Our Love Story

10: Big Boy

Soohyun and Jiwon walked through the crowded hallway, their hands intertwined. The familiar warmth of Soohyun's touch always comforted Jiwon, making her heart flutter. The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a soft glow on their path. Soohyun glanced sideways at Jiwon, unable to suppress a fond smile; she had a way of brightening even the gloomiest day. They reached her classroom, and he handed her the bag he had been carrying.

"Gomawo," Jiwon said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. Soohyun's lips curled as he reached out, brushing a stray lock behind her ear before giving her a gentle pat on the head. Her high ponytail swayed slightly, framing her delicate features. She was simple yet irresistibly charming, and he often found himself mesmerized by her.

"See you later, little star," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth only reserved for her. Jiwon nodded, her cheeks tinged with a subtle pink as she made her way to her seat, which was decorated with an array of colorful bouquets and candies from her admirers. Although the attention she received might have bothered others, Soohyun felt a quiet confidence; he knew her heart belonged to him.

Jiwon walked into the classroom, where her desk overflowed with bouquets and sweets from admirers she set her bag down after shifting aside the gifts with practiced ease. Though she was in a relationship, her charm still captivated many. Jieun, sitting beside her, chuckled at the sight, used to the constant attention Jiwon attracted. The past had been rough, marked by jealousy-fueled bullying, but Soohyun's unwavering support had shifted things.

"Congratulations, sis, on your win," Jieun said, her voice brimming with pride. Jiwon smiled, finding solace in her friend's unwavering support. Suddenly, the low hum of conversations faltered as a tall boy, new to the scene, strode toward Jiwon's desk. He held a bouquet of striking red roses, the sharp scent cutting through the air.

"Congratulations on your win, pretty," Jung Minhwan said tone just a notch too confident, he thrusting a large bouquet of red roses toward her. The soft sound of phones being lifted and cameras recording hummed through the room. Phones appeared in the hands of classmates, eager to capture the moment.

Jiwon's eyes narrowed, taking in his name tag. Jung Minhwan. She forced a small smirk, an edge to her expression. She had hoped Soohyun's acceptance of the occasional crush would set boundaries, but it seemed someone was ready to test them.

Her lips curved into a smirk, a cold glint in her eyes. She had learned to manage the attention Soohyun allowed around her, expecting people to know their boundaries. But there were always exceptions.

"If Soohyun sunbae knows you are here, he is definitely not going to like it," Jiwon said, her tone icy and firm. Whispers broke out, some nervous, some excited. Minhwan's expression shifted from bold to irritated.

"If Soohyun sunbae knows you are here, he is definitely not going to like it," Jiwon said, her tone icy and firm. Whispers broke out, some nervous, some excited. Minhwan's expression shifted from bold to irritated.

Minhwan's eyes darkened, and a mutter escaped him. "Snobbish."

Before she could respond, he grabbed her arm, pulling her roughly from her seat. Jieun's gasp and attempt to intervene were drowned out by the collective noise. Jiwon yanked her hand back sharply. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to retaliate.

"Get off me!" Jiwon's voice trembled with controlled rage, her hand clenched into a fist as she fought the urge to strike.

"Soohyun isn't here, sweetheart. I doubt he'd mind if—" Minhwan's voice cut off abruptly as a powerful hand seized the collar of his shirt from behind.

"Soohyun would do more than just mind," Haein's deep voice cut through the tension. Somin stood nearby, her eyes sharp and watchful.

"And he's already on his way," Haein added, tapping his smartwatch. The shift in the atmosphere was palpable as Soohyun entered the room, his aura dark and commanding. His jaw was set, eyes narrowed, and the room seemed to shrink under the weight of his presence. Minhwan's confidence crumbled, and he swallowed hard.