checkmate. | pi hanwool

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CHECKMATE

The moment Gaeun stepped into the classroom, the murmurs followed her. She didn’t need to look around to know what they were about. Word spread fast at Yusung Technical High—especially when it involved fights, rumors, or someone standing up to the wrong person. And apparently, getting slapped by a random girl over Pi Hanwool was enough to make her today’s topic of interest.

She ignored the lingering stares as she made her way to her seat, her expression unreadable.

The second she sat down, Heewon—who was seated in front of her—turned around, eyes flickering with quiet concern.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly, keeping her voice low so no one else could hear.

Gaeun sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You heard about it already?"

Heewon nodded. "People talk. A lot."

Gaeun wasn’t surprised. Yusung students thrived on drama. If there was even the smallest bit of chaos, it spread like wildfire.

"I’m fine," she muttered, leaning back in her chair. "It was just a misunderstanding."

Heewon frowned slightly. "A misunderstanding that ended with you getting slapped?"

"She thought I was flirting with Hanwool," Gaeun said, her tone flat.

Heewon blinked. "Wait—what?"

Gaeun exhaled. "Exactly."

There was a brief silence before Heewon spoke again, this time even quieter. "And what did Hanwool say?"

Gaeun hesitated.

She hadn’t really had time to process what had just happened. The tension. The way Hanwool had looked at her—not mocking, not indifferent, but something else. The way his presence had shifted the entire situation without him even trying.

She didn’t like it.

"He didn’t know her. Said he didn’t care to."

Heewon hummed. "That sounds like him."

Gaeun raised an eyebrow. "You know him?"

"Not personally," Heewon clarified. "But his reputation speaks for itself. He doesn’t get involved unless he has to."

Gaeun scoffed. "Lucky me, then."

Heewon studied her for a moment before sighing. "Just… be careful, okay?"

Gaeun rolled her eyes. "It’s fine. I told him to control his fan club next time."

Heewon’s lips twitched slightly. "I’m sure that went well."

Before Gaeun could respond, the door to the classroom opened, and the idle chatter around them died down as a teacher walked in.

It was time for class.

Gaeun let out a quiet breath, straightening in her seat.