The sky was overcast, as it usually was during these months, and the lush green trees were covered in snow. Christmas break had ended, and it was time to return to school.
But this time, something was different.Or rather… someone.
A new boy. She hadn't seen him the previous year.
His skin was warm-toned, his hair a deep chestnut brown—a contrast striking enough to make her look twice. He was sitting near the window, the pale winter light spilling over his face as he smiled with an almost mysterious calm. There was something about his expression—so serene, so effortlessly charming—that Jiun froze in the doorway, caught in that smile without realizing someone was watching her.
—Park Jiun, why are you still standing in the doorway? —said the teacher sharply, pulling her out of her daydream.
Jiun's heart skipped a beat. The sound of her name drew the attention of the whole class… including his.
—S-sorry —said Jiun quickly, feeling heat rush to her cheeks.
She walked to her seat with awkward, hesitant steps. The only empty chair in the room happened to be right next to his.
The teacher resumed speaking.
—Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a wonderful New Year. Today we have a new classmate. We don't usually accept transfers this time of year, but this time, we'll make an exception —said the teacher warmly.
The boy stood up. There was something in his presence—a natural confidence—that made it hard to look away.
—My name is Kim Minseo —said Minseo firmly—. I'm a transfer student from Canada. I hope to get along with all of you.
He didn't say much, but he said it with certainty.
After a slight bow, he walked straight to the seat beside Jiun. She followed him with her eyes, unable to help herself. Just as he passed her, their eyes met. Jiun felt a jolt in her stomach and immediately looked away, flustered. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Minseo smiling faintly, as if amused.
He sat beside her with ease and, without hesitation, spoke.
—Classmate, may I know your name? —asked Minseo casually.
It took Jiun a moment to react.
—M-me…? —said Jiun nervously.
Minseo raised an eyebrow, glancing exaggeratedly around the room.
—I don't see any other classmate here —said Minseo playfully.
Jiun's face burned with embarrassment. When she got nervous, her mouth always spoke before her brain. And blurting out "me" like that had definitely proven it.
—I'm… Park Jiun —said Jiun in a trembling voice.
Minseo looked at her for another second before smiling with a faint, unreadable expression.
Class hadn't even officially begun, yet Jiun already knew this semester was going to be different.Very different.