Scene 1: Morning Courtyard Buzz
The next day, Haneul High's courtyard was buzzing more than usual. Word about the transfer student's car, looks, and intelligence had spread like wildfire. Students whispered in clusters, trying to piece together every detail about him.
"Did you hear? He helped the teacher answer that really tough problem yesterday!"
"And he's… so handsome. I can't even look at him straight!"
Even some seniors who prided themselves on being the most popular couldn't hide their frustration.
Scene 2: First Group Interaction
In Class 2-A, the new student entered with the same calm confidence. Some students tried to appear nonchalant, but everyone's eyes followed him.
During group seating activities, he ended up partnered with Jihoon, a competitive and slightly arrogant student who considered himself the top of the class. Jihoon smirked, "So you're the famous transfer student, huh? Let's see if you're really as smart as they say."
The protagonist smiled politely, "Looking forward to it," and they started working on the assignment together.
Scene 3: Rivalry Sparks
As the discussion progressed, the protagonist's insight and creative solutions quickly impressed the group. Jihoon's smirk faltered slightly.
"Not bad… but don't think this means you're better than me," Jihoon muttered under his breath, a mix of frustration and curiosity in his tone.
Other classmates watched, silently taking sides—some cheering for the new student, others rooting for Jihoon.
Scene 4: Lunchtime Chaos
During lunch, the protagonist sat with a few students who had been too shy to approach him yesterday. They were amazed at how friendly, polite, and approachable he was.
Meanwhile, other students watched from afar, jealousy mixing with awe.
"Why is he so perfect in everything?" one student complained, poking her tray.
"He's… intimidating, honestly," another muttered.
Scene 5: A Teacher's Notice
The homeroom teacher, Ms. Han, watched from her desk as the new student casually helped others with homework and classwork. She raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"This one's going to shake things up," she murmured to herself, tapping her pen thoughtfully.
Scene 6: Hint of Romance
During the break, a girl named Soojin, known for being sweet and popular, accidentally dropped her notebook near the protagonist's desk. He picked it up instantly and returned it with a polite smile.
"Thanks…" Soojin said, cheeks slightly pink. The entire class, of course, noticed. Whispers of "cute!" and "romance already?" spread instantly.
The protagonist didn't seem fazed, simply nodding and returning to his seat, but the subtle moment planted the seed for future interactions.
Scene 7: Ending Scene – Calm Before the Storm
After classes ended, the protagonist walked home with a calm, composed expression. But in the shadows of the schoolyard, Jihoon and a few other jealous students exchanged glances, plotting how to challenge this "perfect" new student.
The chapter ends with the protagonist looking at the sunset, the quiet hint that while admiration and jealousy swirl around him, his school life is only just beginning.
End of Chapter 2