What happened after Lunch break
The rooftop of Haewon High was a place few dared to go unless they were looking for trouble. It wasn't exactly forbidden, but everyone knew who owned it—Jang Hyunwoo.
And today, Hyejin needed trouble.
Pushing open the heavy door, she stepped onto the rooftop, her heels clicking against the concrete. The air smelled like cigarettes and cheap cologne—proof that the infamous Jang Hyunwoo and his gang were already there.
A group of boys lounged around, leaning against the railing or sitting on discarded desks. At the center of it all stood Jang Hyunwoo, Haewon High's worst nightmare. Tall, broad-shouldered, and always wearing that lazy smirk like he had nothing to fear.
His gaze flicked to Hyejin as she approached, raising a brow.
"Oh? our little girl decided to visit us today?" His voice was teasing, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
Hyejin pouted, crossing her arms. "Oppa~ (older brother), I really need your help."
The gang chuckled.
"Help?" Hyunwoo leaned against the railing, smirking. "Aigoo, and here I thought you only came here to bat your pretty lashes at us."
Hyejin huffed, stomping her foot for effect. "Oppa! There's a boy in my class who's really getting on my nerves these days!"
Hyunwoo's smirk didn't fade. "A boy? Should I be jealous?"
The boys around him snickered, but Hyejin ignored them, flipping her hair dramatically.
"His name is Han Jiho," she spat out. "And he has no respect! you won't believe it, but he insulted me in front of my crush—Kang Minjae!"
Hyunwoo's interest piqued at that. "Kang Minjae, huh? So, what? This Jiho guy just embarrassed you?"
Hyejin clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palm as she fake sniffled for extra sympathy. "It's not just that! Arasseo? (Got it?) He's always acting like he's better than me! And now, he's clingy with Minjae, and Minjae is even saying he's his type!"
Hyunwoo's expression darkened slightly. "His type? So, this Jiho kid is a pretty boy?"
Hyejin nodded furiously. "Exactly! He's just some nobody, but he's pretending like he belongs in Minjae's world! It's so disgusting! And the worst part? Minjae is actually entertaining it!"
A murmur spread through the group. Some of them didn't care, but others looked mildly intrigued. Kang Minjae wasn't just popular—he was untouchable. And if some random classmate was getting close to him, that was enough to spark some curiosity.
Hyunwoo sighed, stretching his arms. "Haa... this is seriously crazy. And what exactly do you want me to do about it?"
Hyejin's lips curled into a sickly sweet smile. "Oh, Oppa~ You're so strong, so scary... I know Jiho would be terrified if he, you know... just happened to have a little accident."
Hyunwoo stared at her, then let out a low chuckle. "Aigoo, aigoo. Our eorin yeoja (young girl) is really something else, huh?"
The boys laughed along, but Hyunwoo's smirk turned sharp. "You want me to mess with this Jiho kid?"
Hyejin blinked up at him innocently. "Just a little~ Jebal? (Please?)"
Hyunwoo exhaled through his nose, rolling his neck as if considering it.
Then, after a pause, he grinned.
"Alright, princess. Let's have some fun."
Hyejin clapped her hands together, delighted.
Jiho-ya… she thought smugly. You're about to learn your place.
---
Present moment
The sun had long set by the time Jiho finally made it home, his body aching from exhaustion. As soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by the worried gaze of his mother.
"Jiho-ya, did something happen to you?" she asked, her soft voice filled with concern.
Jiho hesitated. His mother, Han Mirae, was already struggling as a single parent, working tirelessly to support them. If he told her the truth, it would only add to her burden.
Forcing a smile, he shook his head. "Eomma(Mom), I'm just tired. That's all."
Mirae frowned, stepping closer. "Don't lie to me. I can see it in your eyes, Jiho. Did someone hurt you?"
Jiho lowered his gaze, his hands clenching into fists. "I'm really fine, eomma.
You don't have to worry."
Mirae sighed, studying his face. She knew her son too well—he was stubborn, just like his father used to be.
"Aish... my son, if something is wrong, you have to tell me. I don't want you to go through things alone. Arasseo? (Understand?)"
Jiho's throat tightened. The warmth in her voice made him want to break down and confess everything—but he couldn't.
Instead, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. "Just let me stay like this for a bit, eomma."
Mirae blinked in surprise but immediately softened, gently stroking his hair. "I'm always on your side. No matter what."
Jiho closed his eyes, savoring the moment. For a brief second, he allowed himself to feel safe.
---
That night, Jiho lay in his bed, tossing and turning. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake off the events of the day.
Then, the memory of today's kiss flashed in his mind.
His heart started pounding. His cheeks burned red.
He grabbed a pillow and buried his face in it, letting out a muffled scream. "Kang Minjae! Neo jeongmal michyeosseo! (You're seriously crazy!)"
His voice came out flustered yet frustrated.
But deep down, he knew he liked that kiss—though he wasn't ready to admit it.
Clutching his pillow, Jiho groaned. "Eotteokhae? (What do I do?) You're too much for my heart."
With his heart still racing, he pulled the blanket over his head, determined to get some sleep.
But Minjae's face refused to leave his thoughts.
---