The morning air was cool and quiet.
Ana stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the unfamiliar uniform.
A crisp white shirt.
A dark blue skirt that fell neatly to her knees.
White socks.
Black shoes.
And a black backpack resting against her shoulders.
She stared at her reflection for a moment.
I really have to go… to school?
Her fingers tightened around the straps of her bag as she stepped outside, walking down the street with slow, reluctant steps.
Why…?
I already finished school… eight… nine years ago.
Her brows furrowed.
Why do I have to go through this again…?
Her thoughts drifted back to the dinner table the night before.
“New session starts tomorrow.” She had frozen mid-bite.
“…School?” Her voice had come out louder than expected.
Her mother laughed lightly.
“Of course.
You’re in your second year.” Then her expression softened, turning slightly worried.
“You used to love going to school… but ever since you reached senior year, you’ve been different.
Did something happen?” Ana’s steps slowed.
…Something did happen.
Fragments of memory surfaced.
A classroom.
Whispers.
Silence.
Loneliness.
No one talked to her… Like she didn’t exist.
But before that— She had friends.
Many of them.
She was liked.
Popular, even.
So what changed?
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
That’s all I remember… for now.
If I want to survive in this life… I need to understand what happened to her.
The school gates came into view.
As soon as she stepped inside, she felt it.
Eyes.
Everywhere.
People were staring.
“…Why are they looking at me like that?” She kept walking, trying to ignore it— —and suddenly collided with someone.
Her body tilted forward.
She was about to fall— —but a hand caught her.
Firm.
Steady.
Another hand pressed lightly against her back, pulling her upright.
For a brief moment, they were too close.
She could hear it.
A heartbeat.
Fast.
Loud.
Almost explosive.
Her breath hitched as she snapped back to reality and stepped away.
“Sorry… I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She looked up.
And froze.
He stood tall—easily over six feet—with a sharp, composed presence.
His black hair fell neatly over his forehead, and his striking purple eyes reflected no warmth.
Cold.
Perfect.
Controlled.
“You look different today,” he said flatly.
“Where are your glasses?” Ana’s eyes widened slightly.
A memory surfaced.
Kelin Seol.
He had been her only friend.
Back when no one else cared.
They studied together.
Sat in the library for hours.
Walked home after school.
Laughed.
Talked.
Trusted each other.
Until one day— “Don’t talk to me again.” His voice had been distant.
Cold.
She had grabbed his hand, desperate.
“Why?” He had shaken her off.
“Just stay away from me.” Ana blinked.
So this was him.
Her—no, Ana’s—first love.
A faint scoff escaped her mind.
That’s her story.
Not mine.
Her expression turned completely blank.
Without a word— She walked past him.
Just like that.
“Sorry, Ana,” she muttered internally.
“I’m not like you.” “I don’t hold on to people who don’t value me.” Behind her, Kel stood still.
His brows furrowed.
…What was that?
He turned, watching her walk away.
She didn’t even look at me properly… A strange discomfort settled in his chest.
Why does she feel… so different today?
Nearby, whispers spread.
“Isn’t that her?” “The one who ranks people based on their looks?” “She’s pretty herself, but… she’s so mean.” “No wonder no one talks to her.” Kel’s expression darkened.
A sharp, cold aura surrounded him as he glanced at them.
They froze.
“…Let’s go.” They quickly scattered, fear evident in their steps.
Kel exhaled slowly, trying to control his anger.
His gaze returned to Ana.
What happened to you…?
Ana sat by the window, staring outside.
The noise of the classroom faded into the background.
This isn’t new.
Loneliness.
Silence.
Distance.
She had lived like this before.
And survived.
I don’t need friends.
The bell rang.
Students stirred.
More whispers.
She glanced toward the door.
Someone had entered.
A boy with a composed presence walked in confidently.
The room grew quiet.
Their eyes met briefly— —and he immediately looked away.
shy.
…What was that?
She frowned slightly.
As she observed, she quickly understood.
He was the school president.
Monitoring behavior.
Enforcing rules.
Authority.
Control.
Not my concern.
She turned back to the window.
School ended.
Finally, Ana stepped outside, exhaling softly.
I should focus on understanding this life… She turned into a quieter path, her thoughts deepening.
But… is it right?
Her steps slowed.
I’m not the real Ana.
If I get close to them… A memory flashed— A girl laughing brightly, holding Lily’s hand, running along a beach.
Warmth.
Happiness.
Loss.
Ana’s chest tightened.
“…No.” Her gaze hardened.
“I won’t get attached again.” She looked up at the sky, her eyes faintly shimmering.
Loneliness lingered—silent, heavy.
“Whoa.” A voice suddenly broke through her thoughts.
A strand of long white hair brushed across her face.
She froze.
A boy stood too close.
Way too close.
Gray-black eyes.
Playful expression.
A lollipop resting between his lips.
“…What the hell?!” She stepped back instantly.
“Who are you?!” He tilted his head, blinking.
“…Am I that scary?” A grin spread across his face.
“People usually say I’m handsome.” Ana stared at him, unimpressed.
“…Wow.” “I’m really sorry,” he continued casually.
“But what are you doing here?” “…Excuse me?” she snapped.
Who even is this guy?
She turned to leave— —but suddenly felt a pull.
Her bag was yanked from behind.
She spun around.
“I’m Erden Sung,” he said, still holding her bag.
“Your new neighbor.” Her expression darkened.
“…Let go.” He stepped closer— Too close.
That was his mistake.
A second later— THUD.
Her fist drove straight into his stomach.
He collapsed instantly.
“Ow—!
What was that for?!” “Don’t.
Do that again,” she said coldly.
He groaned on the ground.
“…You hit hard.” “Want another one?” She raised her fist slightly.
“…No.
I’m good.” He coughed, then looked up.
“Wait… don’t you know me?” “Why would I?” “…Didn’t your mom tell you anything?” Ana paused.
Morning conversation with her mother.
A guest is coming for dinner… our new neighbor.
Her eyes widened slightly.
“…You?” He grinned brightly.
“Bingo.” She sighed.
“So why are you here?” “To get you,” he said casually.
“You were late.
Your family was worried.” “…And you decided to interfere?” He shrugged.
“I didn’t want the family meeting to start with a sad mood.” “…It’s just dinner.” “Same thing.” She turned and started walking.
“I’m going home.” “Wait for me!” They arrived at the house.
The garden was lively.
Everyone was gathered.
Voices.
Laughter.
Warmth.
Her mother immediately noticed her.
“Ana!
Where were you?
I told you to come early!” Ana paused.
Before she could answer— An arm suddenly wrapped around her shoulders.
She stiffened.
ED smiled casually.
“She was just showing me around.” He leaned slightly closer.
“Right, Ana?”