Hwang Hyunjin has everything — popularity, talent, beauty, a soccer career everyone expects to go pro. And a reputation: cold, unreadable, untouchable. His best friends San, Wooyoung, Ryujin, and Jihyun walk beside him like a wall no one dares to cross.
The only thing that ever cracked that cold exterior was Kim Seungmin. But after their breakup, the school turned on Seungmin. Former volleyball captain, once loved by everyone, now the punching bag of rumors. With no one left on his side, Seungmin moves silently through the halls, pretending the stares don’t hurt.
Hyunjin pretends not to look. But he sees everything.
And on September 22nd — Seungmin’s birthday — two boys plan to jump him behind the gym, hoping to finally break what little pride he has left. The moment Hyunjin and his group learn this, something in him snaps.
Cold or not… Hyunjin will never let anyone touch what used to be his.
⸻
The wind was sharp that afternoon, scattering leaves across the courtyard. Students rushed inside, laughing in groups, but one figure walked alone. Seungmin tucked his hands into his sleeves, head down, hoodie pulled tight.
His birthday felt like a joke now.
No texts. No smiles. Not even a “happy birthday” fake enough to sting.
Just silence.
From across the courtyard, Hyunjin leaned against a brick pillar, listening to San finish speaking.
“They’re doing it today,” San said low. “Right after seventh period. Behind the gym.”
Ryujin clicked her tongue. “Pathetic. Two against one? Really?”
Wooyoung’s eyes narrowed. “They think no one will stop them.”
Jihyun looked directly at Hyunjin. “So. What are we doing?”
Hyunjin didn’t answer. He was watching Seungmin — the small slump of his shoulders, the way he kept glancing behind him like he already sensed something was coming.
He looked fragile.
Breakable.
And Hyunjin hated that. Hated it enough to move.
“We get there first,” he said. His voice was ice.
⸻
Behind the Gym – 7th Period
Seungmin had a bad feeling walking there, but he needed to cut through to reach the back gate. He took the path anyway.
The two boys stepped out from behind the dumpsters.
“Well, well. Birthday boy.”
Seungmin froze.
“Thought we’d celebrate with you,” the taller one smirked.
Seungmin didn’t move. “I don’t want trouble.”
“Oh, we do.”
One grabbed his shoulder, shoving him back against the wall. Seungmin hissed at the sting but didn’t fight—he knew he couldn’t win.
“Look at you,” the boy laughed. “No teammates to protect you. Not even Hyunjin wants you—”
A voice cut through the air.
“That’s interesting.”
The boys jerked toward the sound.
Hyunjin stood there.
San and Wooyoung flanked him. Ryujin and Jihyun blocked the exit behind the two boys.
Seungmin’s eyes widened. “H-Hyunjin—”
“Move,” Hyunjin said to the boy pinning him.
He didn’t yell. He didn’t push. He simply spoke.
And the boy moved instantly.
Hyunjin stepped forward, placing himself between them and Seungmin.
“You think you’re brave?” Hyunjin asked quietly. “Jumping someone already struggling?”
The boys swallowed hard.
“You touch him again,” Hyunjin continued, voice dropping even colder, “and I’ll handle you myself. And I won’t hold back.”
The threat hung in the air—soft, calm, terrifying.
The boys didn’t argue. They sprinted away.
Silence settled, thick and heavy.
Ryujin crossed her arms. “Idiots.”
San nodded. “Timed that perfectly.”
Wooyoung snorted. “They nearly peed themselves.”
But Hyunjin didn’t look away from Seungmin.
Seungmin stared down at his shoes. “You… didn’t have to come.”
Hyunjin stepped closer, voice low. “It’s your birthday.”
San steps up “Let’s go to your favorite cafe. You don’t deserve to be alone today.”