Chapter 3:
The next morning, Ji-eun walked into school with her usual nervous steps. She kept her eyes on the ground, hugging her bag close, hoping no one would bother her today.
But something was different.
The hallway felt quieter.
The whispers weren't as sharp.
The stares weren't as cruel.
She didn't know that behind her, just a few steps away…
Min-jun was watching.
He wasn't sure why he was doing this.
He didn't normally care about other people's problems.
But ever since he saw Ji-eun crying, something had changed inside him — something he didn't want to admit.
From the end of the hallway, he saw Seo-yeon approaching Ji-eun with her usual smirk.
Min-jun's eyes narrowed.
Before Seo-yeon could say a single word, he stepped forward.
"Seo-yeon."
His voice was calm but firm.
She froze.
"…Yes?"
He tilted his head, cold and expressionless.
"If you're planning to start something again… don't."
Seo-yeon swallowed. "I—I wasn't—"
"I don't care what excuse you make."
His tone dropped lower.
"Just leave her alone."
Ji-eun's eyes widened.
He was… defending her again?
Seo-yeon forced a smile and hurried away, pretending she had somewhere to be.
Min-jun didn't look satisfied — but he looked relieved.
Ji-eun clutched her bag.
"I… I didn't expect you to do that," she whispered.
"You don't have to expect anything."
He avoided her eyes, staring at the floor.
"I just don't like seeing people get picked on."
She nodded softly, though she didn't believe him entirely.
There was more.
But she didn't understand it yet.
The school bell rang.
They walked toward the classroom — quietly, awkwardly, but strangely comfortable.
For the first time, Min-jun slowed down his steps…
so Ji-eun wouldn't have to walk alone.
---
During class, Ji-eun tried her best to focus, but her mind kept drifting.
Why is he helping me?
Why does he care?
She glanced up—
Min-jun was already looking at her.
Their eyes met.
He didn't look away.
Ji-eun quickly turned her head, her face burning red, pretending to read her book.
Min-jun hid a small smirk behind his hand.
She was cute when flustered.
He didn't know why he thought that…
…but he did.
And that scared him a little.
---
When school ended, it started to rain suddenly. Students complained and ran for the gate.
Ji-eun didn't have an umbrella.
She stepped outside anyway, ready to get soaked—
A shadow appeared beside her.
Min-jun held his umbrella over her head.
She looked up, eyes wide.
"You… why are you—"
He didn't meet her eyes.
His ears were slightly red.
"Just walk," he said quietly.
"You'll get sick."
And for the first time…
they walked home together in silence, sharing one umbrella, while the soft rain fell around them.