The field buzzes with a strange commotion among the students, their voices filled with countless questions. Kangha looks at Miss Choi with sorrowful eyes, fully aware of what she is going through. He knows all too well the weight she carries and the struggles she hides.
The murmuring among the students grows louder until one of them steps forward and asks, "Headmaster, if the student wins, will Miss Choi be fired from her job?"
The headmaster hesitates for a moment, but then smirks slightly and replies, "Yes, I believe it's been a long time since Miss Choi started working. Perhaps it's time she takes some rest." His tone is light, almost dismissive, and his smile feels mocking rather than reassuring.
Kangha's gaze sharpens as he watches the headmaster's expression. There's no trace of embarrassment or regret on his face—just cold indifference.
Meanwhile, Miss Choi's eyes glisten with unshed tears, her trembling hands clutching the hem of her coat. A silent sob escapes her lips, and her body begins to shake as despair overtakes her.
Ji Yeon, standing nearby, notices her distress and rushes to her side. "Miss Choi!" she calls out softly, concern evident in her voice. Woo-Jin follows quickly, his tall frame cutting through the gathered students. Together, they gently support Miss Choi, shielding her from the growing stares.
"Let's take her inside," Woo-Jin says firmly, his deep voice steady as he gestures toward the school building.
Ji Yeon nods, wrapping an arm around Miss Choi to comfort her. "Don't worry, Miss Choi. We're here for you," she whispers gently, her tone soothing.
As the three make their way inside, Kangha clenches his fists, his heart aching at the injustice. He stands rooted in place, unable to look away from the headmaster, whose words linger like a bitter echo in the tense atmosphere.
Maybe Miss Choi can no longer bear to listen. Ji Yeon and Woo-Jin glance at each other, their worry deepening. No one expected things to take such a turn, and the weight of it hangs heavily in the air.
Kangha watches them leave with Miss Choi, but his gaze doesn't falter. Deep down, he knows there is no turning back now. This fight is inevitable—it all started here, and it must end here.
Taking a deep breath, Kangha steps forward, his voice steady and resolute. "All right. I'll fight in this contest. I'll test my abilities. I'm ready to compete with everyone here." His sharp eyes meet the headmaster's, unwavering and unafraid.
For a brief moment, the headmaster's smug smile falters, but it quickly returns, colder and sharper than before. "Well," he says, his voice ringing out across the field, "in a week, the competition begins. Prepare yourselves. You'll learn everything you need on your own."
He turns his gaze directly toward Kangha, his tone laced with challenge. "Let's see if you're as ready as you claim to be."
The announcement spreads like wildfire among the students, their hushed whispers swelling into a chaotic buzz. Kangha stands firm amidst the noise, his determination unshaken. His heart burns with a fierce resolve—this is not just a contest anymore. This is a battle he must win, for himself and for Miss Choi.
As the headmaster begins to walk away, his expression darkens with visible anger. He pauses for a moment, just enough for his cold words to cut through the rising tension.And he thinks while looking at Kangha "Kangha, you are unbelievably stubborn. But mark my words—you won't last long in this world. By entering this contest, you've handed me the perfect opportunity to destroy you. I won't let you win at any cost."
Kangha remains rooted in place, his sharp eyes following the headmaster's retreating figure. The murmurs among the students rise into a crescendo of voices, the field now a chaotic storm of noise and speculation.
But Kangha doesn't smile. His usual confidence is replaced with a stern, unyielding expression. His hands clench into fists as his thoughts race. I will win this competition, no matter what it takes. Failure isn't an option. If I lose, this school will fall into ruins—and I can't let that happen.
His determination solidifies like steel, and he takes a deep breath, the chaos around him fading into the background. Kangha knows the battle ahead won't be easy, but he's ready to face whatever challenges the headmaster or fate might throw his way. This isn't just about the competition anymore—it's about survival, justice, and protecting everything that matters.
A boy dressed in an army uniform steps forward, his confident smirk drawing attention. "I'm glad I'll get the chance to compete with you," he says, his tone cocky. "And let me make this clear—I'll defeat you. Oh, I'm going to enjoy every second of it."
Kangha turns to look at the boy, his expression blank but his eyes sharp. The boy's smug smile doesn't waver, but Kangha's gaze is piercing, almost dismissive. Without a word, Kangha ignores him and walks away. A 17-year-old like him can't possibly defeat me in the competition, he thinks, unwilling to waste his energy on such arrogance.
The boy, clearly annoyed by being brushed off, calls after him, his voice rising. "What's wrong? Are you scared now? I haven't even started, and you're already backing down!" His mocking laughter echoes across the field.
Kangha pauses, his steps slowing as he turns back to face the boy. His expression remains calm, but his voice carries a sharp edge. "Those who are serious about winning don't waste their time on nonsense," he says firmly, his tone dripping with disdain. Without waiting for a response, he turns back around and walks away, leaving the boy stunned.
The boy's laughter dies on his lips, his smirk replaced with a look of frustration. Kangha's words sting, and his insult hangs in the air. For the first time, the boy's confidence falters. Kangha disappears into the distance, his mind already focused on the battle ahead, leaving behind a competitor who has just learned how serious Kangha truly is.
Kangha heads straight to Miss Choi's room, his heart pounding with worry. As he opens the door, he sees her lying unconscious on the bed. Ji Yeon sits beside her, her face pale with concern. Woo-Jin is nowhere to be seen.
"Are they okay?" Kangha asks quickly as he strides toward Miss Choi.
"She's unconscious," Ji Yeon replies, her voice trembling.
"Did you check her blood pressure? And her heartbeat? Are they normal?" he asks, kneeling beside the bed.
"I did," Ji Yeon answers, shaking her head. "It's not normal. Woo-Jin has gone to get medicine."
"Let me check," Kangha says, his tone steady but firm. Ji Yeon rises from the bedside to make room for him. Kangha sits down and gently takes Miss Choi's wrist, his fingers pressing against her pulse. Her heartbeat is erratic and fast.
"She might have fainted due to stress or depression," Kangha says, his brows furrowing. "We need to take her to the hospital immediately." He stands, ready to lift her.
Ji Yeon steps forward, her voice hesitant. "Wait! Are you sure this is the right thing to do? Taking her like this?"
"We can worry about right and wrong later," Kangha replies without hesitation. "She needs help now."
Without wasting another moment, Kangha carefully lifts Miss Choi into his arms. Her frail body feels far too light, and it only strengthens his resolve. Ji Yeon follows closely as they make their way out of the room.
Walking briskly through the school, they reach the parking area. Ji Yeon quickly unlocks a car, her hands shaking. Kangha places Miss Choi gently in the backseat, ensuring she's as comfortable as possible.
"Let's get her to the hospital," Kangha says firmly, his determination clear. Ji Yeon nods, and without another word, they drive off, leaving the school behind.
Kangha carefully places Miss Choi in the back seat of his car, ensuring she is comfortable. Ji Yeon sits beside her, gently supporting Miss Choi's head on her lap. Her face is filled with worry as she strokes Miss Choi's hair lightly, trying to comfort her despite her unconscious state.
Kangha gets into the driver's seat and starts the car. He drives with a firm grip on the wheel, maintaining a delicate balance between speed and caution. His sharp eyes remain focused on the road, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his mind.
As they arrive at the hospital, Kangha doesn't waste a second. He rushes to open the car door and lifts Miss Choi into his arms once again. Ji Yeon hurries behind him as they enter the hospital.
"Emergency case!" Kangha calls out to the staff at the reception. Nurses quickly come forward with a stretcher, and Kangha gently lays Miss Choi down. A lady doctor appears, assessing the situation swiftly before taking Miss Choi into the emergency room.
Kangha and Ji Yeon are left outside, sitting in the waiting area. Kangha leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his face tense and filled with concern. Ji Yeon sits beside him, her hands clasped tightly together as she silently prays for Miss Choi's recovery.
The sound of footsteps and distant murmurs fill the air, but neither of them speaks. Both of them can only wait, their hearts heavy with worry for Miss Choi…