It's so high school at Hanil Foreign Language High School with a new addition in the middle of the semester. Baek Hyun Woo, a Year 3 transfer student in his final year of high school meets Hong Hae-in, a Year 2 student who is the future heiress of Q...
"Pil-sook ssi! Jamsimanyo!" Hyun Woo called out to the junior, his voice cutting through the afternoon air.
Seconds before, they had spotted Pil-sook walking alone across the school field, a giant stuffed keychain swinging rhythmically from her bag. Hae-in had texted him earlier, informing him she'd be late for their study session due to cleaning duties.
This was his chance!
Baek Hyun Woo saw this as the perfect opportunity to confront those bullies. He had been burning to do so ever since they targeted Hae-in. Unfortunately, he hadn't gotten a good look at their faces that day, but he knew someone who would: Kim Pil-sook.
She was his only lead. Of course, he wasn't going to do this alone. He had roped in Dal-po and Yang-gi for backup. After all, Dal-po was in the same boat as him and Yang-gi was loyal to his friends.
Pil-sook froze in her tracks, turning around with a surprised look. A shy smile spread across her face when she saw the trio walking towards her.
"Sunbaenims!" she greeted them with a cheerful wave.
"Pil-sook ssi, please tell us. Those who pushed you that day, the girls who took Hae-in to the pool, who are they?" Hyun Woo asked the moment they were within earshot.
"I-I..." Pil-sook stammered, her eyes darting around nervously before she looked down with a resigned sigh. "I don't know."
They all knew she was lying. It was clear as day that she knew something, but was hesitant to share. The thought of snitching simply made her freeze even if those bullies deserved it.
"Please tell me," Hyun Woo begged, his voice softening. "What they did wasn't okay. They need to know-"
Before he could finish, Dal-po placed a hand on Hyun Woo's shoulder, shaking his head subtly. Hyun Woo backed down immediately.
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Clearing his throat lightly, Dal-po stepped closer to Pil-sook and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. Bending slightly, he looked down at her with kind eyes.
"Pil-sook ssi, gwenchanayo. You don't have to tell us anything you aren't comfortable with," he assured her softly, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "But we mean well. We are only trying to protect you and Hae-in. Hyun Woo is right. What they did wasn't okay. We simply want to have a good talk with them."
Pil-sook looked down, her lips trembling slightly. "You don't need to do that..." she mumbled.
"Don't worry, I want to," Dal-po smiled reassuringly, tilting her head up gently by the chin. "I don't like seeing you hurt."
A soft blush crept up Pil-sook's cheeks at his words as she met his intense gaze.
Suddenly, Hyun Woo and Yang-gi felt like they were intruding on a private moment. They exchanged a glance, feeling a bit out of place.
