The morning sun had barely kissed the streets of Seoul when Hana Lee hurried through the crowded Narrow ways of her neighborhood, holding tightly her tattered school bag as if it were a shield against the world. The sounds of vendors setting up their stalls and the clatter of early buses filled the air, but Hana hardly noticed. Her mind was elsewhere on the pristine uniforms she would never truly belong in, on the students she would meet at her new high school, and most importantly, on surviving this first day without embarrassment.
Being poor wasn't just a matter of empty pockets, it was a badge she wore unconsciously stamped on her worn out shoes and patched-up uniform. She had learned early on to keep her head down, to walk quietly, to avoid attracting attention. Yet today, walking into Seonghwa High school,a school famed for its academic excellence and elite students she felt the weight of every pair of eyes she imagined would judge her.
Hana paused for a moment at the school gates, taking a deep breath. The campus was massive, modern, and intimidating, with cherry blossoms lining the pathways, their pink petals fluttering gently in the spring breeze. She smoothed her uniform, a slightly faded blazer and skirt that had seen better days, and stepped through the gates.
Her first steps on campus felt like stepping into another world. The students around her laughed and chatted, carrying designer bags and books that looked more like accessories than learning tools. Hana tried to blend in, adjusting her backpack nervously.
"New girl, huh?"
The voice was smooth, teasing, with a hint of amusement. Hana turned to see a tall boy with perfectly styled black hair and sharp features leaning against a locker. His blazer was neat, his tie flawless, and his eyes dark and calculating,studied her as though she were an interesting puzzle.
"I… uh… yes," Hana stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
He smirked. "I'm Kang Minjun. Welcome to Seonghwa High. Don't get lost in the cafeteria or I might have to save you from humiliation."
Hana blinked. She had expected the rich kids to be indifferent or arrogant, but Minjun's words, though teasing, possessed a hint if sharpness that made her heart skip. She nodded politely, hoping her face didn't betray her nervousness.
Before she could respond further, a familiar voice called out, breaking the moment.
"Hana! Over here!"
She turned to see a boy about her age, slightly shorter, with warm brown eyes and a shy smile. His uniform was neat but simple, lacking any of the polish of Minjun's. Her chest lifted slightly at the sight,it was Han Jisoo, her childhood friend, who had insisted she attend Seonghwa High despite their family's modest means.
"Jisoo!" Hana said, relief washing over her. He bounded over, his presence grounding her like an anchor in a stormy sea.
"I'm glad you're here," Jisoo said softly, glancing nervously at Minjun, who had started walking away, a faint smirk lingering on his face. "Don't let him bother you. He likes to mess with new students."
Hana managed a small laugh, though her heart still thudded with unease. She had a feeling this year would be nothing like the quiet middle school life she had been used to.
---
The first period was homeroom, a chance to meet teachers and classmates. Hana took a seat near the back, hoping to remain invisible, but that plan fell through almost immediately.
Minjun, much to her dismay, chose the seat diagonally across from her, casually dropping his bag with a thud. His gaze lingered on her longer than necessary, making Hana squirm. She avoided eye contact, focusing on the lesson being read aloud by the homeroom teacher, Ms. Choi.
Hana's thoughts drifted to her family, her mother working extra hours at the local market, her younger brother waiting for breakfast that might not be enough. Her heart ached, a familiar pang of worry that never left. She pushed the thoughts aside, reminding herself to survive the day.
Halfway through the period, a loud whisper traveled across the classroom. "Hey, new girl, is that… patched up?"
Hana froze. The laughter that followed cut deeper than any words could. She looked down at her blazer, aware of the small tear near her sleeve,a remnant of last night's wild rush to finish homework and help her mother.
Jisoo's hand brushed hers lightly under the desk. "Ignore them. They don't matter," he whispered. Hana nodded, trying to steady her trembling hands.
Minjun, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair, smirking slightly, though the look in his eyes was unreadable. Hana couldn't tell if he found her plight amusing or if he was genuinely intrigued by her.
---
Lunchtime was another battlefield. Hana carried her simple packed lunch from home a modest rice and kimchi bento and walked through the crowded cafeteria. Students glanced at her with curiosity, some sneering, others whispering.
Jisoo fell into step beside her. "Let's sit over there," he suggested, leading her to a quieter corner near the library. "It's safer."
Hana was grateful. As they sat, Minjun appeared again, sliding into the bench opposite them without invitation. Hana's stomach tightened.
"You always eat with him?" Minjun asked casually, his tone light but probing. Hana shook her head.
"No… we just…" she trailed off, unsure what to say.
Jisoo's jaw tightened slightly, his protective instincts flaring. Hana noticed, but before she could react, Minjun smiled a small, almost genuine smile and leaned back.
"Don't worry. I won't bite… yet," he said, and then turned to scan the cafeteria as if bored with their conversation.
Hana exhaled slowly, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. Why did his presence unsettle her so much?
The afternoon brought their first club meetings. Hana had joined the Literature Club, hoping to find some solace among books and quiet minds. The club room was small, with shelves packed with novels and poetry collections. Hana's fingers traced the spines, inhaling the comforting scent of paper and ink.
Minjun entered, as expected, and the room seemed to shift around him. His confidence filled the space, drawing whispers from other members. Hana stayed near the window, pretending to organize papers while keeping an eye on him.
Jisoo, ever loyal, sat beside her. "Remember, you're here to enjoy yourself, not to impress anyone," he whispered. Hana smiled faintly, grateful for his grounding presence.
Minjun, however, had other plans. He approached her table, leaning slightly so only she could hear.
"You read faster than you look," he murmured, gesturing at the thick poetry book in her hands. "Interesting choice. Are you always this serious, or is it just for the club?"
Hana's cheeks flushed. She wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or flattered. "I… like reading," she replied softly.
"Good answer," he said, a teasing lilt in his voice. "I'll be watching. Don't disappoint me."
Hana swallowed, her pulse quickening. There was something unnervingly captivating about him something that made her want to hide yet also want to be seen.
---
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Hana packed her bag, ready to return to her modest home. The cherry blossoms outside swirled in the wind, petals drifting across the courtyard. For a brief moment, the world seemed peaceful.
Then, she noticed a folded note on her desk. Heart pounding, she picked it up. Written in neat, slanted handwriting were the words:
"You don't belong here. Watch your back."
Hana's fingers trembled. Her stomach knotted with a mix of fear and confusion. Who would write such a thing? And why?
Jisoo's hand found hers again. "Hana… what is it?"
She showed him the note. His eyes darkened with worry. "Stay close to me. No matter what, I won't let anyone hurt you."
Hana nodded, a shiver running down her spine. She didn't know what awaited her at Seonghwa High, but one thing was certain her life had changed the moment she stepped through those gates.
Minjun's smirk, Jisoo's protective gaze, and the unseen hand that had written the warning, Hana realized that this year would test her in ways she had never imagined.
The first day had ended, but the story was only beginning.
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