The day of the school festival arrived faster than Hana expected.
By the time she stepped through the school gates, the campus had transformed. Colorful banners hung between buildings, music played softly from speakers, and students rushed around in themed outfits, laughing and calling to one another.
It was supposed to feel exciting.
Instead, Hana's heart wouldn't stop racing.
She spotted Min-jae near the main building, speaking with a group of teachers. Even surrounded by people, he stood out—calm, composed, steady. When his eyes found hers, his expression softened immediately.
He excused himself and walked over.
"You're here early," he said.
"I couldn't stay home," Hana replied. "I kept thinking something would go wrong if I wasn't here."
Min-jae studied her face. "Then stay close to me today."
She nodded. "I was hoping you'd say that."
They worked side by side all morning.
Hana helped manage the booth assignments while Min-jae coordinated schedules and announcements. Whenever the crowd grew too loud or overwhelming, he subtly positioned himself closer to her, shielding her without making it obvious.
People noticed.
Not just the students.
Teachers exchanged curious looks.
Whispers followed them as they passed.
"Isn't that the president?"
"They look… close."
"I thought Seo Yuri—"
Hana tried not to listen.
But Yuri made it impossible to forget.
Yuri appeared just before noon, dressed neatly, her smile flawless as ever.
"President Park," she said, "the stage performance schedule needs approval."
"I'll look at it later," Min-jae replied. "I'm busy right now."
Yuri's eyes shifted to Hana.
"Of course," she said lightly. "You've been busy all day."
Hana felt her shoulders tense.
"There's an issue near the east wing," Yuri continued. "I need you, Min-jae."
Min-jae didn't move.
"She can handle it," Yuri added, nodding toward Hana. "I'll take you."
Hana opened her mouth to speak.
But Min-jae answered first.
"No," he said calmly. "Hana stays with me."
The surrounding noise seemed to fade.
Yuri's smile faltered—just slightly.
"I see," she said. "So that's how it is."
Min-jae met her gaze without flinching. "Yes."
For a moment, Yuri said nothing.
Then she smiled again.
"Enjoy the festival," she said, turning away.
But as she passed Hana, her voice dropped low.
"Be careful," Yuri murmured. "Crowds make accidents easy."
Hana's breath caught.
Min-jae noticed immediately. "What did she say?"
"Nothing," Hana replied, forcing a smile. "It's fine."
He didn't look convinced.
The afternoon passed in a blur.
Students laughed. Music played. The festival buzzed with life.
Hana tried to relax.
She even laughed a few times—really laughed—when Min-jae struggled to operate a game booth and ended up handing out too many prizes.
"You're terrible at this," she teased.
"I'm learning," he replied, watching her smile like it was something precious.
That was when Hana realized something.
Min-jae wasn't just protecting her.
He was choosing her.
Openly.
And that choice felt heavier than anything she'd experienced before.
As the sun began to set, Min-jae was called to the stage for a short announcement.
"Hana," he said quietly, "wait for me here."
She nodded. "I will."
She watched him walk away, his voice soon echoing through the speakers as he addressed the crowd.
For a moment, everything felt peaceful.
Then someone grabbed her wrist.
Hana gasped and turned—
It was a student she didn't recognize.
"Sorry," the girl said quickly. "You dropped this."
She handed Hana a folded piece of paper and disappeared into the crowd before Hana could respond.
Confused, Hana unfolded it.
Only four words were written inside.
Look behind the stage.
Her heart began to pound.
She looked up.
Min-jae was still speaking, his back turned, unaware.
Hana hesitated.
Every instinct told her not to move.
But something deeper—something stronger—pulled at her.
She took a step.
Then another.
Slowly, she made her way toward the back of the stage, the noise of the festival fading with each step.
The space behind the stage was quiet.
Too quiet.
"Hana?"
She turned sharply.
Min-jae stood there, having left the stage early, his expression tense.
"You didn't stay where I told you," he said.
"I—" She held up the note. "Someone gave me this."
He read it, his jaw tightening.
"This is exactly why I didn't want you alone," he said.
"I know," Hana replied softly. "But I didn't want to hide."
He looked at her—really looked at her.
Then he sighed.
"Then don't," he said. "But don't walk away from me either."
Before she could answer, footsteps echoed nearby.
Voices.
Too close.
Min-jae stepped in front of her instinctively.
"Hana," he said quietly, "whatever happens next—stay behind me."
Her heart raced.
But she nodded.
Because no matter what this was becoming…
she knew one thing for sure.
She wasn't alone anymore.