The next morning, the boxing academy's courtyard was buzzing. Word had spread overnight that the head coach himself had called for a full assembly. That never happened unless something big was going on.
Soon Hae stood in line with the other recruits, still feeling a twinge of guilt over last night's noodle incident. She hadn't told anyone not Fang Yu, not Bai Cao and definitely not the coach. Lu Han had disappeared into the night without giving her a chance to make things right, and she doubted he would ever bring it up.
The head coach, a broad-shouldered man with a voice like a gong, stepped up to the podium. "Students," he began, "we have a special announcement today."
Every conversation stopped. Even the seniors looked curious.
"From today onward, we welcome a new transfer student from China. She has an impressive competitive record, and she will be joining our senior class."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Then, from the main building's doors, she appeared a tall, elegant girl with glossy black hair and a confidence that seemed to radiate from her very skin. She walked like the ground owed her something.
"Everyone," the coach continued, "this is Kim Nana."
Soon Hae tilted her head. Kim? But he said from China?
Her confusion lasted exactly three seconds, until Nana reached the center of the courtyard and walked straight for Lu Han.
Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him. "oppa...!"
Gasps echoed through the assembly.
Then she pecked him on the cheek.
Right there. In front of everyone.
Several students exchanged wide eyed looks. A couple of the younger ones outright whispered, "Are they dating?"
Nana pulled back only to cling to his arm like a little girl holding her favorite stuffed toy. "You didn't tell me you had gotten even more handsome," she teased in fluent Korean, her voice sweet but loud enough for everyone to hear.
Lu Han's face… did not change. Calm and Neutral as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
But Soon Hae caught something in his eyes the tiniest flicker of irritation before it vanished again.
Her own stomach gave a strange twist, and she hated that she noticed it.
The head coach cleared his throat, clearly unsure whether to continue or just let the moment pass. "Right… Nana will be training with the seniors. I expect everyone to make her feel welcome."
A few awkward claps followed. Nana, still holding onto Lu Han, gave the crowd a dazzling smile before leaning closer to him and whispering something no one else could hear.
Soon Hae crossed her arms, biting the inside of her cheek. Why do I care? It's none of my business.
But her gaze wouldn't stop drifting back to where Nana's hands rested so comfortably on Lu Han's arm.
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