criminal love; jungwon

17

Nanhee stepped into the classroom, bracing herself for the usual whispers and stares. It had become a routine—her classmates’ cruel words filling the air like a constant, unwanted soundtrack. Today was no different. As she made her way to her seat, a group of girls gathered near the window, their voices rising just loud enough for her to hear.

“She’s so pathetic,” one of them sneered. “Liking him of all people. He’s such a loser.”

Nanhee froze for a moment, her hands tightening into fists. She exhaled slowly, trying to let it go like she always did. But something inside her snapped. Enough.

Without a second thought, she turned and walked straight toward the group. The girls fell silent, their eyes widening in surprise as Nanhee stood in front of them, her gaze steady.

“Yes,” Nanhee said, her voice clear and unwavering. “I like him. What are you going to do about it?”

The leader of the group, a tall girl with a permanent smirk, raised an eyebrow. “You’re joking, right? You actually like that freak?”

Nanhee’s jaw clenched. “Jungwon is not a freak. He’s kind, talented, and better than any of you will ever be.”

The tension in the room was palpable. A few students glanced over, curious but too afraid to intervene.

“Oh, please,” the girl scoffed. “You’re just as pathetic as he is.”

Nanhee didn’t flinch. “Say whatever you want about me. But leave him out of it.”

The girl took a step closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “Make me.”

It escalated faster than anyone expected. One minute, they were trading words; the next, they were pushing and shoving. Desks clattered, and the classroom erupted into chaos.

“Enough!” Their homeroom teacher stormed in, separating the two girls. “Both of you, to the principal’s office. Now.”

The meeting with the principal was tense but brief. Both girls received a stern lecture and a warning, though Nanhee barely heard any of it. Her mind was still racing, her body buzzing with adrenaline.

When school ended, she found Jungwon waiting by the gates, his usual calm demeanor masking the concern in his eyes.

“I heard what happened,” he said as they started walking. “You okay?”

Nanhee shrugged. “I’m fine. Just tired of keeping quiet.”

Jungwon smirked. “So... you like me, huh?”

Nanhee groaned, hiding her face in her hands. “You heard that too?”

“Everyone heard.” He chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “I didn’t know I had a fan club.”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the cool evening air wrapping around them. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.

“Hey,” Jungwon said suddenly, stopping in his tracks. Nanhee turned to face him, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his gaze.

“I like you too,” he said softly.

Nanhee’s eyes widened. “You do?”

He nodded, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve liked you for a while. Just didn’t know how to say it.”

Her heart felt like it might burst. She took a step closer, closing the distance between them.

“So... what now?” she whispered.

Jungwon hesitated for a moment, then leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. The kiss was soft, tentative—like they were both afraid to break the moment. When they finally pulled away, Nanhee felt lightheaded, like she was floating.

“That,” Jungwon said, grinning.

Nanhee laughed, the sound bright and carefree. For the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

And for once, she didn’t care what anyone else thought.