AFTER DINNER – THE BOYS SEPARATE
The streetlights flickered as Junghan, Daeho, and Dejin finally separated at the corner.
DEJIN:
"Tomorrow… same time?"
JUNGHAN:
"Yeah. Go home."
DAEHO (forcing a smile):
"Thanks for listening today."
Junghan nodded.
They all walked in different directions, unaware that their night would unfold so differently.
JUNGHAN'S HOME
"Another Storm"**
When Junghan unlocked the door, he could already hear the tension.
His parents had returned from visiting their aunt.
Voices echoed from the living room—sharp, angry, overlapping.
His mother caught sight of him the moment he stepped inside.
Her eyes flared.
Her voice rose instantly.
MOTHER:
"Oh look, he's back. Perfect. Just PERFECT.
The reason every bad thing in this family happens… look who walked in."
Junghan kept his gaze low.
JUNGHAN:
"I'm home."
MOTHER:
"Home?? Who even wants you home?"
His dad tried to calm her.
FATHER:
"Enough now. Let the boy breathe—"
MOTHER (cutting him off):
"DON'T tell me enough!
Every time I look at him… I remember everything I lost!
My Jungsan… my precious son…"
Junghan didn't move. His fingers curled at his sides.
He whispered:
JUNGHAN:
"Mom… please…"
MOTHER (voice cracking with anger):
"If YOU had saved him that day—
if YOU weren't careless—
if YOU didn't run and make him chase you—
HE WOULD STILL BE HERE!"
Her words hit him harder than anything physical could.
FATHER:
"It was an accident! How long will you—"
MOTHER:
"No! He PUSHED him!
My Jungsan fell because of HIM!
I lost my son because of YOU, Junghan!"
Junghan's lips trembled.
For seven years, he had stayed silent.
Tonight something inside him finally snapped.
His eyes filled—even before he could stop them.
JUNGHAN (voice shaking):
"It's not my fault…
Why won't you listen…?
He slipped.
He slipped, Mom.
I didn't push him.
I loved him too. He was my brother…"
His father's eyes softened with pain.
But his mother only grew louder.
MOTHER:
"DON'T call him your brother!
You destroyed this family!
You ruined EVERYTHING!"
She grabbed a decorative piece from the table and threw it.
Then another.
Her anger had no direction anymore.
FATHER:
"STOP! Calm down! Listen to me—!"
But she couldn't hear anything.
A vase slipped from her hand as she threw things blindly.
It struck the wall… then bounced…
and hit Junghan on the side of his head.
He staggered.
His dad rushed forward instantly.
FATHER:
"Junghan! Come here—come, come!"
He held his son and pulled him away from the scene.
His mother didn't even realize what she had done.
IN HIS ROOM – BANDAGING AND BREAKING
His dad shut the door behind them, breathing hard.
He gently cleaned the cut.
It wasn't deep, but it bled enough to sting.
FATHER (quiet, tired):
"Your mother… she's not well.
She hasn't been well since that day.
She isn't angry at you—she's angry at the pain."
Junghan stared at the floor.
His voice was barely above a whisper.
JUNGHAN:
"It's been seven years…
Seven years, Dad.
And she still can't look at me without blaming me."
His father sighed helplessly.
FATHER:
"Don't take her words to your heart. She—"
JUNGHAN (cutting him, bitter laugh):
"She hates me.
And you want me to not take it seriously?"
His father froze.
Junghan's eyes glistened but he held them back.
JUNGHAN:
"For seven years she hasn't hugged me, talked to me nicely…
Not even once.
Dad… she hates me so much that she can't even see me bleed."
His father swallowed painfully.
He didn't know how to fix any of it.
Junghan finally whispered:
JUNGHAN:
"I'm tired.
Can I sleep?"
His father nodded slowly.
FATHER:
"…call me if you need anything."
He walked out quietly.
The room felt heavier after he closed the door.
ALONE IN THE DARK
Junghan laid down but sleep refused to come.
He sat up.
He looked at the long wall above his desk.
Photos of him and Jungsan—laughing, playing, celebrating birthdays.
And photos of him with Haeyoung—childhood trips, school events, his graduation ceremony.
Two people who shaped his entire world.
One lost forever.
One he couldn't afford to love.
He touched the edge of a frame and whispered:
JUNGHAN:
"…why am I so unlucky?"
He touched the bandaged spot on his head.
JUNGHAN:
"I lost my brother…
My mom hates me…
I can't worry Dad more…
And I can't even tell Haeyoung how much I—"
He stopped himself.
He laughed bitterly.
JUNGHAN:
"Life is cruel to many people…
But for me… it's the cruelest."
He finally lay down, staring at the ceiling until exhaustion pulled him into a restless sleep.
– THE MATCH ENDS
"Lucky Charm"**
The whistle blew loudly.
The crowd erupted.
JISOO'S TEAM WON.
Jisoo spotted Haeyoung instantly.
He walked toward her, still catching his breath, sweat on his forehead but confidence in his smile.
JISOO:
"Thanks for coming.
Maybe you're my lucky charm.
We won because you were cheering."
Haeyoung blushed.
HAEYOUNG:
"You played really well…"
Hana elbowed her.
Ji Eun smirked.
HANA:
"She means VERY well."
Haeyoung glared at them.
JISOO:
"Did you eat? You look tired."
HAEYOUNG:
"I should head home… my parents are waiting."
JISOO (smirking):
"You're obedient, huh?"
Her cheeks turned pink.
HAEYOUNG:
"I'm going!
See you tomorrow!"
She waved fast and ran toward the exit.
Jisoo watched her leave—with a smile that meant more than friendly interest.
WALK HOME – GIRLS TALKING NONSTOP
Hana and Ji Eun walked beside her.
HANA:
"He winked at you during the match—don't lie, I saw it!"
JI EUN:
"I think he REALLY likes you."
HAEYOUNG:
"STOPPP! You two talk too much!"
But she couldn't hide her smile.
AT her HOME
Her dad looked up as she entered.
DAD:
"You're late today."
HAEYOUNG:
"I went to Jisoo's basketball match.
He's… a new friend. He plays really well."
Her mom narrowed her eyes teasingly.
MOM:
"Oho? A famous friend now?"
Haeyoung rolled her eyes.
Her dad asked:
DAD:
"Did Junghan go with you?"
HAEYOUNG:
"No… he had dinner plans with his friends."
Her dad softened.
DAD:
"And this Jisoo… is he a good guy like our Junghan?"
Haeyoung smiled instantly.
HAEYOUNG:
"He's nice.
But no one can take Junghan's place.
I've known him since I was five.
Twelve years now."
Her dad exchanged a knowing smile with her mom.
They already shipped them harder than anyone else.
They ate dinner together peacefully.
A completely different world from Junghan's.
– NEXT MORNING
"New Day, Old Pain"**
Haeyoung woke up late and scrambled around her room.
She rushed downstairs.
DAD (ready with fruit):
"Apple?"
HAEYOUNG:
"Thanks Dad! I'm late—BYEEE!"
MOM:
"HAVE BREAKFAST—!"
HAEYOUNG:
"IN SCHOOL! I PROMISE!"
She ran out like a tornado.
Her parents laughed.
JUNGHAN AT SCHOOL
Junghan arrived early.
His head hurt.
His heart hurt more.
The moment he entered, whispers exploded.
STUDENT 1:
"What happened to the president's head…?"
STUDENT 2:
"That looks serious…"
STUDENT 3:
"Did he get into a fight??"
Daeho rushed to him.
DAEHO:
"Bro—what happened?! You were fine yesterday!"
Junghan didn't meet his eyes.
JUNGHAN:
"I… fell on the stairs."
Daeho frowned.
DAEHO:
"You never fall."
JUNGHAN (firm):
"Drop it."
Dejin entered dramatically.
DEJIN:
"WHO DARED TO HIT MY FRIEND—
SHOW ME THE CULPRIT!"
Junghan sighed.
JUNGHAN:
"You're too dramatic."
DEJIN:
"What happened?"
DAEHO:
"He says he fell on stairs."
DEJIN:
"You probably looked like a fairy falling. Wings and everything."
The whole class laughed.
Junghan stared at them.
Silence fell instantly..
Sera walked in and rushed toward him.
SERA:
"Junghan! What happened to you?"
JUNGHAN:
"Not your business."
She blinked.
SERA:
"I'm asking because I care."
JUNGHAN (cold):
"But I don't need your care.
You're my classmate.
Stay in your limit and go sit down."
The entire class inhaled sharply.
Sera's jaw clenched, but she walked back angrily.
Her friends whispered:
FRIEND 1:
"He will NEVER like you. Move on."
SERA (snapping):
"Shut up! He will look at me one day."
FRIEND 2:
"Everyone knows Junghan likes his childhood friend—Haeyoung."
Sera glared.
SERA:
"And I know Haeyoung doesn't like him.
She's clearly after Jisoo.
He invited her to the match.
She went.
There WILL be something between them.
Mark my words."
Her friends smirked.
FRIEND 1:
"And when Junghan's heart breaks…?"
SERA:
"I'll be there.
Waiting."
They all smirked like it was the perfect plan.
Not knowing… that destinies don't bend so easily.
LUNCH BREAK – CANTEEN
The bell rang.
Students spilled into the hallway like a rising tide, loud and chaotic. But Haeyoung didn't hear anything — she was too busy scanning the corridor for one familiar face.
And the moment she saw him…
Her smile froze.
Her breath caught.
Her steps halted.
Because Junghan was entering the canteen with Daeho and Dejin…
and that bandage on his temple stopped her whole world.
Haeyoung's eyes widened instantly.
"…What is that?" she whispered to herself before almost running toward him.
"Junghan!" Her voice cut through the crowd.
Junghan looked up, startled. "Haey—"
But she didn't let him finish.
She cupped his face gently but firmly, eyes scanning the bandage in pure shock.
"What happened to your head?? Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you call? Why didn't you—"
Junghan grabbed her wrists softly, trying to stop her from panicking.
"Hey… hey… calm down. It's nothing."
Haeyoung's tone sharpened.
"Nothing? How can this be nothing, Kim Junghan?"
Everyone at nearby tables glanced over.
Junghan felt embarrassed. "Haeyoung… please… people are staring."
"I don't care." She swallowed hard, voice trembling. "Tell me the truth. Did you… did you fall?"
Junghan nodded too quickly. "Yes. I— I slipped on the stairs at home."
Haeyoung's expression went cold.
"Liar."
Junghan stiffened.
Daeho froze.
Dejin choked on his water.
"W-What?" Junghan forced a smile. "Why would I lie?"
Haeyoung crossed her arms, eyes sharp like she could see through his soul.
"You never fall on stairs. You always walk like some strict grandmother. And your voice… your shoulders… everything about you is telling me you're hiding something."
Junghan swallowed.
"Haeyoung. Let it go."
"No. Not until you tell me the truth," she whispered.
For a moment, Junghan's eyes softened.
The way she cared — too much — that scared him more than anything else in this world.
He quietly said, "Please… just trust me. I'm fine."
Haeyoung clenched her jaw.
She didn't believe a single word… but she also recognized that tone — the tone that meant:
Don't ask anymore.
I can't answer.
Please don't make me break.
She exhaled shakily and stepped back.
"Fine. I'll drop it. For now."
But her eyes said:
'I will find out.'
JISOO ENTERS
Right when things felt thick with tension, Jisoo walked into the canteen with his teammates.
He spotted Haeyoung and smiled brightly.
"Haeyoung! Come eat with me today?"
Half the canteen stared — the school basketball star asking her again?
Jisoo stepped closer, confident as always.
"I even saved a seat."
But Haeyoung didn't even turn toward him.
Her eyes stayed on Junghan.
"Sorry, Jisoo. Not today. I'm… busy."
Jisoo blinked, confused.
Dejin whistled under his breath.
"Broooo… rejected."
Jisoo looked at Junghan next — his eyes flickering slightly to the bandage.
"You okay, president?"
Junghan nodded. "Yeah. Thanks."
Jisoo gave Haeyoung one more searching look… but backed off.
"Alright. Next time then."
He walked away, but his teammates started whispering,
"Hyung got ignored again…"
"Is she really not interested?"
"Damn, she didn't even look at him…"
But Haeyoung was still staring at only one person.
Only Junghan.
HAEYOUNG LEAVES FOR CLASS
Before leaving, she gently placed her hand on his wrist.
"Eat properly, okay? And… if it hurts, tell me."
Junghan nodded quietly.
As she walked away, Dejin leaned close and whispered,
"She looked like someone stole her sunshine when she saw your bandage."
Junghan sighed, staring at his lunch.
"She worries too much…"
Daeho raised a brow.
"Or maybe she worries just enough when it comes to you."
Junghan didn't reply.
AFTER LUNCH — DIFFERENT CLASSES
11th GRADE – HAEYOUNG, JIEUN, HANA
Haeyoung slammed her books on her desk.
Jieun jumped. "Yah?! Why are you angry??"
Hana leaned forward, curious.
"What happened?"
Haeyoung bit her lip.
"It's Junghan. He got hurt and he said he fell from stairs… but I know he didn't. Something is wrong."
Hana and Jieun exchanged looks.
"…This again," Hana whispered.
Jieun sighed softly. "Maybe talk to him after school?"
Haeyoung nodded, already determined.
12th GRADE – JUNGHAN, DAEHO, DEJIN, JISOO, SERA
Classroom mood was chaotic.
Dejin was teasing Junghan again: "Bro, your woman was about to cry looking at your injury—"
Junghan whacked him with a notebook.
"She's not my woman. She's just—"
"—your life, your heartbeat, your everything," Dejin completed dramatically.
Daeho burst out laughing.
Jisoo kept glancing at Junghan over his book, quiet… thinking.
Sera watched Junghan too.
But her stare was colder. Calculating.
PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
A student messenger entered:
"Class president Kim Junghan, Principal-nim is calling you."
Everyone "oooooh"-ed.
Junghan rolled his eyes and stood up.
"What did I even do today…"
He walked down the quiet hallway and knocked on the office door.
Principal Park looked up with a warm smile.
"Come in, President Kim."
Junghan bowed. "Yes, sir?"
"I have some news for you. Important news."
Principal Park slid an envelope toward him.
"This is about the annual school trip — this year, grades 11 and 12 will go together."
Junghan blinked. "Together…?"
"Yes. It's already approved. And as student president, you will oversee discipline, schedules, and coordination."
Junghan exhaled.
A lot of work, sure…
But he suddenly thought of Haeyoung.
A very small smile appeared on his lips.
Outside the principal's office…
Sera had been pretending to tie her shoelaces.
She heard everything.
Her eyes lit up.
"A trip… together? Perfect."
She smirked.
"Let's see if Haeyoung can "save" him there."
She whispered to herself:
"Junghan… on that trip, you will sit next to me, walk with me, talk to me…
and I'll make sure you see only me."
Her friend texted her from class:
[He didn't even look at you today.]
Sera texted back:
[He will. On the trip… he definitely will.]
She smiled — the type of smile that made the air feel colder.
BACK TO CLASS – NEWS SPREADS
When Junghan returned to class, everyone looked curious.
Dejin jumped at him immediately.
"What did you do now? Did you fail as president? Did they demote you to janitor?"
Junghan smacked him again.
"No, idiot."
Daeho leaned in.
"Then??"
Junghan sighed. "There's a school trip next month. Grade 11 and 12 together."
The class erupted.
"WHAT?? Together??"
"That means we can see the 11th graders??"
"I'm so going to confess to someone—"
Sera's eyes sparkled.
Jisoo smiled lightly. "Sounds fun."
Dejin grinned. "Bro, Haeyoung will freak out—"
Junghan muttered,
"Don't say her name so loudly."
Dejin only smirked harder.
When class ended, Sera approached Junghan's desk as if by accident.
"Junghan… about the trip…"
Junghan didn't even look up.
"What about it?"
"I was thinking…" she tucked her hair behind her ear, "maybe since you'll be busy managing everything, I could help you? You know, as vice-president of the cultural club…"
Junghan stood up and said plainly:
"No need. I can handle it."
Then he walked out.
Dejin passed by Sera, whispering to her:
"He rejected you in 0.002 seconds. That's a new record."
Sera glared at him so hard he jumped.
HAEYOUNG GETS THE NEWS IN HER CLASS
A student ran into their room shouting: "Trip! Trip! Next month both classes are going together!"
Hana squealed. "Yesssss!"
Jieun clapped. "Beach? Hills? Where? Where?!"
Haeyoung's eyes widened.
"Together…? 11th and 12th?"
Her heartbeat changed.
She thought:
Junghan… we will be together on the trip.
Maybe I can finally understand what's hurting you.