The next morning at Hanul High School, the sun spread softly over the campus as students arrived. A light breeze moved through the trees, making the whole place feel calm and alive.
Unexpectedly, a young guy, ethereal and striking in presence, strode confidently through the school gates. As he passed, students slowed mid-step, their gazes locking on him. Soft murmurs spread through the crowd, and girls leaned into each other, eyes bright with surprise and admiration.
He moved with quiet elegance, his uniform sharp and his dark hair tousled just enough to look like perfection.
From a distance, Linda stood with her best friends, Ha Rin and Alex, near the front steps of the school building.
"Wow," Alex whispered, blinking in awe. "Check out this dude."
Ha Rin and Linda turned. Ha Rin gasped in admiration, her jaw dropping. "Oh my God!"
"Haven't seen him before. He must be new here," Linda said.
"First day and he's already setting the whole school on fire," Alex added playfully. "Most girls must already be thinking of baby names."
Ha Rin clasped her hands together dramatically. "Double oh my God! He's cute... and he looks rich."
Alex eyed her. "Is that all you can think of, huh? Rich guys? No wonder you never make a blind date successful. You always forget the character and go for the money," Alex said, trying to sound wise.
Ha Rin laughed mockingly. "Alex, despite your effort, you didn't sound smart. Because you're just too dumb!" She retorted, her eyes wide with boldness.
"You....!" Alex exclaimed, pinching Ha Rin's face as she shrieked in pain.
"Stop it! Both of you," Linda said, separating them. "You're not kids. Fighting over small issues... and you, Alex, stop being so petty!"
The new boy was still walking towards the building when three senior girls strutted up to him, brimming with confidence.
"Hey there," one of them said sweetly, flipping her hair to draw his attention.
At first, he ignored them completely. Then, after a brief pause, his gaze slid over them with a cool, unreadable look. "Hi," he said.
The boldest of the three smiled and took a step forward, slightly raising her hand. "I'm Jisoo, and this is Minji and Hyejin," she said, smiling sweetly.
He gave a slight nod, his expression distant. Jisoo awkwardly dropped her hand, feeling the sting of rejection.
"Are you new here?" Minji asked, batting her lashes.
He stared at her for a moment, then raised a brow. "Have you ever seen me before?"
"No…" she replied, puzzled.
"Then why ask such a dumb question?" His voice cut sharp with irritation.
The girls giggled nervously, caught completely off guard.
"Um… we could show you to the registration office or give you a brief tour around the school," Hyejin offered quickly.
"No need," he said curtly. "I already know where the office is."
And just like that, he walked past them without another word. The girls froze, left standing with flushed faces and restless curiosity.
Back across the courtyard, Linda's eyes stayed fixed on him. Something about the boy seemed… different. But she didn't think much of it. Maybe he was just another rich, spoiled heir, she thought, rolling her eyes.
When he stepped into the registration office, the room seemed to pause. The principal, seated behind her sleek desk, looked up. For a heartbeat, her eyes widened in admiration. So striking! she thought.
The secretary standing beside the principal blinked twice before shuffling her papers nervously. She stood straight. "Um, welcome! You must be the new transfer student."
He nodded silently, offering a faint, polite smile.
They got to work. Forms were signed, documents verified, and a few minutes later, an official student I.D. card rested in his hand. The glossy tag showed his name, grade level, and the photo he had provided.
Stepping back into the sunlight, he paused, studying the I.D. with a small smirk tugging at his lips. His sharp eyes lifted, scanning the school grounds like a hunter marking prey. They flicked from face to face until they landed on two girls standing apart: Linda and Ha Rin.
They didn't notice him staring. Alex had gone off to the restroom, leaving the girls alone.
"That's him!" Ha Rin gasped as she caught him looking. "Let's say hi." She grabbed Linda's hand.
Before Linda could protest, Ha Rin dragged her forward, a nervous smile blooming across her face.
"Hello," Ha Rin said softly when they reached him. "I'm Ha Rin, and this is Linda."
She extended her hand. He hesitated for a moment, then slipped his hand from his pocket and gave her a light shake. His touch sent shivers down her spine. Then he turned to Linda.
For the first time, his smile grew warm. "Hi," he said softly. "Nice to meet you."
Caught off guard by the sudden gentleness in his tone, Linda smiled back. "Nice to meet you too…"
"What's your name?" Ha Rin asked quickly.
He glanced at her, then replied, "I'm Jae-min."
"Welcome to Hanul, Jae-min," Linda said, her voice calm despite a hint of a thrill. "Why don't we show you around the school? It's big—and honestly, confusing for newcomers."
Jae-min gave a half-smile. "That would be nice."
The three of them walked together, Ha Rin leading with constant chatter and Linda adding occasional quiet comments, while Jae-min stayed composed, his sharp eyes absorbing everything.
They took him from the science lab to the music room, the library, the cafeteria, and the wide school garden. At each stop, he nodded with quiet courtesy. He occasionally asked a thoughtful question. His manner was calm, his kindness unmistakable—gentle in a very deliberate way.
They had just stepped out of the music room, the echo of piano keys still lingering, when someone came barreling around the corner.
"Whoa...!"
Alex crashed right into Jae-min and stumbled to the ground.
"Alex!" Linda gasped.
Before anyone could react, Jae-min stepped forward, extending his hand. His expression was calm. "I'm sorry. May I help you up?"
Alex blinked, dazed, staring at the boy's face. "Uh… sure."
Jae-min grasped his hand firmly and pulled him up with ease.
Ha Rin laughed lightly, brushing her hair back. "Alex, this is... wait, what's his name again?"
Linda smirked. "Jae-min. The only thing you remember is that he looks rich, huh?"
"Right!" Ha Rin nodded, giving Linda a warning side-eye. "Alex, this is Jae-min. He's new here. And Jae-min, this is Alex, our friend."
Jae-min extended his hand again for a proper shake. "Nice to meet you, Alex."
Alex took it, polite but cautious. "Yeah… nice to meet you too." He then glanced at the girls with raised brows. "Have you forgotten? It's time for class."
Ha Rin gasped. "Oh no, you're right!"
"We should hurry," Linda added, checking her watch. As they started walking, she turned to Jae-min. "Wait, what grade are you in?"
"Grade 11," he replied.
"Same as us!" she beamed.
"What department?" Ha Rin asked hopefully.
"The business depart...." Before he could finish, Ha Rin shrieked in joy.
"You're with us!"
Jae-min stared at her, puzzled by the reaction. Ha Rin noticed and smiled awkwardly, scratching her head. "Sorry about that."
"Don't worry, Jae-min. You'll get used to it," Alex said, making a face. "Ha Rin is always the clown among us."
"Who's the clown?" she thundered, chasing Alex down the hallway.
Jae-min whispered softly, "You guys are really close."
"Yeah. They made my life in Seoul wonderful," Linda said, smiling.
Jae-min walked quietly beside her, listening more than speaking.