Chapter 6
The next day felt strangely peaceful for Ji-eun.
Classes were normal.
The weather was soft and warm.
And Min-jun had walked her to school that morning, their hands brushing more than once, each time making her heartbeat jump.
Everything felt… lighter.
But peace never lasts long in school.
Not when people love to talk.
---
The Whisper That Hurt
Ji-eun was walking down the hallway, holding her notebook close, when she heard two boys from Class 2-3 behind her.
"Isn't that the girl who keeps following Min-jun sunbae around?"
"Yeah. She thinks she's special just because he talked to her twice."
"She's probably just desperate."
Their laughter was sharp.
Cruel.
And loud enough for the whole hallway.
Ji-eun froze.
Her throat tightened, and her eyes suddenly stung. She lowered her head, clutching her notebook harder, trying to walk away before they noticed her reaction—
"Say it again."
Everything went silent.
Ji-eun's heart stopped.
She knew that voice.
---
Min-jun's Cold Side
Min-jun stepped forward from the other end of the hall, his expression calm—but his eyes were ice.
He wasn't angry.
He wasn't shouting.
He was worse.
He was controlled.
Dangerously controlled.
The two boys stiffened.
"S–sunbae… we were just joking—"
"Say it again," Min-jun repeated, taking one measured step closer.
"Say she's desperate. Say she's following me. Say one more bad word about her."
His tone was soft.
But the hallway felt colder.
The boys swallowed hard.
"We didn't mean—"
"You did."
Min-jun's jaw tightened.
"And you said it loud because you wanted her to hear it."
Ji-eun felt her chest ache.
He was protecting her.
Not as a senior.
Not as a classmate.
As someone who cared.
---
A Public Stand
Min-jun stood directly in front of the boys now, his height and calm confidence making them step back.
"Listen carefully," he said. "If I ever hear either of you talk about her again, even as a 'joke'"—he leaned in slightly—"you'll deal with me. Understand?"
Both boys nodded quickly, faces pale.
"We're sorry!"
"Not to me."
Min-jun turned his head slightly, looking at Ji-eun.
"To her."
They hesitated, then bowed awkwardly.
"S-sorry… Ji-eun-ssi."
She didn't speak.
She couldn't.
Her throat felt like it was locked.
When the boys hurried away, the hallway buzzing with whispers, Min-jun finally turned to her.
---
When He Saw Her Tears
As soon as he saw her face—red eyes, trembling hands—his expression changed instantly.
The sharp, cold aura disappeared.
He softened in one second.
"Ji-eun," he whispered, stepping closer. "Are you okay?"
She wiped her eyes quickly. "I'm fine."
"No, you're not."
His voice was gentle now.
Protective in a different way.
Ji-eun lowered her gaze. "People will think I'm… bothering you."
He shook his head.
"I don't care what people think."
"But—"
"Look at me."
She hesitated, then slowly lifted her eyes.
And Min-jun's gaze was warm.
Burning with emotion he wasn't ready to say out loud.
"I don't want you to walk with your head down," he said softly. "Not because of anyone. And definitely not because of me."
Her breath caught.
"Min-jun sunbae…"
He stepped even closer, close enough for her to feel the heat of his body.
"If anyone makes you feel small again," he said quietly, "tell me."
Ji-eun blinked, surprised. "Why?"
Min-jun swallowed—nervous for the first time.
"Because… I want to be the one who protects you."
Her heart felt like it was melting.
---
A Small, Trembling Touch
Ji-eun's fingers trembled at her side.
Min-jun hesitated, noticed her shaking hand, and gently—very gently—placed his hand over hers.
Warm.
Safe.
Calm.
Not holding.
Just covering.
Like he was telling her: You're not alone.
Ji-eun's eyes filled again, but this time with different tears.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He gave a tiny smile, the kind he reserved only for her.
"Anytime."