My class president

Old Rivalries and New Tensions

The day started off normal enough, but the air felt tense as Haerin, Minji, Hyein, Dani, and Hanni walked into class. Haerin kept to herself, her calm and collected demeanor in full effect, while Dani's firm and authoritative presence was hard to miss. The teacher started the lesson, and it wasn't long before Dani was asked to help Haerin catch up on some material.

Haerin, who already knew the subject well from before she went to Canada, decided to go along with it. It wasn't about the lesson; she was more interested in getting to know Dani, the class president, a bit better. Dani, unaware that Haerin had studied at the school before, took her role seriously, explaining things with precision.

"Got it?" Dani asked after going over the material.

"Yeah, thanks," Haerin replied, her face showing no sign of the amusement she felt. It was almost funny how little Dani knew about her.

The class went on, but the real tension began when Niki made his return.

The tension between Haerin and Niki had been simmering all day. They exchanged sharp words in class, throwing each other glares and insults that only seemed to fuel the fire between them. Hyein and Minji tried to keep the peace, but nothing worked. The final bell rang, but the tension followed them into the hallway.

"You haven't changed a bit," Niki sneered as they walked. "Still think you're better than everyone, don't you?"

Haerin didn't bother with a response. She just gave him a cold stare, one that only infuriated him more.

"Say something!" Niki snapped, his frustration boiling over.

Haerin raised an eyebrow, her expression still calm. "What's the point? You're not worth the breath."

That did it. Niki lunged forward, his fist swinging toward her in a blind rage. But just as Haerin prepared to defend herself, Hyein stepped between them, trying to deescalate the situation. Niki's punch landed on Hyein instead.

"Are you serious right now?!" Haerin's calm mask cracked. Her sister's pained expression was all she needed to see. Without hesitation, Haerin's body moved on instinct, years of taekwondo training guiding her as she swiftly took Niki down. The crowded hallway went silent, students frozen in shock as Haerin stood over Niki, her usually calm demeanor now replaced with an icy resolve.

Before things could escalate further, a teacher rushed over, pulling them apart. "Detention, both of you!" The teacher's voice left no room for argument.

Dani, who had been passing by and witnessed the altercation, was also directed to accompany them to detention as part of her duties as class president.

In the detention room, Haerin and Niki sat at opposite ends, the tension between them thick. Dani, now present, observed the two with a firm expression.

"Nice move back there," Niki finally spat, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Haerin didn't even look at him. "It's not hard to take down someone who can't control their temper."

"Control? You're one to talk. If your sister wasn't so—"

"Finish that sentence, and I'll give you something real to be angry about," Haerin cut him off, her voice low and threatening.

Niki scoffed but didn't say anything more. He knew better than to push Haerin any further, but his pride was already wounded.

Dani, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "What happened?"

Haerin shrugged and said, "I was defending my sister."

As the teacher lectured them about their behavior, Haerin's mind wandered back to the moment Hyein stepped in. She couldn't shake the guilt of her sister getting hurt because of her. But she kept her cool, hiding any sign of worry or regret.