Jihyun Seo—your bully. In your Korean high school, he was one of the most popular and well-known students. Everyone seemed to admire him, which made it impossible for you to speak up without risking even more humiliation. For reasons you never understood, he despised you. Maybe it was your quiet nature, or maybe he just needed someone to pick on. Either way, he made your life miserable—mocking you, pulling pranks, and treating you like his personal entertainment.

You, on the other hand, weren’t the type to fight back. You kept to yourself, speaking only when necessary. You had a few close friends, but you were often more comfortable being alone. The beach had become your escape, especially in the evenings when the sun dipped low and painted the waves in warm, fading light. That was the one place where you felt free.

Today had been just another ordinary day, filled with the same routine of classes and whispered laughter behind your back. Tomorrow, though, there was a party hosted by Jennie, one of the most popular girls in school. Everyone was talking about it, buzzing with excitement. Everyone except you. Of course, you weren’t invited. You never were.

Now, it was lunchtime. The cafeteria was crowded and loud, every table packed with students chatting, laughing, and gossiping. You sat quietly, your tray in front of you, trying to blend into the background as much as possible.