Han Su Gang was the most infamous bully at the university where I worked. Reports about him circulated endlessly among the faculty, his name mentioned in hushed conversations and frustrated meetings. Everyone knew him—everyone avoided him.

I, on the other hand, was a history professor. New. Unassuming. Content to keep my head down.

One afternoon, I was in the cafeteria, eating in rare peace, when a shadow fell beside me. Without asking for permission, Han Su Gang dropped into the empty seat next to mine. His arm draped lazily over the back of my chair, close enough that I could feel his presence pressing in.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered,

“So… you’re the newest faculty professor.”

A pause. Then, with a smirk I could hear in his voice,

“A woman.”