The classroom was buzzing.
Miss Choi clapped her hands at the front. "Alright, everyone! Today we're doing a special group project—your first collaboration assignment!"
Groans and cheers erupted. Some kids high-fived. Others looked around in panic, hoping they wouldn't get paired with someone annoying.
Seo Raon already knew the list. He had accessed the school network the night before. His name was written beside two others:
Han Areum. Lee Daehyun.
He looked up just as the classroom door opened.
The room fell quiet.
Han Areum walked in, perfect posture, expensive bag over one shoulder. Her black hair was tied in a sleek ribbon. She didn't smile. She didn't even look around. She headed straight for her seat like she owned the air around her.
The daughter of a famous military family. Known for being brilliant, disciplined—and untouchable.
"Sorry I'm late," she said. Her voice was cool, formal. She sat two rows ahead of Raon.
Right behind her came Lee Daehyun—tall for his age, with a bright grin and a bandage on his cheek. He waved at everyone like he was a local celebrity.
"Yo! Morning, Miss Choi!"
"Daehyun," the teacher sighed. "Try not to fight on the way to school next time."
"It wasn't a fight!" he said proudly. "It was training!"
The class laughed. Daehyun slid into his seat—and immediately leaned forward, whispering to Areum.
"You look even cooler today."
She didn't respond.
Raon watched from his seat, expression calm. But inside, he was already analyzing.
Han Areum. Confident, intelligent, emotionally reserved. She's used to being admired but keeps everyone at a distance.
Lee Daehyun. Emotionally open, physically competent, volatile. Deeply attached to Areum. That will be useful later.
Miss Choi clapped again. "Your assignment is simple: design a model of your ideal city. You'll present it together next week."
"Groups are already assigned!" she added, smiling. "And yes, I know some of you may not get along—so think of this as a teamwork exercise!"
Groans returned.
Raon stood and approached his table. Areum was already there, sketching something in a notebook. Daehyun was beside her, casually flexing his leg like he was showing off.
"Hey, Raon!" Daehyun grinned. "Guess we're stuck together, huh?"
Raon smiled gently. "It'll be fun."
He turned to Areum. "I've admired your academic scores. I look forward to working with you."
Areum looked up, her expression unreadable. "Likewise."
But her eyes lingered too long. Something about Raon made her pause.
Just for a second.
Then she looked away.
---
Later that day, Raon wrote in his private notes:
> Han Areum: 73% potential trust if approached with logic and structure.
Lee Daehyun: Emotionally unstable. Vulnerable to jealousy triggers.
Strategy: Gain Areum's trust, provoke Daehyun. Observe reactions. Adjust accordingly.
He smiled as he closed the notebook.
"One's heart is fragile. The other's fists are loud. Both are predictable."
And with that, two more pieces were placed on the board.
---