Soo Jin was confused by his words but he listened, moving an inch closer.
Ji Woo stood on his feet. "Metaphor and imagery, ma'am."
"It's not your question," Mrs. Lucy said with a raised brow.
"I know. As an old student, it's my responsibility to help a new student."
"Are you trying to be a hero?" she asked.
"No," Ji Woo shook his head. That wasn't his plan. He just couldn't stand bullying.
"I think that's what you want to be," she said, the smile on her face never changing. "Detention."
The classroom filled with whispers, people flashing Ji Woo pitying gazes.
"Ma'am—" Mi Young was about to stand to help his best friend.
"Don't bother. Sit down," Mrs. Lucy said, then turned her gaze back to Soo Jin. "Don't bother taking your seat."
Ji Woo nodded without arguing. He knew what he did wasn't wrong, and he didn't regret it.
"You're being unfair," Soo Jin said calmly from his seat, looking at the teacher.
"I know," Mrs. Lucy said with a smirk. "When you're in a higher position like me, you'll understand."
The class ended in the blink of an eye.
Ji Woo's leg ached throughout from standing. He sat down with a sigh of relief.
"You didn't have to do that," Soo Jin's voice came from behind him, calm and even.
Ji Woo turned and gave him a smile. "I had to. I couldn't stand you being treated unfairly."
Soo Jin looked at him, their eyes connecting. Ji Woo quickly averted his gaze, feeling shy. "You don't have to feel emotional about it," he said.
"I'm not feeling emotional. I'm just wondering if you're just plain stupid or dumb," Soo Jin blurted out his exact thought. They'd only known each other for a day—technically, they were strangers. So why was he caring?
"I'm just being nice. You don't have to insult me," Ji Woo said with a tinge of anger. He glared at Soo Jin and laid his head on the table.
Soo Jin watched the act, a small smile creeping onto his lips. He'd discovered another side of Ji Woo: he might be a happy soul, but he was also easily provoked.
As Soo Jin's eyes lingered on Ji Woo, he felt a glare from another direction. Looking up, he saw it was Mi Young.
Soo Jin held his gaze, making sure their eyes connected, not breaking contact. He made sure his expression was provocative, meant to stir him up.
Mi Young, caught staring, wasn't ashamed or embarrassed. He stood up from his chair and walked over to Soo Jin. "Why are you staring at me?" he demanded, slamming his palm on the surface of Soo Jin's desk, grabbing the attention of everyone in the class.
Soo Jin simply raised a brow in mockery. "A dumb person will always have a stupid plan," he said, his voice clear and loud enough for everyone to hear.
Ji Woo, whose head had been on the table, was already on his feet at the sound of the slam.
"What did you say?" Mi Young asked, his fist clenched.
"Mi Young," Ji Woo called, grabbing Mi Young's arm. "Don't start a fight."
"He's the one who started it," Mi Young said with a glare, pointing angrily at Soo Jin.
"Don't start a fight," Ji Woo repeated, knowing who had truly instigated it. He and Mi Young had known each other for years, and he could read him like a book. He could tell Mi Young wanted revenge because of the detention. But nobody was at fault here. Ji Woo was the one who had chosen to help Soo Jin. So there was no need for any of this.
Soo Jin's eyes lingered on Ji Woo's hand wrapped around Mi Young's arm for a second before he looked up.
"I see… You're just a dog with no bite. So easy to control," Soo Jin said with a sneer. An instant regret washed over him. Why had he said that? Why exactly did he want to provoke Mi Young? It must be part of the revenge. Yes. To make Mi Young's life miserable.
"Soo Jin," Ji Woo glared at him, not liking what he'd said. Ji Woo might want to be kind to Soo Jin, but insulting his best friend was something he wouldn't tolerate. "I thought you were more mature than this."
Without giving Soo Jin a second glance, Ji Woo dragged Mi Young out of the classroom.
Soo Jin watched their retreating figures. His face remained neutral, but under the desk, his palm was clenched tight. You're angry that I called him a dog. How would you feel if you knew my real reason for coming to this school? he thought to himself.
---
"Why did you drag me out? You should have let me punch that smug look off his face," Mi Young grumbled angrily once they were outside.
Ji Woo rolled his eyes. "So you could get suspended?"
"Do you think I want that for you?"
"That's a silly excuse. My parents could solve it in the blink of an eye."
Ji Woo gave a mocking smile. "Have you forgotten your dad's warning about what happens if you're caught fighting?"
Mi Young sealed his lips, remembering the punishment he'd face if his father caught him in a fight.
"Scared? Nothing to say? I know you're easily provoked, but learn to tone it down so you don't suffer."
"But he insulted me first—"
"Then learn to control your temper. Do you see him bursting out and jumping around like you? He was seated and only said two sentences to provoke you."
Mi Young nodded, realizing how wrong he'd been.
"Good," Ji Woo said, happy that Mi Young was listening and willing to obey.
"You supported me this time," Mi Young said with a smile, pride filling his eyes.
"Of course I did," Ji Woo replied. "You're my best friend."
"Friends before hoes."
"Did you just call Soo Jin a hoe?" Ji Woo asked, his tone suddenly flat.