The first day of a new semester already. Wonderful.
Seo Jihu adjusted the strap of his backpack as he stepped onto campus, already irritated by the chatter going on around him. The crowds, the noise, the fake smiles of classmates greeting each other as if they hadn't just complained about the same professors only a month ago—how embarrassing...
Jiho pushed past the students standing in the middle of the corridor, blocking the way. A group of sunbae stood at the top of the stairs, laughing too loudly. Their blazers were crisp and their shoes polished.
Why are they so well dressed? It's just the first week, talk about trying too hard...
He kept walking before a ripple of excitement rippled down the halls. Heads instantly turned and phones lifted.
"Kang Hyunwoo!" someone cheered from down the hall.
The chatter grew louder as students shifted, clearing the way as if it were instinct. Jiho glanced up just long enough to see him: Kang Hyunwoo, walking with the kind of confidence that was never forced. His blazer fitted perfectly, his sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows, and his smile... timed so flawlessly as if it had been rehearsed.
"Hyunwoo sunbae!" a first-year called, waving eagerly.
Hyunwoo returned it with ease, his expression warm, his voice smooth. "Good to see you again. How was your break?"
The crowd practically melted at such a simple action. Jiho looked away, unimpressed.
How could anyone actually believe that smile was real? It's so fake...
The bell finally rang, pulling the noise of the hallway into order. Students shuffled towards the main building for the opening ceremony. As expected, the student council took the stage, and as expected, Kang Hyunwoo stood at the centre.
Hundreds of words flowed from his mouth—welcoming speeches, promises of a great semester, reminders of responsibility and unity. His voice was smooth, clear, practiced. Jiho heard none of it. The only words that registered were the closing line: an invitation to head to first period.
Polite applause rippled through the crowd as Hyunwoo finished. Jiho clapped once, half-heartedly, and slipped out the moment students were dismissed.
Business class. First lecture of the semester.
He found his way to the room easily enough—it was the same building as last term, the same dull white walls, the same squeaky chairs. Jiho dropped into a seat near the back, already pulling out his notebook.
Around him, classmates chattered about summer trips, internships, and gossip that didn't interest him. Someone mentioned the student council speech, and a girl giggled.
"Hyunwoo sunbae looked so good in that blazer. I swear, he could be a model."
Jiho rolled his eyes. Of course he did. That's the whole point.
The door clicked open, and the chatter dimmed. A tall figure stepped inside, sunlight catching his neatly combed hair.
Jiho froze.
…It couldn't be.
Kang Hyunwoo smiled as though the room had been waiting just for him. "Business Administration, right? Looks like I'll be joining you this semester."
Jiho's stomach sank.
You've got to be kidding me.