At the Café – Evening
Shiyoung entered, still angry. His steps were heavy, his face scowling, as he made his way toward the cashier.
Shiyoung (sharply): "...One hot chocolate... with marshmallows on top."
On the other side, Shion sat quietly in a corner.
Barista: "A cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows."
Shiyoung quickly reached to grab the cup—but Shion stopped him.
Shion (calmly): "That's mine."
Shiyoung froze, then looked at the cup. He noticed the name clearly written: Shion. He sighed, embarrassed, and handed it to her.
Shiyoung (hesitant): "...Sorry... I didn't know it was yours."
Shion (lightly smiling): "...It's okay."
(She takes the cup.)
She then walked toward Shiyoung's table and asked:
Shion: "Can I sit?"
Shiyoung: "Sure, why not."
They sat together for the first time, speaking freely. Their conversation was simple—about school, the past few days—but it broke the wall of silence between them. Shiyoung tried to act casual, though his eyes betrayed his shyness and unease.
Shion tried to hide the small smile she cast his way.
But inside, Shiyoung couldn't forget that his presence here wasn't by chance—it was Max's plan. Though he enjoyed the moment, anger simmered within him toward Max, and he promised himself he would confront him.
The Next Morning
His resolve clear, Shiyoung searched for Max at the university, his sharp eyes scanning for him, determined to face him.
Meanwhile, Shion decided to change her usual seat. Upon entering the classroom, she ignored her usual spot beside Jay and sat at the back.
It was a surprising move that unsettled Jay, who stared at her, trying to understand the reason. Shion pretended to be absorbed in her notebooks, as if starting a new chapter for herself.
Outside in the courtyard, Shiyoung finally found Max. He stormed toward him, and before he could say a word...
He delivered a powerful punch right in front of the students. Max stumbled for a moment, then stood up, brushing the blood from his mouth with a cocky smile.
Max laughed loudly, surprised: "Is that all you've got, Shiyoung? I expected more!"
Whispers spread among the students—some stunned, others waiting for what would happen next.
Shiyoung's anger grew with every laugh from Max, the tension thickening in the air. It felt as though a bigger explosion was about to happen.