The next morning at Hanul High School.
The sun spread softly over the campus as students arrived. A light breeze moved through the trees, making the whole place feel calm and alive.
Unexpectedly, A young guy, ethereal and striking in presence, strode confidently through the school gates.
As he passed, students slowed mid-step, their gazes locking on him. Soft murmurs spread through the crowd, and girls leaned into each other, eyes bright with surprise and admiration.
He moved with quiet elegance, his uniform sharp, and his dark hair tousled just enough to look like perfection.
From a distance, Linda stood with her best friends, Ha Rin and Alex, near the front steps of the school building.
"Wow," Alex whispered, blinking in awe. "Check out this dude."
Ha Rin and Linda turned and Ha Rin gasped in admiration.
"Oh my God!" Ha Rin exclaimed, her jaw dropped.
"Haven't seen him before. He must be new here." Linda said.
"First day and he's already blowing the whole school on fire. Most girls must already be thinking of baby names." Alex said, playfully.
Ha Rin clasped her hands together dramatically. "Double Oh my God! He's cute__and he looks rich."
Alex eyed Sofia.
"Is that all you can think of, huh? Rich guys? No wonder you never make a blind date successful. You always forget the character and go for the money. " Alex said, trying to sound wise.
Ha Rin laughed mockingly.
"Alex, despite your effort, you didn't sound smart. Cause you're just too dumb!" She cured, her eyes wide in boldness.
"You!___" Alex exclaimed pinching Ha Rin's face as she shrieked in pain.
"Stop it! Both of you." Linda said separating them. "You're not kids. Fighting over small issues.... And you Alex, stop being soo petty!"
The new boy was still walking towards the building when three senior girls strutted up to him, brimming with confidence.
"Hey there," one of them said sweetly, flipping her hair, trying to draw his attention.
At first, he ignored them completely. Then, after a brief pause, his gaze slid over with a cool, unreadable look. "Hi," he said.
The boldest of the three smiled and took a step forward, slightly raising her hand as she introduced herself and her friends. "I'm Jisoo, and this is Minji and Hyejin," she said, smiling sweetly.
He gave a slight nod with a distant expression. Jisoo awkwardly dropped her hands, feeling rejected.
"Are you new here?" Minji asked, batting her lashes.
He stared at her for a moment and then raised a brow as he asked, "Have you ever seen me before?"
"No…" she replied, puzzled.
"Then why ask such a dumb question?" His voice cut sharp with irritation.
The girls giggled nervously, caught completely off guard.
"Um… we could show you to the registration office or give you a brief tour around the school," Hyejin offered quickly.
"No need," he said curtly. "I already know where the office is."
And just like that, he walked past them without another word. The girls froze, left standing with flushed faces and restless curiosity.
Back across the courtyard, Linda's eyes stayed fixed on him. Something about the boy seemed… different. But she didn't think much of it. May be he was just another rich spoilt heir. She thought and rolled her eyes.
When he stepped into the registration office, the room seemed to pause. The principal, seated behind her sleek desk, looked up. For a heartbeat, her eyes widened in admiration.
So striking! She thought.
The secretary, who was standing beside the principal, blinked twice, before shuffling her papers nervously and then standing straight. "Um, welcome! You must be the new transfer student."
He nodded silently, offering a faint, polite smile.
They got to work. Forms were signed, documents verified, and a few minutes later, an official student I.D. card rested in his hand. The glossy tag showed his name, grade level, and a picture he took.
Stepping back into the sunlight, he paused, studying the I.D. with a small smirk tugging at his lips. His sharp eyes lifted, scanning the school grounds like a hunter marking a prey. They flicked from face to face until they landed on two girls standing apart.
Linda and Ha Rin.
They didn't noticed him staring. Alex had gone off to the restroom, leaving the girls alone.
"That's him!" Ha Rin gasped as she caught him staring. "Let's say hi." She said grabbing Linda's hand.
Before Linda could protest, Ha Rin dragged her forward, a nervous smile blooming across her face.
"Hello," Ha Rin said softly when they reached him. "I'm Ha Rin, and this is Linda."
She extended her hand. He hesitated for a moment, then slipped his hand from his pocket and gave her a light shake. His touch sent shivers down her spine.
Then he turned to Linda. For the first time, his smile grew warm. "Hi," he said softly. "Nice to meet you."
Caught off guard by the sudden gentleness in his tone, Linda smiled back. "Nice to meet you too…"
"What's your name?" Ha Rin asked quickly.
He glanced at her, then replied, "I'm Jae-min."
"Welcome to Hanul, Jae-min," Sofia said, her voice calm with a hint of thrill.
Sophia, ever the enthusiastic one, step forward . "Why don't we show you around the school? It's big__and honestly, confusing for newcomers."
Jae-min gave a half smile. "That would be nice."
So the three of them walked together, Ha Rin leading with her constant chatter, Linda adding the occasional quiet comment, while Jae-min stayed composed, his sharp eyes absorbing everything.
They took him from the science lab to the music room, the library, the cafeteria, and the wide school garden.
At each stop, he nodded with quiet courtesy, offering thanks. And he occasionallly asked some thoughtful question. His manner was calm, his kindness unmistakable___ gentle in a very obvious manner.
They had just stepped out of the music room, the echo of piano keys still lingering, when someone came barreling around the corner.
"Whoa__!"
Alex crashed right into Jae-min and stumbled to the ground.
"Alex!" Linda gasped.
Before anyone could react, Jae-min stepped forward, extending his hand. His expression was calm. "I'm sorry. May I help you up?"
Alex blinked, dazed, staring at the boy's face. "Uh… sure."
Jae-min grasped his hand firmly and pulled him up with ease.
Ha Rin laughed lightly, brushing her hair back. "Alex, this is, wait, what's his name again?"
Linda smirked. "Jae-min. The only thing you remember is that he looks rich, huh?"
"Right!" Ha Rin nodded giving Linda a warning side eye. "Alex, this is Jae-min. He's new here. And Jae-min, this is Alex, our friend."
Jae-min extended his hand again for a proper shake. "Nice to meet you, Alex."
Alex took it, polite but cautious. "Yeah… nice to meet you too."
Then he glanced at the girls, with raised brows. "Have you forgotten? It's time for class."
Ha Rin gasped. "Oh no, you're right!"
Linda checked her watch. "We should hurry."
As they started walking, Linda turned to Jae-min. "Wait, what grade are you in?"
"Grade 11," he replied.
"Same as us!" She beamed.
"What department?" Ha Rin asked hopefully.
"The business depart____" Before he could complete his statement, Ha Rin shrieked in joy.
"You're with us!" She said happily. Jae min stared at her, puzzled by her reaction. Ha Rin noticed it and smiled awkwardly.
"Sorry about that." She said scratching her head awkwardly.
"Don't worry, Jae min. You'll get used to it. Ha Rin is always the clown among us." Alex said making Ha Rin's face twist.
"Who's the clown?" She thundered chasing Alex down the hallway.
"You guys are really close." Jae min whispered softly.
"Yeah. They made my life in Seoul, wonderful." Linda said smiling.
Jae-min walked quietly beside her, listening more than speaking.