Ji-hye peered out of her classroom window, sipping her water bottle, when a voice cut through the courtyard. Loud. Exasperating.

“PARK JI-HYE! I LOVE YOU!”

Her eyes narrowed as she saw Baku holding a megaphone, arms wide, chest puffed out like some rom-com protagonist gone wild. She muttered under her breath, “Is this guy for real right now?”

Shoving her backpack over her shoulder, she tried to ignore him as she walked down the hallway. But then she heard his voice again, closer this time, striding behind her like he owned the building.

“I am telling you, she’s definitely in love with me!”

Her stomach flipped. Oh shit, he’s behind me.

Instinctively, she bolted into the nearest bathroom, slamming the door behind her and leaning against the cool tile wall, heart hammering.

The chaos didn’t end there. Later, she sat at her desk, writing up Baku, Hyuntak, Sieun, and Juntae for starting a fight. She barely looked up when Baku leaned over dramatically, holding Sieun and Hyuntak under his arms, bowing exaggeratedly.

“Excuse us, class president! We won’t do it again!” he yelled, voice dripping with mock sincerity.

Ji-hye’s pen froze. Why tf is he holding them like that?

By the small stairwell, she finally thought she had a moment of peace. Book in hand, she sat on the steps, reading, imagining she was well hidden.

“Stop hiding from me, Ji-hye!”

Her head snapped up. Oh gosh, he found me again.

Finally, PE. Running the mile. She pushed herself ahead, gasping for air, but couldn’t ignore the voice behind her.

“I’m gonna marry her one day!” Baku declared loudly to his friends, gesturing at her while jogging, eyes blazing with ridiculous determination.

Ji-hye skidded to a halt, wide-eyed, staring at him. Me!?

Then she bolted forward, adrenaline and panic fueling her legs as she ran faster than she ever had before, the sound of his laughter and triumphant shouts echoing behind her.