The Monday after the gala, the school was buzzing. Usually, Hana walked the hallways alone, a path clearing before her like the Red Sea. But today, Min-ho was walking beside her, his hand casually hooked into the strap of her designer backpack.
"You realize people are staring," Hana muttered, adjusting her sunglasses. "Your fan club looks like they’re ready to stage a protest."
Min-ho laughed, a bright sound that grated on the nerves of every jealous onlooker. "Let them stare. I’ve spent three years being the 'National Crush.' I’m tired of being a trophy. I’d rather be with the girl who thinks I’m annoying."
Hana smirked, though her heart was doing a frantic rhythm against her ribs. "Keep talking like that and I’ll make you carry my books for a month."
The Rival Appears
Their peace was shattered by the arrival of Choi Jace, the heir to a rival tech conglomerate and the only person who rivaled Min-ho’s popularity—but with a much darker edge. Jace had been "scouted" back from an international school in London, and he had a history with Hana that wasn't public knowledge.
In the middle of the crowded cafeteria, Jace blocked their path.
"Hana-ya," Jace drawled, his eyes flickering to Min-ho with disdain. "I leave for one semester and you start playing house with the basketball captain? I thought you had better taste than 'wholesome.'"
The cafeteria went silent. Hana’s expression turned to stone. "Move, Jace. You’re blocking the light."
"Or what?" Jace stepped closer, ignoring Min-ho entirely. "You’ll tell your father? We both know he’d prefer me over a guy whose biggest achievement is a three-pointer."
The Protective Flame
Before Hana could deliver a scathing comeback, Min-ho stepped in front of her. The "kind" boy was gone; his posture was rigid, his eyes cold.
"She told you to move," Min-ho said, his voice low and dangerous.
"And who are you to tell me—"
Min-ho didn't let him finish. He took a step into Jace's personal space, radiating an intensity no one knew he possessed. "I’m the guy who doesn't care about your family’s stock prices. If you bother her again, we’re going to find out if your expensive education taught you how to pick yourself up off the floor."
The "Baddie" of the school watched, stunned. She was used to fighting her own battles, but seeing the school's golden boy turn into a protector for her sake felt... different.
The Secret Midnight Date
That night, Min-ho didn't take her to a fancy restaurant. He climbed the fire escape to her balcony, holding a plastic bag from a 24-hour convenience store.
"Spicy rice cakes and cheap ramen?" Hana raised an eyebrow, though she opened the glass door to let him in.
"Best food in Seoul," he insisted, setting up a makeshift picnic on her floor.
As they ate, the bravado fell away. Hana looked at him, her makeup removed, looking younger and more vulnerable. "Why did you do that today? Jace is dangerous. His family can make life hard for yours."
Min-ho paused, a serious look crossing his face. He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hana, everyone sees you as the girl who has everything. They think you're a 'baddie' because you're mean. I see you're a 'baddie' because you're the only person in this school who isn't a fake."
He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "I don’t care about the drama. I just want the girl who sketches stray cats."
Hana leaned into him, the silence of the night wrapping around them. "Fine," she whispered. "But if you tell anyone I liked the cheap ramen, you're dead."
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