The world was quieter after the festival, as if the air itself had exhaled. But in that quiet, something shifted—subtle yet undeniable.
The moment Hae-won stepped into the classroom the next morning, her phone buzzed with a new wave of messages.
> [Jungwon Gossip App]
User123: Is it true they stayed out all night together?
SunbaeMVP: Park Ji-hoon in a mud fight? And carrying her? I'm GAGGING.
RealTalker: Anyone else see them KISS?
The number of comments under their tagged photos had crossed 30,000.
Ji-hoon didn't walk in with her that morning. She arrived alone. Quiet.
All heads turned. Whispers trailed behind her like shadows.
"She really thinks she's someone now…"
"Did you see the photo of them eating cake?"
"She was nothing a month ago."
Hae-won sat at her desk like she was made of glass, fragile and see-through. She could feel their stares pricking her skin.
She clutched her bag tightly. Her new phone vibrated with yet another ping. She shut it off.
The teacher entered. Saved by the bell.
But nothing ever stayed quiet in Jungwon for long.
Break Period – The Ripple
As students scattered into friend groups and corners, Da-bin's voice cut through the air like perfume sprayed too thick.
"So, Hae-won," she chirped, striding up with two other girls in tow. "Did you enjoy your little fairy tale yesterday?"
Hae-won looked up, calm but wary.
"Designer dress, fancy hair, romantic cake under fireworks," Da-bin continued. "That must be new for someone like you."
The others snickered.
"Must be hard keeping up appearances when your foundation is still dirt."
Hae-won's fists clenched under her desk. Her jaw locked.
Just like her old school.
Just like home.
But she refused to answer.
That silence made Da-bin smirk wider. "What? No snarky comeback? Or does Ji-hoon have to speak for you now?"
The classroom door opened again—and Ji-hoon walked in.
Sharp. Cold. Effortlessly intimidating.
All chatter died.
He didn't even glance at Da-bin. He walked straight to Hae-won, took one look at her trembling hands, and stared down the girls in front of her desk.
"What are you doing?"
Da-bin blinked. "Nothing—just chatting."
Ji-hoon's expression was ice. "Find a wall to talk to. You're not wanted here."
For a second, Da-bin hesitated.
Then she scoffed, rolled her eyes, and walked off.
Ji-hoon turned to Hae-won, kneeling slightly. "You okay?"
She didn't answer.
He gently took her hand, thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Say something."
Her lips parted, but a sob escaped instead.
She bolted up and out the door.
On the Rooftop – Flashback and Fracture
Ji-hoon found her sitting on the rooftop, arms wrapped around her knees, face buried.
"Hae-won."
She didn't move.
He sat down beside her. "What happened before I came in?"
She sniffed, voice barely audible. "Same as before. Different school. Same poison."
He looked at her quietly. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Her head slowly lifted. "Do you really want to know?"
"Yes."
She looked him dead in the eye. "Back then, it wasn't just bullying. It was cruelty. They took pictures of me in torn clothes. One time… they locked me in the janitor's closet for hours. I peed myself."
Ji-hoon's eyes widened. Rage began to churn in his chest.
"My homeroom teacher didn't care. Said I was a bad influence on the class."
Her voice cracked.
"They said I smelled like mold. Like a broken thing."
Tears slipped from her eyes as the memories poured.
"At home, it was worse. My dad—he drank, screamed, broke things. I learned to live without being noticed. And now…" She looked down. "I'm noticed, but not for the right things."
Ji-hoon reached for her hand, but she pulled away.
"You shouldn't be around someone like me. I'm a magnet for ugly things."
His heart broke a little.
"I'm not leaving you," he said, voice thick. "Even if the world turns against us."
She laughed bitterly. "It already is."
That Afternoon – Interrogation
They returned to class late and were summoned to the faculty office immediately.
Inside, the teacher who had once tried to speak with Hae-won waited—Mr. Kang, the Literature instructor.
He adjusted his glasses and folded his arms. "There are new rumors. Ji-hoon, did you stay with her last night?"
Ji-hoon stood straight. "I did."
"With her consent?"
"She's right here, sir. You can ask her."
Mr. Kang looked at Hae-won.
She hesitated—then nodded.
Mr. Kang's sigh filled the room. "Your father called this morning. He's angry. Loudly. Demanding to know where you were."
Ji-hoon's entire body stiffened.
Hae-won blinked. "He… he called the school?"
"He said you were kidnapped by a classmate. He's threatening to involve the police."
Silence.
Ji-hoon's fists curled.
Mr. Kang stared at the two of them. "I'm trying to help you, Hae-won. But you need to let me in. I know something's wrong at home."
She looked down.
Ji-hoon stepped forward. "She's not safe there. She shouldn't go back."
"I can't act without proof."
Ji-hoon pulled out his phone. "Then I'll get it.
Evening – The Trap
That night, Ji-hoon followed Hae-won home—but kept his distance.
From the other side of the street, he watched the front door open—and a large figure stagger out.
Her father.
He reeked of soju, even from across the road. He was yelling at someone over the phone.
"You think you can run away, you little b****? You think you're some kind of princess now, huh?"
A neighbor shouted from a window, "Shut up, Seok-jin! This ain't the movies!"
Her father cursed and stumbled back inside.
Ji-hoon recorded everything. Every slurred word. Every threat.
Inside, Hae-won was frozen in the hallway, staring at the door. Her legs wouldn't move.
She'd seen that look in her father's eyes too many times.
This time, he didn't hit her. This time, he just stared.
"You think you're too good now? Hanging with rich boys? Wearing makeup like some kind of... whore?"
Her voice didn't come. Her breath did, shaky and thin.
"Did he touch you? Huh?" he snarled.
Her knees buckled—but before he could step closer, the door swung open again.
Ji-hoon.
Standing in the doorway like a storm made flesh.
"Touch her," he said, "and I'll ruin you."
Her father froze.
Ji-hoon stepped forward and showed his phone screen. "You're already on record. Want to go viral next?"
Silence.
Her father's hand slowly lowered.
Ji-hoon grabbed Hae-won's hand. "We're leaving."
She didn't resist.
Back at the Apartment – Breaking the Silence
She sat on the edge of Ji-hoon's couch, clutching a pillow. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
She nodded. "Thanks for coming."
"You never have to thank me for that."
Silence.
Then she spoke again, voice almost inaudible. "You heard all of it?"
"Yeah."
"Even the part about being... touched?"
Ji-hoon looked at her, soft and serious. "Did he?"
She looked away. "He tried. When he was drunk. I always found a way out."
Ji-hoon knelt before her, took her hand, and kissed it gently.
"You're safe now. I promise you that."
That Night – First Time Alone, Truly Alone
Ji-hoon stayed quiet for a moment after Hae-won told him everything.
She sat on his couch wrapped in one of his oversized hoodies. Her legs were tucked under her, and her eyes stared blankly at the floor like her mind was still stuck at that front door.
"I don't know how to live without being afraid," she whispered.
"You don't have to know right away," he said softly, sitting beside her. "Just start with this moment. With me."
She didn't speak again, but slowly, her head leaned onto his shoulder.
He stayed still. Letting her find safety in his silence.
The apartment was dimly lit. A kettle whistled gently in the kitchen.
He got up quietly and made her warm tea.
She stared into the mug like it held the universe. "Do you believe in healing?"
He knelt before her again. "I believe in you."
Her lips trembled, then stretched into the first real smile he'd seen from her in days.
They stayed like that for hours. Talking. Not talking. Laughing faintly. Listening to the silence between heartbeats.
She eventually fell asleep on his chest, curled up like a child who'd finally found peace in a world that never gave her any.
He didn't move.
The Morning After – A New World
Sunlight leaked into the room in pale golden streaks. Hae-won woke up in Ji-hoon's arms, curled under a blanket on his bed.
She panicked for a second—until she saw he was still wearing his hoodie and jeans, sleeping on top of the covers beside her, not under.
He'd made sure she felt safe, even in sleep.
That small gesture broke her all over again—but in a good way.
She got up, tiptoed into the bathroom, and saw a toothbrush already laid out for her.
She smiled. Bit her lip.
By the time she returned, Ji-hoon was half-awake, hair messy, face soft.
"You hungry?" he asked, voice raspy.
She nodded.
They made toast and eggs together, awkward but full of giggles. At the grocery store later, Ji-hoon insisted on getting her a cart full of snacks, fruit, and even fancy herbal shampoo.
"Am I a project to you?" she teased.
"No," he said seriously. "You're my person."
Back to School – The Storm Returns
They walked into school together from the same car.
Again.
Only this time, it wasn't just whispers—it was gasps, camera clicks, and full-blown stares.
[Jungwon Gossip App]
GingerSnapQueen: They're LIVING together??
RealTalker: Hae-won got him whipped fr
User91: The glow-up is insane. Look at her HAIR
The post had over 80,000 likes within an hour.
When they reached the hallway, someone was waiting for them—Min Jae, Ji-hoon's closest friend and usually the calmest guy on earth.
"You need to lay low," Min Jae whispered. "People are going crazy."
Ji-hoon just stared. "Let them talk."
But Hae-won's stomach twisted. Being seen too much still terrified her.
And it only got worse after lunch.
Lunch Table Explosion – Chaos Breaks Loose
Da-bin, who hadn't caused direct drama in a few days, finally snapped.
She walked over to the lunch table where Hae-won and Ji-hoon were sharing a tray of fries.
"What makes you think you're special?" Da-bin asked, eyes wild.
Hae-won blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You're a nobody. From nowhere. But now you walk around like you own the school because he decided you're his pet?"
The whole lunchroom paused.
Ji-hoon stood. Slowly.
"Watch your mouth," he said.
"No," Da-bin snapped. "Everyone's thinking it! You broke up with me for her? A girl who flinches when people laugh?"
Silence.
Da-bin's laugh was bitter. "I hope you enjoy your charity case."
Before Ji-hoon could respond, Hae-won stood too.
"I might flinch," she said, voice steady, "but I've survived more than you could imagine. You wouldn't last a day in my life."
Da-bin looked ready to explode.
But the cafeteria erupted—in applause.
Half the students cheered.
The other half filmed.
One kid yelled, "SAY IT LOUDER, QUEEN!"
Ji-hoon pulled Hae-won closer, smiling proudly.
But Da-bin?
She wasn't finished.
Later – The Setup
That evening, Hae-won checked her gossip app again and saw a new post.
[User: FireStarter96]
Video posted: Ji-hoon and Hae-won at the apartment store
Caption: Is she using him for his money? Open your eyes, Jungwon!
Hundreds of comments.
Some nasty.
Some pitiful.
But one stood out.
AnonymousUser27: Her old classmates are planning something. Heard it on the bus.
Her heart stopped.
Cliffhanger Scene: Reunion Turns to Ruin
Two days later, she was called to the school gate.
A delivery, they said.
When she arrived, her blood ran cold.
Three of her old classmates stood there.
Girls who used to slap gum into her hair. Call her "trailer trash." Rip her books apart.
"Oh look," one of them sneered. "She really did become a princess."
The second girl stepped forward. "But you forgot your roots, bitch."
Before she could run, they cornered her behind the school wall.
"You forgot what we taught you?" one hissed.
She screamed—but no one heard.
A slap landed on her cheek.
Her new bag was yanked.
Her shirt collar stretched.
She fell to the ground, vision blurry.
But just as one girl raised a hand to strike again—
A hand grabbed her wrist.
Ji-hoon.
Furious. Animal-like.
He shoved the girl away. Shielded Hae-won.
"You want to hurt someone?" he growled. "Come at me instead."
The girls bolted like cockroaches under light.
Aftermath – Rage and Rescue
Hae-won lay trembling.
Ji-hoon lifted her gently, cradling her to his chest.
"You okay? Talk to me. Please."
She blinked. "I… I thought I was done with them."
"You are, now."
He carried her all the way back to the car, ignoring the gasps and photo flashes.
And this time?
He posted the truth.
On his own profile.
Park Ji-hoon Official:
"Bullying someone for surviving is pathetic. Try living her life before you talk. She's stronger than any of you ever will be."
It hit 100,000 likes in an hour.
That Evening – Healing in Pieces
Hae-won sat in silence in Ji-hoon's car. Her hands were still trembling despite the warm drink he'd gotten her.
He kept glancing over at her, worry etched into every line of his face.
"Do you want to go home?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"Want to go to my place?"
Another shake.
"Where, then?"
"…Anywhere."
He drove. No destination, just motion. Letting the wheels carry them through city streets glowing gold in the late afternoon light.
Finally, they pulled up to a hill overlooking the Han River.
She stepped out slowly, letting the wind hit her face.
The river glimmered like silver glass. The world quieted.
Ji-hoon stood behind her but didn't speak. He waited.
"I used to come here," she finally said. "When things got too loud at home."
He nodded. "I get it."
"Sometimes I wished the water would take me. But then I'd see the sun hit it just right, like now... and I'd feel like maybe, just maybe, I belonged somewhere."
"You do," he said softly, stepping beside her. "Right here. With me."
She looked up at him. His eyes weren't full of pity—they were full of fury and love and something else deeper.
"I've never been loved," she whispered.
"You're loved now."
And then he kissed her.
Not like the soft kisses before. This one was urgent, raw, real—full of every unspoken fear and promise they couldn't say with words.
She melted into him, arms wrapping around his neck like she was afraid to let go.
He held her tighter.
The wind howled.
But in that moment, she was still.
Later That Night – Comfort in Chaos
Back at his apartment, Ji-hoon made her sit while he brought out a small medical kit.
Her cheek was still red. He dabbed it carefully.
"Let me take care of you," he murmured.
She nodded, letting him.
He brought her one of his t-shirts again, soft and oversized.
Then, he pulled out his phone and called someone.
"Detective Lim? It's Park Ji-hoon. I need to report an incident... and a person. Her father."
Hae-won froze.
Ji-hoon turned to her gently. "No more hiding. Please."
Tears welled in her eyes—but she nodded.
He squeezed her hand as he gave the police every detail she'd ever confided in him. Every scar, every bruise, every night she ran away from home.
The line went quiet.
Then the detective said, "We'll take it from here."
Ji-hoon exhaled.
They both did.
Movie Night – Laughter Returns
That night, Ji-hoon dimmed the lights and put on a rom-com. One of those old ones with dramatic airport chases and kiss-in-the-rain scenes.
He made popcorn. She picked the blanket.
Halfway through the movie, Hae-won actually laughed.
It was the first time in years.
Ji-hoon turned to her, stunned.
"You laughed."
She covered her mouth. "I—I guess I did."
"You sound... cute."
"Oh my god."
"No really," he teased. "Like a little goose."
"TAKE THAT BACK."
"NEVER."
They tossed popcorn at each other, cracking up until their stomachs hurt.
And just like that, something in her cracked open—something that let light back in.
At School the Next Day – Whispers Evolve
They entered the school together again, but something had changed.
The gossip app was still buzzing.
RoyalShip09: The way he protected her though…
TearsOnKeyboard: I'm literally crying for her
Ex_DaBinFan: Okay I take it back. She deserves him. We were jerks.
Even Da-bin avoided eye contact that morning.
During homeroom, the teacher—Mr. Yoon—paused.
"Class," he said. "I want to remind you that silence in the face of bullying makes you just as guilty. We are better than this. We must be."
Everyone stared down at their desks.
Hae-won's hands trembled. Ji-hoon slipped his fingers between hers beneath the desk.
She didn't flinch this time.
Surprise Assembly – A Bold Stand
That afternoon, an emergency school assembly was called.
When students filed into the auditorium, they were greeted with a massive projection screen showing screenshots from the gossip app.
Every post.
Every comment.
Every hateful rumor.
Then the screen faded to black.
And Principal Hwang walked up.
"We have been infiltrated by cruelty," he began. "And for too long, we let it fester."
Gasps swept the room.
A spotlight hit the front row.
Where Hae-won sat.
Ji-hoon stood slowly beside her.
Principal Hwang continued. "But today, I want to honor someone who endured all of it and still walked in here with her head up."
Applause erupted.
Hae-won's eyes filled.
Ji-hoon squeezed her hand. "You deserve it."
But she shook her head and stood.
And walked up to the mic.
The room held its breath.
"I'm not here to be applauded," she said. "I'm here to say—if you're hurting, if you're invisible, if you're scared like I was... you're not alone anymore."
Dead silence.
Then?
Thunderous clapping.
People stood. Cheered.
Even Min Jae whistled.
Someone shouted, "SLAY QUEEN."
Ji-hoon couldn't stop smiling.
That night, #HaeWonDeservesBetter trended in South Korea.
Ending Scene – Back at the Apartment
Ji-hoon returned home with her after school.
He'd bought her a small notebook. On the first page, he'd written:
"This is where you write the life YOU want. I'll be in every chapter—if you'll have me."
She stared at the words.
Looked at him.
And said, "Let's start writing."