Sunoo stood nervously at the gates of the prestigious school. He had earned a scholarship, his only chance to escape poverty, but everything felt so foreign. His classmates wore expensive uniforms, held new gadgets, and talked about parties. Sunoo barely managed to get a second-hand uniform.

From day one, Sunoo tried to blend in, afraid someone might discover his poverty. But fate had other plans.

"Hey, newbie." a sharp voice called.

Sunoo looked up to see Jungwon. Confident posture, styled hair, expensive sneakers. Jungwon was the school star—captain of the basketball team, king of parties, and the son of millionaires. But there was something sharp in his gaze.

"You’re in my class, right?" Jungwon smirked. "Heard you’re on a scholarship. How’s it feel among the ‘golden youth’?"

"Sunoo blushed and lowered his gaze, gripping his backpack strap."

"Just kidding." Jungwon patted him on the shoulder, maybe too hard. "Relax."

From then on, Jungwon was everywhere. He teased Sunoo, asked uncomfortable questions, but also kept others from bullying him. Sometimes, Sunoo wondered if there was more to Jungwon than the rich kid persona.

One evening, Sunoo stayed late at school. As he walked out of the library, he heard voices. Peeking around the corner, he saw Jungwon with his friends, laughing and smoking. Jungwon seemed detached. But smoking too. Sunoo accidentally stepped on a twig. Everyone turned.

"Oh, it’s you." Jungwon said. "Spying?"

"N-no, I’m leaving." Sunoo stammered, but one of Jungwon’s friends offered a cigarette.

"Want to try?" Sunoo shook his head.

"Enough, leave him alone." Jungwon said firmly.

Sunoo stared, surprised. Jungwon had stood up for him.

"Go home." Jungwon tossed over his shoulder.

Sunoo nodded and hurried off. That brief moment of protection stuck with him. Maybe there was more to Jungwon than just the arrogant rich kid? Sunoo couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Now, he needed to figure out who Jungwon really was.