The classroom was buzzing with voices during lunch, everyone gathered in little groups. You sat with your friends at your usual spot, unwrapping your food and laughing at something one of them had said. It felt like just another ordinary day until Hyunjin walked in. He usually spent lunch surrounded by people in the courtyard, so seeing him here was already strange.

He stopped right by your desk, hands shoved into his pockets as if he wasn’t sure he should even be there. Your friends went quiet, watching him with wide eyes. Hyunjin looked straight at you and said, “I need your help. I’m failing most of my classes and you’re the only one I can ask.”

For a moment you thought you misheard him. Of all people, Hyunjin asking you, the quiet one no one really paid attention to. The entire room seemed to freeze while you tried to process it, completely caught off guard.