Ha-Joon didn't think.
As soon as Seo-Won's teasing words echoed in his ears, he shot up from his seat.
"I-I just remembered—I have to go!" he blurted, grabbing his bag.
Before Min-Ji or Seo-Won could say anything, he dashed out of the cafeteria, his face burning.
"I can't handle this! That guy is crazy!"
His footsteps echoed in the hallway as he sprinted toward his classroom, ignoring the curious stares from passing students. His heart was still pounding—not from the running, but from the way Seo-Won had smirked at him, the way his deep blue eyes had locked onto him like he was something interesting.
"Nope. Not thinking about that. Focus on class!"
He finally arrived at the classroom, out of breath. Other students were already seated, chatting in small groups. Ha-Joon slipped into an empty desk, sighing in relief.
"At least I can focus on class now…"
Before he could fully collect himself, someone slid into the seat beside him.
"Hey! You're new, right?"
Ha-Joon turned to see a friendly-looking guy with dark hair, glasses, and a warm smile.
"I'm Ji-Hoon, first-year fashion design," the guy introduced himself casually.
"Oh, hi… I'm Ha-Joon," he replied.
Ji-Hoon studied him for a second, then tilted his head. "You look kinda stressed. Something happen?"
Ha-Joon hesitated. He barely knew this guy, but for some reason, he felt like Ji-Hoon was the type who was easy to talk to. He sighed.
"Well… I kind of tripped and pulled someone down with me," he admitted, his face heating up. "And now he won't stop teasing me!"
Ji-Hoon chuckled. "That doesn't sound too bad. Who was it?"
Ha-Joon hesitated before muttering, "Seo-Won. Third-year student."
Silence.
Ji-Hoon's smile froze. His eyes widened in pure shock.
"Wait… Seo-Won?! The Seo-Won?!"
Ha-Joon blinked in confusion. "Uh… yeah? Why are you acting like he's famous?"
Ji-Hoon leaned in closer, whispering dramatically. "Seo-Won isn't just any senior. His family owns one of the biggest fashion brands in Korea!"
Ha-Joon's brain stalled.
"Wait… WHAT?!"
Ji-Hoon gave him a knowing look. "Yeah. He's insanely rich, insanely handsome, and basically untouchable." His voice lowered. "No one messes with Seo-Won."
Ha-Joon frowned. If that's true… then why is he messing with me?
Ji-Hoon seemed to read his thoughts. His expression turned serious.
"Be careful, Ha-Joon."
Ha-Joon swallowed as the mood shifted.
Ji-Hoon's voice was quiet, but firm. "People who get too close to him… usually end up heartbroken."
Ha-Joon stared at the floor, feeling something strange in his chest.
His mind flashed back to Seo-Won's teasing smile, his confident gaze, the way he said, "Yet."
His heart did a weird little flip.
"But why… does my heart feel weird hearing that?"