Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Prologue: A Chance Encounter

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The soft hum of her alarm vibrated against her nightstand, filling the room with a gentle, persistent noise. Narae stirred beneath the covers, eyes fluttering open to the faint morning light that filtered through the curtains. She blinked a few times, the grogginess of sleep lingering as she reached over to silence the alarm. 6:30 a.m. on the dot, as usual. She allowed herself a few more moments in the warmth of her bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to gather her thoughts and prepare herself for another day.

Narae's mornings were always the same, a comforting routine that never varied much. She rolled out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. Dark circles under her eyes hinted at another late night spent studying. Narae was the kind of student who didn't leave things to chance—she studied hard, made detailed notes, and never skipped a homework assignment. It wasn't so much that she loved school or had a deep passion for every subject; rather, it was the sense of control that studying gave her. In a life that often felt chaotic and overwhelming, her grades were something she could manage, something she could excel at without drawing unnecessary attention.

After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Narae moved quietly around the small apartment, careful not to make too much noise. Her mother worked long hours and often came home late, so mornings were Narae's time alone, a precious slice of solitude. She liked the quiet, the way the early morning sunlight made everything seem soft and golden. It was a time when she could collect her thoughts without interruption, without the noise of the world pressing in.

In the kitchen, she poured herself a bowl of cereal and sat down at the small dining table, glancing at the clock on the wall. 6:50 a.m. Her mother's bedroom door was still closed, and Narae was grateful for that. It wasn't that she didn't love her mother—she did, more than anything—but she valued these moments of silence, where she could just be herself without having to worry about anyone else's expectations or concerns. Her mother had been working double shifts lately, saving up for the upcoming school fees. Narae knew this, and it weighed on her mind, adding another layer of motivation to her already diligent study habits. She wanted to do well, not just for herself, but to make her mother's efforts worthwhile.

After finishing her breakfast, she rinsed out her bowl and grabbed her backpack, checking its contents one last time. Everything was in order, just as she liked it. Narae wasn't one for fashion statements; her clothes were simple, chosen more for comfort than style. Today, she wore a plain sweater over her uniform. She slipped on her shoes at the door, pausing for a moment to glance around the quiet apartment. A small sigh escaped her lips as she opened the door, the cool morning air brushing against her face.

The walk to school was another part of her routine that Narae found solace in. The familiar route, the rhythm of her steps, the way the city gradually came to life around her—all of it was a kind of meditation, a way to steel herself for the day ahead. She knew that once she stepped through the gates of Hae-sung High, she would be surrounded by noise, by the chattering of students and the undercurrent of high school drama that she preferred to keep her distance from.

As she approached the school, she could see groups of students already gathering in the courtyard, their laughter and conversations filling the air. Narae kept her head down, navigating through the throngs of people with practiced ease. She slipped into the building and made her way to her classroom, her usual back corner seat calling to her like a beacon.

Sliding into her seat, Narae felt a familiar sense of relief wash over her. Here, in the farthest corner of the room, she could observe without being noticed, listen without having to engage. This was her sanctuary, a place where she could focus on her studies and keep out of the spotlight that others seemed to crave. She pulled out her notebook, setting it neatly on her desk, ready to take on the day's lessons.

But then, just as the bell rang, signaling the start of another day at Hae-sung High School, Mr. Kim's voice broke through her thoughts, shattering the peace she had worked so hard to maintain. His announcement cut through the air, sharp and unexpected, and Narae felt her stomach tighten with a sense of unease. Whatever was about to happen, she had a feeling that her quiet little sanctuary was about to be disrupted.

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804 words

A/N : Bang Narae is basically y/n fyi