The tension in the air was heavy—
Even the wind felt uneasy.
---
Jihun stood in front of Yuna, Minji, and Harin—
His expression serious.
More serious than ever.
---
"…Listen carefully."
---
All three looked at him.
---
Jihun spoke slowly—
Clearly.
---
"…Today…"
A pause.
"…Pretend like there is no student named Choi Kyungmin in this school."
---
Silence.
---
Minji blinked.
"…What?"
---
Yuna frowned.
"…Are you serious right now?"
---
Harin crossed her arms.
"…Why?"
---
Jihun didn't hesitate.
"…Because today will decide what happens to him."
---
That line—
Made everything heavier.
---
Yuna stepped closer.
"…Jihun."
"…Explain properly."
---
Jihun looked at her—
Then shook his head.
"…Not now."
---
"…What do you mean NOT NOW?!"
Minji almost shouted.
---
Jihun's voice got sharper.
"…We don't have time."
---
All three went silent.
---
Then Jihun continued—
Fast.
Direct.
---
"…Go to every class."
"…Tell everyone one thing."
---
A pause.
---
"…If anyone asks about Choi Kyungmin—"
"…They don't know him."
---
Minji held her head.
"…This is crazy…"
---
Harin smirked slightly.
"…Now this is getting interesting."
---
Yuna didn't smile.
At all.
---
"…Jihun."
"…If something happens because of this—"
---
Jihun cut her off.
"…I'll take responsibility."
---
Silence.
---
His tone—
Wasn't joking.
---
Yuna looked at him for a few seconds—
Then sighed.
---
"…Fine."
---
Minji looked at her.
"…WE'RE ACTUALLY DOING THIS?!"
---
Yuna nodded.
"…We don't have a choice."
---
Harin stretched slightly.
"…Alright then."
"…Mission: Hide the Prince."
---
Minji whispered dramatically,
"…This feels like a spy movie…"
---
Jihun turned away—
Already thinking ahead.
---
"…Go."
---
And without wasting another second—
All three of them ran—
In different directions.
---
Spreading the message.
---
Class by class.
---
"Today—there's no one named Choi Kyungmin here."
---
Confusion spread.
Rumors started.
---
But no one dared to question too much—
Because this came from Jihun.
---
Meanwhile—
In the dark storage room—
---
Kyungmin sat on a chair—
Restlessly tapping his foot.
---
"…Why do I feel like I'm in a crime scene…"
---
He looked at the door nervously.
---
"…And why does this feel like my life is in danger…"
---
Outside—
Footsteps echoed in the corridor.
---
Someone—
Had arrived.
---
And this time—
Everything—
Was about to begin.
The atmosphere inside the Elite 7 meeting room—
Turned tense.
---
"…She is here."
---
The moment Jihun said those words—
Everyone froze.
---
"…Again…?"
Seojun muttered.
---
"…Oh no…"
Taemin held his head.
---
Yoon somin sighed deeply.
"…Then we don't have any other option."
---
Lee Jiwon whispered,
"…Why today of all days…"
---
Footsteps echoed outside the hallway.
---
Seojun looked toward the door.
"…She's already here."
"…She's going class to class."
---
Silence.
---
Jihun clenched his fist slightly.
---
"…I'll handle her."
---
All eyes turned to him.
---
"…You all act normal."
"…Don't slip."
---
Before anyone could say anything—
Jihun had already turned—
And ran.
---
Corridor
Students whispered nervously—
As a figure walked through the hallway.
---
Confident.
Graceful.
---
Every step—
Turning heads.
---
A girl.
---
Long silky hair flowing perfectly—
Sharp, elegant features—
Eyes filled with quiet confidence—
---
Dressed not in school uniform—
But in a stylish, high-end outfit—
Like she walked straight out of a fashion shoot.
---
Students whispered among themselves—
---
"…Who is she?"
"…Is she a celebrity?"
"…She looks like a model…"
---
And they weren't wrong.
---
She was Kang Serin
---
A very famous model—
Known for her visuals and charm.
---
But what no one here knew—
---
Was that she wasn't just any model.
---
She was from the same middle school—
As Jihun.
As Choi Kyungmin.
And the Elite 7.
---
Her father—
A powerful businessman—
Close friends with Kyungmin's father.
---
Which made them—
Childhood friends.
---
Very close ones.
---
She stopped in front of a classroom.
---
Her eyes scanned the room—
Slowly.
Carefully.
---
"…Not here either."
---
Her voice—
Calm.
But cold underneath.
---
Then—
Footsteps approached.
---
Jihun.
---
He stopped in front of her.
---
"…Long time no see."
---
She turned.
---
Their eyes met.
---
A small smile appeared on her lips.
---
"…Jihun."
---
A pause.
---
"…Still the same."
---
Jihun kept his composure.
"…You came without informing."
---
She tilted her head slightly.
"…Do I need permission now?"
---
Silence.
---
Then—
She stepped closer.
---
"…Where is he?"
---
Straight.
Direct.
---
Jihun didn't hesitate.
"…Who?"
---
She smiled.
But her eyes didn't.
---
"…Don't play dumb."
---
A pause.
---
"…Where is Kyungmin?"
---
Jihun's expression stayed calm.
---
"…There's no one by that name here."
---
Silence.
---
For a second—
Everything stopped.
---
Then—
She laughed softly.
---
"…You're still protecting him."
---
Jihun didn't reply.
---
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
---
"…Interesting."
---
She stepped past him—
Continuing down the corridor.
---
"…Let's see how long this game lasts."
---
Jihun turned—
Watching her go.
---
For the first time—
Even he felt it.
---
This wasn't just a visit.
---
This was—
A storm.
---
And it had just entered their school.