limerence ? han dongmin

( the new girl and the end of peace )

Minji's shoulders slumped a little as she walked out of the house, schoolbag dragging behind her. She blinked at the two boys already waiting outside—Leehan yawning so wide his jaw cracked, and Taesan fidgeting with the collar of his freshly washed uniform.

"You both look like damp laundry," Minji muttered, tightening her ponytail.

"Because we are," Leehan groaned. "Your mom over-bleached this shirt. It smells like regret and lemon."

Taesan added, "My back is broken. Thanks, hostess with the least-est."

"Excuse you, I gave you pillows."

"One each," they said in unison.

She rolled her eyes and walked ahead. A beat passed before they caught up, Taesan nudging Leehan, who nearly tripped over a crack in the sidewalk.

Halfway to school, Asha joined them, bouncing on her heels.

"You all slept together?" she asked with a raised brow.

"No," Minji said.

"Yes," Leehan said.

Taesan simply sighed, "It's not what it sounds like."

Behind them, Woonhak popped out from around the corner like a ghost. "Why do you guys always leave me out of the drama?"

"We don't," Minji said. "You just appear late like a cursed spirit."

When they reached school, a hush spread through the halls. Teacher Choi stood at the front of their homeroom, arms folded, his usual expressionless face now alert with anticipation.

"We have new students joining us today," he said, waving a hand toward the door.

First came Beomgyu—all bright eyes and overconfident stride, already grinning like he'd memorized every name on the attendance sheet.

"Hey everyone!" he announced. "I'm Beomgyu. I love this school already. Who's in charge here? I'd like to be."

Someone whispered, "Is he running for president?"

He turned. "I am the president."

Leehan side-eyed him so hard it could've been a slap. "We didn't vote."

Beomgyu winked. "Your mistake."

Next entered Yeonjun, all dark eyeliner and chains on his belt despite the dress code. He gave a finger-gun to no one in particular.

"I like long walks on the beach and morally questionable decisions."

Woonhak already looked like he was considering transferring.

Minji whispered to Taesan, "Is he allowed to be like that?"

"No," Taesan muttered. "But who's gonna stop him?"

Then—

Then she walked in.

Rina.

The kind of pretty that made people forget how to blink. Her uniform was neat, her steps quiet, and her expression unreadable. She didn't smile. Didn't wave. She just walked to the teacher, murmured something, and turned toward the class.

The room went dead silent.

Yeonjun blinked like he'd seen a goddess. Beomgyu gasped dramatically. Woonhak dropped his pen.