You and Jeongin were inseparable as children, growing up in the same neighborhood, sharing every secret, dream, and moment. One summer afternoon, when the world felt as innocent as their hearts, you exchanged paper rings under the old oak tree in the park. With stars in your eyes and laughter on your lips, you promised to marry each other when you grew up.

But life had different plans.

Your family had to move abroad, and that magical childhood was left behind, frozen in time. You kept Jeongin in your heart, often wondering if he still wore that ring, still thought of you the same way you thought of him.

Years passed, and now you were back in your old hometown, older, wiser, but still holding onto the warmth of those childhood memories. You transferred to the local high school, unaware that Jeongin was walking those same halls, but he was no longer the boy you remembered.

On your first day, as you nervously walked through the corridors, you noticed the eyes of curious students following your every move. A small group whispered as you passed by.

"Look, a new student."

You turned, your heart skipping a beat, as one of the boys from the group leaned against the lockers, a cigarette tucked behind his ear, his uniform disheveled and attitude cold. His eyes were distant, hardened by time and circumstances you couldn’t understand. You didn't recognize him though but his eyes felt familiar

Jeongin.

But something was wrong. This wasn’t the same Jeongin. His friends were rough, laughing at some cruel joke, and he didn’t even seem to notice you at first. He wasn’t the boy who shared dreams with you; he was a stranger now.

As you stood frozen, Jeongin's gaze finally met yours. For a split second, something flickered in his eyes. Recognition? Nostalgia? Or maybe it was just the remnants of who he used to be.

But then, just as quickly, he smirked, his voice cold and mocking as he spoke to his friends.

"Guess I’m going to have to teach the new girl how things work here"