As Doo Lee struggled to regain his composure, he tried to mask his embarrassment with anger. "You think you can just step in and play hero? Do you know who I am?" he spat, attempting to punch Daniel. But the pain in his leg rendered the punch weak and unsteady.
Daniel easily dodged the punch, turning his attention to Jinho. "Hey, boy," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "What were you thinking, letting him beat you? I know you believe it will be over once he's done, but what about the past times? What about the future? This cycle will continue unless you break free from it."
Jinho's eyes widened, a mix of fear and hope flickering within them. Daniel continued, his tone both gentle and firm. "It's scary, I know. But you have to take a stand. If you need help, I'll be there. But you have to make the first move. Show them you won't be bullied anymore."
Daniel's words, combined with his charismatic presence and the impressive display of Retaekwondo, resonated deeply with Jinho and the other students watching. They felt a newfound courage, an urge to fight back against their oppressors.
But when their eyes shifted back to Doo Lee and his cronies, their newfound confidence wavered. Doo Lee's sidekick, trying to save face, sneered at Daniel. "Hey, you! Don't stick your nose in other people's business. Doo Lee is our boss. Mess with him, and you're dead."
Doo Lee cringed internally, wishing his sidekick would stop talking. "Shut up, you idiot," he thought. "You're making things worse."
Daniel turned to face the sidekick, his expression unyielding. "You think threats will work?" he asked, his voice icy. "If you bully others, expect to be stopped. This isn't about power; it's about justice."
The crowd around them watched in stunned silence. Daniel's stance and words carried a weight that was undeniable. Even the bullies felt a shift in the air, a sense that things were changing.
Jinho, emboldened by Daniel's support, stood up. He faced Doo Lee, trembling but resolute. "I'm done being afraid of you," he said, his voice shaking. "I won't give you any more money. And if you try to hurt me again, I'll fight back."
Doo Lee glared at Jinho but didn't move. The pain in his leg and the presence of Daniel were deterrents he couldn't ignore.
Daniel smiled, his eyes meeting Jinho's. "That's the spirit. Stand up for yourself, and you'll find others will stand with you."
The students who had been watching felt a collective surge of empowerment. Daniel's actions and words had ignited something within them. They started murmuring to each other, a ripple of agreement spreading through the crowd.
"Maybe we can stand up too," one boy whispered to his friend.
"Yeah, if we all do it together, they can't bully us anymore," another agreed.
Daniel saw the shift, the beginning of something powerful. This was his chance to make a lasting impact, to transform the culture of J High School. He would use both his bodies, his knowledge, and his skills to create a fair and just environment.
As the crowd began to disperse, Daniel placed a hand on Jinho's shoulder. "Remember, you're not alone," he said. "There's strength in numbers. Together, we can make sure no one else has to suffer."
Jinho nodded, tears of gratitude welling up in his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered.
Daniel smiled, giving him a reassuring nod before turning to leave. As he walked away, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This was just the beginning. He was ready to lead by example, to protect the vulnerable, and to ensure that justice prevailed.
With each step, Daniel Park moved forward with a renewed sense of purpose. The first day at J High had set the stage for a new chapter, one where he would redefine what it meant to be strong.
As Daniel continued through the school, he realized that changing the culture of J High would require more than just individual acts of heroism. It would need a strategic approach, building alliances with key students and influencing the school's social dynamics.
Daniel's first class in the fashion department was a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. The room was filled with creativity and energy, students buzzing with ideas and collaborating on projects. As he walked in, conversations hushed, and all eyes turned to him once again.
The teacher, Ms. Kim, a sharp-eyed woman in her early thirties, paused mid-lecture. "You must be the new transfer student," she said, her tone neutral but curious. "Please introduce yourself."
Daniel stepped to the front of the class, his confident demeanor instantly captivating the room. "Hello, everyone. My name is Daniel Park. I'm excited to be here and looking forward to working with all of you."
As he scanned the room, he noticed familiar faces from the webtoon. Zack Lee, the hot-headed boxer who was infatuated with Mira, was glaring at him. Jay Hong, the reserved yet talented son of the H Group's chairman, sat quietly with his distinctive yellow hair and expensive rings. Joe, who would eventually become a close friend to his other, chubbier self, was also present. And then there was Yui, who was notorious for targeting handsome guys. She now had heart-shaped eyes, clearly smitten by his appearance.
Daniel took a mental note of these key figures, understanding their potential roles in his new life. After the introduction, he made his way to an empty seat next to Zack. He could feel Zack's intense gaze on him, a mix of curiosity and resentment.