– Chapter 2
The morning sunlight filtered through the classroom blinds, casting thin stripes across the desks. Minjun hunched over his notebook, pencil scratching softly against the paper, trying to lose himself in his drawings. A pair of classmates snickered behind him, tossing tiny paper balls like cruel hailstones.
"Hey, genius. Drawing again? You think this will make your sister proud?" one jeered.
Before he could react, they snatched his notebook. Minjun's shoulders stiffened. His lips pressed together, holding back a response he knew wouldn't matter. Inside, hurt twisted like a knife. The classroom around him blurred into background noise, leaving only the sting of shame and helplessness.
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Meanwhile, Anna and Seirin strolled through the corridor, their footsteps soft against the polished floor. They laughed lightly, but their conversation was interrupted as they spotted a young couple holding hands in the hallway. Seirin's smile faltered, her eyes sharpening with silent disapproval. Anna noticed instantly, reading her friend like an open book.
"Did you finish the math homework?" Anna asked gently, trying to steer the moment back to safer ground.
Seirin forced a smile, voice firm. "Of course. I'll help you later."
But the corridor held a harsher sight. Through the window of Minjun's classroom, Anna's eyes widened—he was being shoved and mocked by bullies. Her heartbeat surged, a storm igniting inside her chest. Without hesitation, she stormed inside.
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The classroom fell silent in her wake. Anna pushed past desks, her presence commanding, aura like a shield.
"Touch him again, and you'll deal with me," she said, voice sharp enough to cut glass.
The bullies froze, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Seirin stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Anna's arm.
"Enough. Not here," Seirin said softly but firmly.
Anna's glare remained, unwavering, before she guided Minjun out protectively. Whispers rippled through the class, a quiet acknowledgment that someone stronger than the bullies had arrived.
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Later, in the school courtyard during break, Yo Chan, Joon, and Joungki teased a junior loudly, laughter bouncing off the walls.
Seirin and Anna passed by. Joon froze mid-laugh as his eyes caught Seirin, staring for a moment too long. A blush crept across his cheeks. Seirin's sharp gaze met his, frown twitching, before she shook her head in exasperation—the "unbelievable" expression reserved only for someone like her.
Yo Chan noticed Joon's reaction, grinning wildly, and patted him on the back. "Joon-ah, don't tell me… you like the president?"
The trio exploded into laughter, and Joon buried his face, trying to hide the pink that crept over his ears.
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Evening arrived with a quieter, warmer atmosphere. At Song Kyeo's restaurant, Anna and Seirin were treated to dinner by Anna's father.
Before Anna arrived, he leaned slightly toward Seirin, voice low and sincere. "Seirin… do you ever feel burdened? Because I asked you to protect Anna?"
Seirin's lips curved politely into a small, confident smile. "No, sir. She's my best friend. I'll always be by her side."
Anna entered, and the aroma of freshly prepared food filled the room. Moments later, Song Kyeo appeared, polite and composed, wearing an apron that didn't hide his easy charm.
"Good evening. Did everything arrive on time?" he asked, warm and attentive.
Anna glanced up, curiosity flickering in her otherwise unreadable expression. Her father chuckled softly. "You're the owner, aren't you? You don't need to serve."
Song Kyeo's smile was steady. "I enjoy it. A restaurant should feel like home."
Anna's gaze lingered, a flicker of intrigue hiding behind the calm mask she always wore.
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Night descended over Yo Chan's room. He lounged with Joon and Joungki, casually tossing chips into his mouth.
"So, Joon-ah, when are you confessing to the class president?" Joungki teased with a mischievous grin.
Joon threw a pillow at him, flustered. The three erupted in laughter. Yo Chan leaned back, carefree as ever. "Careful. She looks like the type who'll make you study 24/7."
Even amidst laughter, Yo Chan's eyes drifted to the ceiling, a fleeting shadow crossing his features—thoughts he kept to himself.
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The night lingered, each character in their own orbit of determination, worry, or quiet reflection.
Minjun erased the ruined drawing, pencil trembling, heart set on trying again.
Anna stared into her reflection, fists tightening; losing control was not an option.
Seirin wrote carefully in her diary, words spilling like a promise: Her father doesn't trust her… but I'll never let her be alone.
Song Kyeo wiped down a table, eyes briefly catching the door Anna had left through, curiosity flickering.
And Yo Chan, finally quiet, stared at the ceiling, laughter fading, lost in thought as the night wrapped around him.
Tomorrow will bring its own battles—and none of them will be easy.