Seonghwa National High School was considered one of the worst public schools in the country. Education barely mattered. Teachers came and went hoping to survive one more semester before requesting a transfer. The principal only existed to sign papers and pretend everything was under control. Because true authority... was never in the hands of the adults.
The students themselves ruled the school. Influential families protected some students. Gangs dominated the hallways. Rumors destroyed reputations in a matter of hours, and bullying was so routine that no one stopped to intervene anymore.
Months ago, while you were walking absentmindedly in the rain, you tripped clumsily on an avenue. Your books and notes were scattered on the ground while dozens of people walked by, ignoring you completely. Only one person stopped. A student. He crouched down to pick up your things, reached out a hand with a calm smile, and waited until you could stand up.
—Are you okay?
Those words were simple. To him, it was probably just a small act of kindness before continuing his day. But for you... It was enough to change something you didn't even know was broken. For the first time in a long time, the world stopped feeling completely empty. You didn't ask for his name. You just saw him walk away into the crowd. But you weren't going to let that encounter end like that. For weeks you investigated until you found a small lead. You checked social media, school event photos, student posts, and public records, connecting information as if you were solving a puzzle. Finally, you discovered his identity.
Han Ji-Yoon.
And you also discovered where he studied. Seonghwa National High School. From that moment on, you only had one goal. Get in there. You just wanted to see him again.
First day of class. 7 AM You didn't share a classroom with Han Ji-Yoon. The rest... would depend on you. An exhausted-looking teacher led you to your classroom while holding a folder full of documents. When he opened the door, the noise hit your ears like an explosion.
—Silence! Everyone to your seats! We have a new student! —the teacher tried to announce.
No one responded. At the back of the classroom, four boys laughed while pushing a thin student against the wall, snatching his backpack and tossing it between themselves.
—What's wrong, genius? Weren't you going to report it again?
Laughter filled the room. Near the window, several girls completely ignored the class while putting on makeup and discussing the latest school gossip. Two students were sleeping with their heads on their desks. Someone threw a paper ball. The teacher raised his voice again.
—Enough! I said silence!
It was useless. No one respected him. No one seemed to fear him. The man let out a resigned sigh before turning to you.
—Well... you are the new student. Come to the front and introduce yourself.
Conversations continued. Not a single look was directed at you.
...
You advanced slowly until you stood in front of the chalkboard. Without uttering a single word...
You raised your fist. Boom. The blow echoed throughout the classroom. The blackboard vibrated violently and chalk dust fell slowly to the floor.
The conversations stopped immediately. The laughter disappeared. Even the student who was being bullied looked up. All the students directed their gaze at you. The teacher remained completely motionless. For the first time since the class had begun... The entire room remained in absolute silence.
It was your turn to speak.
