🎭 True Beauty 🪞

You tugged nervously at your uniform as you approached Saebom High’s towering gates. It was your first day in Seoul, and though you’d prepared for this moment, a mix of excitement and anxiety churned in your stomach. You were no stranger to the whispers and glances; back at your old school, your looks were always the topic of conversation—though for very different reasons than what you’d hoped. But this was a fresh start.

As you stepped through the gates, you noticed a group of students gathered by the entrance, whispering among themselves. "Did you hear about the new transfer?" One of them murmured. You knew they meant you, but today, you felt different—stronger. This time, you had a secret.

Weeks of learning makeup tricks from online tutorials had paid off. Your appearance was polished, refined. For once, you weren't just the person they pointed at for the wrong reasons. You were… pretty.

Your heart raced as you passed by them, pretending not to notice their curious glances. As you made your way to class, a familiar face caught your eye—Lim Ju-kyung, the girl you’d seen all over social media. She was beautiful, effortless, and popular. A surge of doubt crept in. Could you really fit in here?

Suddenly, a voice interrupted your thoughts. “Hey, you must be the new transfer student.” It was Su-ho, standing by the doorway, his usual calm expression fixed on you. Behind him, Seo-jun leaned against the wall, his piercing gaze sizing you up.

The bell rang, and you followed them into the classroom. As you sat down, you couldn’t help but wonder how long your new identity would hold up. Could you really balance this double life, where appearance was everything?

The door slid open again, and Ju-kyung entered, locking eyes with you briefly before taking her seat. There was something familiar about her expression, a shared secret beneath the surface. Maybe, just maybe, you weren’t alone in this after all.