Chapter 2 – The Morning After
Daniel Park woke up drenched in sweat.
The cheap alarm clock on the desk read 6:12 AM. His breathing was uneven, chest rising and falling too fast, as if he had just escaped something chasing him in his dreams. For a few seconds, he didn't know where he was. Then the cracked ceiling came back into focus. The small Seoul room. The thin mattress. Reality.
"…It wasn't a dream," Daniel muttered.
His head felt heavy. Not pain—pressure. Like something inside him had settled instead of disappearing.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his face. His fingers trembled. The silence in the room felt strange. No voices. No whispers.
Maybe I imagined it, Daniel thought.
He stood, walked to the mirror near the door, and froze.
The reflection staring back at him was the same old Daniel—messy hair, round face, tired eyes. Still ugly. Still weak. Still him.
A bitter laugh escaped his lips.
"Yeah… figures."
As he bent to grab his uniform, a sudden memory flashed—Zack's kick, the laughter, phones raised, his body hitting the ground. His stomach tightened.
Then—
Stand straight.
The voice was calm. Flat. Not loud.
Daniel stiffened.
"You're slouching."
Daniel's shoulders slowly pulled back without him realizing it.
"…You're still here," Daniel whispered.
I didn't leave, the voice replied. I only speak when you need me.
Daniel swallowed. "Who… are you?"
There was a pause. Then:
Ruth.
The name felt heavy. Solid.
Daniel nodded once, as if accepting a fact. He didn't argue. Somehow, arguing felt pointless.
He finished changing in silence and stepped outside into the narrow hallway. Other students passed him, barely sparing a glance. Some whispered. Some smirked.
Daniel's chest tightened.
Ignore them, Ruth said. Fear makes them louder than they are.
Daniel followed the advice without thinking. His steps were quicker today. Not confident—but not dragging either.
On the walk to school, Seoul felt overwhelming. Tall buildings. Crowded streets. Everyone looked like they belonged somewhere.
You don't, a softer voice suddenly chimed in.
Daniel almost stopped walking.
"And you are…?" he muttered under his breath.
The voice laughed quietly. Warm. Smooth.
Vice.
Daniel exhaled slowly. "Great. Two of you now."
Correction, Vice replied casually. Two parts of you.
Daniel reached the school gates just as students were gathering. The noise hit him all at once. His palms grew sweaty.
Then he saw her.
Mary Kim stood near the entrance, hands in her pockets, posture relaxed. She wore her uniform loosely, blonde hair tied back. She was laughing at something a girl beside her said—loud, confident laughter.
Daniel's heart skipped.
Wow, Vice said appreciatively. Tall. Strong. Confident. You like that, don't you?
Daniel looked away instantly. "Stop."
Why? Vice teased. You're allowed to look. She's not going to kill you.
She might, Ruth cut in calmly. Judo champion.
Daniel almost snorted despite himself.
He walked past, keeping his head down. As he passed, Mary's eyes flicked toward him for half a second. Just a glance.
But it was enough.
Daniel felt heat rush to his face.
She noticed, Vice said, satisfied. See? Not invisible.
Don't read into it, Ruth replied. Attention can be dangerous.
Daniel entered the building, heart pounding.
Class passed slowly. Daniel barely listened to the teacher. His mind kept drifting—between the fear of being noticed and the strange steadiness anchoring him whenever panic rose.
When a student behind him whispered something and laughed, Daniel flinched.
Turn around, Vice suggested lightly. Smile. Make them uncomfortable.
No, Ruth said. Not worth it.
Daniel stayed facing forward. The laughter stopped anyway.
Lunch break came.
Daniel carried his tray, scanning the cafeteria for an empty seat. Every table looked hostile.
There, Ruth said, identifying a corner table.
Daniel sat alone. Again.
Vice sighed dramatically. Such a waste of a face…
Daniel frowned. "What face?"
Vice chuckled. You'll see.
A shadow fell over the table.
Daniel froze.
"Hey."
He looked up.
Mary Kim.
Up close, she was even taller than he expected. Her expression wasn't hostile—just curious.
"…Y-yes?" Daniel stammered.
She glanced at the empty seat across from him. "Mind?"
Daniel's brain short-circuited.
Say no, Ruth advised immediately. Unknown variables.
Say yes, Vice urged. This is literally what you want.
Daniel swallowed hard. "…S-sure."
Mary sat down casually, resting her elbow on the table. "You're Daniel, right?"
Daniel nodded. "Y-yeah."
"Hm." She studied him openly, not unkindly. "You don't talk much."
Daniel felt exposed.
Say something interesting, Vice whispered.
Say nothing unnecessary, Ruth countered.
Daniel compromised. "…I just moved here."
Mary nodded. "Thought so. You've got that lost look."
She smirked slightly.
Daniel's heart raced—but he didn't feel crushed.
For the first time, he felt… present.
As Mary stood to leave, she added, "Don't let people push you around too much."
Then she walked away.
Daniel stared at his tray, hands shaking.
"…That happened," he murmured.
Vice sounded pleased. See? Small steps.
Ruth was silent—but Daniel felt approval.
For the first time since coming to Seoul, Daniel Park didn't feel like he was drowning.
He wasn't strong.
He wasn't confident.
But he wasn't completely alone anymore.
Chapter 3 – Pressure
Daniel knew something was wrong the moment he stepped into the classroom.
The air felt heavier than usual. Conversations lowered when he passed. Someone snorted. Another whispered his name.
He kept walking.
Eyes forward, Ruth instructed calmly.
Daniel obeyed, moving to his seat. He sat down slowly, back straight, hands on the desk.
Behind him, a chair scraped.
"Tch."
Daniel didn't turn.
Zack Lee's voice followed.
"So you're just gonna ignore me now?"
A few students glanced over. Some leaned in, interested.
Daniel's pulse spiked.
He's testing you, Ruth said. Predators do that.
Vice sounded amused. Or maybe he's jealous you had lunch with Mary.
Daniel clenched his jaw.
Zack leaned forward, his breath close to Daniel's ear. "You think you're different now?"
Daniel stood up.
The movement was instinctive. Too fast to stop.
The room went quiet.
Zack blinked, surprised for half a second—then grinned. "Oh?"
Daniel's legs felt weak, but he didn't sit back down.
"I'm just trying to attend class," Daniel said.
His voice shook.
Zack laughed. "Listen to this guy."
A hand grabbed Daniel's collar.
The world narrowed.
Now, Ruth said.
Daniel's fear didn't disappear—but it stopped controlling him. He didn't flail. Didn't panic.
He raised his hands slowly. "Let go."
Zack tightened his grip. "Or what?"
Daniel looked at him.
Not with anger.
With clarity.
"I don't want trouble," Daniel said. "But you're causing it."
A few students murmured.
Zack scoffed. "You got guts all of a sudden?"
Step back half a foot, Ruth instructed.
Daniel did.
Zack's grip loosened slightly.
That was enough.
Daniel twisted his shoulder just enough to slip free. It wasn't a fight. It was an escape.
Zack stumbled back a step, more shocked than hurt.
The teacher entered at that exact moment.
"What's going on here?"
Silence.
Zack clicked his tongue and returned to his seat. "Nothing."
Daniel sat down slowly, heart hammering.
Good, Ruth said. Minimal damage.
Vice laughed softly. Did you see his face? Priceless.
Class resumed.
Daniel's hands trembled under the desk, but no one touched him again.
Between periods, he felt eyes on him.
Not mocking.
Measuring.
In the hallway, Daniel nearly collided with someone.
"Whoa—"
Vasco caught him by the shoulders.
"You okay, bro?" Vasco asked, wide-eyed.
Daniel nodded quickly. "Y-yeah."
Vasco smiled. "Good. You look… less dead today."
Daniel didn't know how to respond.
Vice liked that. He's honest.
Ruth approved. He's strong.
As Vasco walked off, Mary Kim passed by with her friends. She glanced at Daniel again.
This time, she raised an eyebrow.
Daniel didn't look away.
It lasted only a second.
But it mattered.
Lunch came.
Daniel didn't sit alone this time.
Vasco dropped his tray beside him without asking. "You don't mind, right?"
Daniel shook his head.
Vice was practically vibrating. Social connection achieved.
Ruth stayed quiet, watchful.
Across the cafeteria, Zack watched them with narrowed eyes.
Daniel noticed.
And for the first time—
He didn't shrink.
He ate.
Chapter 4 – Lines That Shouldn't Be Crossed
The bell rang.
Students poured into the hallway like a released tide. Voices overlapped, footsteps echoed, lockers slammed shut.
Daniel stepped out of the classroom with his bag slung over one shoulder.
He didn't rush.
That alone felt strange.
Crowds are dangerous, Ruth reminded him. Stay aware.
Vice sounded relaxed. Relax. You're not prey anymore.
Daniel wasn't sure about that—but he listened anyway.
Halfway down the corridor, someone slammed into his shoulder.
Hard.
Daniel staggered back.
"Watch it."
Zack Lee.
The hallway slowed. People pretended not to look while watching everything.
Daniel straightened.
"I was walking," Daniel said.
Zack smirked. "So was I."
Silence stretched.
He wants you to react, Ruth said calmly. Don't.
Vice chuckled. Or do. Just a little.
Daniel exhaled and stepped to the side, making space.
Zack blinked.
Daniel walked past him.
A few whispers followed.
"Did you see that?"
"Isn't that the fat kid?"
Zack turned slowly, jaw tight.
"Hey."
Daniel stopped—but didn't turn around.
"I'm not done with you."
Daniel turned this time.
"I am."
The words came out before he could stop them.
Not loud.
Not angry.
Final.
The hallway went dead silent.
Zack stared, eyes sharp. For a moment, Daniel thought he might actually swing.
Instead, Zack laughed.
"This school really is full of weirdos."
He walked away.
Daniel's legs nearly gave out.
You held the line, Ruth said. Good.
Vice sounded impressed. Confidence suits you.
Daniel leaned against the wall once Zack was gone, breathing slow, controlled.
Mary Kim appeared from a nearby classroom, arms crossed.
"You've got guts," she said.
Daniel stiffened. "I—I wasn't trying to—"
She waved it off. "Zack's a jerk."
Daniel nodded.
She studied him for a second longer. "You always like that? Quiet but stubborn?"
Daniel thought about it.
"No," he said honestly.
Mary smiled—small, sharp. "Interesting."
She walked off.
Daniel stood there, stunned.
Vice practically purred. Progress.
After school, Daniel walked home alone.
The streets were loud. Neon signs flickered. Groups of students laughed, argued, lived.
Daniel kept his pace steady.
Two older students brushed past him near an alley. One of them bumped his shoulder on purpose.
Daniel stopped.
The street noise faded.
This isn't school, Ruth said. No teachers.
Daniel's stomach tightened.
The student turned. "Problem?"
Daniel shook his head. "No."
He kept walking.
The student scoffed and left it at that.
Daniel didn't look back.
When he reached his room, he shut the door quietly and leaned against it.
His hands were shaking—but not from fear alone.
Something else was there.
Control.
He slid down to the floor and stared at the ceiling.
"…I didn't run," he whispered.
Ruth answered simply. No.
Vice added softly. And you were noticed.
Daniel closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would come.
And he would face it.
Chapter 5 – Weight
Daniel woke before his alarm.
The room was quiet, except for the faint noise of traffic outside. His body felt heavy, sore in places he didn't remember hurting before.
He sat up slowly.
"…Why am I tired?" he murmured.
Stress, Ruth answered. Your body stayed alert all night.
Vice sounded lazy. Also, you walked like you owned the streets yesterday. That takes energy.
Daniel rubbed his eyes and stood. His reflection looked the same—but his posture didn't slump as much.
At school, the atmosphere felt different.
Not friendlier.
More… cautious.
When Daniel entered the classroom, a few students glanced at him, then looked away. No laughter. No whispers.
Zack wasn't there yet.
Daniel sat down.
Don't relax, Ruth warned. Change invites resistance.
The door slid open.
Zack walked in.
Their eyes met.
Just for a second.
Zack didn't smile this time.
He sat down without a word.
Daniel's heart raced, but nothing happened. The tension sat between them like a loaded spring.
During PE, the class gathered on the field. The teacher blew the whistle.
"Pairs for sparring practice!"
Daniel stiffened.
This matters, Ruth said. Control your distance.
Vice added, amused, Try not to embarrass yourself in front of Mary.
Daniel scanned the field.
Mary Kim stood nearby, stretching casually.
Then the teacher called, "Daniel Park. Zack Lee."
A murmur spread.
Zack cracked his neck. "Lucky me."
Daniel swallowed and stepped forward.
The circle formed around them.
No wild moves, Ruth instructed. Balance first.
The whistle blew.
Zack lunged.
Daniel stepped back—barely in time. Zack's fist cut air.
Daniel's feet moved before panic set in.
He dodged again.
Good, Ruth said. He's faster. Let him waste energy.
Zack scowled. "Stop running."
Daniel didn't reply.
Another punch.
Daniel blocked—awkward, painful—but he stayed upright.
Vice chimed in lightly. You're still standing. That's new.
Zack swung again, wider this time.
Daniel ducked.
His shoulder bumped Zack's chest.
Zack stumbled half a step.
The crowd gasped.
Mary's eyes narrowed slightly.
Zack recovered instantly and shoved Daniel hard.
Daniel hit the ground.
The whistle shrieked.
"That's enough!"
Zack stepped back, breathing hard.
Daniel pushed himself up, chest heaving.
It hurt.
But he was smiling.
Just a little.
You endured, Ruth said. That matters.
After class, Daniel washed his face in the bathroom. His knuckles were red. His lip throbbed.
He met his own gaze in the mirror.
"…I didn't break," he whispered.
Vice sounded pleased. And people saw it.
As Daniel left, he nearly ran into Mary.
"You okay?" she asked.
Daniel nodded. "Yeah."
She looked at his bruised knuckles. "You're stubborn."
Daniel smiled faintly. "I guess."
She smirked. "Try not to get yourself killed."
She walked off.
Daniel watched her go, heart racing—but steady.
That night, in his room, Daniel lay on his back, staring at the ceiling.
His body ached.
But his mind was quiet.
For once.
Ruth stood guard.
Vice dreamed.
And Daniel slept.