The classroom bustled with energy as students filed back to their seats. Seojoon sat quietly, reviewing his notes and trying to keep a low profile.
The door creaked open, and in walked a tall boy with bleached hair, his uniform neatly pressed. He had an easygoing smile that lit up the room.
The boy's gaze fell on Seojoon, and he walked over, extending a hand. "You must be the new guy. I'm Minjun. Welcome to the class."
Seojoon hesitated before shaking his hand. "Seojoon. Nice to meet you."
Minjun leaned against the desk beside him, his friendly demeanor immediately putting Seojoon at ease. "How's the first day treating you?"
"Not bad," Seojoon replied.
Minjun grinned. "Good to hear. If anyone gives you trouble, let me know."
Before Seojoon could respond, the door slammed open, and four boys walked in, their sneers sending a ripple of unease through the room.
At the front was Taehwan, a broad-shouldered guy with an intimidating presence. He scanned the room, locking eyes on Minjun.
"Well, if it isn't the class golden boy," Taehwan said, smirking.
Minjun's smile faded, his posture straightening. "What do you want, Taehwan?"
Taehwan's gaze shifted to Seojoon. "Who's this? A new sidekick?"
Seojoon met his glare calmly. "Just a classmate."
Taehwan laughed mockingly. "A classmate, huh? Minjun, you picking out bodyguards now?"
Minjun stepped forward, his voice steady. "Back off, Taehwan. We're not doing this today."
"Oh, we're doing this," Taehwan said, stepping closer. He raised a hand, aiming a slap at Minjun's face.
But before it could connect, Seojoon grabbed Taehwan's wrist mid-air.
The room fell silent.
"Don't," Seojoon said firmly.
Taehwan's expression twisted with anger. "You've got guts, newbie."
He wrenched his arm free and swung at Seojoon, but Minjun moved in, blocking the punch.
"You're not laying a finger on him," Minjun said, his voice cold.
The other bullies surged forward. Seojoon and Minjun exchanged a glance before stepping into the fray.
One bully lunged at Seojoon, swinging wildly. Seojoon dodged and countered with a sharp jab to the ribs, sending him staggering. Another tried to grab Seojoon from behind, but Seojoon spun, slamming an elbow into his gut.
Meanwhile, Minjun faced off with two others. The first threw a punch, which Minjun deflected with ease, retaliating with a quick hook to the jaw. The second bully hesitated, clearly underestimating him. Minjun stepped forward, delivering a powerful kick that sent the boy sprawling into a desk.
Taehwan charged at Minjun, roaring in frustration. Minjun sidestepped, using Taehwan's momentum against him, and Seojoon seized the opportunity to land a decisive uppercut. Taehwan hit the floor, groaning.
The fight was over as quickly as it had begun. The bullies lay scattered across the room, defeated and humiliated.
The door burst open, and Hana ran in, her face pale with worry. Her eyes darted around the room before landing on Minjun.
"Minjun!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side. "Are you okay?"
Minjun brushed himself off, offering her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
Hana turned to Seojoon, her gaze softening. "You fought too?"
Seojoon nodded, adjusting his tie. "Had to. They weren't giving us much of a choice."
Hana sighed, her expression a mix of relief and exasperation. "I can't believe you two... But thank you for standing up to them."
Minjun laughed, clapping Seojoon on the back. "I think Seojoon did most of the heavy lifting."
"Not true," Seojoon said, smirking. "You held your own."
Hana smiled despite herself. "Just promise me you won't make this a habit."
As the classroom settled down, Seojoon couldn't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged.
But as Hana checked Minjun for injuries, Seojoon noticed the way her hands lingered on his shoulder, her eyes full of concern.
It didn't bother him—or at least, that's what Seojoon told himself.