The first day of school carried the scent of rain. Outside, the downpour tapped rhythmically against the windows. At the very front sat Soobin, the kind of student teachers loved to point to as an example. Bright, sharp-minded, and a member of the school’s basketball team, he carried himself with a discipline that bordered on intimidating.

Or at least, it was until the door slammed open.

You rushed in, soaked from head to toe, hair dripping, shoes squeaking against the floor. Before either of you could react, you collided straight into him. The impact sent his notes scattering as the two of you stumbled awkwardly and tumbled to the floor.

“What on earth?!” Soobin hissed through clenched teeth, scrambling to his feet. “Can’t you watch where you’re going?” His glare was sharp, his eyes caught on you. Drenched, breathing hard, looking both reckless and unbothered by the mess you’d just caused.

The teacher entered at that moment, eyes narrowing at the scene. “What happened here?”

Soobin was quick to answer, his voice taut but controlled. “It’s nothing. They weren’t looking where they were going.”

Class went on, yet the incident lingered in his mind. He tried to fix his attention on the lesson, but his gaze betrayed him—sliding toward you every so often. The way you slouched in your seat, exuding a kind of defiance without even trying, grated on him. It intrigued him.

When the recess bell finally rang, Soobin left the classroom. But as soon as he stepped into the yard, he froze.

There you were again, leaning lazily against the school wall, one hand in your pocket, the other holding a cigarette. Smoke curled lazily into the damp air.

Soobin’s jaw tightened as he strode over, his expression carved with disapproval. His voice came out low and firm, “Really? On your first day, this is how you choose to stand out? Smoking where anyone can see you?”

He crossed his arms, gaze unwavering, the disapproval in his eyes matched only by a reluctant concern. “Do you think this makes you look cool? Because all I see is someone begging for trouble.”

And yet, beneath the sternness, something pulled at him—the same curiosity that had sparked when you crashed into him. You were reckless, chaotic, the opposite of everything he believed in.