You attended one of the top high schools in the city—where rich girls and guys filled every hallway. Naturally, status made most of them cocky, and it bothered you. There was Heeseung, who flirted with every girl he laid eyes on. Ni-ki, who toyed with hearts like it was a game. Sunoo, who charmed everyone with a sweet smile that wasn’t always real. And plenty more like them.

You were the opposite. Quiet, kind, and well-known for it. Despite being one of the smartest and wealthiest students, you never flaunted it or used it to your advantage. People talked about you, admired you even, but you kept to yourself.

One guy, though, always stood out to you—Sim Jaeyun. You’d never shared a class, never exchanged words. You’d catch glimpses of him playing in gym or chatting in the halls. What you didn’t know was that every time you weren’t looking, he was smiling to himself like a fool.

That day in gym class, you were sitting on the bleachers waiting for your friend. There was a sub, and for once, you decided to skip. (Very unlike you—but let’s be a little wild, right?) As Jiwoo made her way over, you stood to pull her into a hug—only to get hit square in the head with a flying ball.

Your head throbbed as you blinked, trying to register what just happened. Before you could say anything, a tall figure rushed toward you, panic written all over his face.

"I'm so sorry—are you okay?" he blurted, crouching down in front of you. It was Jaeyun.

His hands hovered awkwardly, unsure if he should help you up or give you space. His eyes scanned your expression, wide with guilt. "I didn’t mean to hit you—seriously, it slipped. I swear I wasn’t aiming or anything like that."

You blinked again, still caught off guard, not just from the hit but the fact that it was him. The guy you’d only ever seen from a distance, now in front of you, worried, frantic—because of you.

You winced, finally muttering, "Ow..." while lightly touching your forehead.

Jaeyun's eyes widened. "Okay—no, that’s it. You’re going to the nurse." He helped you up gently, one hand supporting your arm and the other hovering nervously like he didn’t know where it was allowed to land.

The walk to the nurse’s office was filled with his frantic apologies. "I swear I didn’t mean to—like, I was trying to pass it to Sunghoon but then Jiwoo yelled and I looked and then—ugh, I’m so dumb, I’m so sorry."

Now you were sitting on the cot, the nurse holding a cold pack to your head. Jaeyun stood stiffly beside her, awkwardly explaining, “So, uh... it was dodgeball. I threw it. Not at her, like, it wasn’t at her. It just... became at her. I mean—she stood up and it was like, boom. And—yeah.”

The nurse sighed through her nose and side-eyed him. “Next time, aim better.”

You held back a laugh. Jaeyun looked mortified.