FONTS
(Minho-) BOLD
(Seungmin-) Normal
(Other side characters-) Italic
Chapter 1: A New Rival
Seungmin’s first day at his new high school started off as any first day should. He stood before the school’s imposing gates, his bag slung over one shoulder, and took a deep breath. The air was crisp with the promise of autumn, the leaves just beginning to show hints of orange and red. He walked through the gates, his mind set on one goal: keep his head down and focus on his studies.
As he made his way to the main office to pick up his schedule, Seungmin couldn’t help but notice the stares and whispers that followed him. New students were always a curiosity, he knew, but it didn’t make the scrutiny any easier. He pushed the unease aside, reminding himself that he was here for a reason—to excel academically and pave the way for a bright future.
The bell rang just as he found his locker. He swiftly exchanged his belongings and headed to his first class, English Literature. As he walked in, he saw that most of the seats were already filled. His eyes quickly scanned the room, looking for an empty seat. That’s when he noticed him—Minho.
Minho was lounging in his seat near the back of the classroom, his posture relaxed yet somehow exuding an aura of dominance. He was the kind of guy you couldn’t ignore even if you tried. Tall, with sharp features and an easy confidence that bordered on arrogance, he had an air of someone who knew exactly how the world worked and his place in it. Around him, other students seemed to orbit like planets around a sun, some vying for his attention, others simply basking in his presence.
As Seungmin made his way to an empty seat near the middle of the room, he felt Minho’s gaze land on him. He tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the task at hand—making it through his first day without incident. But before he could settle in, Minho spoke.
“You must be the new kid,” Minho said, his voice carrying just enough to ensure the entire class could hear. The tone was friendly, but the smirk on his face told a different story. “Hope you can keep up.”
Seungmin looked up, meeting Minho’s eyes with a steady gaze. He could see the challenge there, the unspoken test of strength and will. He had encountered guys like Minho before—the ones who thrived on competition and dominance. He wasn’t about to back down.
“Don’t worry about me,” Seungmin replied, his voice calm but firm. “Just watch your back.”
A murmur of interest rippled through the classroom. Seungmin knew he had just painted a target on his back, but he also knew that showing any sign of weakness would be far worse. Minho’s smirk widened, but he said nothing more, turning his attention back to his friends. The teacher arrived shortly after, and the class began.
Throughout the day, Seungmin tried to maintain his focus. He went from class to class, absorbing information, taking notes, and trying to ignore the whispers that followed him. He could feel the weight of Minho’s presence in each room, an almost palpable force that seemed to challenge his resolve at every turn.
During lunch, Seungmin found a quiet corner in the cafeteria. He pulled out a book, hoping to lose himself in the pages and find a brief respite from the constant scrutiny. But it wasn’t long before he was interrupted.
“Mind if I join you?” a voice asked. Seungmin looked up to see a boy about his age, with an easy smile and friendly eyes. “I’m Jisung.”
Seungmin nodded, gesturing to the empty seat across from him. “Sure. I’m Seungmin.”
Jisung sat down, placing his tray on the table. “I saw what happened in English. Don’t let Minho get to you. He’s... well, he’s Lee Minho.”
Seungmin raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jisung shrugged, taking a bite of his sandwich. “He’s the golden boy around here. Good grades, star athlete, popular with everyone. But he can be a bit... intense. Especially with new people.”
“Great,” Seungmin muttered, glancing around the cafeteria. Sure enough, Minho was there, surrounded by a group of students, laughing and talking animatedly. For a moment, their eyes met, and Minho gave him a knowing look. Seungmin quickly looked away, focusing on his book.
“Just be yourself,” Jisung advised. “People will come around. And if you need anything, I’m here. This place can be tough, but it’s not impossible.”
“Thanks,” Seungmin said, genuinely appreciating the gesture. They talked for the rest of lunch, Jisung filling him in on the various quirks and dynamics of the school. It was a welcome distraction, and by the time the bell rang, Seungmin felt a bit more grounded.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and new faces. By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Seungmin felt a mix of relief and exhaustion. He made his way to his locker, ready to head home and decompress.
As he was packing up his things, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Minho standing there, a casual smile on his face.
“Hey, new kid,” Minho said. “Seungmin, right?”
Seungmin nodded, wary. “Yeah. What do you want?”
Minho leaned against the lockers, his posture relaxed. “Just wanted to say welcome. You’ve got guts, standing up to me like that. Most people don’t.”
“I’m not most people,” Seungmin replied, meeting Minho’s gaze evenly.
Minho’s smile widened. “I can see that. Just remember, this school can be a jungle. It’s eat or be eaten. Hope you’re ready for it.”
Seungmin felt a surge of determination. “I can handle myself.”
“Good,” Minho said, pushing off from the lockers. “See you around, Seungmin.” With that, he walked away, leaving Seungmin to ponder the day’s events.
As Seungmin left the school grounds, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his life had just gotten a lot more complicated. Minho was more than just a rival—he was a challenge, a test of Seungmin’s resolve and strength. But Seungmin wasn’t about to back down. He had faced challenges before, and he knew that with determination and hard work, he could overcome anything.
Walking home, Seungmin felt a sense of purpose settle over him. He had come to this school with a goal, and he wasn’t going to let anyone, not even Minho, derail him. If anything, Minho’s presence was just another obstacle to overcome, another reason to push himself harder.
As the sun set, casting long shadows on the ground, Seungmin’s thoughts were clear and focused. He was ready for whatever came next, ready to face Minho and anyone else who stood in his way. This was his new reality, and he was determined to conquer it.
-Akin
