RIIZE | To My First《Wonbin》- Ongoing

The First Day

The classroom buzzed with the energy of students reunited after a long summer, laughter and stories filling the air as friends caught up on missed memories. Rain beat steadily against the windows, a drumming rhythm that underscored the first day of their final year, giving the morning an almost heavy, wistful atmosphere. Teachers were tied up in a meeting with the principal, and the class of 4-B was left to fill the time with their chatter and anticipation for what lay ahead.

Amid the noise, Wonbin entered, his hoodie soaked from the rain outside. As he pulled it off, a few girls couldn't help but stare, hoping for a chance to get close to him. His popularity in the school was undeniable—his looks, confidence, and, at times, his standoffish attitude made him a bit of an enigma. But the familiar frown he wore as he took his seat told his classmates all they needed to know: he's just moody. And somehow, that only made him more intriguing.

New girls gathered around, subtly trying to catch his attention, but Wonbin barely acknowledged them. One girl, brave enough to tap him on the shoulder, offered him a bright "Hello," flashing her warmest smile. Wonbin simply nodded politely, his disinterest clear. His bag soon found its way onto the chair next to him, a silent signal that no one was to take the empty seat.

After a few minutes, he pulled his phone out and glanced around, finally locking eyes on a familiar face across the room. "Hey, Bobbi," he called, his voice softer than the new girls expected from him, laced with a subtle familiarity. "Can I borrow your umbrella?"

"Sure," Bobbi replied, grinning. "It's the pink one."

He grabbed the umbrella from the rack, smirking at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Got it." And with that, he slipped out of the classroom, barely noticing the curious stares and murmured questions in his wake.

"What the hell? Why is he nice to you?" one girl whispered, exasperated, as she watched Wonbin disappear down the hallway.

Bobbi just shrugged with a proud smile. "Four years of being his classmate does that."

Wonbin's steps quickened as he headed toward the school's entrance. The rain had only gotten heavier, a near downpour as he scanned the crowd under the awning, searching for someone. Finally, his gaze settled on a familiar figure standing apart, hugging her arms against the chill, her face set in that usual slight frown of hers. There she is.

"Miri!" he called, jogging over, umbrella stretched to shield her from the rain.

Miri turned, blinking in mild surprise as he reached her. "Wonbin?" She glanced down at her watch, her brow furrowing slightly. "I told you I'd wait for the rain to let up. Why are you out here?"

But he only shrugged, looking slightly amused as he held out the pink umbrella. "Well, you didn't bring one, did you? Stop being picky." He gave her cheek a light pinch, knowing full well that she hated the gesture, especially when he teased her for something as small as forgetting an umbrella.

She wrinkled her nose, brushing his hand away with a faint scowl, but he caught the briefest flicker of a smile. She could be so stubborn, he thought, reaching for her soaked bag, slinging it over his own shoulder. Without another word, they started back toward the building, her arm slipping through his, the two of them close under the umbrella's shelter.

They'd been friends since sophomore year, and to Wonbin, she'd been one of the first to notice him before he was the 'popular guy.' To everyone else, their friendship might've looked like a close friendship on the surface, but for Wonbin, it was something he knew he'd always hold dear.

As they walked, Wonbin stole a glance at her, smirking when he caught her hugging his arm to keep dry. "What?" she asked, raising a brow at him.

"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head as they neared the classroom. "First day of school, and you're already frowning."