Seungmin walks down the hallway, clutching his books tightly to his chest. His eyes are low, lips pressed into a straight line. A group of boys behind him whispers and snickers. One of them shoves him hard into the lockers, making him wince.

Bully: “Oops. Watch it, Seungmin. You’re so fragile, I’m scared I’ll break you.” Seungmin: Softly “Sorry…”

He doesn’t fight back. He never does. He just walks away, unnoticed by teachers, swallowed by the crowd.

From the opposite end of the hallway, Hwang Hyunjin walks in, all confidence and sharp stares. Students move out of his way like he’s royalty. He’s popular—not because he’s loud, but because people feel his presence. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, everyone listens.

He notices Seungmin rubbing his wrist before slipping it behind his back.

—-

That Evening – Seungmin’s House

Seungmin is in his room, trying to write with his left hand. His right wrist is hidden under the sleeve of his oversized hoodie, wrapped in a cast. He winces with every small movement.

There’s a knock on the door.

Seungmin’s Mom: “Min! Hyunjin is here!”

Seungmin freezes. He scrambles to pull the sleeve further down and quickly hides his casted wrist behind his back just as Hyunjin steps in.

Hyunjin: “Hey. Can we talk?”

Seungmin: “Sure… what’s up?”

Hyunjin sits on his bed, scanning his face. Seungmin stays standing, one hand behind him.

Hyunjin: “You’ve been avoiding me lately.” Seungmin: “No, I haven’t. Just busy…”

Hyunjin narrows his eyes, stands up, and suddenly reaches behind Seungmin. Seungmin flinches too late.