Seo Yuna walked into her classroom, still feeling the echo of the courtyard incident with Minji. Her stomach fluttered nervously, but she tried to calm herself. Just focus on surviving the first day, she whispered under her breath.
The classroom was enormous, sunlight streaming through tall windows, illuminating rows of perfectly arranged desks. Students were already seated in groups, chatting and laughing like they owned the place. Luxury pens, designer notebooks, and expensive accessories glittered everywhere. Seo Yuna adjusted her simple bag, feeling suddenly very small among them.
Then… she saw him.
Lee Jihun
The boy at the front of the class seemed untouchable. His father was a world-famous billionaire, his mother a renowned supermodel—everyone knew the names and the wealth that came with them. But it wasn't just his family that made him stand out. Jihun was tall, with broad shoulders and a physique that made him look like he belonged on a runway. His sharp jawline, piercing dark eyes, and perfectly styled hair made him the object of admiration—and fear—across Haneul Academy.
His fashion sense was impeccable: the uniform fit him perfectly, yet looked effortless, as if he had worn it a thousand times. Every detail—from his polished shoes to his designer watch—screamed elite, untouchable.
Jihun wasn't just a pretty face. He was captain of the football team, strong, athletic, and admired by students and teachers alike. Everywhere he went, girls whispered, giggled, and tried to catch his attention. Many had crushes on him, but Jihun's cold, untouchable attitude made it clear: he didn't talk to anyone "below his level."
He was also a member of the academy's elite "Seven," a mysterious group of the most powerful and influential students in Haneul Academy. Rumors said they controlled everything—sports, academics, social circles. And as far as anyone could tell, no one dared cross them.
Seo Yuna's heart skipped a beat. Their eyes met for a brief moment. A spark of recognition—or maybe irritation—flickered in his dark eyes. She felt a chill. So… this is him, she thought. The one everyone fears, the King of Haneul Academy.
The moment was broken by laughter from the popular girls in the class, but Seo Yuna couldn't focus. She carefully walked to her assigned desk, her mind racing. He's perfect. Too perfect. And he probably hates anyone like me already.
The bell rang sharply, signaling the start of class. Jihun didn't speak much, but his presence dominated the room. Students whispered nervously, stealing glances at him. His gaze occasionally flicked toward Seo Yuna, and she felt an icy tension. He's watching me… and I haven't even done anything yet.
By the end of the lesson, Seo Yuna knew one thing with certainty:
This boy, with his beauty, wealth, power, and attitude…
was going to be her biggest challenge at Haneul Academy.
And whether she liked it or not, their paths were about to cross in ways she couldn't imagine.
The first lesson finally ended, and Seo Yuna felt a small sense of relief. She and Minji decided to head to the cafeteria for lunch. As they walked through the wide corridors, Seo Yuna couldn't help but notice the pristine marble floors, glittering chandeliers, and walls lined with artistic murals. It feels more like a five-star hotel than a school, she thought, blinking at the grandeur.
When they entered the cafeteria, the sight left Seo Yuna momentarily speechless. Long tables with polished wooden surfaces, sparkling silverware, and food that looked like it belonged in a gourmet restaurant stretched across the hall. Students moved around confidently, carrying trays that held perfectly plated meals.
Seo Yuna glanced at Minji, who grinned. "Don't worry, just blend in. Act normal. We'll figure it out."
Taking a deep breath, Seo Yuna followed her friend toward the food stations. But before they could grab anything, a familiar voice cut through the chatter.
"Well, well… look who it is," said the tall girl from the courtyard—the same one who had bullied Minji earlier—flanked by two other girls.
Seo Yuna froze. Her stomach clenched.
"And you are…?" the girl asked, looking Seo Yuna up and down.
"Seo Yuna," she replied cautiously.
The girls smiled, but it was the kind of smile that didn't reach their eyes.
"I'm Chaeyoung," said the leader, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "This is Yerin and Soyeon. You probably noticed us earlier. We like to keep things… orderly around here."
Seo Yuna's eyes widened slightly as she took in the girls: all impeccably dressed in designer uniforms, sleek hairstyles, flawless makeup, and an aura of confidence that made everyone around them step back. Their wealth, beauty, and status were impossible to ignore.
"Orderly?" Seo Yuna repeated softly, a hint of irritation in her voice. She felt Minji tense beside her.
"Yes, orderly," Chaeyoung said with a smirk. "And we don't like… disturbances. Now, tell me, what are you doing here, little scholarship girls?"
Seo Yuna opened her mouth to answer, but the two other girls snickered behind Chaeyoung, stepping closer. Minji stood stiffly beside her, though Seo Yuna could sense her friend's fear—Minji wasn't as confident or tall as she was, and the difference in presence was obvious.
"I… I'm just getting lunch," Seo Yuna said politely, trying to keep her voice calm.
The girls laughed, sharp and cruel. "Oh, how cute," Yerin said. "Just leave, or stay in your place. This cafeteria isn't for people like you."
Seo Yuna felt her cheeks heat up, anger and frustration bubbling. I haven't done anything wrong, she thought. Why are you acting like this?
Before the situation could escalate further, the cafeteria doors swung open, and a hush fell over the entire hall. Students immediately stood, some bowing slightly, others craning their necks to get a better view.
It was him. Lee Jihun.
Every eye was on him as he walked in, tall, perfectly dressed, with an air of absolute authority. His dark eyes scanned the room effortlessly, and the atmosphere seemed to shift around him. The chatter dimmed, and even the popular girls faltered.
"What the heck is going on here?" Jihun's voice cut through the tension like a blade. He stopped directly in front of Chaeyoung.
Chaeyoung blinked, trying to mask her panic with a fake smile. "I-I… nothing, Jihun! She's the problem. She came here and—"
"I've had enough of excuses," Jihun interrupted, his dark eyes narrowing. "I don't like people who disturb others. So—enough."
Seo Yuna's jaw dropped. He… he's blaming me? She felt a flush of anger rise in her chest. "But I haven't done anything!" she shouted, stepping forward.
Jihun didn't even glance at her directly, his tone calm but commanding. "It doesn't matter who started it. You're disturbing the order. That's all I care about."
Seo Yuna's hands clenched into fists. Her face burned with humiliation and fury. I haven't done anything! How can he just say that? Her chest heaved as her anger threatened to burst out of control.
"Seo Yuna, wait!" Minji grabbed her arm gently, pulling her back. "Let's go. Don't make it worse."
Seo Yuna's eyes flicked back to Jihun, who already turned and walked away, leaving a trail of awe and fear behind him. Her heart pounded—not just from the embarrassment, but from the irritating mix of anger and fascination she felt for this untouchable boy.
With a frustrated huff, she let Minji guide her toward a table. The cafeteria buzzed around them again, but Seo Yuna couldn't shake the image of Jihun's piercing eyes or the unfairness of the situation.
As they sat down, Minji whispered softly, "Don't worry. You'll get used to this. Just… be careful around him."
Seo Yuna clenched her jaw, silently promising herself: I haven't forgotten this. One day, I'll make him see the truth—he has no right to judge me.