The corridor buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the sound of footsteps as students rushed to their next classes. Minho walked alongside Seojin, Blake, and James, their little group already catching attention. But it wasn't the group that had the girls whispering—it was Seojin.
"There's a hot Korean guy here!" one girl giggled, her voice carrying down the hall.
"He looks like he walked straight out of a drama," another whispered breathlessly.
Compliments flew freely, unabashed, the air practically crackling with excitement. Girls leaned in, trying to catch his attention, calling out his name even though they hadn't been introduced. Seojin's face remained expressionless, his long strides steady, his sharp eyes forward.
He ignored them all.
But then, just ahead, a figure in black stepped into his line of sight.
A girl walked calmly toward him, her headphones in, eyes glued to her phone. She was dressed in black baggy jeans, a black crop top, and a hoodie that draped effortlessly over her frame. Her long, straight hair in a bun, her presence quiet yet strangely magnetic.
Seojin slowed slightly, curious. She's not even looking up? he thought. Every other girl had tried to get his attention—yet this one seemed completely unaffected by his presence.
Just as they passed one another, she lifted her gaze. For a brief moment, their eyes met—steady, unflinching. Her eyes held no awe, no flustered excitement, only a calm acknowledgment. And then, just as quickly, she looked back down at her phone and walked past without a second glance.
Seojin's jaw tightened ever so slightly. He turned his head subtly, watching her retreating figure as she disappeared into the crowd.
Seojin's POV
Interesting. She's not dressed to impress, not trying to stand out. She's not American either—her aura is different. I noticed a few guys glance at her, but she didn't even care. She walked through like the chaos didn't exist. And me? She gave me one look—just one—and then dismissed me. Dismissed me.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Whatever she pretends to be, if I cross paths with her again, she won't be able to ignore me. No one can.
With that silent vow, he pushed open the classroom door, sliding into his seat as introductions dragged on. When the bell rang, he packed his bag and checked his phone. A message from Minho lit up the screen: Saved you a seat in the cafeteria.
For the first time that day, Seojin allowed himself a faint smile. At least he wouldn't be eating alone.
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