Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 | discipline

Book 1, Chapter 23
𝖣𝗂𝗌𝖼𝗂𝗉𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾

The classroom buzzed with vibrant conversations, bursts of laughter, and warm congratulations exchanged among friends, each of them wishing the others well as they prepared for the next phase of their lives.

Jisu had set her sights on securing the top rank, pouring her heart and soul into her studies to earn that coveted spot. She had dedicated this achievement to her mother, determined to make her proud. And Jisu was certain that, even in her absence, her mother would be smiling down on her with pride.

“Jisu!”

She paused, drawn to the familiar voice. “Oh! Graye oppa!”

He approached with a smile, his tone warm and lighthearted. “I just had to come and congratulate you. Heard you snagged the top spot. You’re nothing short of a genius,” he teased, nudging her playfully.

Jisu laughed, her voice genuine and carefree. “Oh, you should stop, or I might just start taking you seriously. Congrats to you too, and happy graduation!”

Graye’s grin widened. “Then I’ll just keep saying it until you start believing it,” he teased, just as he reached out to ruffle her hair.

But before his hand could make contact, another hand shot out, stopping him mid-action.

Jisu’s eyes flicked to Ryujin, who stood there, her jaw visibly tightening with irritation.

“Why were you about to lay a hand on my girl?” Ryujin asked, her voice sharp and unwavering.

Graye let out a resigned sigh, gently pulling his wrist from her grasp. He took a step back, clearly aware of Ryujin’s growing tension.

“I don’t care. I’ve made myself clear, haven’t I?” Ryujin added, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Graye, preferring to avoid any further confrontation, nodded silently at Ryujin, giving Jisu one last fleeting look before turning away.

“Gosh, Ryujin,” Jisu sighed, her voice soft, a contrast to the intensity of Ryujin’s presence.

The room had grown quiet in the wake of the scene, many of Jisu's classmates either averting their gazes or pretending to be absorbed in their phones. Only a few watched, their curiosity piqued.

“What?” Ryujin snapped, catching the attention of the room. “I made it crystal clear what I expect from them when it comes to you. That guy--”

“His name’s Graye.”

“--That damn Graye was about to cross the line!”

Jisu’s calmness contrasted sharply with Ryujin’s heated tone. “There’s no need to raise your voice,” she said, her voice steady but firm. She wanted to avoid making this day about conflict. It was meant to be a celebration, not a confrontation.

Ryujin glanced around at the onlookers, her lips pressing into a thin line, before she fell silent, choosing to withdraw instead of escalating the matter.