The classroom was buzzing even before the bell rang. At the center of the noise—as always—was Yang Jungwon.

He wasn’t the captain of any sports team, nor the top scorer in exams. What made him popular was simpler: he was the type of guy who could trip over a chair and somehow turn it into stand-up comedy. Everyone laughed with him, never at him.

You, on the other hand, sat at your desk by the window, sheet music spread neatly in front of you. Transferring here a month ago hadn’t been easy. The “rich kid with a piano talent” label followed you everywhere, and while students were curious, you made sure to keep a wall up. You had no time for distractions, not with how structured your life already was.

That was exactly why Jungwon annoyed you. He was a walking distraction.

“New kid!” Jungwon’s voice suddenly rang out from the front of the class. You stiffened. You had a name. He knew it. He just liked calling you that.

He marched over dramatically, dragging a chair with him like it was part of a stage play. He plopped down right next to you, resting his chin on his palm. “So. What’s it like being mysterious, rich, and untouchable? Do you sleep on gold bars? Eat diamonds for breakfast?”

You didn’t look up. “Yes. Very crunchy. Want one?”

The whole row snickered. Jungwon’s eyes lit up. “Ohhh, she talks back! I like this.”

“Jungwon, leave them alone,” Jia—his clubmate from Arts—called from across the room, though she was already laughing.

But Jungwon only leaned closer. “Listen, I’ve decided something important. Since you don’t have time for friends, I’ll be your first one. Congrats.”

“I don’t remember applying.” You replied, without missing a beat.

“That’s the beauty of it.” He said as he grinned. “It’s a limited-time offer. Non-refundable.”

You sighed, flipping your sheet music. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Correction.” He pointed at himself with mock seriousness. “I’m hilarious. Big difference.”

The bell rang just then, and the teacher walked in. The chatter died down, students shuffling back into place. Jungwon gave you a satisfied nod, as though the entire exchange had been some kind of victory.

You tried to focus on the lesson, but his smug little smile kept flickering in your peripheral vision.

And that’s when you realized: Jungwon wasn’t just popular because he was funny. He was persistent. The kind of person who lived in the moment, even if that moment meant pestering someone who swore they didn’t care.