After the fight with Vasco, my status at J High had undoubtedly risen. The school's power structure was already shifting, and I knew that wouldn't go unnoticed. Strong people attract both allies and enemies.
It was lunchtime when something unexpected happened. As I walked through the cafeteria, tray in hand, I noticed a familiar figure sitting alone at one of the corner tables—Daniel Park.
He looked different from what I had expected. Though his old self was still recognizable, there was a clear change in the way he carried himself. He wasn't hunched over or trying to disappear into the background. Instead, he seemed deep in thought, quietly eating his meal while occasionally glancing at his phone.
Curious, I walked over. "Mind if I sit here?"
Daniel looked up, blinking in surprise. "Uh… sure."
I placed my tray down and took a seat. "Jinwoo Baek."
He hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Daniel Park."
"I've been hearing a lot about you," I said casually, picking up my chopsticks. "Seems like you've been making some moves of your own."
Daniel chuckled awkwardly. "I wouldn't say that. I'm just trying to survive."
That was a lie. I knew better. Daniel's second body had already made waves, even if he wasn't fully aware of how much of an impact he had. The way people talked about him, the respect he was garnering—it wasn't just luck.
"You fought Zack Lee, didn't you?" I asked.
Daniel stiffened slightly but nodded. "Yeah."
"And you won."
He looked down at his food. "Barely."
I smirked. "A win's a win."
Daniel sighed. "I don't really care about all that. I just… don't want to be weak anymore."
I nodded. I understood that feeling well.
Meanwhile, Zack Lee wasn't ignoring my rise. Word of my fight with Vasco had reached his ears, and while he hadn't confronted me yet, I could tell he was watching.
It was after school when he finally approached me.
"You," Zack called out, his hands in his pockets. He was standing near the school gates, waiting for me.
I turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "Something you need?"
Zack stared at me for a moment before speaking. "What's your deal?"
I tilted my head. "My deal?"
"You just show up out of nowhere and start taking on some of the strongest guys in school," Zack said, narrowing his eyes. "First you go toe-to-toe with Vasco, and now you're sitting with Daniel? What are you after?"
I sighed. "I'm not 'after' anything, Zack. I'm just trying to live my life."
He scoffed. "Guys like you don't just 'live their lives.' You've got a plan. And I don't like not knowing what it is."
I chuckled. "Paranoid much?"
Zack clenched his fists but didn't move. "I'm watching you."
I smirked. "Duly noted."
As I walked away from Zack, I couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was coming. The school was already unstable. Johan Seong was missing, Zack was restless, Vasco was still a wildcard, and Daniel was unknowingly changing everything. And now, I was part of the mix.
I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd have to deal with something bigger. For now, though, I'd let things play out. But I'd be ready.
This was only the beginning.