“Sometimes curiosity begins with a whisper…
and ends up changing everyone’s life.”
The classroom stayed unusually quiet.
Every pair of eyes moved back and forth between Jeheon…
…and Yongi.
Finally—
Heosok raised his hand.
“Sir.”
The teacher sighed.
“…Yes?”
“I’m trying really hard to focus on today’s lesson.”
“But I have one tiny problem.”
The class already knew what was coming.
He pointed at Jeheon.
Then at Yongi.
“…Why does he have his face?”
The classroom exploded with laughter.
Even the teacher couldn’t help smiling.
“I was wondering the same thing.”
Jeheon blinked.
“My…
what?”
Heosok stood up and walked closer.
He looked at Jeheon.
Then slowly turned toward Yongi.
Then back again.
“…This is creepy.”
Jisoo folded her arms.
“It’s not creepy.”
“It’s statistically unbelievable.”
Heosok nodded.
“See?”
“Even Jisoo is confused.”
“I’m not confused.”
“I’m…
scientifically concerned.”
Jiwoo leaned forward across her desk.
She looked at Jeheon.
Then Yongi.
Then Jeheon again.
After a few seconds…
She smiled.
“I figured it out.”
The entire class looked at her.
“You two copied each other’s homework.”
Silence.
Then—
Everyone laughed.
Even Yongi let out the smallest smile.
Heosok pointed dramatically.
“I knew it!”
Jisoo covered her face.
“That doesn’t even make sense.”
“It doesn’t have to.”
Jiwoo replied proudly.
“It made everyone laugh.”
The teacher clapped his hands.
“All right.”
“Comedy club is over.”
He looked at Jeheon.
“Would you like to introduce yourself properly?”
Jeheon stood.
“My name is Jeheon.”
“I transferred here today.”
“I…”
He hesitated.
“…I’m not very good at studying.”
The classroom became quiet again.
Then Heosok grinned.
“Perfect.”
“You’ll make me look smart.”
Jeheon couldn’t help laughing.
“So that’s your welcome?”
“It’s the best one you’ll get.”
Another wave of laughter spread through the room.
For the first time since entering…
Jeheon felt some of the nervousness disappear.
Meanwhile…
Yongi quietly watched him.
There was something strangely familiar about the new boy.
Not his face.
His expressions.
The way he paused before answering.
The way he looked around the room before speaking.
Yongi closed his book.
Just once.
And for the first time in years…
He became more interested in a person than the page in front of him.
Outside the classroom…
A man stood beside the school gate.
Hidden beneath a black umbrella.
He looked toward the classroom window.
“…So.”
“They’ve finally met.”
He turned away.
Before disappearing into the crowd once again.