Winter Falls || Lee Know ✓

🎓:Jiho.

Weeks had passed since the chaotic movie night at Minho's place, and life had settled back into its regular routine—well, as regular as it could get with Minho and Suhyun now officially dating. Their friends had quickly adjusted to the shift, even if the teasing was relentless, especially from Seungmin.

"Never thought I'd see the day where you two actually stop bickering and start dating," Seungmin had remarked, earning an eye roll from Minho and a playful punch from Suhyun. But, despite the jokes and teasing, their friends were happy for them.

However, there was one storm cloud looming on the horizon—Jiho.

Jiho had been suspended for a month after his confrontation with Suhyun, a dark episode that no one liked to talk about, least of all Suhyun. The mere mention of his name was enough to make her uneasy, her usually bright demeanor dimming.

And now, his suspension was over. Jiho was back.

Minho noticed the change in Suhyun the moment they walked into school that morning. She had been quieter than usual, her cheerful energy subdued. As they approached their classroom, Suhyun hesitated for just a second—barely noticeable, but enough for Minho to catch it.

"Hey," he said softly, his hand brushing hers as they walked. "You okay?"

Suhyun glanced at him, her smile small and forced. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... tired."

Minho didn't buy it. He knew Suhyun too well by now to believe that she was just tired. He also knew exactly why she was acting this way—Jiho.

He hadn't forgotten what Jiho had done to her. No one had. The group had rallied around Suhyun during that time, offering their support, but it was Minho who had taken it the hardest. Jiho was someone he knew too well, someone from his past who had always been a thorn in his side. Jiho hated seeing Minho happy, and now that Minho had Suhyun in his life, Jiho had found a new way to hurt him—through her.

Minho had made a decision after everything that happened: he wouldn't let Jiho get between him and Suhyun, not this time. He had spent enough time avoiding her, keeping his distance to protect her from whatever mess Jiho might stir up. But now, that was over. Minho wasn't going to run anymore.

He was going to stay by Suhyun's side.

As they walked into the classroom, Minho instinctively moved closer to Suhyun, subtly positioning himself between her and the door. He scanned the room, searching for the familiar face he had hoped he wouldn't see—but there he was.

Jiho sat at the back of the class, leaning back in his chair with an expression that oozed arrogance. The moment his eyes landed on Minho and Suhyun, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Minho felt a surge of anger bubble up, but he forced himself to stay calm. He wasn't going to give Jiho the satisfaction of a reaction.

Suhyun's grip on her bag tightened as she noticed Jiho too, her body stiffening beside Minho. Without a word, Minho reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She glanced up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and gratitude.

"I'm right here," Minho whispered, his voice low and steady. "He's not going to do anything."

Suhyun nodded, but the unease in her eyes didn't fade.

They took their usual seats in class, with Felix and Hyunjin joining them shortly after. Both of them noticed the tension in the air almost immediately.

"Jiho's back, huh?" Felix muttered, his eyes flickering toward the back of the room.

"Yeah," Minho replied, his tone clipped. "But don't worry about him."

Felix and Hyunjin exchanged a glance, neither of them saying anything more, but the silent agreement was clear—they were all watching out for Suhyun.

Class went on as usual, though Minho could feel Jiho's gaze on them the entire time. It was unnerving, but Minho refused to let it show. Instead, he focused on Suhyun, who was doing her best to keep her head down and avoid any attention.

When the bell finally rang for lunch, Suhyun hesitated again, glancing nervously at the door. Minho noticed the slight tremble in her hands as she gathered her things.

"We'll go together," he said firmly, standing up and waiting for her.

Felix stretched, flashing them a grin. "Don't worry, Suhyun. Minho's got his tough-guy face on. No one's messing with us."

Hyunjin, who had been quiet all morning, nodded. "Yeah. We've got your back."

Suhyun smiled weakly, appreciating their support, but Minho could tell she was still anxious. As they made their way out of the classroom, Minho stayed close to her side, his arm brushing hers as if to remind her that he was there.

They were halfway down the hall when they heard it—a mocking voice that sent a chill down Suhyun's spine.

"Well, well, look who it is. The happy couple."

Minho's jaw clenched as he turned to see Jiho leaning casually against the lockers, his eyes gleaming with malice. Suhyun tensed beside him, her breath catching in her throat.

"I thought you'd be smart enough to stay away from her, Minho," Jiho continued, his tone dripping with false concern. "But I guess you can't resist, huh? Always have to be the hero."

Minho's fists tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Don't start, Jiho. Just leave us alone."

Jiho's smirk widened. "Leave you alone? Why would I do that? It's so much fun watching you squirm."

Minho took a step forward, placing himself fully between Jiho and Suhyun. "I'm not going to let you ruin this for us. You don't get to decide how we live our lives."

Jiho raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, Minho. I don't need to ruin anything. You'll do that all on your own. You always do."

Minho glared at him, his patience wearing thin, but before he could say anything else, Suhyun gently tugged at his arm.

"Let's just go," she whispered, her voice shaky. "He's not worth it."

Minho hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded. She was right. Jiho wasn't worth it. He wasn't going to let Jiho drag them down into another confrontation.

As they walked away, Jiho's mocking laughter echoed down the hall, but Minho didn't look back. He tightened his grip on Suhyun's hand, silently promising her—and himself—that he wouldn't let Jiho get to them.

When they reached the cafeteria, their friends were already waiting for them at their usual table. Jeongin, Beomgyu, Hyerin, and Hwa-young waved them over, oblivious to the tension that had just unfolded.

"How's the lovebirds?" Jeongin asked with a grin, completely unaware of the dark cloud looming over them.

Minho forced a smile. "We're good," he said, sliding into his seat beside Suhyun.

But as the group launched into their usual playful banter, Minho's thoughts remained on Jiho. He knew this wasn't over. Jiho wasn't going to stop until he found a way to tear them apart. And Minho wasn't going to let that happen.

As he glanced at Suhyun, who was now laughing at one of Beomgyu's ridiculous jokes, Minho felt a renewed sense of determination. He wasn't going to let Jiho win.

Whatever it took, Minho would protect her.