Soohyun parked his car in his reserved spot, stepping out as he grabbed his belongings. His gaze landed on Jiwon's cap, the one she had given him yesterday. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he picked it up and placed it on his head. He looked like a boy proudly showing off a gift. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he exited the car and began walking toward class.
On the way, he spotted Haein, who had just parked his own car.
"Soohyun-a!" Haein called, jogging to catch up. Soohyun slowed his pace, waiting for him.
"Nice cap," Haein commented, nodding toward the hat. Soohyun's grin widened, clearly pleased.
"New one?" Haein asked, walking alongside Soohyun toward their classroom. The cap seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.
"Ani," Soohyun teased, leaving a pause, clearly waiting for Haein's curiosity to rise.
"Then?" Haein rolled his eyes, adjusting the straps of his bag as they waited for the elevator.
"Jiwon gave it to me," Soohyun finally revealed, proud as he placed his bag down at his seat.
"Jjinja?!" Haein's exaggerated reaction made Soohyun burst into laughter.
"Yak, Kim Soohyun!" Haein playfully punched his shoulder, causing Soohyun to chuckle. As the two friends made their way toward the school hall, they heard a familiar voice.
"Jung Haein!" Somin waved, standing next to Jiwon, who greeted them with a shy smile.
"Unnie, I'm heading to class," Jiwon said softly, looking at Somin, who nodded.
"Let's go," Soohyun offered, reaching for Jiwon's backpack before she could protest. He casually slung it over his shoulder, leaving the others behind.
As Soohyun slung Jiwon's backpack over his shoulder and walked ahead, a small tug of amusement pulled at Haein's lips. He glanced over at Somin, who had just caught up to them, noticing how her eyes were following the pair with growing curiosity.
"Did he just—" Somin began, eyes wide with surprise as she saw Soohyun effortlessly hoisting Jiwon's bag onto his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world. The way Jiwon was trying to get it back, with her flustered expression and soft protests, made the scene even more amusing.
"Yep," Haein smirked, crossing his arms as they both watched the dynamic unfold before them. Jiwon trailed after Soohyun, her steps quick as she tried to retrieve her bag, but Soohyun skillfully dodged her efforts, chuckling each time she got close.
Somin shook her head, her eyebrows raising in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see Soohyun acting like this," she muttered, watching the way Soohyun bent down slightly to look at Jiwon's pout, his expression soft and fond. He ruffled her hair gently, and Jiwon's sulk deepened, which only seemed to make Soohyun more entertained.
"Looks like our best friend is falling hard for your baby cousin," Haein teased, a playful glint in his eye as he nudged Somin lightly.
Somin couldn't help but laugh, though she shook her head again in mock disbelief. "What a plot twist. I thought they were just getting close because of you and me, but..." Her voice trailed off as she studied the scene ahead, noting how Soohyun seemed different—lighter, more carefree when he was around Jiwon.
"Look at him," Haein added, chuckling as Soohyun smiled at Jiwon, his eyes soft as he teased her gently. "He's even got that proud smile every time she tries to argue back. It's like he's showing off."
Somin's eyes then flickered to Soohyun's head, and something clicked. "Wait a second... Is that...?" Her gaze narrowed. She recognized the familiar baseball cap sitting proudly atop Soohyun's head.
"By the way," Haein added with a smirk, clearly enjoying this moment. "Soohyun's wearing Jiwon's cap."
Somin's eyes widened even more, her mouth dropping open. "Mwo!!" she exclaimed, her voice a little louder than intended. "That's Jiwon's cap? The one she used to wear on set all the time?"
Haein laughed, handing Somin her bag as they watched Soohyun and Jiwon fade into the crowd, their playful banter continuing. "Yep. Looks like Soohyun's wearing it like a badge of honor."
Somin shook her head, still shocked, but a smile slowly spread across her face. "Well, this should be interesting."
...
"Oppa, we're just a few meters from my class. You can give me my bag now," Jiwon said as she noticed Soohyun casually hoisting her backpack.
"Gwencana, I'll give it to you at your classroom door," Soohyun teased, flashing a grin. That's when Jiwon noticed the cap on his head.
"Oh!" Jiwon pointed, a small giggle escaping her lips. Soohyun's smile grew wider.
"Looks good, right?" he asked, pleased with her reaction. Jiwon chuckled again, and Soohyun found himself momentarily lost in her smile—her bright eyes sparkling as she tried to contain her amusement.
"Yeah, you look good," Jiwon praised him, and they finally stopped in front of her class.
"Here's your bag." Soohyun handed it back, and Jiwon accepted it with a smile.
"Gomawo, oppa," she said with a small wave before stepping into her class. Soohyun watched her settle in, ensuring she was okay before heading off, turning his cap backward as he walked away. The subtle shift in his look didn't go unnoticed by the girls around him, though their jealousy flared as Soohyun's attention remained on Jiwon.
...
Inside the class, Jiwon sat beside Jieun, both of them deeply engrossed in their project when a group of girls suddenly approached. The atmosphere in the room changed, tension simmering as the leader of the group—a tall girl with a sharp glare—marched up to their desk. Without a word, she swiped their books off the table, letting them fall to the floor with a loud thud.
Jiwon's heart pounded, but she wasn't afraid. Not this time. She had been bullied before, but after everything that had happened, after Soohyun's growing protectiveness, something in her had shifted. She wasn't going to take it anymore. She doesn't want to be a burden for Soohyun.
Her jaw clenched, and she stood up, her fists curling at her sides. "Pick it up," she said coldly, locking eyes with the leader.
The girl blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting Jiwon to stand her ground. "What did you just say to me?" she sneered, taking a step closer, her voice dripping with malice.
"You heard me," Jiwon said firmly, her voice steady. Her heart raced, but her gaze never wavered. "Pick. It. Up."
The girls around them gasped. No one had ever spoken back to the leader like this. Jieun, though tense, was quietly proud of Jiwon's courage, but she could see the storm brewing.
"That's what you get when you ignore our command." The leader's smirk made Jiwon scoff. Did they turn blind? She and Soohyun are just walking together, and he is Somin and Haein's best friend, so he cares for her like his little sister.
"Who are you for me to follow your order?" Jiwon smirked. They could see the atmosphere change.
The leader spat, stepping even closer. "We've known Soohyun sunbae for years. You're just some nobody who's been here for what, a few weeks?"
