The next day, during break time, Yulhan decided to walk out alone, avoiding the usual cafeteria crowd. However, his steps led him to the back of the school building, a quiet place that was often used as a den of bullies. There, five bullies from his class had gathered, including Minsik, the notorious gang leader.
"Hey, look who's here," Minsik said, blowing his cigarette smoke at Yulhan.
Yulhan tried to ignore them and turn around, but Taegyu immediately pulled the collar of his uniform, forcing him to stay there.
"You think you can get away with it, nerd?" taunted Minsik as he approached. "You know, Yulhan, even if you're smart in class, out there, good grades mean nothing."
Yulhan tried to remain calm, but his body was trembling. He knew these five guys wouldn't stop without making a scene. Minsik, with a lit cigarette still in his hand, approached further. "Watch this, Yulhan," he said with a sardonic smile, "you need to learn some respect."
Without warning, Minsik thrust his lit cigarette butt into Yulhan's neck. Yulhan cried out in pain, and his body almost fell over. The other bullies just laughed, enjoying the scene.
However, suddenly the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching.
"Five against one? That's like a soccer match without a referee," said a casual voice.
Minsik and his friends turned around, and there stood Eunyeon, hands in the pockets of his uniform pants, his face as cheerful as ever. he carried a small notebook in his right hand.
"What are you doing here, Eunyeon? This is our business," Minsik snapped in a sharp tone.
Eunyeon walked over with a shrug. "I'm looking for Yulhan. He has homework to do, you know, something much more important than spending time with you guys." he paused for a moment, staring at the cigarette butt in Minsik's hand. "But, seriously, cigarettes? At school? If you guys want to look cool, maybe try something more challenging, like... studying."
The bullies were silent for a moment, confused whether it was mockery or serious advice. But Taegyu, who always followed Minsik, took a step forward. "Hey, you think you can just talk your way out of this? We can finish you off too."
Eunyeon let out a long breath. "Ah, you guys want to play around? Alright, but let me tell you, I don't like playing for too long."
In an instant, Eunyeon moved. he grabbed Taegyu's hand that was about to pull him and quickly twisted his wrist, making Taegyu grimace in pain. He pushed Taegyu towards the other two bullies, making them fall apart.
"Whoa, three at once? I haven't even warmed up yet," he said in a joking tone.
Minsik advanced angrily, trying to punch Eunyeon, but Eunyeon easily dodged and kicked Minsik in the stomach, causing him to fall to the ground clutching his stomach.
"Seriously, Minsik, that's your best speed? You should try harder. Or maybe you should change your career to become a clown. At least, you'll make people laugh," he said with a smile.
Two other bullies tried to attack his from behind, but Eunyeon quickly turned around and paralyzed them with a few simple movements, knocking them to the ground with ease.
Yulhan, who was still in pain, stared at the scene in amazement. He never expected Eunyeon to have such abilities.
After everything was done, Eunyeon stood in the middle of the bullies lying on the ground. he turned towards Yulhan and reached out a hand to help him up. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked with a big smile.
Yulhan nodded, still in shock. "Eunyeon... you... how did you...?"
"Oh, that?" replied Eunyeon casually as he pointed at the bullies. "My father didn't just teach math, you know. He also taught me martial arts. He said, 'You never know when you have to protect someone.' And lo and behold, I really needed that today."
Minsik tried to stand up, but Eunyeon approached and gave him a sharp look. "If you try this again, I'll make sure you can't stand up for a week. Now leave before I completely lose my temper."
Minsik and his friends, despite the pain, left in a hurry.
Eunyeon then looked at Yulhan with a relaxed smile. "Well, are you okay now? Oh, almost forgot!" he handed over the small notebook he was carrying. "This is. My learning method. I thought you might be interested. But seriously, Yulhan, next time don't walk alone to a place like this. You know, I'm not always there to save you."
Yulhan chuckled even though his neck was still sore. "Thank you, Eunyeon. I owe you a lot."
Eunyeon shrugged. "Don't be so serious. But you can repay me... by treating me to ice cream later." he laughed, making the previously tense atmosphere lighter.
That day, Yulhan not only felt admiration for Eunyeon, but also began to see him as a truly extraordinary person-someone who was not only smart, but also brave and caring.
After the incident at the back of the school building, the classroom atmosphere became a bit awkward. The five bullies, especially Minsik, seemed more reserved than usual. Their ego scars seemed deeper than the physical wounds Eunyeon gave them. Meanwhile, Yulhan felt that something had changed within him. He no longer felt alone-there was someone who truly cared about him, albeit in an unexpected way.
When the lesson was over and the dismissal bell rang, Yulhan walked towards his locker to get his books. This time, however, he didn't do it as hastily as usual. The fear of the bullies seemed to be fading away. he knew they wouldn't dare to bother his again after what Eunyeon did.
However, when Yulhan opened his locker, he found a small piece of paper neatly folded inside. The writing on it looked simple, but the contents immediately made him pause.
"This fight isn't over yet. Don't think you're safe just because of that new kid. - M"
Yulhan gripped the paper tightly. Although he knew Eunyeon was on his side, the threat from Minsik still haunted him. He felt the urge to strengthen himself, not just rely on others.
On the other hand, Eunyeon had gone home first. he looked relaxed, like nothing had happened at school. As soon as he got home, he went straight to his father's study. Professor Baek was busy taking notes in a scientific journal, but he glanced at his son when he entered.
"How was school today, Eune?" asked Professor Baek without taking his eyes off his notes.
Eunyeon sat on the chair casually, folding his hands behind his head. "It was pretty exciting, Father. I paralyzed five people today."
Professor Baek finally put down his pen and looked at his son with raised eyebrows. "Five people? And you're still sitting here casually? No problem?"
Eunyeon chuckled. "Take it easy, Father. They deserve it. You know, bullying a classmate is a very sad act. I'm just teaching them a lesson."
Professor Baek smiled a little. "You're just like your mother. Always defending the weak." He paused for a moment, then continued in a serious tone. "But remember, Eune, not all problems can be solved with strength. Sometimes, you have to use your wits more than your muscles."
Eunyeon nodded. "I know, Father. But they didn't give me any other choice. Oh, by the way, I'd like to borrow some of your books. I think Yulhan needs more references to broaden his way of learning."
Professor Baek smiled proudly. "You really are a wonderful child, Eune."
That night, while Eunyeon was reading one of his father's books in his room, his cell phone suddenly vibrated. he glanced at the screen and saw a familiar name: Jiwoo, his old friend from his previous school. Without hesitation, Eunyeon picked up the call.
"Yes, hello, Jiwoo," Eunyeon greeted in a casual tone.
"Eunyeon! Haven't heard your voice in a while, bro. How's the new school going? Did you make a mess there?" Jiwoo chuckled, his voice full of energy as always.
Eunyeon smiled a little as he lay down on the bed. "You could say that. Just this afternoon I had to take out five bullies at school."
"Wait, wait, are you serious? Five people? You never change, huh," Jiwoo said, sounding half amazed and half disbelieving. "But enough about that. I'm calling for something more exciting. Do you remember the kids from the old school? We're all going to have a little party tonight on the rooftop of our usual cafe. You should come!"
Eunyeon was silent for a moment, then asked, "Party? Is there a special reason, or is it just because you're bored?"
"Well, you know we always have a reason to have fun. But this time, I want to celebrate something. I finally got accepted into the first team of the national taekwondo tournament!"
Eunyeon's eyes narrowed, but his smile widened. "Congratulations, Jiwoo. You deserved to get in. But why does it have to be tonight? Don't I still have school tomorrow?"
"Oh, come on, Eunyeon. You can relax a bit, right? Besides, when else can we get together like this? Don't be an old man, bro."
Eunyeon chuckled at Jiwoo's joke. "Alright, I'll come. But I can't stay long."
"Great! I'll be there at nine. Don't be late. Otherwise, I'll beat you up like I did in high school," Jiwoo said in a joking tone before hanging up.
It was nine o'clock in the evening when Eunyeon arrived at his usual cafe. The atmosphere of the rooftop cafe was just as he remembered it-small lights decorated the area, relaxing music floated in the air, and the smell of coffee mixed with the Seoul night air.
Jiwoo waved as soon as she saw Eunyeon coming. "Eunyeon! Over here!"
Some of their old friends were also there, including Seongho and Daehyun, who used to be Eunyeon's partners in various pranks at the old school.
"Bro, you really came!" Seongho greeted with a loud pat on Eunyeon's back. "I heard you caused trouble again at the new school. Really hasn't changed, huh?"
Eunyeon just chuckled as he sat on an empty seat. "I never look for trouble. Trouble always comes to me."
Jiwoo poured Eunyeon a drink as he said, "Well, that's why we like you, Eunyeon. You never back down. Let's celebrate tonight!"
The party started with laughter, old stories, and a bit of their typical shenanigans. Eunyeon felt comfortable, as if there was no pressure from the new school or other responsibilities. However, in the middle of the joke-filled evening, Jiwoo looked at Eunyeon seriously.
"You know, Eunyeon, I've always admired your courage. But you also have to be careful. The world isn't always about fighting or winning. Sometimes, you have to know when to stop."
Eunyeon looked at Jiwoo, was silent for a while, then smiled a little. "I know, Jiwoo. My dad said the same thing."
They smiled at each other, then continued the evening leisurely.
However, as Eunyeon walked home alone through the deserted streets, he felt like someone was following her. he stopped and looked around, but there was no one. Eunyeon sighed, thinking maybe he was just tired.
Unbeknownst to him, in the dark shadows at the end of the street, someone was watching his with a sharp gaze.
Eunyeon continued to walk leisurely, though a sense of caution slowly crept into his mind. His steps remained calm, but he began to notice the faint sound of steps behind him.
he turned his head once more, but the street seemed deserted. There were only the shadows of streetlights stretching across the sidewalk. However, his instincts told his otherwise-there was someone following him.
Eunyeon pretended not to notice and walked faster. But when the sound of the steps also accelerated, he decided to stop under the light of the street lamp. In a casual manner, he folded his arms across his chest and said, "You know, if you want to follow me, at least don't be too conspicuous."
From the shadows, a man appeared. His figure was tall, wearing a black jacket with a hood partially covering his face. He stood a few meters away from Eunyeon, looking at her sharply.
"You're really smart, Baek Eunyeon," the man said in a low voice.
Eunyeon raised an eyebrow. "You know my name? Interesting. But who are you, and what do you want?"
The man smiled slightly. "I'm not the one looking for you. But there are people who don't like what you're doing at the new school. The five people you beat this afternoon have friends... and they're not happy."
Eunyeon gave a small chuckle, as if unaffected. "So are you... what, their friend? Or some kind of hired thug?"
The man did not answer, but suddenly stepped forward quickly. In an instant, he tried to throw a punch at Eunyeon. However, Eunyeon, who was ready, dodged swiftly, making the man lose his balance.
"If this is how you introduce yourself, you need to learn more," Eunyeon said while putting up a defensive stance.
The man did not give up. He attacked again with a swift kick, but Eunyeon caught his leg and pushed him back. The man fell to the ground, but quickly got up with his breath catching.
"Don't mess with me!" the man shouted as he tried to attack again.
However, before he could get close to Eunyeon, a loud voice broke the silence of the night.
"Stop right there, or I'll call the police!"
Eunyeon turned his head and saw a middle-aged man with a large dog by his side standing at the door of the house. Apparently, the owner of the house heard the commotion and came out to check.
The man in the black jacket immediately glanced at Eunyeon with a sharp gaze, then fled towards the dark alley.
The owner of the house approached Eunyeon. "Are you okay, young man?"
Eunyeon nodded with a sigh. "Yes, thank you. That guy was just a coward."
After making sure everything was safe, Eunyeon continued on his way home. Arriving home, he went straight to his room without making a fuss.
However, inside, he couldn't ignore the feeling that this incident wasn't the end. he knew this was just the beginning of something bigger.
Eunyeon stared out the window, thinking about the man and who exactly were the people behind this threat. "Looks like my new school is more interesting than I thought," he muttered with a small smile.