Chapter 12: Challenge from the Outside – Political Attacks & a Double Life
Since the revelation of Min Hyuk's scandal, Gevran's name had begun to rise—not just within Daehan International School, but across national media. Within a week, the hashtag #GevranForChange became a trending topic on Korean social platforms. Daehan alumni, educational figures, and even some young politicians praised his bravery.
But… praise never came alone.
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Jido's Office – Korindro Group Headquarters
"He's starting to attract too much attention," murmured one of the finance directors.
"An opposition lawmaker is digging into your son's background," added another, placing a stack of investigative reports on the desk.
Jido nodded, eyes scanning the page—until a single line made his blood boil:
> 'Gevran Yi Jido's origins are questionable. Rumors suggest he is not the biological son of Korindro's Chairman.'
Jido clenched his fist. "Our enemies are starting to target the family."
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At School – International Cafeteria
"There's a TikTok account spreading rumors that you're an adopted kid from overseas," said Soo-bin, showing her phone screen.
"And another account claims you're actually a homeless child bought by Korindro for a publicity stunt," Ara added.
Gevran exhaled. He had expected this. But it still stung.
"That doesn't matter," he said calmly. "What matters is what I'm doing now."
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At Home – Night
Jido called Gevran into his private study.
"You need to be ready. The world outside school isn't as fair as a classroom," Jido said, handing him an envelope filled with data from the smear campaign.
"Are you sure you still want to run for Student Council President?"
Gevran looked his father in the eyes.
"Isn't this just the beginning? If I run away now, I don't deserve to call myself an anti-bullying fighter."
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The Next Day – Open Debate for Student Council President
The debate was broadcast publicly to alumni and parents. The other candidate, So-mi, a third-year student known for her intelligence and conservative stance, stepped forward.
"Gevran's just popular because of drama. We don't need a celebrity in the student council—we need a manager," she said during her turn.
Gevran didn't flinch. When his turn came, he stood and said:
> "I won't promise to please everyone. But I promise to stand for those who've never had a voice—because I used to be one of them."
Applause erupted. Cameras zoomed in on alumni visibly moved by his words.
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Outside School – Office of Young Politicians
"This kid has public magnetism," said a young council member while watching the debate footage.
"Let's recruit him for the Youth Reform Forum next year. If we're lucky, he'll be the face of our party's change."
"And if he can't be controlled?" someone asked.
"Then we destroy him before he grows too big."
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End of the Day – School Rooftop
Han Jimin sat beside Gevran, both of them gazing at the Seoul night sky.
"Tomorrow's the election. You ready?"
Gevran gave a faint smile. "Ready to lose. But even more ready… to win."
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