The classroom buzzed with excitement over the new student. Almost every girl was captivated by his good looks and confident demeanor, but Choi Soo-ah wasn’t impressed. “He’s just full of himself,” she told Ju-kyung, watching him chat effortlessly with their classmates as girls hovered around him. His growing popularity annoyed her, and she avoided him whenever possible.

During PE later that week, Soo-ah stayed near the sidelines, distracted and out of the way. Suddenly, a stray basketball came hurtling toward her face. She froze, unable to react in time.

Just before impact, a large hand shot out and grabbed the ball. Startled, she looked up and met the sharp, dark green eyes of the new student. His tall figure leaned slightly toward her, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

“Careful there,” he said casually. “You should watch up next time.”

Flustered, Soo-ah stepped back, trying to regain her composure. “I didn’t ask for your help,” she retorted, crossing her arms.

He chuckled, tossing the ball back toward the game. “Good thing I didn’t wait for you to ask.”

Her cheeks burned as he walked away, leaving her conflicted. She tried to brush it off, but for the first time, Soo-ah found herself wondering if there was more to him than she had assumed.