[Morning –– Outside the House] Ana stepped out of the house, adjusting the strap of her bag.
And stopped.
Ed was already there.
Leaning casually against the gate, dressed in the same school uniform, as if he had always belonged there.
“…What are you doing here?” she asked.
He straightened, grinning.
“Waiting.” “For what?” “For you.” She frowned slightly.
“Why?” He tilted his head.
“Do you not like it?
Walking together?” “It’s not that,” she replied flatly, already walking past him.
“Just don’t make it a habit.” He followed anyway.
[School Gate] The moment they entered— Eyes turned.
Whispers followed.
Ana felt it instantly.
Attention.
Unwanted.
Unnecessary.
She exhaled softly, ignoring it as she walked toward her class.
Then— “HEY!” A figure rushed toward them.
Before Ana could react— Ed was slammed against the wall.
A hand gripped his collar tightly.
“You—what the hell are you doing here?” Kel.
His voice was low, sharp with restrained anger.
Ed didn’t flinch.
Instead, he smiled—and grabbed Kel’s wrist.
“Can’t you see?” he said lightly.
“I’m here to study.” “YOU?” Kel’s fist tightened.
Ana stepped forward.
“Enough.” Both of them looked at her.
“If you want to fight,” she said coldly, “don’t do it in front of everyone.” Her gaze shifted to Kel.
“Let go.” There was a brief pause— Then Kel released him.
Ed straightened his collar, still smiling.
“Ana,” he said dramatically, “you should be protecting your friend.” She looked at him.
Blank.
“Friend?” Kel’s expression flickered.
“Since when?” he asked.
Ana turned away.
“It never happened.” And walked off.
[Back of the School] Kel grabbed Ed and dragged him behind the building.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“Told you,” Ed shrugged.
“Studying.” Kel scoffed.
“You?” Ed smirked.
“You’re still easy to read.” Kel swung a punch— Ed dodged.
“…What are you doing with her?” Kel asked again, voice tighter now.
Ed’s smile faded slightly.
“We’re close,” he said.
“We walk together.
Sit together.” A pause.
“Any problem?” Kel’s jaw clenched.
“…Why are you doing this?” Ed leaned closer.
“Because you won’t.” Silence.
Then, softer— “Your first love… doesn’t even look at you anymore.” Kel froze.
“…Shut up.” “If you want her back,” Ed said, stepping away, “try being someone worth choosing.” [Classroom – First Period] The class settled.
Then— The door opened.
Kel stepped in.
“I’m here for inspection,” he said calmly.
As school president, he didn’t need permission.
But his eyes betrayed him.
They went straight to Ana.
Then to Ed beside her.
Ed noticed.
And smiled.
Deliberately— He reached for Ana’s hand.
THACK.
She hit him without hesitation.
“Don’t.” He rubbed his head.
“That’s not how you treat a friend.” “Good thing you’re not one.” Kel’s hand slammed onto a desk.
The room fell silent.
He didn’t say anything.
Just turned— And left.
[Announcement] Before lunch, a notice echoed through the class.
“A fifteen-day class coordination program will begin today, ending with a school trip.” Murmurs spread.
“All class presidents are required to attend a meeting in the hall after lunch.” Ana didn’t react.
[Lunch] The cafeteria buzzed.
Ana stood in line— —and felt it again.
Attention.
She turned.
Ed stood beside her, completely at ease, drawing eyes without effort.
She jabbed his side.
“Ow—what was that for?” “That’s exactly why.” They sat.
Moments later— Kel joined them.
Ana glanced up.
“Why are you here?” “I want to be,” he said quickly.
Then, quieter— “Can’t I?” She didn’t answer.
Ed leaned forward.
“Ana, eat this.” He placed chicken on her tray.
Kel immediately added his.
“No, eat mine.” Back and forth.
Again.
Again.
BANG.
Ana slammed her hand on the table.
“Enough.” Silence.
“Eat your own food.” Both of them “…Yes, ma’am.” [Hall – After Lunch] The hall was already occupied.
At the center stood Min Cheol, vice president.
Her.
Short light-brown hair.
Sharp black eyes.
Confidence.
Control.
The kind that came from influence.
She smiled when she saw Ana.
“Well… if it isn’t our class president.” Ana didn’t respond.
She walked past and sat down, crossing her legs calmly.
The girl’s smile tightened.
“You’re early today,” she said.
“That’s new.” No answer.
Min watched quietly.
Something’s different.
The girl stepped closer.
“…Did you forget what happened last time?” Silence.
Then— A cold splash.
Soda poured over Ana’s head.
Laughter erupted.
Drops slid down her face.
Her uniform clung slightly from the liquid.
But she didn’t move.
Didn’t react.
The laughter slowly died.
Because something felt… off.
Her chair scraped as she stood.
Slow.
Controlled.
Her hand lifted, brushing her wet hair back.
Then— Her eyes met the girl’s.
“…Who did it?” Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
The girl smirked.
“What if I did?” Ana stepped forward.
Each step precise.
Measured.
“You want attention,” she said quietly.
“A reaction.” She stopped in front of her.
“But this?” she glanced at her soaked uniform, then back— “…this is lazy.” The room shifted.
The girl’s smile faltered.
“What did you say?” “You use the same trick every time,” Ana continued.
“Public humiliation.
Group laughter.” A pause.
“It only works on people who care about your approval.” Silence.
Heavy.
Min leaned back slightly, watching closely.
The girl’s expression hardened.
“You think you’re above everyone?” Ana met her gaze.
“No.” Then— “I just don’t depend on people like you.” That hit.
Direct.
The girl stepped closer, invading her space.
“You’ve gotten bold.” “And you’ve stayed predictable.” A crack.
Just enough.
The power shifted.
Subtle.But real