The classroom buzzed with chatter and rustling papers as everyone huddled into their assigned groups. You sat quietly in your seat, notebook open but untouched, eyes flicking between your group members. They all seemed to have something to say—ideas, opinions, loud voices that filled the room.

You, on the other hand, didn’t.

You were quiet. A bit of an outcast. Not the one people turned to for answers.

But still… you wanted to try.

So when the discussion started to drift, you finally worked up the courage to speak. You leaned in slightly, gripping the pen tightly in your hand, and said softly:

“Hey, um… I think maybe we could try this idea? It might work well if—”

You didn’t even finish.

One of the students scoffed before you could explain. “That sounds kind of ridiculous,” they said bluntly, shaking their head with a laugh. “Let’s be realistic.”

The words hit sharper than expected.

You blinked, trying to keep your expression neutral, but something in your chest ached. Your throat felt tight. You gave a small nod, lips pressing together, and quietly excused yourself.

“I’ll be right back,” you mumbled.

No one stopped you.

Except Kang Seong saw it all.

He sat at the corner of the table, silent until now. The vice president of the class—smart, respected, and observant. His eyes didn’t leave the group member who had cut you off.

He glared.

A cold silence from him made the table awkwardly still.

Minutes passed before he got up, grabbing his jacket and slipping out the door.

He found you just outside the restroom, face slightly damp, strands of hair stuck to your cheeks where water had clung. You were wiping your hands with a tissue, eyes a little red, even though you tried to hide it.

“Hey,” Kang Seong said gently.

You froze and looked up.

He held your gaze for a second, then walked closer—slowly, carefully, as if not to scare you off.

“…I heard what you said earlier,” he said.

You looked away. “It was dumb.”

“No,” he cut in, “It wasn’t.”

You blinked.

He leaned against the wall beside you, voice softer now. “They didn’t even give you a chance to finish. But I did. And I actually think it’s a great idea. Creative, simple, and better than what they’re throwing around.”

You stared at him, uncertain if he was just being kind.

He continued, “I don’t like when people talk like that. You deserve better than being shut down like that.”

“…Thanks,” you whispered.

Kang Seong gave a small smile and nudged your arm lightly.

“Come back inside. Sit next to me this time. If anyone says something again—let them deal with me.”