The day had begun quietly at Huweol High, but tension lingered in the hallways. Word of Hwang Siyeok's flawless handling of Kang Jae-Hoon yesterday had already spread. Whispers followed him like shadows as he walked to class, green eyes scanning the environment with his usual precision.
Shy Suya trailed behind, curiosity growing. "Do you think he'll try something again?" she whispered to herself, frowning.
Hwang Siyeok already knew. Kang's frustration had boiled overnight into a plan. Today, the confrontation would be deliberate.
Lunchtime arrived, and Hwang Siyeok chose the usual shaded spot. His meal was laid out neatly: ramen and bread with banana. Moments later, Kang appeared with two friends, blocking the path to the benches.
"Ready to lose gracefully?" Kang sneered.
Hwang Siyeok looked up calmly. "I'm not here to fight. But I will defend myself if necessary."
Kang charged suddenly, aiming directly at Hwang Siyeok's midsection. This time, it wasn't just a shove; it was a calculated strike meant to test Siyeok's reaction.
With fluid precision, Hwang Siyeok sidestepped, pivoting just enough to let Kang's momentum carry him forward. The movement was smooth, almost effortless. The two friends tried to intervene, but Siyeok's movements were perfect — he gently redirected them with minimal effort, ensuring no one was injured.
"Stop dodging and face me!" Kang shouted, frustration growing.
Hwang Siyeok remained calm. "There's no need to escalate further. But I will not allow harm."
Kang's anger escalated. He lunged again, faster this time. Hwang Siyeok, observing the angles and timing, intercepted him. With a controlled motion, he guided Kang to the ground, but instead of striking, he used balance and leverage to pin him lightly.
The crowd of students gasped, murmuring. Shy Suya's eyes widened. Hwang Siyeok wasn't just fast or strong; he controlled every movement, every reaction, with precise calculation.
"You… you're unreal," Kang muttered, struggling against the gentle but firm hold.
"I am human," Hwang Siyeok replied calmly. "But understanding your actions allows control without unnecessary force."
Kang's friends finally stepped back, realizing that brute force alone could not match Hwang Siyeok's precision. The confrontation ended not in violence, but in a demonstration of skill, awareness, and calm dominance.
Hwang Siyeok released Kang, standing tall. "Consider this a lesson — aggression rarely wins against observation and control."
Kang scrambled up, rage simmering, but he knew he had lost the moment he attempted to escalate. Humiliation burned, but defeat was unavoidable.
Shy Suya approached, her curiosity and admiration shining. "You… you didn't even hurt him. And yet… you won."
Hwang Siyeok smiled faintly. "Control, understanding, and precision often matter more than strength or anger."
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