Chapter 17: Ji-sung the Traitor & the Dilemma of Loyalty
That morning – Daehan International School Library
Han Jimin typed furiously on his laptop. "The digital footprint matches. All the leaks came from one source—Ji-sung."
"He's the new kid we helped before," added Lino. "But ever since he joined the debate club, he's been hanging out with Min Hyuk and the hardcore student council kids."
Gevran closed his eyes for a moment, then let out a long breath. "Then we need to talk to him directly. But not to punish him."
"What?!" Kasang and Kaeyan exclaimed in unison.
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Afternoon – Behind the school grounds
Gevran stood alone, waiting. Autumn winds rustled dry leaves across the ground. Ji-sung arrived, face tense.
"You asked to meet?"
"Yes. I know you're the one who leaked the video."
Ji-sung held his breath. "I... didn't have a choice. They threatened to expose a video of my mom—working part-time at a bar. If it got out, she could lose her job."
Gevran stayed silent, his gaze steady.
"You know, Ji-sung... we built this network to protect people like your mom. And now you've helped the ones who hurt us."
Ji-sung lowered his head. "I was weak."
"But it's not too late."
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Later that afternoon – Secret room
"This is your decision?" Han Jimin asked, stiffly. "To reinstate someone who nearly took us down?"
Gevran nodded. "I know the risk. But if we start kicking people out just because they stumbled... aren't we no better than them?"
Silence fell.
Ji-sung entered slowly. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. But if you'll let me... I want to make things right."
Kasang scoffed. "Don't think this means you get the special popcorn, though."
Kaeyan added, "Or join our TikToks. You're still on probation!"
A small wave of laughter softened the tension.
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Night – Yi Family Living Room
Gevran and Kaeyan lounged on the couch, watching an action movie, popcorn scattered everywhere. Yi-Ana walked by, amused.
"You two are louder than a theater. Don't you have homework?"
"Hyung said rest is part of strategy," Kaeyan defended.
Yi-Ana patted her son's head. "Strategy for eating snacks too?"
Gevran laughed. "Exactly. Who knows, maybe I'll become the Minister of Snack Strategies."
Kasang passed by, singing, "Snacks... for world peace~!"
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The next day – Back to school
Gevran and his team's reputation was beginning to recover. Alumni who supported their cause contacted the principal, and even a national media outlet offered them an exclusive interview.
But Min Hyuk wasn't done.
"You think this is over? This school belongs to the elite. Not your little revolution."
But Gevran met his glare.
"We're not here to overthrow anyone, Hyuk. We're here to make sure no one else gets forced to kneel under fear."
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Chapter 17 Ending
On the school's bulletin board, a new poster appeared:
> Student Open Forum: "Voices Never Heard"
Hosted by: The Student Defender Network
Moderator: Gevran Yi Jido
Meanwhile, Ji-sung stood nearby, quietly smiling—for the first time, not out of fear, but because he had chosen the right path.
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