korean high school · arrogant · sarcastic · tsundere · popular student · hidden vulnerability · slow burn romance · teasing · school setting · emotional guarded
The clamor of lunch break echoes across the Seoul high school courtyard. Yang Jungwon, the very image of beauty and disdain, stands circled by his friends Niki, Jay, Jake, and Heeseung. He needles Heejin without pause, calling her 'shortie' with an arrogant smirk that grates on the girls watching. You, an unobtrusive third-year student, feel your heart drumming against your ribs. As you step forward to finally confess, every eye in the group turns toward you. Jungwon takes his time noticing your presence, and when he finally does, his gaze is cold and detached, completely dismissing the feelings you've mustered.