The scandal didn't just echo through the halls—it roared through the entire school like wildfire.
Sea's scholarship drama hit the morning announcements.
But not officially.
No, it was whispered in corners, hissed between classes, and blown out of proportion by the Queen of Chaos herself—Boss's aunt, Madam Ji-ah.
A former actress.
Still dramatic.
And too obsessed with public image to breathe quietly.
When she found out her precious nephew had allegedly threatened his own uncle in front of a scholarship student, she stormed into the school, heels clicking like gunshots and sunglasses big enough to startle birds.
> "WHO is the one they're saying seduced my little demon?"
"Where's the boy?"
"Where's my nephew???"
The front desk nearly imploded.
Meanwhile, Sea was in the counselor's office, being asked if he wanted to file a formal complaint against "a certain student" or if he'd rather accept early withdrawal.
Sea sat there silent, fists clenched in his lap, legs shaking slightly.
He hated how they asked it like a favor. Like they were giving him a gift by letting him run.
> "He didn't hurt me," Sea mumbled.
The counselor blinked.
> "But there's… multiple incidents reported."
Sea looked up, slow and cold.
> "And yet I'm the one losing my scholarship."
Boom. Silence.
Outside that room, the storm kept building.
Boss's father arrived too. Calm, suit pressed, and eyes like loaded guns.
He said nothing.
Just stared at the office walls until they apologized for "confusing reports" and "delicate legal positions."
Sea saw him.
Boss's father.
Saw how much he resembled Boss. Same sharp lines. Same haunting silence.
He didn't smile.
Didn't offer help.
Didn't look at Sea like a person.
Just like a pawn.
> "So this is the boy?"
"The one who ruined the Park family's reputation?"
Sea stepped back.
The ground felt thinner now.
But someone else entered the room.
Boss.
His hair tousled, uniform messy, rage humming off his skin.
He didn't look at his father.
Didn't acknowledge his aunt.
He just went to Sea, gently grabbed his wrist, and whispered:
> "Come. I don't care what they say. I'll fix it."
Sea flinched.
But Boss didn't let go.
He just… looked at him. Not with lust. Not with anger.
But with something raw. Something that terrified Sea even more than desire.
Devotion.
---
To be continued