Minjin was not very attentive in school in Korea, especially compared to her time in America. She often fell asleep during class discussions, missing important information and struggling to speak when the teacher called on her. Because of this, she frequently got punished—standing outside with her hands raised, a situation she accepted with a mix of embarrassment and resignation.
Heo Yeong-hwan was tough on his classmates but changed when Minjin showed up. He went from being bold to acting indifferent, as if nothing had changed. His friends noticed this unusual behavior and joked about his strange interactions with Minjin. Yeong-hwan would shrug off their comments, but his actions told a different story. He found it hard to approach Minjin directly but was always aware of her, sneaking glances from a distance.
In class, he would observe her sleeping, a slight smile forming on his lips, finding an unusual sense of comfort in her presence. Occasionally, he would mimic her, reclining in his chair with half-shut eyes. During sparring practice, he would quietly support her, experiencing an unexplainable pride whenever she landed a solid hit or held her position.
For several days, Minjin noticed how boys, both in the classroom and outside of it, were always gathered around Kim Kim Aecha. Sometimes, when Minjin kindly invited her to join them, Kim Aecha politely declined and walked away. Minjin thought that being friendly with boys was perfectly okay, but she couldn't help but notice that Kim Aecha often engaged in light-hearted banter and seemed quite at ease with them. Additionally, Minjin felt uncomfortable when some boys tried to get too close, which she thought crossed a line.
One day, while walking with Lee Hani, Bang Chae-young, and Choi Eun-hwa, Minjin noticed Kim Aecha deep in conversation with their senior. Choi Eun-hwa suddenly stopped, visibly shocked and distressed, before running away.
Minjin and Lee Hani, bewildered, quickly followed her.
Choi Eun-hwa dashed to the girls' restroom, fighting back tears of anger. "Are you alright?" Bang Chae-young inquired.
"Kim Aecha knows I have feelings for him!" Choi Eun-hwa exclaimed, pounding her fist on the sink.
"I hate to say this, but I often spot them together," Bang Chae-young remarked.
Meanwhile, Minjin observed them backstabbing Kim Aecha.
The following days were filled with tension and discomfort. The other girls started to shun Kim Aecha, expressing their displeasure through their behavior and demeanor. Whenever she attempted to join them, they silently collected their trays and shifted to a different table, leaving her alone. This behavior was in sharp contrast to their previous interactions.
Minjin was the sole person who continued to share lunch with Kim Aecha despite her increasing isolation. A palpable tension filled the air as they settled at their usual table one afternoon. Kim Aecha approached Minjin for lunch, but as soon as she joined, the other girls silently gathered their trays and left.
Kim Aecha looked at Minjin. "What's their issue?" she inquired.
While chewing her food, Minjin looked up before replying. "We noticed you are getting close to the sunbae that Choi Eun-Hwa likes."
Kim Aecha shrugged casually, appearing oblivious. "I can't help it if he's interested in me."
Minjin's gaze turned cold as she faced Kim Aecha. "Wow, you've really stooped that low."
Kim Aecha's eyes widen in shock and annoyance. "W-what did you say?"
"You heard me," Minjin responded assertively.
Without a word, Kim Aecha abruptly got up, grabbed her tray, and left the table behind, leaving Minjin on her own.
###
On the opposite side of the school, Minjun had achieved legendary status as the top student on campus, celebrated for his unmatched intelligence in mathematics and science. His good looks enhanced his fame, and his family's wealth made him an intriguing figure as if destined for greatness. Classmates began calling him "Jeoha," a term for royalty, showing their high regard for him.
Many girls secretly harbored crushes on him. A few gathered the courage to confess but were met with Minjun's charmingly narcissistic humor. He would humorously praise himself confidently before gently declining their advances, making it nearly impossible for anyone to feel deeply hurt by his rejection.
Minjun, previously a reserved and solitary person, evolved into a sociable, quick-witted, and undeniably charismatic individual. However, despite his newfound charisma, he and Minjin were oblivious that they shared the same school. At times, their paths would momentarily cross, leading their lives to parallel without truly meeting.
One day, Minjin strolled across the school grounds while Minjun approached from the opposite direction. Just then, Kim Aecha, one of Minjin's close friends, came rushing toward him.
"Minjin-ah!" she exclaimed eagerly, her voice bright and cheerful.
Upon hearing the name, Minjun instinctively halted and turned back. He observed Kim Aecha embracing Minjin with a broad smile. For a brief moment, he noticed Minjin's short hair. However, he quickly dismissed it, frowning slightly as he turned away and resumed walking, oblivious to the fact that the girl who had caught his attention was actually his childhood sweetheart.
Minjun's best friends were Bang Eun-kyung and Mun Sara. Bang Eun-kyung was celebrated for his intelligence and charisma, though his skills were primarily on the soccer field. On the other hand, Mun Sara ranked just behind Minjun as the second-best student in their school. Her beauty sparked numerous whispers and glances, leading to frequent rumors of a potential romance between her and Minjun, fueled by their close friendship.
Yet, Mun Sara secretly cared for Minjun, her feelings concealed beneath their comfortable friendship. She nurtured their strong connection while hiding her true feelings, as Minjun, unaware of her affection, continued to see her as a close friend.
One day, after a girl had confessed to Minjun and was kindly rejected, he approached Bang Eun-kyung and Mun Sara, who were waiting nearby. Always the jokester, Bang Eun-kyung draped an arm around Minjun's shoulder with a playful smile. "Another one bites the dust! Now spill it—what are you really looking for in a girl?"
Minjun smiled and said, "I want a girl with an IQ surpassing Einstein's."
Bang Eun-kyung gasped in disbelief. "Is there really a girl like that?"
Minjun simply grinned, leaving the question unanswered.
Mun Sara, who had been listening intently, felt a sudden ache in her chest. For a brief moment, she paused to reflect on his words. Then, fueled by newfound resolve, she grabbed her phone.
She dialed swiftly and contacted her mother. "Eomma, I'm okay. I just have a question: Have you ever considered getting me tested for Mensa? No? Why not give it a shot?" She smiled to herself as she ended the call.
Putting away her phone, she rushed to catch up with Minjun and Bang Eun-kyung, a new plan forming in her mind.