From Murim to Metropolis

[In the Staff Room]

Jin Wook stands at the doorway, feeling slightly nervous. He takes a deep breath before knocking.

Jin Wook: "Teacher, may I come in?"

Jiwon Han, who was just finishing her review of his academic records, looks up from her desk.

Jiwon: [with a neutral tone] "Yes, come in. Take a seat."

Jin Wook steps in, his footsteps light but hesitant, and sits quietly across from her. Jiwon slides a stack of papers toward him—the results of his past academic performances. Jin Wook's eyes widen slightly at the sight of the unimpressive grades.

Jiwon: [sighing gently] "Jin Wook, I know you've been through a lot in the past, but right now, I need to ask you: What is your goal for the future? Because with grades like these…"

She taps the papers lightly with her pen.

Jiwon: "It will be very difficult to achieve anything substantial."

Jin Wook looks at the sheets, his expression a mix of surprise and reflection. He clenches his fists slightly, thinking.

Jin Wook (thinking): "Was I really this… careless in the past? Did I waste all that time?"

Jin Wook: [looking up, with determination in his voice] "Teacher, I'm sorry for my past behavior. I know I didn't put in the effort I should have. But I'll try my best from now on—I promise."

Jiwon: [nodding, her tone softening slightly] "If you understand, I won't press you further. But you must show me your resolve. Words are not enough, Jin Wook."

Jin Wook: [earnestly] "Thank you, teacher."

Jiwon: [waving off his thanks] "There's no need to thank me. It's all up to you now."

Jin Wook: "Even so, I still want to say it. Thank you for caring about me."

Jiwon pauses, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. She leans back in her chair, exhaling deeply before speaking again.

Jiwon: [quietly] "Jin Wook… I'm sorry too."

Jin Wook: [startled] "Huh? What do you mean?"

Jiwon: "I know you were bullied constantly at this university. It's one of the main reasons your performance suffered. I… tried to stand up for you, but because of certain influential people, every time I raised my voice, I was silenced. I couldn't do more for you. For that, I'm truly sorry."

Jin Wook's eyes widen. For a moment, he's at a loss for words.

Jin Wook (thinking): "I didn't know… Teacher cared about me this much."

Jin Wook: [smiling softly] "Thank you, teacher. I mean it. It means a lot to hear that."

Jiwon: [nodding, regaining her composure] "But you need to be careful from now on, Jin Wook."

Jin Wook: "I understand, teacher."

Jiwon: [hesitating slightly] "There's a rumor going around… Has Dong Ha caused trouble for you again?"

Jin Wook stiffens slightly but forces a calm expression.

Jin Wook: [hesitantly] "It's just a rumor, teacher. Nothing to worry about."

Jin Wook: (thinking): "I can't tell her this time i am the one who beat him to pulp"

Jiwon: [studying his face carefully] "I don't know but he missing today in school, Even so, stay safe, Jin Wook."

Jin Wook: [nodding] "Yes, teacher."

Meanwhile, outside the staff room, Jae Hoon and Seojin Lee are crouched near the door, shamelessly eavesdropping. Jae Hoon nudges Seojin with a sly grin.

Jae Hoon: [whispering] "So… are you sure about what you said earlier? That Teacher Jiwon stares at Jin Wook like she has a crush on him?"

Seojin: [whispering back, flustered] "I-I don't know! But she really does look at him a lot during class. And sometimes, she even smiles!"

Jae Hoon: [snickering] "Sounds to me like you're jealous."

Seojin: [glaring, her face turning red] "What?! No way!"

Jae Hoon: [grinning wider] "Ohhh, so you are one of them—the girls crushing on Jin Wook!"

Seojin's face flushes deeper. Unable to contain her embarrassment, she shoves Jae Hoon hard.

[SMACK!]

Jae Hoon: [stumbling back, clutching his arm] "Ow! What the heck, Seojin?! Why'd you hit me?!"

[Door creaks open.]

Jiwon steps out, arms crossed, her expression stern.

Jiwon: "What are you two doing here? And what's all this noise?"

Jae Hoon and Seojin freeze, looking like deer caught in headlights.

Jae Hoon and Seojin: [in unison] "Nothing, teacher! We were just… waiting for Jin Wook!"

Jiwon: [raising an eyebrow, clearly not convinced] "Hmm. Fine. Just keep it down."

Jin Wook steps out behind her, confused.

Jin Wook: "What are you two doing here?"

Jae Hoon: "We were waiting for you, of course!"

Jiwon: [sighing, waving them off] "Alright, you can all go now."

The trio walks away, Jae Hoon whispering animatedly to Jin Wook while Seojin fidgets nervously. Meanwhile, back in the staff room, Jiwon slumps into her chair, burying her face in her hands.

Jiwon (thinking): "I can't believe I overheard them talking about me… Idiots! Of course I've been smiling at Jin Wook. But now I'm so embarrassed… What the hell am I doing?!"

She groans, resting her head on the desk.

Jiwon (thinking): "Ugh, I need to stop staring at him so much… This is so awkward, But how can someone on earth ignore new looks of Jin Wook"

[After Classes End]

The school bell rings, marking the end of the day. Students shuffle out of their classrooms, and Jin Wook, Seojin Lee, and Jae Hoon gather their things before heading out together as usual.

Jae Hoon: [stretching and yawning dramatically] "Ahhh, another day of pretending to pay attention in class. Jin Wook, how do you do it? You look like you're paying attention and somehow still manage to zone out at the same time."

Jin Wook: [glancing sideways] "It's a skill. You should try it sometime instead of getting kicked out of class for whispering nonsense about waistlines."

Jae Hoon: [snickering] "Hey, I was just appreciating beauty! It's not my fault I'm an honest guy."

Seojin: [rolling her eyes] "Honest? You're a walking embarrassment."

The trio laughs as they approach the main road. Eventually, their paths diverge. Jae Hoon stops at the corner, glancing between Jin Wook and Seojin with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Jae Hoon: [grinning and giving an exaggerated thumbs-up to Seojin] "Well, this is my stop! I'll see you two lovebirds tomorrow."

Seojin: [panicking, her face turning crimson] "W-we're not—what are you even talking about?!"

Jae Hoon: [ignoring her protests, lowering his voice as he leans in] "Seojin, you know what I mean. Do it today."

Seojin: [nervously] "Do what?! Stop talking nonsense!"

Jae Hoon: [grinning wider, whispering] "Confess, duh! Don't let the chance slip by."

Before Seojin can retaliate, Jae Hoon takes off, waving at Jin Wook with a goofy smile.

Jae Hoon: "See you tomorrow, Jin Wook! Stay handsome!"

Jin Wook: [blinking in confusion] "What's his problem today?"

Seojin: [fidgeting awkwardly] "He's just… being Jae Hoon. Don't think about it."

[On the Way Home]

Jin Wook and Seojin walk side by side in comfortable silence, the sounds of the bustling city around them. Jin Wook, lost in thought, stares ahead, while Seojin keeps glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. She clutches the straps of her bag tightly, her heart racing.

Seojin (thinking): "Should I really say something? What if he thinks it's weird? Or what if he laughs at me? Ugh, why did Jae Hoon have to pressure me like this?"

Jin Wook suddenly stops, turning slightly to look at her.

Jin Wook: "You okay? You've been quiet."

Seojin: [startled, quickly shaking her head] "I'm fine! Totally fine! Why wouldn't I be fine?"

Jin Wook: [raising an eyebrow] "You're acting weird."

Seojin (thinking): "No kidding. I'm about to combust here!"

She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. They continue walking, and she finally musters the courage to speak.

Seojin: [hesitant] "Jin Wook… can I ask you something?"

Jin Wook: [nodding] "Sure. What's up?"

Seojin opens her mouth, but the words get stuck in her throat. She fumbles for something else to say, anything to avoid blurting out her feelings.

Seojin: "Uh… d-do you like dogs or cats more?"

Jin Wook: [blinking in surprise] "Huh? Dogs, I guess. Why?"

Seojin: [laughing awkwardly] "Oh, no reason! Just curious! Haha…"

Jin Wook (thinking): "What's with her today? She's acting so strange."

They walk a bit further before Jin Wook stops again, this time looking at her more intently.

Jin Wook: "Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting… different all afternoon."

Seojin: [panicking internally] "This is it! Say something! Say it now!"

Seojin: [blurting out] "Jin Wook, I think you're amazing!"

There's a beat of silence. Jin Wook tilts his head, looking slightly confused.

Jin Wook: "Uh… thanks?"

Seojin smacks her forehead internally, realizing how awkward that sounded. She waves her hands frantically, trying to explain.

Seojin: "I mean, you're… You're cool! And kind! And, uh, you're always so calm and collected! Like, even when people stare at you all the time, you just handle it so well!"

Jin Wook stares at her, blinking slowly as he processes her words.

Jin Wook: "People… stare at me? What are you talking about?"

Seojin: [facepalming] "How do you not notice?! Literally everyone stares at you!"

Jin Wook: [shrugging] "I just thought I had something on my face."

Seojin can't help but laugh, the tension breaking slightly. Jin Wook smiles faintly, watching her.

Jin Wook: "You're weird today, Seojin. But… thanks. For whatever it is you're trying to say."

Seojin: [thinking, cheeks still red] "Ugh, that was a disaster… But at least I said something."

As they reach the intersection where they usually part ways, Seojin hesitates. She watches Jin Wook start to walk away, feeling a pang of regret for not saying more.