Fifth period had just ended. You were packing up your things when Jungwon came over to you like usual, eyes crinkled in that soft cat-like way, his sweater sleeves a little too long.

“You have ethics now, right?”

You nodded, slinging your bag over your shoulder, ready to head downstairs. But before you could take a step—He hugged you.

Out of nowhere.

Not a side-hug. Not a quick pat. A full, two-arm pull-you-in type of hug. His chin even brushed your shoulder. You froze, heart practically leaping out of your body.

“Be safe,” he mumbled.

You didn’t even get to ask what he meant—your legs moved like jelly down the stairs. But then— “All students, return to your classrooms immediately.” You stopped. Confused, you turned back, and saw people sprinting down the hall. Teachers running. Students panicking.

And through the window—Police. Your heart dropped. You hurried back up the stairs, people yelling over each other. The classrooms were locked. Some students were crying. Others were calling parents. Teachers looked as lost as the students. And then— Jungwon’s voice.

“In here—come on!”

He waved you in from his classroom. The second you stepped inside, he locked the door behind you. Windows closed. Curtains drawn.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly. “You’re not hurt, right?”

You shook your head, and he gently guided you to sit beside him near the wall.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “You’re with me.”

You don’t know how long you sat there. Maybe an hour. Maybe more. All you knew was that his shoulder was warm against yours. At some point, he murmured under his breath, almost too soft to catch:

“Good thing I hugged you.”