???????? || Pi Hanwool ?

Hana walked toward her classroom in a daze.

"Come home with me after school."

Pi Hanwool's words echoed in her mind.

She knew he would never pressure her, but she also knew one undeniable truth-Hanwool hated sleeping alone. And yet, she wasn't about to make it easy for him. Let him suffer a little longer.

The corridor buzzed with students gossiping about the brief yet explosive fight between Gamin and Hanwool. Hana scowled at the chatter, glaring at every passing whisper. The rumors had probably evolved into the school's hottest debate:

"Who will Ryu Hana choose-her boyfriend, or the Study Group?"

The answer was simple.

She wouldn't choose.

She would stand by the Study Group. She would stay with Hanwool. They were both important to her, and no one-no one-was going to force her to pick a side.

***

After a long, exhausting school day-and after flatly refusing Hanwool's offer for a ride-Hana opted for the quiet solitude of the bus. The hum of the engine, the occasional chatter, and the rhythmic rocking were oddly calming.

By the time she reached home, the sky had started to turn golden. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.

"Hana!"

Her housekeeper's voice rang out before she even had time to take off her shoes.

"I was so worried about you! Have you eaten anything? Are you hungry?"

Hana smiled at the older woman's fussing.

"I'm fine, Aunty," she reassured her. "And yes, I am starving."

The woman huffed, already heading toward the kitchen. "Alright, I'll heat up the food. Go freshen up first, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Hana mock-saluted with a grin before heading to her room.

Home.

For now, at least, things felt normal.

"It seems the pretty princess is back," Minhwan said, stepping in front of her like an obnoxious roadblock.

Hana barely spared him a glance and walked around.

"Hey! That's not fair! You forgave Hanwool, so why not me?" he asked, clearly offended.

Hana shot him a deadpan look, shoved him aside, and disappeared into her room.

Minhwan rolled his eyes before heading toward the room where Hanwool usually lounged.

He strolled in, casually loading his gun and twirling it between his fingers like some action-movie extra. "Hana's here," he announced.

Hanwool, who was sitting with one leg lazily draped over the other, rubbing his temples, slowly lifted his gaze. "She is?"