It was already getting dark by the time Seulgi left the convenience store with her backpack hugged tight to her chest.
She moved quickly, like someone who had learned that staying still was dangerous.
Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough.
"Look who we found again," a familiar voice sneered.
Three girls stepped out from behind the trash bins, her former classmates.
Seulgi froze.
Her grip on her bag tightened.
"Transfer schools all you want," the tallest girl spat, grabbing Seulgi's collar, "but you can't run from us."
Seulgi opened her mouth but the girl shoved her hard, and she hit the wall with a small cry.
The kicks came next.
A stomp to her ribs.
A yank of her hair.
A slap that made her vision shake.
Seulgi curled in on herself, quietly enduring it like she always had.
Until a car slowed down at the mouth of the alley.
A sleek black sedan.
The window rolled down, and sharp eyes took in the scene instantly.
Yoo Jaeyi.
She spoke just three words to the driver.
"Stop the car."
The braking echoed through the alley.
The bullies froze.
The door opened, and Jaeyi stepped out slowly, heels clicking, expression unreadable, her gaze like ice.
"What," she said calmly, "do you think you're doing?"
The bullies exchanged looks, they recognized her.
Everyone did.
Chaewha High's top student.
The daughter of a hospital director.
The girl nobody wanted to cross.
"We- we were just-" one girl stammered.
Jaeyi didn't blink.
"Touch her again," she said, "and I'll make sure every teacher in this district knows your names."
Her voice was calm.
It scared them more than yelling.
The girls scattered immediately, leaving Seulgi trembling on the ground.
Jaeyi approached slowly and crouched down beside her.
"Hey," she said softly, voice suddenly gentle, "are you hurt?"
Seulgi jerked away, panicked and embarrassed.
"I-I'm fine. I'm okay," she whispered, scrambling to her feet.
Jaeyi moved to steady her, but Seulgi flinched.
For a second, their eyes met.
Jaeyi saw the fear.
Before Jaeyi could say anything, Seulgi bowed deeply and ran.
Jaeyi remained still for a moment, watching the direction Seulgi disappeared in.
Something in her chest tightened.
Her driver stepped forward. "Miss, should I follow her?"
Jaeyi shook her head slowly. "No... It's fine."
