Location: Classroom 5-A
The mood in class had shifted.
Areum was quieter than usual. She sat still at her desk, eyes focused on nothing in particular. The usual glimmer in her expression had dulled.
Some classmates whispered.
"She got scolded yesterday, didn't she?"
"No, I heard she made another girl cry."
That girl… was Rael.
---
Scene: Infirmary
Rael sat on the bed, dabbing her eye with a tissue.
A teacher stood beside her, frowning. "You're saying Areum pushed you?"
Rael lowered her head, voice trembling just enough.
"I… I think she didn't like me copying her style…"
The nurse looked shocked.
From behind the curtain, the MC listened. Silent. Calm.
> She's testing how far she can go without being noticed.
He smirked slightly.
---
Scene: Lunch Time
Daehyun sat across from Areum, watching her poke at her food.
"You okay?" he asked.
She didn't answer.
"…That new girl, Rael. Something feels off about her."
Areum looked up. Her lips curled into a small, tired smile.
"Maybe she's just… better than me."
Daehyun blinked. "What are you talking about?"
She stood up without finishing her meal.
"I'll see you at the tournament."
---
Scene: After School – Gymnasium
Rael walked the edge of the gym floor barefoot, eyeing the training dummies. She mimicked a kick—Areum's exact form.
The MC stepped in from the shadows.
"You're improving," he said.
Rael didn't turn.
"I was designed to be better."
The MC walked closer.
"But not stable yet. Your emotions bleed through. That could be dangerous."
She paused. "Then fix me."
> He grinned.
"Soon. After the tournament."
---
Final Panel: The Tournament Sign-Up Sheet
The names are lined up.
Han Areum.
Lee Daehyun.
Rael.
…And the MC.
A shadow falls over the list, and the chapter ends with a single word:
"Begin."
---