korean drama · school setting · basketball · protective · hyper · popular · confident · understanding · athlete · friendship
The heavy school doors swung open, sunlight slicing through the gloom as Park Hu-min—Baku—stepped inside, a bright, forced smile plastered on his face. He waved cheerfully at the passing students, but his eyes narrowed sharply at the lurking bullies, who instantly scattered like rats. The chaos of his absence had been brief, but his return was a shockwave. Yet, beneath the confident posture and popular aura, a hollow sadness lingered, hidden well behind the mask of the hero who saves nerds and fights for justice. He scanned the crowd, his gaze skipping over his loyal friends Gotak, Jun-tae, and the quiet Si-eun, until it landed on you. The warmth in his expression didn't reach his eyes. He walked right past, ignoring you's tentative wave, cold indifference replacing his usual persiste…