checkmate. | pi hanwool

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆
CHECKMATE

The next morning, Gaeun and Gamin walked to school together, but neither of them spoke.

The tension from last night still lingered between them, thick and unspoken. Gaeun had no energy to argue again, and Gamin, despite his usual persistence, seemed to have given up—at least for now.

Instead, they walked in silence, the cold morning air biting at their skin.

I should stop thinking about Hanwool.

The thought was firm in her mind.

She had spent too much time letting him get into her head. It was exhausting, frustrating. She needed to focus on other things—on school, on herself. Anything but him.

As they neared the school gates, a familiar voice called out.

"Yo! Gamin! Gaeun!"

She turned her head and saw Sehyun approaching, hands tucked in his pockets. Beside him were Heewon and Jiwoo, and standing a little behind them was a red-haired guy—Lee Jun.

"Ah, the twins. Finally, we don’t have to enter like loners," Jiwoo joked as they fell into step together

Gaeun just offered a small nod in greeting, still not in the mood for much talking.

But just as they reached the school gate—A figure stepped in front of them, blocking their way.

Gyujin.

The disciplinary committee’s infamous watchdog.

"The six of you. Come here. Come here." His voice was firm as he gestured with his hand.

The group exchanged glances before reluctantly stepping forward. Gyujin scanned them up and down before pointing his stick.

"Who said you don’t have to wear a jacket?" he scolded. "It’s still winter dressing season, you brats."

Heewon, standing next to Sehyun, blinked innocently. "I’m wearing a jacket," she said softly.

Gyujin narrowed his eyes before waving his hand dismissively. "Go back home."

The other two disciplinary members smirked behind him.

Jiwoo, on the other hand, was not amused.

"Are you kidding me right now?" she muttered, stepping forward like she was ready to punch him.

Jun, sensing danger, quickly grabbed her arm to stop her.

Gyujin clicked his tongue. "What? You don’t want to? Do you want penalties, then?"

Gamin’s head snapped up. "Penalties?" he repeated, suddenly alert.

Gaeun clenched her fists, already annoyed with how stupid this situation was.

But before anyone could argue further, a calm yet authoritative voice spoke from behind them.

"I thought the jacket wasn’t mandatory anymore."

The group turned their heads, and standing behind them was—

Ms. Lee.

Their eyes widened in unison. "Ms. Lee!" they chorused.

She stepped forward, her expression unreadable as she looked at Gyujin. "It’s the winter dressing season until May, but the mixed dressing period starts on April 20," she explained coolly. "The school rules allow students to wear their spring uniform during this period. The disciplinary committee should know the rules, at least."