The next day, tension filled the school grounds. One of Ji Hwan's classmates had been bullied behind the school the day before. Without hesitation, the entire class rushed to the scene, with Ji Hwan leading the charge, his enthusiasm unmatched.
Ji Yeon sighed, shooting an exasperated look at her twin brother. "Ugh, that delinquent..." she muttered, already tired of Ji Hwan's constant troublemaking.
Seung Woo walked ahead calmly, his gaze sharp as he approached their bullied classmate. Meanwhile, Joo Hyuk slung an arm around Ji Yeon's shoulder, grinning. "Come on, Troublemaker," he teased, "This is gonna be fun!"
Though reluctant, Ji Yeon couldn't suppress her curiosity. Fights weren't uncommon at their school, but the unity of their class was something no one could overlook.
They stormed into the classroom of the perpetrators. Students from nearby classes gathered in the hallway, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the unfolding scene. The air buzzed with anticipation.
One of Ji Hwan's friends suddenly shouted, "Hey—!" His voice echoed, making the entire class freeze in surprise.
All eyes turned to three students standing by the windows: Hyun Ki, Do Wan, and Jin Seok—notorious troublemakers known for stirring chaos. The atmosphere grew tense as Ji Hwan's group closed in on them.
The classroom erupted with whispers.
"Is this really happening?"
"Whoa, the whole class came?"
"This is crazy!"
Ji Hwan cracked his knuckles, grinning. "You guys messed with the wrong class."
The tension skyrocketed as the confrontation loomed.
The commotion grew louder as curses and shouts echoed throughout the classroom, causing desks and chairs to scrape noisily against the floor—some nearly toppling over.
"Hey! Who do you think you're talking to, huh?!" Jin Seok snapped, glaring at Ji Hwan.
Hyun Ki shoved one of Ji Hwan's friends, escalating the tension further. Ji Hwan stepped forward, ready to retaliate, but Seung Woo grabbed his shoulder, holding him back.
Seung Woo, visibly annoyed, shouted, "Hey, idiot! Are you out of your mind?! Bullying people just because you feel like it?! Huh?! Is that what you call being tough?!"
Do Wan scoffed, smirking, "And what? You think acting all noble is going to scare us?"
Ji Hwan let out a sharp breath through his nose. "Scared? You should be. Everyone here just saw what you did."
The crowd of students buzzed louder, some pulling out their phones to record while others tried to de-escalate the situation.
Ji Yeon rushed in, shooting Ji Hwan a sharp glare. "You troublemaker! Are you picking a fight again?!"
Ji Hwan glanced at her and replied coolly, "Not picking a fight... just ending one."
Not long after, Mr. Park stormed into the classroom, his face a mix of frustration and disappointment. Without a word, he grabbed Ji Hwan's ear, pulling him along with his friends Seung Woo and Joo Hyuk.
"Ow—ow! Teacher, that hurts!" Ji Hwan protested, trying to pull away.
"Should've thought of that before causing chaos!" Mr. Park snapped. "All of you—outside! Now!"
Moments later, the entire class found themselves on the school track, forced to run laps around the building. Their footsteps pounded against the ground, gasps and groans filling the chilly air.
By the tenth lap, everyone collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily. Ji Hwan sprawled out, arms stretched. "I... hate... running..." he wheezed.
"Why are we the only ones punished?!" grumbled Min Jae, his messy hair sticking out in every direction as he wiped sweat from his forehead. "Those three idiots started it!"
Joo Hyuk flopped beside him, breathless. "Yeah... and they just got a warning... What kind of justice is this?"
Seung Woo, still catching his breath, muttered, "Tch. This is so messed up..."
Ji Yeon stood nearby with her arms crossed. "You guys never learn, do you?"
Ji Hwan grinned despite his exhaustion. "Hey... at least we look cool standing up for our friend..."
Min Jae rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure... cool and half-dead."
In the classroom, after the exhausting punishment run, everyone was completely wiped out. They pushed their chairs and desks aside, creating an open space in the middle of the room. Some immediately collapsed on the floor, while others leaned against the walls, wiping sweat from their crumpled uniforms.
Ji Hwan lay sprawled out, covering his face with one hand. "I feel... like my soul just left my body," he groaned.
Seung Woo sat cross-legged, his eyes half-closed. "I'm gonna have nightmares about running..."
Just then, the classroom door swung open. A student with messy hair, a single earring, and a laid-back aura stepped in — Hyun Ki, the class president. He waved casually as he walked to the front.
"Hey, everyone," Hyun Ki called out, his tone relaxed but loud enough to catch their attention.
Most of them glanced over lazily, except Ji Hwan, who remained sprawled on the floor. "What now, Hyun Ki? Don't tell me there's another punishment..." he muttered.
Hyun Ki smirked. "Chill out, I've got good news. The teachers are in a meeting... which means we've got a free period until the last class."
Silence hung in the air for a moment. And then—
"YEEEAAHHH!!" The entire class erupted in cheers. Ji Hwan shot up like he'd never been tired at all.
"THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!" Joo Hyuk shouted, fist-pumping the air.
Min Jae, who had been groaning moments ago, burst out laughing. "Finally! Luck's on our side!"
Ji Yeon massaged her temples, watching the chaos unfold. "Unbelievable... punished one second, partying the next," she sighed.
Meanwhile, Ji Hwan threw an arm around Hyun Ki's shoulder. "Hyun Ki, you're the hero of the day, man!"
Hyun Ki chuckled. "Relax. Just don't get caught goofing off by Mr. Park."
And just like that, their classroom transformed into a hub of noise and excitement — chaotic, loud, and somehow... the place where their bond felt strongest.
On the other side, Tae Min stood in a dimly lit room filled with the sound of footsteps and faint whispers. The old school hall, rarely used, was now crowded with students whose sharp gazes and intimidating presence filled the air with tension. Tae Min sat on an old chair at the center, legs crossed, eyes fixed seriously on his subordinates standing in formation.
Kyung Ho, leaning casually against the wall beside him, asked, "So, what's the plan this time?" though his expression suggested he already had an idea.
Tae Min raised an eyebrow. "We give them a warning. Especially that Ji Hwan and his friends. They're getting out of hand."
Min Soo stepped forward, his gaze serious. "But if we're too obvious, the teachers will catch on."
A smirk spread across Tae Min's face. "Who said we're doing this at school? We strike where they least expect it."
Kyung Ho glanced at Min Soo. "As long as this isn't as reckless as last time, I'm in."
Tae Min turned, scanning his crew with sharp eyes. "Get everything ready. I don't want any mistakes. Tonight, they'll learn their place."
Everyone nodded in unison. The room thickened with tension, like a brewing storm ready to break. Tae Min stood up, grabbed his jacket, and just before stepping out, he said in a low, firm voice, "The game has just begun."
A heavy silence lingered for a moment before the gang began moving, preparing for a plan that was bound to shake things up.
Meanwhile, Jung Dong Wook sat in his luxurious office, surrounded by shelves lined with books and neatly displayed achievement certificates. His eyes scanned the document in his hand, face calm yet unreadable. A cup of black coffee steamed gently on the table beside him. His gaze darkened as he read the report detailing Tae Min's latest incident.
His phone buzzed, and a message popped up: "A parent-teacher meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. The situation can no longer be hidden."
Jung Dong Wook let out a faint smirk—whether it was amusement or frustration was unclear. Pressing the intercom, he said coldly, "Prepare the car. I'm going to the school."
In the teachers' meeting room, tension filled the air. Teachers gathered around a long table, some visibly exhausted, others visibly annoyed.
"We can't keep letting this slide," Mr. Han, the P.E. teacher, said, tapping his pen against the table. "Tae Min and his gang have gone too far. It's not just happening inside school—it's spreading outside, damaging our reputation."
"Exactly," Mrs. Kang, the math teacher, chimed in. "I've received complaints from several parents. This is becoming a serious issue."
Mr. Park, Tae Min's homeroom teacher, sighed heavily. "I've tried speaking to him, but the boy is stubborn... And we all know who his father is." His words brought an uneasy silence. No one could deny the weight of the Jung family name.
"That's precisely why we need to act," Mrs. Lee said firmly. "Tomorrow's meeting with the parents of Class 2-B is critical. We can't keep backing down."
"If we keep ignoring this," Mr. Han added, "we're risking the safety of the students, not just the school's reputation."
The room grew heavier with the reality of the situation. Everyone knew that tomorrow's meeting wasn't just another routine discussion—it was their final chance to put an end to the chaos that had been allowed to fester for far too long.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. The once noisy classroom of Ji Hwan turned into a rush of students grabbing their bags and heading out. Ji Hwan walked alongside Ji Yeon and their friends toward the front yard of the school.
Outside, they parted ways. Ji Hwan climbed onto his sleek black sports bike, while Ji Yeon hopped on her blue Vespa. They exchanged glances before revving their engines and heading in opposite directions.
Elsewhere Tae Min stood inside the elevator of his father's company. The floor numbers blinked as the elevator ascended until it stopped at the top floor. The doors opened to a spacious office with a panoramic city view.
Behind a large desk, Jung Dong Wook fixed him with a cold stare. "You were only supposed to gather information, not cause trouble," he said, voice sharp.
Tae Min clenched his fists but kept his composure. "I acted fast."
"Speed without thought is recklessness," his father shot back, tone heavy with disappointment.
On the road Ji Hwan and Ji Yeon sped through the streets. The cool night wind whipped against them, but the atmosphere thickened when the roar of multiple engines echoed from behind.
A gang of motorcyclists in matching uniforms emerged, closing in fast. Ji Yeon glanced over her shoulder. "Tae Min's doing," she muttered. Sliding her Vespa closer to Ji Hwan's bike, she nudged him. "Speed up!"
One biker veered dangerously close. Without hesitation, Ji Yeon stood slightly on her footrests, yanked off her helmet, and—WHACK!—smashed it into the rider's helmet, sending him wobbling off course.
Meanwhile Seung Woo strolled down a narrow alley, hands in his pockets. Suddenly, several figures blocked his path.
"Hey, think you can just walk away from this?" one sneered.
Seung Woo sighed, his gaze dropping before locking onto them with calm intensity. Without another word—BAM!—he exploded into action, his martial arts sharp and precise. Within minutes, his opponents were groaning on the ground.
A few blocks away, Joo Hyuk faced his own crowd. "Really? How many times do I have to beat you guys down before you get it?" he quipped. He ducked a swing and retaliated with a spinning kick, flooring two at once. "Pick smarter battles next time," he muttered.
After a fierce chase, they skidded to a halt in front of a university campus. Ji Hwan ripped off his helmet, chest heaving. Spotting the lingering gang, he lifted his hand and casually flipped them off.
"Seriously?" Ji Yeon shot him an exasperated look.
"They deserved it," Ji Hwan grinned.
At that moment, a tall figure in a gray hoodie emerged from the campus entrance. "Ji Hwan? Ji Yeon? What are you doing here?" asked Kang Ryun, their uncle and the youngest brother of their father.
Ji Hwan scrambled for an excuse. "Uh… just passing by."
Kang Ryun raised an eyebrow but chuckled. "Alright. I'll drop by your place after my class. And—" his gaze shifted to Ji Hwan, "—we're continuing training at dawn."
Ji Hwan groaned. "Why? I need sleep, not torture."
"It's either training or more punches from punks," Kang Ryun shrugged.
Later that night Riding home, Ji Hwan's mind churned with the day's chaos. Ji Yeon glanced over at him. "You're such a delinquent," she muttered.
"I call it heroism," Ji Hwan shot back, a lopsided smirk forming.
Above them, the stars scattered faintly across the night sky—silent witnesses to the storm brewing just beyond the horizon.
Not long after, Kang Ryun arrived at their house. The family gathered around the dinner table, the warm aroma of homemade food filling the room. Laughter and conversation flowed easily, with Ji Hwan being the loudest as usual.
"And then—cough cough!" Ji Hwan suddenly choked mid-sentence, hitting his chest.
Ji Yeon rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "I cei sekkii…" (This idiot...)
Their mother quickly handed Ji Hwan a glass of water. "Eat slower! No one's going to steal your food," she scolded gently.
Kang Ryun chuckled at the familiar scene. His gaze shifted to his older brother, Kang Dae Ho, seated across the table. "Hyung," he said with a smirk, "he's just like you were back in the day."
Kang Dae Ho glanced at Ji Hwan, who was still coughing, face slightly red. A small, nostalgic smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yeah," he admitted, "too much energy for his own good."
The room filled with warmth—laughter echoing, memories intertwining with the present. Yet, beneath the comfort of family, an unspoken tension lingered in the air. The challenges ahead were far from over.
Elsewhere, in an exclusive club bathed in dim lights and pounding bass that vibrated through the floor, Jung Ha Joon sat calmly on a black leather sofa. A glass of untouched drink rested in his hand as his gaze fixated on his phone, which vibrated with an incoming call. The screen displayed the name: Tae Min.
Answering with a flat tone, Ha Joon said, "What is it?"
On the other end, Tae Min's voice came through, sounding irritated yet composed. "Dad just scolded me. The school sent a notice for a parent-teacher meeting tomorrow."
Ha Joon sighed. "And?"
"I can't let that meeting happen. If Dad finds out about my gang, he'll blow up. I need you to figure out a way to cancel it tonight."
Ha Joon swirled his drink thoughtfully, his gaze distant. The club around him buzzed with chatter and laughter, but none of it distracted him. "You really think everything can be solved with shady tactics, Tae Min?"
"You got a better solution? I can't risk this getting worse," Tae Min shot back impatiently.
Silence lingered between them. Finally, Ha Joon nodded to himself. "Fine. I'll handle it. But this is the last time I cover for your recklessness."
"Hyung, you're the best," Tae Min said with relief.
"Don't make me regret it," Ha Joon warned before ending the call.
He downed his drink in one gulp, exhaled sharply, and pulled out a second phone from his jacket pocket—a phone reserved for matters best kept in the dark. Quickly dialing a number, he spoke as soon as the line connected, "I need the parent-teacher meeting at Ancheon Boys' High School canceled tonight. You know what to do."
The club's flashing lights flickered overhead, the bass reverberating through the air, yet beneath the glimmer and pulse, unseen threads of conspiracy were being woven. That night, things quietly began to shift in the shadows.