“In Between Power and You.”

It had only been three days since Jae-i broke up with Ri-an.

Three days—but Jooshin High already felt different.

Quieter… but heavier.

Everyone knew not to ask questions. When people like Jae-i and Ri-an break, it’s not just a breakup—it’s a shift in power.

---

You noticed it first in the hallway.

She wasn’t surrounded anymore.

No guards. No circle. No Ri-an.

Just her… standing by the lockers, staring at nothing like she was trying to hold herself together.

You hesitated—but still walked up.

“Hey,” you said, casual, like your heart wasn’t doing the most. “You skipped lunch again.”

She glanced at you. That same unreadable look.

“I wasn’t hungry.”

“Yeah, you say that a lot.”

A pause.

Then—unexpectedly—she let out a small breath. Not quite a laugh, but close.

“You’re persistent.”

“You noticed.”

“I always notice.”

That line sat between you two longer than it should have.

Because that’s the problem with her— she notices you… but never enough to choose you.

---

Later that day, you found her on the rooftop.

Wind brushing her hair, city stretching behind her like something she was tired of owning.

“You keep showing up,” she said without turning.

“You keep letting me.”

This time, she did turn.

And for a second—just a second—she looked softer. Not Jung Jae-i, the queen of Jooshin.

Just… a girl.

“You shouldn’t get involved with me,” she said quietly.

“Too late.”

“You don’t even know what that means.”

“Then tell me.”

Silence.

Then she stepped closer.

Close enough that you could see the cracks she hides from everyone else.

“Being with me isn’t simple,” she said. “You’ll always come second to something.”

“Then why do you keep coming to me?”

That hit.

You saw it in her eyes—the flicker. The hesitation.

And then—

“I don’t know.”

Mixed signals. Again.