OPPOSITES | Weak Hero Class 1

05|

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YUNHEE leapt off her bike the moment she saw Suho jump off his. Without a word, he took off running, and Yunhee followed without hesitation, sprinting past Bum Seok, who called her name as she disappeared around the corner. Her heart pounded as she rounded the bend, finally catching sight of Si-eun, pinned to the ground. A larger boy was holding him down, while Yeongbin was mercilessly stomping on Si-eun’s hand.

Suho reached them first, tackling the boy off Si-eun while Yunhee lunged forward, shoving Yeongbin aside. Suho’s foot connected sharply with the other boy’s jaw, sending him sprawling.

“Hey, darling, are you okay?” Yunhee asked, grabbing Si-eun’s arm and pulling him to his feet. He looked shaken, but he managed a nod as Suho straightened his sweater, turning back to the bullies.

“This ends here,” Suho said firmly. “Got it?”

They turned to leave, but a furious voice stopped them in their tracks.

“Hey!” came a voice Yunhee recognized instantly. Her stomach sank, and Suho barely managed to duck the incoming punch. It was Seok Dae, and he moved with a casual menace that sent a chill down her spine.

“Seok Dae, stop it!” Yunhee shouted, stepping forward with a familiarity that spoke of history. He paused, his eyes locking onto hers for a moment, then smirked.

“You think I’m going to listen to you, Yunhee?” he said, his voice taunting yet strangely personal, as if they were sharing a private joke. Before she could respond, he grabbed Suho by the collar, hurling him to the ground. Yunhee's hands tightened into fists, frustration flashing across her face as she saw the rest of the bullies circling in.

Si-eun yanked her back just as a fist swung at her face, swinging his schoolbag in retaliation. One of them managed to throw Si-eun to the ground, while another restrained Yunhee. She didn't stop struggling.

“Seok Dae!” she called out again, more sharply, her voice edged with an anger he knew well. “Call them off, right now.”

For a moment, Seok Dae hesitated, his gaze lingering on her, and then he waved a hand. “Let her go,” he ordered, and the boy immediately released Yunhee. “Step away from him,” he added, taking the beer bottle from Yeongbin’s hand before turning to Yunhee. His expression softened, just barely, as if acknowledging an unspoken agreement between them.

“You owe me,” he said with a lazy smile, almost affectionate.

“Double?” she replied, her tone resigned but firm. “Leave him alone. Send me the price. You still have my number.”

Seok Dae chuckled, nodding slightly. He stepped back, signaling the others to retreat, his eyes never leaving Yunhee’s. There was something unspoken, almost intimate, in the way they faced each other.

Suho, eyes blazing, pointed at Yeongbin. “Aren’t you ashamed to gang up on someone? If I were you, I’d be dying of embarrassment.”

Yeongbin glared at Seok Dae. “What’s this about?”

Seok Dae shrugged, a bored look on his face. “She’s a better client. Let’s call it a day.” He walked off without another word, leaving the confrontation behind, and Yunhee let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.