Chapter 7
The school hallway buzzed with a different kind of energy that morning. Anna and Seirin walked side by side, as they always did, but for the first time the whispers trailing behind Anna weren't sharp or cruel.
"She's the one who saved Hyejin," a student whispered in awe.
"She's braver than anyone," another said, smiling.
Anna lowered her gaze, uneasy with the sudden admiration. She wasn't used to eyes filled with respect instead of ridicule. Her steps felt heavier as she entered the classroom, the weight of the attention pressing down on her shoulders.
---
Moments later, the teacher stepped inside holding two shining badges. His smile was unusually wide.
"Anna, Seirin—please come forward. The principal has a special announcement."
Confused, Anna hesitated before walking to the front. Seirin, already wearing her class captain badge, glanced at her reassuringly. The teacher pinned a new badge to Anna's chest: School Captain.
Then, the principal's voice boomed through the speakers, echoing across every classroom in the building.
"Today, we recognize courage. Anna and Seirin showed us what true leadership looks like. From this day, Anna will serve as School Captain. And let it be clear—bullying will not be tolerated in our halls. If it happens, Captain Anna will deliver punishment, or bring it directly to us."
Applause erupted across the school. The sound thundered against Anna's ears, making her cheeks warm. She ducked her head shyly, pride mingling with disbelief.
In the corner of the classroom, Yo Chan smirked faintly.
"Captain, huh?" he muttered under his breath, amused. "Interesting."
---
At lunch, Anna sat with Seirin, nibbling quietly at her food. Curiosity tugged at her until she finally spoke.
"Seirin… why did you thank Yo Chan that day? What exactly did he do?"
Seirin froze, her chopsticks lingering in midair. The memory replayed in her mind—Yo Chan throwing the trash bin just in time, blocking the falling chair.
"He helped in his own way," Seirin said quietly. "You just didn't see it."
Anna blinked, startled. She turned slightly, her eyes drifting toward Yo Chan across the room. He sat with his friends, his expression hard.
One of his friends noticed and snickered.
"Why're you staring so hard? Don't tell me you're—"
"Shut up," Yo Chan cut him off, scowling. But his eyes stayed fixed on Anna, as though he couldn't look away.
---
In the teachers' office, a hushed discussion circled among the staff.
"Anna's bravery saved a life," one teacher remarked.
"And Seirin's quick thinking kept the others safe," another added.
A third teacher leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. "Even Yo Chan… never thought I'd see him risk himself for someone else."
Their voices carried a mix of respect and curiosity, as though something had shifted in the balance of the school.
---
That night, Yo Chan's house was silent except for the faint clink of a glass. His father sat at the table, staring into the half-empty drink. His face carried the wear of too many mistakes.
"I ruined so much…" he muttered bitterly. "And now he's turning into me."
The door creaked open. Yo Chan stepped in, looking worn.
"Yo Chan…" his father said softly, almost guilty.
Yo Chan didn't respond. He walked past without a glance and closed his door behind him. The father let out a weary sigh, his head sinking into his hands.
---
Across town, Seirin sat at her desk under the warm glow of her lamp. She opened her diary, her pen gliding across the page.
Today felt different, she wrote. For once, standing up mattered. Maybe… I'm stronger than I thought. Maybe… we all are.
She closed the book with a small, hopeful smile.
---
Minjun stood in front of his mirror, staring at his trembling hands. Slowly, he curled them into fists.
"I'm not afraid," he whispered, his voice shaky but determined. "I won't… be afraid anymore."
A fragile smile spread across his face, stronger than the boy he had been yesterday.
---
Meanwhile, Anna sat on her bed, her mother's photo cradled in her hands.
"Mom… did I do well today? I hope you're proud of me," she whispered.
Behind her, in the doorway, her father stood silently. His eyes glistened—not just with sadness, but with pride. He didn't speak. He didn't need to. In that quiet moment, grief and hope bound them together.
But as Anna clutched the photo to her chest, a thought lingered in her heart: was this new role a blessing… or a burden that would draw even darker storms toward her?
---
End of Chapter 7