Deception - L.HS

1

Chapter 1: The Collision

Scene 1: The Hallway Encounter

It was just another ordinary day at Decelis High School, or so Yoon Hana thought as she hurried down the crowded hallway. Clutching her textbooks to her chest, she kept her head down, trying to stay invisible amidst the sea of students. Her long, dark hair fell over her face, a shield from the prying eyes that rarely noticed her anyway. It was easier this way-just another faceless student lost in the crowd.

As Hana rounded the corner to her classroom, the air suddenly shifted. A wave of murmurs and whispers rippled through the students like an electric current, drawing everyone's attention toward the center of the hallway. Lee Heeseung was walking through, his presence commanding as always. Tall, athletic, and effortlessly handsome, he was the epitome of everything Hana disliked about the school. Popular, adored by everyone, and annoyingly aware of it. Heeseung exuded confidence with every step, his group of friends trailing behind him like loyal subjects.

But today, something was different. Heeseung's usually confident stride seemed slower, as if he were preoccupied. Hana didn't care to notice until, in an instant, she felt a force slam into her shoulder, sending her books flying across the floor.

"Ow!" she exclaimed, stumbling back. Her books scattered around her, and she bent down quickly to gather them, cheeks burning in embarrassment.

"You should watch where you're going," a cold voice remarked from above.

Hana looked up to see Heeseung towering over her, a look of mild annoyance on his face. He didn't even bother to hide the condescension in his eyes. The hallway had gone eerily silent, everyone watching the interaction with bated breath.

"You walked into me," Hana retorted, standing up to meet his gaze, her voice firmer than she felt.

Heeseung arched an eyebrow, clearly not used to being talked back to. "Is that so? Maybe if you weren't always hiding behind those books, you'd see what's right in front of you."

A few of his friends snickered behind him, and Hana felt the weight of their stares. She wanted to shrink away, to disappear, but something inside her snapped.

"Well, maybe if you weren't so busy basking in your own glory, you'd watch where you're going," she shot back, her voice sharp and unwavering.

Heeseung's eyes narrowed slightly, the amused smirk slipping from his lips. He stepped closer, invading her space, his presence overwhelming. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"

Hana didn't flinch. She knew exactly who he was. Lee Heeseung, the school's golden boy. The untouchable. But she refused to be intimidated, not by him, not by anyone.

"Yeah, I do. Someone who clearly needs a reminder that the world doesn't revolve around him," she replied, her voice steady.

For a moment, the two of them locked eyes, the tension between them thick enough to cut through. Then, with a scoff, Heeseung turned on his heel and walked away, his friends following close behind. The hallway gradually returned to its usual hum of activity, but Hana remained rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest.

She hadn't meant to challenge him like that. It was completely out of character for her, the quiet girl who kept to herself. But something about Lee Heeseung had gotten under her skin, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.

**Scene 2: The Classroom Dilemma**

Hana entered her classroom, still rattled from the encounter. She slid into her seat, hoping to disappear into the background as usual. But as soon as she sat down, her best friend, Jisoo, leaned over from the desk beside her, eyes wide with excitement.

"Oh my gosh, Hana! You just stood up to Lee Heeseung! That was insane!" Jisoo whispered, her voice full of awe.

Hana shook her head, trying to downplay the situation. "It was nothing. He just ran into me, that's all."

Jisoo wasn't convinced. "Nothing? Are you kidding? No one talks to Heeseung like that. You're practically a legend now!"

Hana sighed, wishing her friend would let it go. "I don't want to be a legend, Jisoo. I just want to get through school without any drama."

"Too late for that," Jisoo teased. "But seriously, be careful. Heeseung isn't the type to forget something like this. He'll come after you."

Hana frowned, her mind replaying the encounter. She had seen something in Heeseung's eyes, a flash of something unguarded before his cold demeanor returned. She wasn't sure what it was, but she had a sinking feeling that Jisoo was right. This wasn't over.

The rest of the class passed in a blur, Hana barely able to focus on the lessons. Her mind kept drifting back to the hallway, to the way Heeseung had looked at her, like she was a puzzle he couldn't quite figure out. It unnerved her, but at the same time, it intrigued her.

As the final bell rang, Hana gathered her things and headed for the door, eager to leave the day behind her. But as she stepped into the hallway, she saw him again. Heeseung was leaning against the wall near the exit, his arms crossed over his chest, as if he had been waiting for her.

Hana's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to keep walking, determined not to let him intimidate her. She could feel his eyes on her as she approached, but she didn't slow down.

"Hey," he called out as she passed by.

She stopped, taking a deep breath before turning to face him. "What do you want?"

Heeseung pushed off the wall and took a step closer, his expression unreadable. "I want to know what makes you tick, Hana."

His words caught her off guard. "What?"

"You're different," he said, his voice quieter now, almost thoughtful. "Most people around here... they're predictable. But you, you're not."

Hana narrowed her eyes, unsure whether to be flattered or suspicious. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

Heeseung shrugged. "Take it however you want. But just so you know, I don't forget easily."

There was a warning in his tone, but also something else, something that made Hana's heart race despite herself. She met his gaze, trying to decipher his intentions, but he gave nothing away.

"Neither do I," she replied, her voice steady.

Heeseung's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "We'll see about that."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Hana standing there, her mind spinning with questions and an uneasy feeling that this was only the beginning of something much bigger than she had anticipated.