked me from head to toe," she shot back, "and you must apologize."
The man's jaw tightened, disbelief twisting into contempt.
"Why should I? You're so mannerless and unreasonable," he insulted.
"You spoiled, naughty brat who wastes his father's wealth—you soaked my clothes!" she barked back.
Their voices rose, clashing like swords, drawing attention from passersby. Linda stepped closer, shoulders squared, her anger boiling over. Before she could get another word in, a tall bodyguard in a black suit moved swiftly between them, his hand raised like a wall.
"Back off," he warned, his stare sharp and cold.
Linda's lips curled into a smirk. She took one slow step backward, but the moment the guard's attention shifted, her fist shot forward. The punch landed squarely on the young man's jaw.
He staggered, eyes wide in shock. The bodyguard lunged, but before his hand could close around Linda's arm, another voice cut through the chaos.
"Stop."
It was calm and commanding. Then a middle-aged man emerged from the car, dressed in a black designer suit. His presence quieted the chaos his gaze steady as he looked first at Linda, then at the stunned young man.
Turning back to Linda, his expression softened with polite apology.
"I'm sorry about this incident," he said, pulling out his wallet from his inner pocket. He handed her a wad of cash. "Please, allow me to compensate you."
The young man clutched his jaw, humiliation burning on his face.
"Secretary Kim!" he snapped, voice rising in protest. "You don't have to stalk me all day. I can handle things myself!"
"I can see exactly how you're handling it," Secretary Kim replied evenly. Moving toward his car, he added, "Let's not make this uglier than it already is."
The young man's temper flared. "We can't just let her go! She punched me!"
"Do you need another one?" Linda raised her hand suddenly, feigning another strike. The young man flinched, stumbling backward.
She laughed, satisfied, as she turned and flagged down a passing taxi.
The door shut behind her with a heavy click, and as the cab pulled away, the young man's glare burned against the glass.
"This isn't over, bitch, you just crossed the wrong guy" he muttered, staring at the taxi.
What Linda didn't know was that the man she'd just humiliated was Adam Williams—the only son of Mr. Adam, Seoul's wealthiest man. The Adam family name was known across Korea as the face of power and riches, their empire stretching across cities and industries. Unlike his father—a simple but ambitious man—Adam lived for pleasure: clubs, parties, women, and chaos.
Back in the taxi, Linda brought out the cash Secretary Kim had given her. It was the largest amount she had ever received, enough to take care of her expenses for a while. Her thoughts lingered on the man in the suit—his composure, his unshakable authority, the way he defused the storm with just a word. Then her mind shifted to the spoiled young man.
The way he said, I can handle it myself—it reminded her of herself. She used to tell her parents the same thing.
The taxi rolled to a stop outside her apartment building. The structure stood modestly, its pale walls softened by flower pots on balconies and the faint glow of warm light spilling from a few windows.
She paid the driver, pushed open the door, and stepped inside. Her mood lifted at once. Her one-bedroom apartment was small but warm, alive with soft light and the faint scent of flowers. The beige sofa and wooden coffee table in the living room welcomed her, and sunlight filtered through the wide window, bathing the space in a gentle glow.
Tossing the cash onto the table, she sank into the cushions with a sigh of relief. A wave of homesickness touched her chest as her thoughts wandered to her family—her father's calm advice, her mother's comforting meals, and the laughter of her siblings. The ache softened into a smile.
Before she knew it, sleep had stolen her away.
---
The next morning, Linda woke refreshed. Today was her first day at Hanul High School.
She began with a workout in the backyard, fists slicing through the air as she practiced her karate forms. Each strike reminded her of what awaited her.
Afterward, she prepared a simple breakfast of noodles and eggs. As she ate, she wondered what school would be like, and how she wanted people to see her.
By the time she finished, she had put on her uniform and slung her backpack over her shoulder. She stepped into the garage. Her father had once mentioned a surprise—and there it was.
A sleek, black Ducati Scrambler gleamed beneath the faint morning light.
"Dad…" she whispered, eyes wide with delight.
The engine roared alive beneath her touch, sending a thrill through her veins. She mounted the bike, the leather seat hugging her frame, and sped into the streets.
By the time she rode through the gates of Hanul High, the sound of her engine had already drawn curious stares. She parked, secured the bike, and stood still for a moment, scanning the campus with sharp, assessing eyes.
Inside the administration office, the clerk processed her paperwork quickly. Her student ID was handed back with a polite smile, though his glance lingered briefly on Linda's dark skin.
With map and ID in hand, Linda stepped out into the hallway—and into a world of new eyes. A few students glanced at her, curiosity and caution mixing on their faces.
One girl with a bright smile broke from her group, walking up to Linda with a hand extended.
"Hi, I'm Sofia. Welcome to Hanul."
Linda shook her hand, returning the smile. "Thanks. I'm Linda."
A boy with messy hair Walk over,
"Who's this? Your new friend?" he asked Sofia.
"I guess so," Sofia replied, introducing Linda. "This is Alex., Alex this is Linda"
"Welcome to the chaos," Alex joked.
Their company eased Linda's tension a little, though she still caught the sideways glances from other students—some curious, some indifferent.
As Sofia steered the conversation, she asked, "So, Linda, what do you do in your free time?"
"I practice martial arts," Linda said without hesitation. "It's like a part of me." She smiled.
Sofia's face lit with excitement. "Then you'll love our martial arts club! Our teacher, Mr. Kwon, would definitely want to meet you."
Alex nodded quickly. "Yeah, some of the students here even compete nationally."
Linda's eyes widened slightly, interest sparking. "Really? I didn't know that."
"Hanul isn't just about grades," Sofia explained. "It's about finding your strength. Mr. Kwon always says martial arts builds confidence and focus."
Alex leaned in with a grin. "And it's the best stress relief you'll ever find."
Linda laughed softly. "That sounds amazing. I'd love to check it out."
"Done," Sofia said, already tapping a message into her phone. "I'll let Mr. Kwon know you're interested."
As their conversation carried on, Linda felt a sense of belonging.