The sun dipped low behind the school as after-class clubs wrapped up. Han Areum stepped out of the music room, her bag slung over one shoulder.
She paused at the front gate, tapping her phone.
"Hey," a voice called.
She looked up.
Three older boys—maybe middle schoolers—were leaning against the fence.
"You're in 5th grade, right?" the tallest said, stepping forward with a grin. "You're that girl who gave the school speech, aren't you?"
Areum stayed quiet.
"C'mon. You're cute. What's your number?" he asked casually.
"I'm not interested," she said flatly and stepped to the side.
But another boy blocked her.
"Don't be like that. We're just being friendly."
---
A few feet away, Raon leaned against the wall.
He had followed her after club—not out of concern, but calculation. His eyes scanned the boys, his mind counting seconds.
Cue the act.
He stepped forward.
"She said she's not interested," Raon said calmly.
The tallest boy turned. "What's it to you, shrimp?"
Raon didn't answer. He just stared.
That silence? It pressed harder than any threat.
"...You want to fight?" the boy asked, raising a fist.
He swung.
Raon caught his wrist in mid-air.
Then twisted.
CRACK.
The boy dropped, screaming.
The other two stepped back, wide-eyed.
Raon's eyes were like ice. "Try again, and I'll make sure none of you hold a pencil again."
The boys ran—one dragging the other.
Areum stared at Raon, stunned.
"You okay?" he asked, brushing off his uniform like nothing happened.
She nodded slowly. "You didn't even hesitate…"
Raon turned. "Next time, don't hesitate to call me."
---
The next morning, whispers flew through the school.
"Did you hear? Raon beat up middle schoolers."
"No way! I thought he was just quiet."
"He's… kinda cool, actually."
Areum didn't say much—but she kept glancing at him.
And Daehyun?
He watched it all, sitting at the back of class, fists tight under the desk.
---
Final Panel
Behind the school gym, Raon passed a small envelope to the tallest boy from the day before—now with his arm in a sling.
"You did well," Raon said quietly. "Just like we rehearsed."
The boy nodded, nervous.
Raon smiled.
"A little pain for a performance. Worth it, isn't it?"
---