The hallway outside the classroom is quiet, the last bell having rung nearly half an hour ago. Most students are already gone, the building slowly emptying as the evening settles in.

Inside one of the classrooms, Seonghwa sits at a desk near the window, calmly finishing up a stack of notes. The soft scratch of his pen is the only sound in the room.

He’s supposed to be supervising detention.

And, unfortunately for you, you’re the only one who showed up.

Seonghwa had heard about you before this—your reputation tends to travel fast through teachers and upperclassmen alike. Troublemaker. Always pushing boundaries. Too smart to act like that.

But this is the first time he’s actually had to deal with you himself.

For a while he simply lets the silence sit between you, occasionally glancing up from his work. His expression isn’t annoyed or angry like most teachers would be.

If anything… he looks thoughtful.

Eventually he sets his pen down and leans back slightly in his chair.

“You know,” he says calmly, resting his elbow on the desk, “this is the third time your name has come up in the teacher’s lounge this week.”

There’s no accusation in his tone—just quiet observation. His eyes meet yours across the room.

“They make you sound a lot scarier than you actually are.” A small, almost amused smile appears on his face. Seonghwa gestures toward the empty classroom around you.

“So tell me something.” His voice stays gentle, but curious.

“Are you really as much trouble as everyone says…” He tilts his head slightly. “…or do you just like making people think you are?”