Crash.
The sound of glass shattering. A man's roar, a woman's scream.
And two children trembling under a blanket.
I pulled my little sister close, covering her ears with my trembling hands. Whispering into her hair.
"Don't be scared, Yujin. Big brother will protect you. Always."
Loud bang on the door. The door slammed open, my father's shadow towered over us, voice spitting curses. A mother's cries heard behind the man. Both sounds filled the small room.
He yanked me away from my sister. A fist flew toward me, slamming into my nose.
The pain jerked me awake, dragging me back to reality.
Beep, beep, beep—
The relentless sound of the alarm echoed in my room, the same room as in the dream.
My throat was dry. Another restless night filled with nightmares.
"…Haa." I dragged myself out of bed, taking in the familiar surroundings—the peeling wallpaper, the faint scent of detergent lingering in this tiny apartment air. Except, the figures I once called my parents were gone.
"Brother! Breakfast!" Yujin's cheerful voice brought a sliver of light to the morning.
My sister, Kim Yujin proudly stood beside the table, her smile radiant.
On the plate—burnt toast, half-cooked eggs, and… something unrecognizable in the form of soup?
"…You cooked again?" I asked flatly.
"Yup!" She puffed her cheeks in triumph. "You always work late. So, I wanted to help."
Though the food looked almost inedible, I ate it anyway… because she made it. My only family.
"You should smile more, Brother. You always look like… like some delinquent."
"…Is that so."
She laughed, swinging her legs happily. I couldn't tell her the truth—that everyone already whispered the same thing.
As I finished the burnt toast, my sister looked up at me with curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"So, big brother" she asked, swinging her legs, "are you nervous about your first day of high school?"
I rested my chin on my hand, thinking.
"A little," I admitted. "I don't know what to expect. New teachers, new people... It feels like stepping into a whole new world."
She smiled softly. "You'll be fine. Just be yourself."
I shook my head. "It's not that easy. What if they think I'm… different? Weird?"
What if they see through me—see the cracks I hide? What if they flinch the way some people already do?
Her gaze sharpened with conviction. "That is why you should smile more! Well, anyway, who cares what they think? You're my big brother. You're strong."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "For you, I'll try."
She reached over and squeezed my hand.
"That's all I need to hear."
I stepped out into the cool morning air, the cracked sidewalks damp from last night's rain. My bag felt heavier than usual—maybe it was weight of expectations, or maybe just my nerves.
A group of students laughed as they passed me, already in clusters. I walked alone.
Yujin's voice echoed in my head, "Just be yourself!".
Easier said than done.
As the school gates came into view, so did the sea of uniforms, chatter, and energy I didn't know how to fit into.
Everyone seemed to belong somewhere—everyone but me.
I kept my head down, tightly clutching my bag strap. A loner among them. Their eyes pinned me down, unblinking and accusing.
Then—thud.
I walked straight into someone.
"Ah—!" A girl stumbled back, her notebook slipping from her arms and scattering across the pavement like falling leaves.
I froze. She snapped her head up at me, eyes sharp.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Her voice cut through the noisy morning like a bell.
Students turned their heads.
I stayed silent.
"What? No 'sorry'?!" She planted her hands on her hips, glaring like I'd committed a crime.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Who's that guy?"
"He looks scary…"
"Woah he's so tall"
"No way—he's kind of handsome though."
"Handsome? With that attitude? "Delinquent for sure."
I felt the weight of their eyes and whispered judgments settling on my shoulders, cold and unyielding.
I bent down, gathering the scattered pages, and handed the notebook back. She snatched it away sharply.
"Don't think you can just walk away," she muttered. "You've got some nerve."
As I walked past, the girl's glare burned into my back.
"Unbelievable! What's his problem?!"
From across the gate, Park Nari watched the scene unfold. Her arms crossed, lips pressed tight in irritation.
"No apology. Just walked off like I was invisible," she added under her breath.
Her friends nudged her.
"Looks like trouble," one whispered.
She clenched her fists but said nothing.
***
[Park Nari's POV]
"Who the hell does he think he is? Urghh."
"Isn't that Dohyun?" Minji asked.
"Who?" I replied.
"You know Haneul middle school?"
"That elite, famous middle school?"
"Yes!"
"Well apparently, he's a dropout from that school…. probably because of violence or something." Minji sneered.
Her friends giggled, exchanging amused looks.
"Wow, you made an enemy on the first day."
"Enemy? Please. He'll regret bumping into me."
Seriously, that guy didn't even flinch—standing there like some stone wall. And he annoyingly tall too. You'd think someone that tall would have better vision or manners.
Great. First day of high school. First enemy made.
The bell rang, and students hurried towards their classrooms.
The noisy front gate quickly emptying as they disappeared into the hallways.
***
[Kim Dohyun's POV]
The hallways buzzed with footsteps and laughter. First-years rushed past, already forming little groups.
I walked down the corridor, eyes scanning for my classroom number. Suddenly, a man in his thirties, carrying some papers, stepped in front of me.
"You look a little lost. Need help finding your classroom?" he asked with a warm smile.
"Yeah, Class 4, first year", I replied.
"Of course you are a first year, this is the first-year floor" Laugh that man.
"Class 4 is right down this hall", he said, pointing ahead. "I'm Mr. Song, your homeroom teacher."
I nodded and started walking, the weight of the day pressing down on me. Then I heard it—her voice.
"Hey, that's him," one of her friends whispered.
I turned my head. The girl from the gate stood with her circle of friends, arms crossed, glaring at me like I'd committed some unforgivable crime.
"Tch", I muttered under my breath, adjusting my bag strap.
As I passed, her shoulder brushed mine. Maybe on purpose. Maybe not.
She smirked. 'Oh, sorry. Didn't see you there."
I stayed silent, adjusting my bag strap as she walked away with a satisfied glance back.
Her friends giggled.
"Geez, he really is scary."
"Or just rude."
I ignored them. First day of school, and I already felt tired.
After navigating through the crowded hallways, I finally found my classroom.
The classroom door was already open. Laughter echoed from inside — a blur of voices, chairs scraping, backpacks dropping.
Class 1-4.
I stepped in.
My eyes swept the room. Students were already chatting in little groups, desks slightly messy from first-day nerves.
And then I saw them.
Kang Jihoon and other familiar faces from middle school.
Sitting by the window, laughing like nothing had changed.
They didn't notice me. Or maybe they did — and looked away.
I moved toward the back of the class and took an empty seat. Far enough not to invite conversation. Close enough to still hear their voices.
Just as I dropped my bag beside the chair, more voices filled the doorway.
"Ugh, why is this hallway so crowded already?"
That voice.
I glanced up.
The girl from the gate walked in with a group of friends, her tone sharp, arms crossed like she was ready to fight someone — again.
Her eyes scanned the room casually... until they landed on me.
She froze mid-step.
"...You've got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath.
Her friend Minji leaned in. "Wait—he's in our class?"
Park Nari clicked her tongue and turned her head away quickly, acting like she wasn't bothered. But her stiff shoulders gave her away.
She took a seat two rows across from me. Not too far. Definitely not by accident.
From the corner of my eye, I could feel her glare digging into the side of my head.
Great. First day of high school, and I've already got a fan club and a personal enemy.
Mr. Song, our homeroom teacher arrived shortly after and gave a brief welcome speech before starting the introductions.
"Alright, everyone, let's introduce ourselves one by one, I'm Song Minho. I'll be your homeroom teacher and math teacher for year 2" Mr. Song said cheerfully.
One by one, students stood up, sharing their names and hobbies. Laughter and claps followed each one. The room buzzed with that annoying kind of fresh-start energy.
Then it was my turn.
I stood.
The faint scratch of chairs and the shuffle of papers underscored the tense silence
"…Kim Dohyun."
That was it.
Silence came first. Then the whispers.
"Isn't he the guy who hangs out with gangsters?"
"Look at his eyes. Totally scary."
"Ugh, I don't want to sit near him."
"Why am I in the same class as him."
"There goes my peaceful school life."
Mr. Song didn't flinch at the silence. He smiled, calm as ever, as if he hadn't heard the whispers swirling through the room.
"Hmm… And what about something you like, Dohyun? Any hobbies?"
I almost didn't answer.
I wasn't here to share. Just survive.
But my sister's voice echoed in my head— "Just be yourself. Try smiling more!"
I sighed quietly.
"…Mal."
Mr. Song tilted his head slightly, still smiling. "Come again?"
I raised my voice just a little.
"Animals. I like animals."
A few students shifted in their seats.
Then— "Pfft."
Someone tried to stifle a laugh.
I didn't need to look to know who it was.
That girl.
She had her hand over her mouth, but her smirk was visible even from across the room.
What was her name again?
Park… Nari. That was it. I'd seen it scribbled on the front of her notebook earlier when I handed it back.
Mr. Song didn't acknowledge the laugh. He just nodded with the same easy-going smile. "Animals, huh? That's a good one. Thanks for sharing."
And just like that, he moved on to the next student—no drama, no pause, no judgment.
I sat back down.
The whispers didn't stop.
But somehow, that one moment felt... different.
Across the room, Park Nari held back a laugh, disbelief flickering in her eyes.
***
[Park Nari's POV]
"Pfft."
Okay, maybe I shouldn't have laughed out loud, but seriously? Animals? That cold, brooding guy likes animals?
It just… didn't match. At all.
I covered my mouth quickly, but it was too late.
Mr. Song's voice cut through the room.
"You" he said while pointing to me, tone still calm but firm. "Since you found that amusing, why don't you go next?"
I blinked. "Huh?"
"You haven't introduced yourself yet, have you?"
My friends looked at me, holding back laughter. I could feel my ears getting warm.
"Tch." I stood up, brushing my skirt flat, trying to act unaffected.
"I'm Park Nari", I said smoothly. "I like dancing, taking pictures, and… cats."
I added that last part on purpose. Petty? Maybe. But I wasn't about to let him of all people have the final say.
"Very good", Mr. Song nodded. "Welcome to Class 1-4."
I sat back down, ignoring the tiny smirk tugging at Dohyun's lips.
Was he laughing at me?
Ugh. If he thought this was over, he was dead wrong.
[Kim Dohyun's POV]
As Mr. Song called her out. I smirked.
She likes cats, huh?
Was she making fun of me?
She stood up with that same sharp energy, walking to the front like she was on stage. Right before she turned to face the class, her eyes flicked to mine.
Brief. Direct.
She was daring me to react.
I didn't.
The class clapped politely. She walked back to her seat like she owned the room—chin high, steps sharp—but her ears were red.
Still petty. Still proud.
I looked away.
Not interesting.
Not at all.
Someone bumped my shoulder as they slid into the seat next to mine.
"Yo", a familiar voice muttered. "This class is wild already."
I glanced sideways.
Kang Jihoon.
Of all people, they put him in the same class too.
He leaned back in his chair like he owned it, stretching with that usual lazy grin. "What are the odds, huh?"
"Unlucky", I muttered.
He chuckled. "Come on, be grateful. At least you won't have to eat lunch alone."
I didn't answer, but it was good to see him.
Jihoon wasn't just anyone. He'd known me since elementary school. One of the few who didn't flinch when he looked me in the eyes.
He nudged me with his elbow. "By the way, what's up with you and that girl?"
"…What girl?"
He raised a brow. "The one who looked like she wanted to throw hands during your intro? Then laughed when you said you liked animals?"
I didn't reply.
Because, honestly, I had no idea either.
After the introductions, Mr. Song asked us to pick class representatives.
"Alright, let's choose a class rep and vice rep," he said, scanning the room.
A few hands went up quickly. The girl with glasses from middle school was elected class rep, and a quiet boy near the window became vice rep. I recognized them but wasn't close to either.
The morning moved on with the first subject—Korean language class. The usual first-day jitters buzzed in the air, and I could still hear whispers, but I kept my head down.
Between classes, the hallway outside the classroom filled with students changing books and stretching their legs. From the corner of my eye, I spotted her— Park Nari with her friends, laughing and throwing glances in my direction. She hadn't noticed me yet, or maybe she was pretending not to.
Next up was Math. The teacher, Ms. Lee came in, calm and professional, starting the lesson without missing a beat. No one paid much attention to me this time, and that small relief was enough.
By the time the bell rang signalling lunch, my stomach growled.
Jihoon, who had been sitting next to me, nudged my shoulder. "Let's have lunch? You're not eating alone today."
I nodded and followed him out as the room emptied, the noise of chatter and footsteps spilling into the hallway.
The cafeteria buzzed with energy. Lines of students shuffled forward, trays in hand, stacking rice, soup, kimchi, and side dishes. The air was filled with laughter, squeaking chairs, and nonstop chatter.
I lined up like everyone else, ignoring the glances thrown my way. By the time I got my food, whispers had already started.
"Isn't that the Dohyun?"
"He looks like he's about to stab someone with his chopsticks."
"Don't sit near him, you'll regret it."
Same as always.
Jihoon appeared beside me, nudging my arm. "Come on, man. Don't let them get to you. Let's grab a table."
I found an empty spot in the farthest corner and sat down, spoon in hand, avoiding eye contact.
Jihoon plopped down next to me, unpacking his tray with a loud sigh. "Crazy first day, huh?"
I just nodded.
Across the room, her voice broke through the noise.
[Park Nari's POV]
"Over here!" my friend waved me toward our usual table.
I slid into the seat, glancing at my tray. The conversation quickly turned to the new transfer student.
"Did you see his eyes? Totally scary."
"He barely spoke during introductions. Such bad attitude."
"Bet he's some kind of troublemaker. I heard he hang out with older guys?"
I frowned, chopsticks pausing mid-air. My eyes flickered across the cafeteria.
There he was. Sitting alone, eating calmly, like the rumours didn't matter at all.
There was something about that quiet confidence that annoyed me more than I expected.
"…What a jerk," I muttered under my breath.
"Hm? What was that?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, stabbing my rice.
But I couldn't stop glancing back at their table.
[Kim Dohyun's POV]
After eating, the bell sounded again.
We shuffled back to our classroom, joining the slow stream of students heading in.
Back in class, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Song, called attendance and made a few quick announcements.
Then came the schedule for the afternoon — more classes, more introductions, and maybe even a club fair tomorrow.
I glanced over at Park Nari. She sat with her friends, whispering and glancing my way. Still tense. Still watching.
The day wasn't over yet.
Finally. The last bell rang. Students poured out the gate in groups, laughing and chatting.
The school gate was crowded with students leaving for the day. That's when I saw them—four men in worn-out jackets, standing and waiting.
"Yo! You're late again, kid!" one of them shouted.
Students froze mid-step. The atmosphere stiffened.
"Look, it's him."
"See? He really does hang out with gangsters."
"This is bad…"
I walked toward the men calmly, ignoring the stares drilling into my back.
"Manager said if you break another plate, you're dead meat!" one of them joked.
The others burst into laughter. A faint chuckle slipped out of me too.
They weren't gangsters. Just restaurant coworkers. Men who treated me like a younger brother, teaching me how not to drop trays and scolding me when I broke dishes.
But no one here would believe that.
And when I turned slightly, I caught sight of her again—the girl, Park Nari. Standing with her friends, frowning at me like she'd just confirmed all her suspicions.
Figures.
[Park Nari's POV]
I didn't even notice my friends chatting beside me. My mind kept circling back to him—Kim Dohyun.
If only his attitude weren't so cold… maybe that face of his could actually be saved. Sharp eyes, defined features—he looked like he belonged in a drama poster. But the way he carried himself? Distant. Rude. The kind of boy I swore I'd never like.
"Still thinking about that guy?" Minji nudged me, raising an eyebrow. She always had a sharp tongue, the type who enjoyed stirring things up.
I clicked my tongue. "Tch. First day of school, and I end up bumping into someone like him. Just my luck."
Jieun, ever the cheerful one, leaned in with a grin. "Didn't you say you wanted a boyfriend this year, Nari?"
"Not like him!" I snapped quickly, heat rushing to my cheeks. "I want someone normal. Sweet. The type who walks you home or buys you snacks after class. Not… whatever he is."
Minji smirked. "So basically, the complete opposite of Kim Dohyun."
"Exactly", I said firmly, crossing my arms.
And just I thought I was done with him for the day, a tall silhouette caught my eye near the school gate. I froze. Kim Dohyun. Four older men, rough-looking, calling out to him so casually—like they'd known each other for years.
So the rumours were true.
My stomach tightened. I hated people like that. The kind who acted cold, scared everyone, then laughed with thugs like nothing mattered.
And there he was, smirking as they laughed together.
"Unbelievable", I muttered.
"Don't stare, you'll get in trouble", my friend whispered, tugging my sleeve.
But I couldn't look away. The way he walked—unbothered, untouchable, it wasn't just intimidating. It was infuriating.