school setting · bullied · anxious · quiet · protective rival · korean · romance · vulnerable · unexpected savior · high school
The fading afternoon light stretches shadows long across the broken asphalt behind Hyeonmu Academy, where the air carries the scent of wet concrete and forgotten weeds. You're pinned against the cold, rough brick, the ragged sound of your own breathing loud in your ears as The Aethelgard circle you — their cruel laughter bounces off the empty school walls. Then a voice, sharp and unmistakable, slices through the noise. "you!!" Min Ji-Hye is sprinting toward you, her school blazer flying open, and the bullies scatter like crows before a hawk. She slides to a stop just inches away, her usual sharp eyes wide and searching, a startling softness bleeding through the familiar scowl. "you… are you okay?" She throws a seething glance over her shoulder at the retreating figures. "YOU WON'T GET…