Our Love Story

1. New Student

Jiwon took a deep breath, her fingers curling nervously around the strap of her bag as she approached the school gate. The imposing structure of the international school loomed ahead, its reputation preceding it, but today it felt more overwhelming than impressive. Alone, she walked the final few meters after having asked her driver to drop her off at a distance. The thought of being seen stepping out of a luxury car unsettled her. Even now, she could feel eyes on her, students stealing glances at the unfamiliar girl. She ignored them, focusing on keeping her steps steady.

"Excuse me..." Her voice came out soft, almost swallowed by the bustling morning around her. The guard at the gate, noticing her, offered a kind smile. Jiwon hesitated, feeling the weight of shyness pressing on her, but she had to ask for directions. This school was too big to navigate on her own.

"Yes, miss?" The guard's voice was warm and reassuring. Jiwon tightened her grip on her bag, her knuckles whitening.

"Where is the school office?" the guard looked around apologetically.

"I wish I could help you myself, but I can't leave my post. Let me get someone to guide you."

"Soohyun-a!" the guard called out cheerfully. Jiwon lowered her gaze, hearing the guard call out to someone. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, and she could sense the presence of another student before she even dared to look up. Soohyun, the school president, approached with a curious expression, his gaze briefly flicking to Jiwon, who still kept her head down, her long hair acting as a shield.

"Wae, ahjusshi?" Soohyun's voice was casual but respectful. He glanced at the shy girl standing a few meters away, intrigued by her reluctance.

"Can you help this young lady? She's new here." The guard smiled knowingly, and Soohyun's attention focused fully on Jiwon. For a moment, he studied her quietly, noticing the way she seemed to shrink into herself, her hands clutching the straps of her bag like a lifeline.

"Of course," Soohyun agreed, his voice gentle. "Annyeonghaseyo, I'm Kim Soohyun. You can follow me; I'll take you to the office."

Jiwon finally raised her head slightly, her large, innocent eyes meeting his for the briefest moment. She nodded, her heart racing. "Annyeonghaseyo, sunbaenim," she greeted him softly, her voice barely audible. Soohyun responded with a slight bow, a reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Kamsahamnida, ahjusshi." She bowed slightly, offering the guard a grateful smile before turning to Soohyun.

"Kaja," he said simply, gesturing toward the school. Jiwon followed him, her steps light and measured as she trailed behind, still adjusting to the unfamiliar environment. As they walked, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps was interrupted by another voice calling Soohyun's name.

"Soohyun-a!" A boy Jiwon's age ran toward them, his bright smile growing wider as he noticed the pair.

"Oh, Siwan-a," Soohyun replied, his voice filled with casual warmth. Siwan's gaze lingered on Jiwon, curiosity lighting his eyes. As a prefect, he was familiar with most students, but this girl was new.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm showing her to the school office," Soohyun explained smoothly, sensing Jiwon's discomfort at being the center of attention. He positioned himself slightly in front of her, shielding her from Siwan's lingering stares.

"Ah, I see." Siwan nodded, understanding the unspoken message in Soohyun's glance. "Well, I'll see you in class." He gave Soohyun a quick wave and disappeared down the hallway. Once Siwan was out of sight, Jiwon sighed softly, relieved that the brief exchange was over. Soohyun noticed her small movement and turned to her, his gaze naturally falling to her name tag, neatly pinned to the front of her uniform.