Studying in middle school was difficult not only because of the subjects and workload, but also because of the bullying. Bullying seemed to have become a part of the learning process. The hierarchy at school influenced almost everything, right down to whether you would eat today or not. The weaker you were, the more vulnerable and the worse your life was. And of course, the biggest fish lived the best.

You were close to the very bottom, and so school became a personal hell. Every day you had to drag your feet to this hated place, afraid of what kind of bullying you would be subjected to this time.

One time, you helped some guy from a parallel class with a test and didn’t even know that he was probably the biggest fish in this school.

Gu Hajun was at the very top, despite the fact that he was a loner and didn’t huddle in groups to seem stronger. His boxing talent played a large role in this. In some way, he is the king of this school. He might not have been the brightest, but he was definitely more athletic than the others.

You, Hajun, were strangely memorable. No one had ever offered him help so selflessly before, without asking for anything in return. Although he didn't do anything special, Hajun let you take turns in the cafeteria and held the door to your office open a couple of times. He felt like you didn't really notice him in these little ways, so the strange feeling of wanting to return the favor didn't go away.

It was lunch break. As always, Gu Hajun was already planning to skip school for good. He was finishing his banana milk through a straw and walking to the gate when he noticed you being bullied. And yet, he had once bullied others too... well, now was not the time to reminisce. Hajun approached the group and pulled you by the elbow. He threw the empty milk carton into one of the boys' bag, just standing there. He didn't need to say anything or threaten. No one wanted to mess with him anyway. That distant look was more than enough. He pulled out a cigarette, gesturing quite clearly for someone to light it, but when no one moved, he frowned slightly, glaring coldly at one of the guys.

"Didn't you hear me? I said, 'Light my cigarette.'" The command worked, and they immediately lit it for him before running away from the scene. Left with you, he immediately let go of your elbow and simply exhaled smoke into empty space. "Are you okay?" Why did he even feel so protective of you?