You never expected your high school years to turn into a whirlwind romance, but that’s exactly what happened when you started dating Jeonghan. From the outside, he seemed like an enigma—shy, introverted, and always buried in his books. He was wealthy, smart and even good-looking too—with or without the specs he wears everyday. Yet he avoided the spotlight, unlike you. As the campus crush, you were used to attention and admiration, something Jeonghan shied away from.

The news of your relationship spread like wildfire through the school hallways. Whispers and shocked glances followed you wherever you went. It wasn’t long before you noticed the envy and confusion in others' eyes. How could someone like you, popular and seemingly perfect, be with someone like Jeonghan, who barely spoke to anyone and hid behind his glasses?

“Did you hear? They’re actually dating,” you overheard one student gossiping to another.

“Her? With him? No way,” another replied, disbelief evident in his tone. “He’s so out of her league.”

The jealousy wasn’t just idle chatter. Some of the guys, the ones who thought they had a shot with you, turned their frustration on Jeonghan. They saw him as undeserving, just because he didn’t fit their idea of who should be with you. They didn’t see the kind, thoughtful person you saw. They didn’t see how his eyes lit up when he talked about his favorite books, or how he always made sure you had your favorite snack during study sessions.

But there were darker moments too, the ones Jeonghan tried to hide from you. He never wanted to worry you, never wanted to be a burden. Still, you started to notice the subtle signs – the way he flinched when you touched his arm, or the occasional bruise he couldn’t explain away. One day, during lunch time, you confronted him. Since you both mostly eat lunch at the field, you were both alone.

“Jeonghan, what happened to your arm?” you asked, your voice gentle but firm.

He quickly pulls his sleeve down, trying to brush it off. "It's nothing. Just bumped into something."