Chapter 15: Data War & The Secret Alliance
Morning at Daehan International School
Gevran's footsteps were calm, but his mind was racing. He and a few of his closest friends—Han Jimin, Kasang, and Lino—had started organizing a network called the "Silent Defenders Alliance," an underground movement to record, document, and fight against bullying and injustice at their elite school.
"I've set up a hidden local server in the computer lab," said Lino, handing him a tablet. "And this? A micro camera you can stick onto your uniform button."
"This is wild," muttered Gevran. "We're basically secret agents."
Jimin nodded. "Difference is, we're not saving the world from aliens. We're saving it from humans."
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Afternoon – Back Bathroom of the Arts Building
"Listen, Min Hyuk," said Gevran sharply, staring at the Student Council President, whose grip on the school was slipping. "I know you bribed the homeroom teacher to stay silent about the students you bullied."
Min Hyuk smirked. "Got proof?"
Gevran opened a folder from his flash drive. "Video. Three minutes. Your voice is crystal clear. And the teacher you bribed… has already been suspended for a week."
Min Hyuk's expression stiffened.
"From now on," Gevran continued, "we play by the rules. Our rules."
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Evening – Yi Family Residence
Gevran opened the front door and was instantly greeted by chaos.
"HYUNG!!!" shouted Kaeyan, his younger brother who had just come home from middle school.
Behind him was Kasang, his chubby, funny friend who always carried snacks in his bag. "HYUNG, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!" he yelled, showing Gevran a TikTok of him edited with a baby-face filter that had already gone viral.
"Oh my god… is that my face as a jellybean?" said Gevran in defeat.
Kaeyan burst into uncontrollable laughter. "One million views, Hyung! You're officially a viral oppa!"
Gevran narrowed his eyes. "Wait till I swap your shampoo with chili lotion."
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Night – Gangnam Avenue Mall
"We need healing time!" shouted Kasang, dragging Gevran into the mall.
Kaeyan grabbed his brother's arm with a mischievous grin. "Relax, we made an itinerary. First, fried chicken. Then bubble tea. Then the arcade. And finally… we buy new clothes for Hyung so he doesn't look like a stressed-out CEO!"
Gevran raised an eyebrow. "Hey! My style is classy."
"Classy from 2005," teased Kaeyan.
At the arcade, they laughed freely while playing the dance machine. In the food court, Gevran lost a game of rock-paper-scissors and had to shout, "I LOVE FRIED CHICKEN!" in public. Embarrassing? Absolutely. But his heart felt light.
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On the way home
Kaeyan had fallen asleep on Gevran's shoulder in the car. Kasang was still munching on the last churro. Outside the window, the city lights of Seoul sparkled like stars.
Gevran looked at them, a small smile on his lips. In the middle of all the reputation wars and politics, this laughter… was a reminder that the world could still be beautiful.
> "I have a purpose. But I also have a reason to keep going," he thought.
> "And that reason… is sitting right beside me."
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