When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

Chapter 1

I stood there, staring at the sight before me.

Yuseong Technical High School

I had never heard the name before, never seen this place. But I hoped-prayed-that this would be my chance to escape everything and start fresh.

A god-given gift.

Or so I thought.

I never expected the chaos that greeted me the moment I stepped in. My eyes widened at the sight of bullying-no, not just bullying-violence in its rawest form. I had been a victim before, but never of physical bullying. This was on another level.

I quickened my pace, ignoring them.

Then I saw another fight. My heart pounded harder than I had anticipated.

Again, I ignored it.

It's not like I could help them. Trying would only make things worse.

When I reached my classroom, I exhaled deeply and pushed open the door, hoping-

Oh.

This.

Is.

The.

Worst.

It wasn't just fighting; it was brutal. A guy with a lip piercing was mercilessly beating up another student. The poor victim lay on the floor, coughing up blood, his uniform crumpled, his breathing ragged, his eyes filled with tears.

I stood frozen in fear.

No. No. No.

This can't be happening.

Shit.

Congratulations, Baek Harin, you really succeeded in sending me away-out of all places, here. I should have fought back.

Not that my parents would've listened. Even if I told them I didn't want to transfer, they wouldn't have cared.

There's no use dwelling on it now.

I scanned the room, searching for someone-anyone-who might feel the same way as me. But no one cared. They weren't horrified. They weren't pitying him. They were enjoying it.

Crazy bastards.

Or... had they simply adapted to this environment? What if I ended up like them? No. I could never. I would never enjoy bullying-physical or psychological.

"Stop it!" A voice rang out. A teacher. He rushed toward the students, gesturing for them to return to their seats.

Thank god. At least the teachers are decent-

"You can beat him up during the break. The inspector is coming for a checkup. Lay low."

What? What?!

I never imagined my life would spiral this far, just to satisfy Baek Harin.

Well, I can't do anything about it anyway. I should stay out of their business.

I pitied the poor guy.

Or was he just as bad as them?

"Why are you standing there?"

Oh. They're talking to me.

I bowed slightly. "Hello, I'm new-"

"Go to the back seat."

Hmm.

"Sure."

At least he didn't draw too much attention to me. That's a good start.