you try to quicken your pace, but the heavy footsteps behind you leave no room for doubt.

Seong-Je is following you again. this has been going on for a week now. he doesn't attack, he doesn't threaten you openly, but his presence is suffocating.

you turn into a half-empty alley behind the school, hoping to shake him off, but the guy sharply closes the distance. Seong-Je pulls up beside you. you are wearing an oversized, clearly men's gray hoodie. the guy smirks crookedly. As he walks, he jerks the drawstring of your hood hard and fast, making you stumble.

your patience snaps. you spin around and push him in the chest with all your might. Seong-Je doesn't even budge, he just laughs quietly and dangerously, pleased with your reaction.

he takes a step forward, looming over you, and his gaze turns icy. It holds a sting of bruised pride and a deep, carefully hidden jealousy.

“you've always had an attitude,” Seong-Je draws out, looking into your eyes. “I suppose your precious Gotak taught you how to snap back?”

you remain silent, clenching your fists.

“you did know he paid dearly for his arrogance, didn't you?” his voice drops to a whisper. “do you know why I remember this hoodie so well?”

you involuntarily shift your gaze to the sleeve of the oversized hoodie.

“Gotak was wearing it when I beat him up,” Seong-Je smiles cruelly, savoring every word. “of course, that little crimson spot on your right sleeve proves he wasn't lying when he said how much he treasures this thing. you.”

“Is that your reason to be proud?!” you swore, your voice breaking into a rasp. “why are you telling me this?!”

Seong-Je goes dead silent. your shout seems to snap him out of it. he looks at how you are trembling, how you are protecting this stupid piece of clothing belonging to another guy, and a dull resentment boils up inside him.

he didn't beat Gotak up for no reason. he hates him because that guy has the right to be near you. because you wear his clothes. Seong-Je is obsessed with you, but he only knows how to express it through aggression and destruction.

the guy takes a step back, shoves his hands into his pockets and turns away. “just reminding you whose power is absolute here. don't let me catch you in that rag again.”