The next day, the atmosphere at school felt a little different. There was news that made many students curious-a new student would be joining their school. When the entrance bell rang, all the students rushed to their classes, but there was something different in the hallway. A new guy, looking quite tall and classy, walked towards the classroom. His eyes swept around, as if looking for something.
Soo Jin, who was walking towards her class, stopped for a moment when her eyes met the man's figure. Suddenly, her face looked stiff, recognizing the person who used to make her life difficult-he was the bully who had made her cry at the old school, a student named Jae Hyun.
Jae Hyun also looks surprised when he sees Soo Jin. His eyes couldn't believe the change that happened to the girl he used to bully. Soo Jin who used to be quiet and lacking in confidence now looks much different-more confident, graceful, and beautiful. There was no more fear or anxiety on her face.
The few friends around Soo Jin see Jae Hyun's shocked reaction, but they don't know what happened in the past between them. Soo Jin took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She knew very well how Jae Hyun felt right now, but she didn't want to get stuck in those bad memories again.
Jae Hyun finally stepped closer to Soo Jin, who looked calm even though her heart was in turmoil. "Soo Jin?" he called softly, still in disbelief.
Soo Jin looked at him expressionlessly. "You haven't shown up for a long time," she replied briefly, trying to avoid further conversation.
However, Jae Hyun couldn't help but be curious. "You... changed," he said in a surprised tone, unconsciously staring at her for a moment longer. "You're... so pretty now."
Soo Jin just raised an eyebrow, then walked away without saying another word. She felt there was no point in talking to the person who had hurt her.
Meanwhile, Ji Hoon, who happened to be passing by, watched the scene from afar. He could feel the tension in the air, but he chose not to interfere. Nonetheless, the feeling of wanting to protect Soo Jin remained within him, even without realizing it.
Jae Hyun stood transfixed, feeling awkward. He didn't know what to do. He knew that Soo Jin's change was not just about appearance, but also about the strength within her that could not be destroyed by the bad words of the past.
When Soo Jin walked away from Jae Hyun, Ji Hoon, who happened to be in the hallway, walked over with casual steps. He crossed his arms over his chest while looking at Jae Hyun from head to toe. An ignorant smile was etched on his face.
"So, you're the new student?" asked Ji Hoon, his tone casual but full of sarcasm. Jae Hyun turned his head, looking up slightly to look at Ji Hoon because his height was below Ji Hoon.
"Yes, so what?" Jae Hyun replied in a flat tone, though it was clear he felt a little intimidated.
Ji Hoon chuckled softly, then glanced at Soo Jin who had moved away. "Looks like you have a history with Soo Jin, huh? Why did you look like you saw a ghost earlier?"
Jae Hyun was silent for a moment, feeling awkward about the question. He didn't want to discuss the past, especially in front of a stranger he just met. But Ji Hoon, in his ignorant nature, didn't stop there.
"Did you know?" Ji Hoon leaned a little closer, using his height to press Jae Hyun. "Soo Jin is different now. She's much stronger. So, if you have bad intentions, I'll make sure you don't last long here."
Jae Hyun tried to behave, but it was clear that he was uncomfortable with Ji Hoon's attitude. "I have no bad intentions," he replied coldly. "Besides, I'm just a new student here. You have nothing to worry about."
"Oh, of course," Ji Hoon replied with a big smile, as if in disbelief. "But, just a warning... if you mess with her, you'll have to deal with me."
Jae Hyun snorted softly, trying not to show that he was intimidated. "I'm not afraid of you."
Ji Hoon chuckled, then patted Jae Hyun's shoulder casually. "Good. I like those who have courage. Welcome to school, new student."
After saying that, Ji Hoon walked away, chasing after Soo Jin who had almost reached her class. Jae Hyun stood where he was, letting out a long sigh as he tried to digest what had just happened. He didn't expect that Soo Jin now has someone so protective like Ji Hoon by her side.
On the other hand, Ji Hoon chased after Soo Jin and walked next to her. "Hey, I just met the new student. She's so short in height. When I stand next to her, it's like seeing a little sister."
Soo Jin just glanced at Ji Hoon with a flat look. "Ji Hoon, don't start."
"I didn't start anything!" Ji Hoon raised his hands as if he was innocent. "I'm just making sure she knows that you have someone who will take care of you."
Soo Jin paused and looked at Ji Hoon seriously. "I don't need guarding, Ji Hoon. I can take care of myself."
Ji Hoon looked back at her, then smiled softly. "I know. But still, I don't like seeing people like him trying to get close to you."
Soo Jin sighed, but she couldn't help the small smile at the corner of her lips. Although Ji Hoon was annoying at times, she knew that he was always there for her, even without being asked.
As the break bell rang, Ji Hoon walked leisurely down the corridor to the cafeteria. He thought about buying something sweet to relieve his fatigue. However, his steps stopped when he saw a very familiar girl walking past him. The girl was wearing the same school uniform, looking elegant with her long black hair flowing neatly.
Ji Hoon widened his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing. Park Eun Seo. The girl that his parents had set him up with last week in a meeting at a restaurant-a meeting that he had left without saying anything. "Gosh, why is she here?" he muttered as he turned around, making sure he wasn't looking at the wrong person.
Park Eun Seo also seemed to see Ji Hoon, and her smile instantly brightened. With confident steps, she walked over to him. "Ji Hoon?" she greeted him in a friendly tone.
Ji Hoon could only stay silent, feeling like this situation was too sudden to deal with. "You... why are you here?" he asked finally, trying to look calm.
Eun Seo gave a small chuckle. "Why, surprised to see me at this school? I transferred yesterday. My father wanted me to continue my studies here. What a coincidence, right?" Her eyes sparkled with confidence, as if she was sure that her presence would make Ji Hoon unable to avoid her anymore.
Soo Jin, who happened to be walking in the corridor, saw their interaction from a distance. She feels that there is something strange about Ji Hoon, who is usually relaxed and ignorant, but now looks nervous. Soo Jin approached them with raised eyebrows. "Ji Hoon, do you know her?" she asked, looking at Eun Seo curiously.
Ji Hoon tried hard to control his expression. "This is... Park Eun Seo," he said, glancing at Soo Jin. "She's... ah, she's just someone I happen to know."
Eun Seo smiled warmly and answered before Ji Hoon could say anything further. "I'm Park Eun Seo. Nice to meet you. You must be Ji Hoon's friend, right?" she asked in a friendly tone while extending her hand to Soo Jin.
Soo Jin welcomed the hand, but she felt something strange. "Soo Jin. Yes, I'm her friend. We've been classmates for a long time." She looked at Eun Seo with an analyzing gaze, trying to understand the relationship between Eun Seo and Ji Hoon who clearly had something to hide.
Ji Hoon, who felt the situation was getting awkward, quickly cut the conversation. "Okay, I'm hungry. Soo Jin, let's go to the cafeteria," he said as he pulled Soo Jin's arm away.
However, Eun Seo did not remain silent. "I'm hungry too. Can I come with you? Besides, I don't know anyone here yet. You can show me the school cafeteria," she said with a sweet smile that seemed to force Ji Hoon to agree.
Soo Jin looked at Ji Hoon with raised eyebrows, as if to say, What the heck is going on here? Ji Hoon just sighed heavily. "Sure, come along. The more people, the more fun," he replied, though it was clear that he wasn't too happy about the situation.
At the cafeteria, the atmosphere between them became more awkward. Eun Seo continued to speak politely and kindly, trying to break the ice. But Soo Jin, who is sensitive to Ji Hoon's change in demeanor, feels that something is being hidden. Occasionally, she looks at Ji Hoon with a questioning gaze, but Ji Hoon always avoids eye contact.
When Eun Seo left briefly to buy food, Soo Jin immediately turned to Ji Hoon. "Who is she? And why do you look like you're trying to run away from her?"
Ji Hoon scratched the back of his head, looking upset and confused. "She's... the girl my parents tried to set me up with last week. I ran away from the meeting, but now she's transferred to our school. It's like a nightmare."
Soo Jin was stunned, not expecting to hear such an answer. She sighed softly. "So, you don't like him?"
Ji Hoon looked at Soo Jin with a serious expression. "It's not about whether I like her or not. I just don't like being set up. I want to decide my own path in life."
Soo Jin nodded slowly, trying to understand Ji Hoon's feelings. However, in her heart, she felt a little relieved to hear that explanation, although she didn't know why.
When Eun Seo returns with the tray of food, the atmosphere between them thaws a bit. However, Soo Jin knows that this is just the beginning of something bigger, especially with Eun Seo's presence in their school. Ji Hoon, on the other hand, just wished the day would end sooner.