When Seo Yuna reached home that evening, the anger from the cafeteria still simmered like a fire in her chest. Her mother looked up from her laptop and asked gently, "How was your first day at the new school?"
"It was… good," Seo Yuna replied quickly, forcing a smile. She didn't mention anything about the bullying or Jihun's unfair scolding. Living in a small apartment with her mother—her only family, who worked tirelessly to support her—meant she had learned to swallow frustration quietly. She slipped past the living room and into her room, shutting the door with a small sigh.
Sitting on her bed, Seo Yuna let her mind wander. It's not fair. Just because we're scholarship students, we have to be humiliated? She thought of Minji's nervous face, the cafeteria incident, and Jihun's arrogant glare. And then… an idea sparked.
If they think they can embarrass me, why not… turn the tables?
After a few minutes of careful plotting, Seo Yuna smirked. She had a small, clever plan to give Jihun and the popular girls a taste of the same embarrassment they had tried to inflict on her and Minji.
The next day, lunch arrived faster than she expected. Seo Yuna and Minji entered the cafeteria, acting as if nothing had happened. She subtly positioned herself near the main food counter.
And then… the plan began.
It started small: trays wobbled unexpectedly, spilling water perfectly on the pristine table. Chairs made squeaky, embarrassing noises under the weight of unsuspecting students. Plates of perfectly arranged salad toppled at the exact moment Chaeyoung tried to show off her table manners.
A few giggles erupted among the students, but everyone immediately held back when they noticed Jihun entering the cafeteria. The entire room fell silent.
Jihun's eyes scanned the chaos, dark and stormy. "Who did this?" he demanded, his voice cold and cutting. The cafeteria froze.
"No one knows…" Chaeyoung stammered, trying to act innocent. "It wasn't me… it was… someone else."
Seo Yuna couldn't help biting her lip to stop herself from laughing. Minji elbowed her softly. Control yourself, she whispered.
Jihun's expression hardened. "Whoever is responsible will pay a very big cost."
At that moment, the rest of the Elite Seven arrived. Students immediately straightened, bowing low as they entered.
Han Seojun – Tall, with a jawline sharp enough for magazines; football captain alongside Jihun.
Kang Taemin – Actor son of a famous celebrity couple, effortlessly gorgeous with a mischievous smirk.
Choi Kyungmin – Young businessman's son, polished and intimidating with dark, calculating eyes.
Yoon Somin – Daughter of a supermodel and a billionaire; elegant and coldly beautiful.
Park Haeun – Actress daughter, radiant, like every move is cinematic perfection.
Lee Jiwon – Heiress of a tech conglomerate, always perfectly composed, ice-cold gaze.
Everyone in the cafeteria bowed except for Seo Yuna. Minji quickly nudged her, whispering, "Bow! But quietly, don't let them see how daring you are."
The Elite Seven glanced around, assessing the situation, but with the bell ringing, they left the cafeteria with an air of authority, leaving students whispering nervously behind them. Seo Yuna let out a small, victorious laugh, feeling relieved and triumphant.
When she reached her classroom, she noticed one conspicuous absence: Jihun. "Where's he?" she asked Minji.
Minji leaned in, whispering, "The Elite Seven don't usually attend regular classes. They have private tutors at home. Even the teachers can't force them to come."
Seo Yuna froze. So… they're investigating?
"Yep," Minji replied, lowering her voice. "They're trying to find out who did that little chaos in the cafeteria. And trust me… they take it very seriously. Whoever did it is… very daring."
Seo Yuna's heart skipped a beat. Wait… that's me. She gulped, half nervous, half thrilled.
"Do you know who it was?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Minji grinned mischievously. "Nope… and I want to see what happens too. This is going to be fun."
Seo Yuna froze, her face hot with a mixture of guilt, excitement, and anticipation. She quietly laughed to herself. This is going to be interesting…