Jaeyi had always known how to keep herself entertained at Chaehwa High. The school was nothing new — she'd been here long enough to know which vending machines gave free drinks if you hit the right buttons, which teachers gave pop quizzes when they were cranky, and which stairwell had the best sunlight for skipping class.
So yeah, the school was old news.
But she wasn't.
The first time Seulgi walked into class 2-B, Jaeyi didn't even realize she was holding her breath.
She wasn't the type of girl who needed an introduction — tall, still, hoodie zipped halfway up even though it was spring, a black backpack slung over one shoulder like she was always ready to walk out. Her eyes didn't roam. They didn't need to. They stayed down, focused, careful.
Mr. Bae cleared his throat. "This is Seulgi. She's just transferred here from Busan."
Busan, Jaeyi noted. That explained the sharp edges in her accent when she introduced herself in a low, emotionless voice. One word. One bow. That was it.
Everyone clapped out of habit, the way they always did for new students. But Jaeyi didn't move. She just stared.
It wasn't love at first sight — no, nothing that cliché.
It was curiosity. Fascination. Obsession, maybe.
And it only got worse after that.
