A month had passed since school began, and Kim Liang's absence had become a mystery. The school administration, concerned about his prolonged truancy, notified his father, Chairman Kim.
Mr. Kim, a powerful businessman, was taken aback. He had been oblivious to his son's absence, consumed by his dealings. "Find out what's going on," he barked at his assistant.
Furious, he called Kim Liang, only to reach his assistant, Liang Zheng, who had secretly taken over Kim Liang's life.
Liang Zheng, trapped in Kim Liang's body, hesitated. He couldn't face the classmates Kim Liang had bullied, nor Jian Yu, whose kindness and strength intimidated him.
Unaware of Jian Yu's own secret, Liang Zheng felt overwhelmed. He had been trying to navigate Kim Liang's complex web of relationships and alliances.
The new week began, and Kim Liang's sleek black car pulled up to the school entrance. Students whispered, eyes fixed on the car.
The driver opened the door, and Kim Liang stepped out, his expression cold. His designer suit and confident stride commanded attention.
Panic spread as students scrambled backward, fearful. Some remembered Kim Liang's ruthless tactics, while others had heard rumors.
Jin Yu rushed to Jian Yu's side, his voice urgent. "Hyung, Kim Liang's back!"
Jian Yu's eyes narrowed, sensing the unease. _Kim Liang's return will stir up trouble...I must protect Jin Yu and our friends._
As Kim Liang walked toward the school, his gaze locked onto Jian Yu. For a moment, their eyes clashed.
Liang Zheng, hiding behind Kim Liang's facade, felt a shiver run down his spine. _Jian Yu's gaze pierces through me...does he know?_
Jian Yu's expression remained calm, but his mind raced. _Kim Liang's aura feels different...what's changed?_
Tae-Oh, Min-Jae, Sophia, and Alex gathered around Jian Yu, concern etched on their faces.
"Jian Yu, what's going on?" Sophia whispered.
"Kim Liang's back," Jian Yu replied, his voice low. "Let's be cautious."
As Kim Liang approached, the group stood united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Ms. Choi watched from afar, her eyes narrowed. "Kim Liang's return will test our students' resolve."
Trapped in Kim Liang's body, Liang Zheng faced a daunting reality. Every step, every gesture, and every word felt foreign. He struggled to adapt to Kim Liang's privileged life, where wealth and influence ruled.
Liang Zheng's mind reeled as he navigated Kim Liang's complex relationships:
- Bullying victims who feared him
- Classmates who envied his status
- Teachers who expected obedience
He felt suffocated by Kim Liang's reputation, unsure how to shed the persona.
Principal Lee's stern expression deepened as Kim Liang approached. "You've been absent without notice, Kim Liang. Explain yourself."
Liang Zheng hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I...I was attending to personal matters, sir."
Mr. Lee raised an eyebrow. "Personal matters? Your father assured me you'd be back sooner. We'll discuss this further in my office."
As Kim Liang walked away with Principal Lee, the student body buzzed.
"He's back, and he looks just as arrogant," Tae-Oh whispered.
"Poor guy, I almost feel sorry for him," Sophia said.
Jian Yu's eyes never left Kim Liang's back. _Something's off...he's not the same._
Ms. Choi observed the exchange, her expression thoughtful. _Kim Liang's return will test the dynamics of our class._
In the staff room, teachers discussed Kim Liang's return.
"His absence was concerning," Ms. Choi said. "We should monitor his behavior."
"Agreed," Principal Lee said. "His father's influence won't shield him from consequences."
Liang Zheng struggled to keep up with Kim Liang's academic workload. In classes, he felt lost, unsure how to respond to questions.
Jian Yu noticed Kim Liang's hesitation. _He's not as confident as before...what's changed?_
Tae-Oh sneered. "Looks like Kim Liang's lost his edge."
Min-Jae whispered, "Don't underestimate him. He'll adapt."
As the day progressed, Liang Zheng's anxiety grew. He couldn't shake the feeling that Jian Yu saw through his facade
Jin Yu's eyes blazed with intensity as he confronted Kim Liang. "Stay away from my brother, Jian Yu. Your family's influence won't protect you from me."
Liang Zheng, trapped in Kim Liang's body, felt a shiver run down his spine. Jin Yu's ferocity was unnerving.
"Jin Yu, back down," Jian Yu said calmly, approaching the duo.
But Jin Yu's gaze didn't waver. "He thinks he's above the law, Jian Yu. He's always bullied others, and now he's back."
Jian Yu placed a reassuring hand on Jin Yu's shoulder. "I'll handle this, Jin Yu."
Liang Zheng sensed Jian Yu's genuine concern and felt his facade crack. For a moment, their eyes connected, and Liang Zheng saw a glimmer of understanding.
Jian Yu's mind wrestled with conflicting emotions. He had always despised Kim Liang, yet seeing him face-to-face stirred:
Anger toward Kim Liang's past actions.
Curiosity about Liang Zheng's struggles.
Empathy for the person behind the facade.
As Jin Yu stepped back, his eyes still narrowed at Kim Liang, Jian Yu's gaze lingered.
"Let's talk later," Jian Yu said, his voice low.
Liang Zheng's pulse quickened. What did Jian Yu plan?
Jin Yu's warning still echoed in Liang Zheng's mind: "Remember, Kim Liang, I'm watching."
Liang Zheng felt trapped, torn between:
Gratitude for Jian Yu's kindness.
Admiration for Jian Yu's strength.
Longing for genuine connection.
As Liang Zheng walked away, Jian Yu's words echoed:
"I'll handle this."
Handle what? Liang Zheng wondered.
Was Jian Yu onto him? Or did he genuinely care?
Liang Zheng's heart raced with uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Jian Yu pondered:
What's changed about Kim Liang?
Why do I feel drawn to him?
Unresolved questions swirled in Jian Yu's mind.
After school, Jian Yu approached Kim Liang in the courtyard.
"Kim Liang, we need to talk," Jian Yu said, his voice firm.
Liang Zheng's heart skipped a beat. _What does Jian Yu know?_
"I'm listening," Liang Zheng replied, attempting to mimic Kim Liang's arrogance.
Jian Yu's eyes narrowed. "Your absence was noticeable. Everything okay?"
Liang Zheng hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just personal issues, Jian Yu."
Jian Yu's gaze pierced through him. "You're not yourself, Kim Liang."
Liang Zheng's pulse quickened. _Does Jian Yu suspect something?_
"I'm fine," Liang Zheng insisted, trying to sound convincing.
Jian Yu's expression remained skeptical. "If you need help, I'm here."
Liang Zheng felt a surge of gratitude toward Jian Yu, but quickly suppressed it. _I must maintain Kim Liang's image._
"I don't need your help," Liang Zheng said coldly.
Jian Yu's eyes never left Liang Zheng's face. _There's more to Kim Liang's story...I'll keep watching._
As Jian Yu walked away, Liang Zheng exhaled slowly. _That was close._
Rumors spread about Kim Liang's return, fueling tension among students.
Some bullied victims feared Kim Liang's resurgence.
Others saw Liang Zheng's struggles as a weakness.
Tae-Oh and Min-Jae observed from afar, intrigued.
"Kim Liang's losing grip," Tae-Oh whispered.
"Jian Yu's onto him," Min-Jae added.
Sophia frowned. "We shouldn't celebrate someone's downfall."
Alex nodded. "We should support each other."
As alliances shifted, Liang Zheng felt increasingly isolated
The class president's announcement echoed through the hallways: "Today's Physical Education class will be football! Let's show your school spirit!"
Jin Yu's eyes sparkled as he turned to Jian Yu. "Let's show them our skills, Hyung! We're unstoppable!"
Jian Yu smiled, and together they headed to the football field.
Since his recovery, Jin Yu had been playing football with Jian Yu. Initially, it felt strange, but with Jin Yu beside him, Jian Yu adapted easily.
Their teamwork was impressive, with Jin Yu's speed and Jian Yu's strategy.
Meanwhile, Liang Zheng stood alone, struggling to comprehend the modern world. Football, a sport he'd never played, now seemed daunting.
As students gathered on the field, Liang Zheng's anxiety grew. He couldn't play football, and everyone knew Kim Liang was once the best.
Whispers spread:
"Kim Liang's lost his touch."
"Looks like his absence affected his game."
"He's not as good as before."
Liang Zheng's face burned with embarrassment. He felt like an imposter, failing to live up to Kim Liang's reputation.
Jian Yu noticed Liang Zheng's struggles and approached him. "Hey, Kim Liang, need help?"
Liang Zheng hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Jin Yu chimed in, "Don't worry, Hyung will teach you! We'll make you a star player!"
Liang Zheng's eyes widened. "No, I...I'm fine."
Jian Yu's expression softened. "We can practice together. No pressure."
Liang Zheng felt a surge of gratitude toward Jian Yu.
As the game began, Liang Zheng watched, feeling out of place.
Jian Yu and Jin Yu worked seamlessly together, their teamwork impressive.
Liang Zheng longed to join them, but fear held him back.
Suddenly, the ball flew toward Liang Zheng.
Instinctively, he kicked it...
And missed.
The class erupted in laughter.
Liang Zheng's face turned crimson.
Jian Yu rushed to his side. "Don't worry, Kim Liang. We'll practice."
Liang Zheng's eyes met Jian Yu's, and for a moment, he felt understood.
Jin Yu patted Liang Zheng's back. "Hey, don't be discouraged! We all start somewhere."
Liang Zheng forced a smile, feeling a glimmer of hope.
Maybe, just maybe, he could learn to play football.
And find his place in this new world.
As the class continued, Liang Zheng observed Jian Yu and Jin Yu.
Their camaraderie was inspiring.
Liang Zheng yearned for that kind of connection.