Broken Hero

The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter of students, a cacophony of laughter and whispers mingling with the rustle of paper. Kang Seo-jun a third year student on his senior year, hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to absorb the teacher's monotonous lecture. His fingers traced the edges of his textbook, the pages filled with firmulas and diagrams that felt distant and irrelevant in the face of his daily struggles. The whisper of rustling behind him jolted slightly, but he ignored it, focusing on the page in front of him.

Smack

Suddenly a crumbled piece of paper sailed through the air, landing squarely on his face. He flinched, momentarily stunned, as the laughter erupted around him like a pack of wolves scenting blood. Joon-hyuk the school bully, leaned against the doorframe, a smirk plastered across his face. " Hey, Kang loser! Buy me some milk and snacks" he taunted, his tone dripping with mockery. Joon-hyuk grin stretched wide as he stared at Seo-jun with mock amusement.

The classroom, once filled with the students' chatter now hung in tense silence. Some student shifted uncomfortably, avoided Seo-jun's eyes, while others pretended nothing had happened. The teacher didn't glance up from his desk and continued the lecture.

Seo-jun's heart raced, anger bubbling beneath his surface, but it quickly drowned out by the familiar wave of dread. This is not the first time Joon-hyuk had targeted him. For too long, he had been the punching bag for the bully's amusement. He had endured this, the insults, the humiliation. At first, he had tried to fight back, but each time only resulted in more pain. Now, fear gripped him so tightly he could barely think of resisting. Mustering what little courage remained, Seo-jun swallowed hard and replied, "Do you have any money?"

The grin on Joon-hyuk's face faded into a sneer. Without warning, he stood up and strode over to Seo-jun, towering over him. The classroom grew even quiter, the air thick with anticipation.

"You need money?" Joon-hyuk's voice dropped dangerously low.

Before he could brace himself, Joon-hyuk's fist shot out, slamming into Seo-jun's stomach with a dull thud.

Pain exploded through Seo-jun's abdomen. He doubled over, gasping for air clutching his midsection as his vision blurred for a moment. Laughter escape from the class echoing in his ears. Not everyone laughed, though. A few students sat stiffly, their faces pale, unwilling to meet his eyes - too afraid to be the next target.

"Use your own money, dumbass! Or are you too broke for that?"

Joon-hyuk spat, leaning down close to Seo-jun's ear. His breath was hot and foul. "Next time, don't waste my time asking."

With no choice but to comply, Seo-jun nodded weakly, biting back the bile rising in his throat. With shaking hands, he fished out his lunch money from his pocket, each coin clinking together like a countdown to his humiliation. As he made his way to the cafeteria, he rehearsed his thoughts, trying to convince himself it was just a matter of survival. "Just buy it and get back. It'll be over soon."

Seo-jun walked back toward the classroom, the weight of the snacks and milk in his hands feeling far heavier than they should. When he retured, he was greeted by a scene he knew all to well. Joon-hyuk's smirk was waiting for him.

Without a word, Joon-hyuk grabbed the milk from Seo-jun's hands open it, and promptly poured it all over him. The cold liquid soaked through Seo-jun's shirt, dripping down his face and neck. The class laughed again, the sound piercing through his soul.

"Did i ask for this? I said strawberry milk. Idiot," Joon-hyuk snorted, throwing the now-empty carton to Seo-jun's face. "Go get the right one."

Seo-jun's fist clenched at his sides, but he stayed silent. He couldn't afford to fight back, not anymore. His heart screamed for justice, but his body refuse to act. He knew that everytime he had tried to fight back in the past, he had only found himself beaten and humiliated. He wiped the milk from his face, his eyes stinging his troat tight with suppressed anger and shame. Without aword, he turned and left to buy the right drink.

That afternoon, as he walked through the schoolyard, he spotted something that made his chest tighen. Joon-hyuk had cornered a new student, a timid looking boy who had transferred just days ago. Seo-jun watched as Joon-hyuk loomed over the kid, his words lost in the wind but the intention clear.

Seo-jun's feet moved before he could think. His pulse quickened as he approached. His earlier pain forgotten in the rush of anger that surged through him. He couldn't bear to see someone else go through what he had endured for years.

"Hey! Stop it!" Seo-jun called out, his voice wavering. The words felt heavier than lead, but he pushed past the fear that had woven itself into his being.

Joon-hyuk turned, a surprised look flashing across his face before it was replaced with a sneer. "Look who's trying to be a hero," he mocked. The new student looked bewildered, caught in the crossfire of Seo-jun's attempt at bravery.

"Leave him alone," Seo-jun said, his voice shaking, he could feel his heart hammering in his chest. His body screamed at him to run but his legs stayed planted. He had to protect the new kid.

Joon-hyuk's expresion darkened.

"What did you just say?" Joon-hyuk's voice was low, dripping with menace, he stepped toward Seo-jun with slow, deliberate steps, each one making Seo-jun's pulse race faster.

"I said... leave him alone," Seo-jun repeated, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his fear. His fists clenched at his sides, but his knees felt weak. Every instinct told him to run, to avoif thr pain he knew was coming. But if he ran now, he never forgive himself.

Joon-hyuk reached him in two strides. For a moment, Seo-jun could feel the raw hostility radiating off the other boy. Joon-hyuk was taller, stronger, and carried himself with the confidence of someone who had never lost a fight.

Without warning, Joon-hyuk's fist shot out, slamming into Seo-jun's gut. The air rushed out of his lungs with a sharp gasp. The pain was immediate sharp and blinding, but it was the beginning. Seo-jun staggered backward, clutching his stomach, trying to stay on his feet, but his legs buckled under him. He fell to his knees, his vision blurring as the world tilted around him.

"Pathetic," Joon-hyuk muttered as he watched Seo-jun struggle to breathe. His lip curled in disgust, as though Seo-jun was nothing more than an insect to be crushed.

Seo-jun coughed, gasping fot air his whole body trrmbling from the shock of the hit. His mind raced filled with the familiar feeling of helplessness and shame. "Why i have to experience this? Why do i keep doing this? Why do i keep trying when i know it'll end the same way?" He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the humiliation, but he couldn't escape it.

Joon-hyuk wasn't finished. He grabbed Seo-jun by the collar, yanking him off the ground befire shoving him back dkwn onto the cold, hard floor. Seo-ju landed hard, the impact sending another jolt of pain through his body. His cheek scraped against the rough tile as he lay there, breathing heavily, his face inches from the floor.

He could hear the snickers of passing students, could feel them eyes on him watching, judging. No one stepped in to help, and why would they? Seo-jun learned long ago that standing up to the bullies meant standing alone.

Joon-hyuk crouched down next to him, his voice low and mocking. "Look at you, Kang Seo-jun. You're a joke."

Seo-jun clenched his fists, but his body refused to move. "Get up." He told himself. "Do something. Dont just lie here." But his muscles wouldn't obey. His body felt heavy, weighed down by more than just a physical pain. It was the weight of years of bullying, the weight of knowing that nothing he did would make a difference.

Joon-hyuk smirked and leaned closer, his breath hot and rancid against Seo-jun's ear. "You think you're a hero or something? Trying to save the new kid? He pressed a heavy boot onto Seo-jun's face, forcing his cheek harder against the floor. Seo-jun's heart pounded in his chest, fear and anger twisting together, but he couldn't move, couldn't fight back.

"You can't even protect yourself," Joon-hyuk whispered, his voice deipping with cruelty. He ground his boot down harder, making Seo-jun wince in pain. "You don't have the guts to fight back. So stop trying to play hero. You're not foolimg anyone."

Seo-jun's eyes stung as tears pricked at the corners, not just from the physical pain but from the utter helplessness. He hated Joon-hyuk, but most of all, he hated himself in that moment. "He's right," Seo-jun though bitterly. "I can't fight back. I'm too weak."

After what felt like a eternity, Joon-hyuk finaly lifted his foot off Seo-jun's face, but not before giving one final shove. "Stay down Kang. You're nothing," he spat before walking away.

Seo-jun remained on the floor, his cheek still pressed against the cool tile, too ashamed to move. His body ached all over, but it was the hollow feeling in his chesr that hurt most. "Is this all I am now? Someone who just takes the punches and keeps quite?"

Slowly, painfully, Seo-jun pushed himself up onto his knees. His vision still blurry, and he wiped at his face with the back of his hands, feeling the sting of a fresh cut on his cheek. He tried to stand, his legs shaking beneath him, but they gave out, and he slumped back on the floor, his body too weak to carry him.

The students and the teachers moved on, no longer interested in the aftermatch of the bullying. Seo-jun stared down at the floor his mjnd swirling with despair.

The transfer student heistated for a moment before cautiously stepping forward. "Thank you.. for trying to help me." He said quitely.

Seo-jun didn't respond right away. He didn't feel like a hero. He felt pathetic. What good was it trying to help others when he couldn't even help himself?

"Dont worry about it," Seo-jun muttered finally his voice hoarse. He force himself to stand, wincing with each movement. "Just.. stay away from them, alright?"

The boy looked a mixture of gratitude and pity. "But, why did you do that?"

Seo-jun wiped the blood from his lips and looked at the boy through swolle eyes. "I've been bullied for a long time. Better he focuses on me than someone new."

"But why don't you report tgem?" The boy asked, his voice full of confusion and concern.

Seo-jun chuckled bitterly, the sound dry and hollow. "They've got connections. Wealthy families. No one's going to do anything." He force another laugh, but it was still hollow. "Maybe this is just how my life supposed to be."

The new student frowned, disappointed flickering in his eyes. "You shouldn't have to live like this."

With final warning, Seo-jun advised him.

"Just focus on your studies and stay away from them."

The evening, Seo-jun returned home, his body battered and bruised. As he open through the door, his mother turned to greet him, her eyes immediately widening with concern.

"Seo-jun, what happend to you?" She asked, rushing over to examine his injuries.

He forced a smile, pulling away slightly. "It's nothing. I just.. tripped in gym class, that's all."

Her worried expressio diddn't fade but she didn't push further. As she is about to head out of her way to her work.

Seo-jun knew better than to involve her in this problems. She was alteady working herself to the bone as a single mom. Besides she couldn't do anything against Joon-hyuk powerful family.

The next day, Seo-jun walked into the classroo. Head low, hoping to pass through the day unnoticed. But when something hit him again - a piece of junk - he looked up, only to find the transfer student, the same boy he had defended, laughing together with Joon-hyuk.

"Well, look at that. I didn't know you were a nasty little kid too" Joon-hyuk sneered, stepping closer to the transfer student.

His heart dropped.

The betrayal hit harder than any punch. Seo-jun's spirit was completly broken. As the cycle of bullying continued, each moment dragging him deeper into the abyss of hopelessness.

The wind was cold against Kang Seo-jun's skin as he stood at the edge of the Han River bridge. The dark water below reflected the moonlight, shimmering quietly, as if it held the peace he had been longing for. His fingers gripped the cold metal railing tightly, knuckles turning white. He felt hollow inside, like the last thread of hope had finally snapped, leaving him with nothing but a heavy numbness that pulled him closer to the edge.

"Why is my life like this?" he thought bitterly, staring down into the endless black water. Is this all I'm worth? Is this all life has to offer me? His mind replayed the years of torment, each memory cutting into him. The bullies, the laughter that echoed around him in class, the sneers and punches from Joom-hyuk. He clenched his jaw. Why do they get to live so easily? Why is their life perfect just because they're rich?

A part of him had once been brave. He used to believe in justice, that good people deserved better, that kindness would come back to him if he endured. But that belief had withered away after endless beatings, insults, and mockery. He had even tried to fight back for others—like the new kid—but it only led to more pain. His chest tightened at the memory of Joom-hyuk stepping on his face, sneering, "Don't try to be a hero. You don't even have the guts to fight for yourself."

He felt so small, so powerless. The weight of his entire world rested on his shoulders, pressing him down. His mother worked endlessly to support him, and even she didn't know the truth. What could she do, anyway? She was struggling just to make ends meet. If I tell her… it'll just make her worry. But what can I do? I'm so tired. I just want this to stop. I want to be free from all of this.

Seo-jun squeezed his eyes shut, a tear slipping down his cheek. Maybe this is the only way out. Maybe, in death, I'll find the peace I couldn't find in life. His hand trembled as he loosened his grip on the railing, leaning forward slightly. His heart pounded in his chest as he prepared to take the final step.

But just as he was about to throw himself into the cold embrace of the river, a blinding light burst forth from the sky, engulfing him completely. He gasped, stumbling back in shock, covering his eyes with his arm. The light was so intense that for a moment, he felt like he was floating in nothingness, weightless and disconnected from the world.

When he opened his eyes, everything was different.

He stood in an endless, pure white space. There was no horizon, no walls, no sky. Just an infinite expanse of light that seemed to go on forever. Seo-jun blinked in confusion, his heart still racing from the shock. His breath caught in his throat as he looked around. He wasn't alone.

Scattered throughout the vast whiteness were other people—men and women of different ages, all looking as bewildered as he felt. They glanced around nervously, some whispering among themselves, but most avoided meeting each other's eyes. The air was thick with uncertainty, like everyone was trying to make sense of where they were and what was happening. Seo-jun's chest tightened, fear and curiosity battling within him. Where am I? What… what is this place?

Before he could even try to ask anyone, a voice echoed through the space, deep and resonant, as if it came from everywhere and nowhere at once. It wasn't harsh or loud, but there was an undeniable power behind it, a commanding presence that immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Welcome," the voice said, rich and godly. "You stand now in the realm of the divine. The Realm of Reincarnation."

Seo-jun's breath caught as he looked toward the source of the voice. There, standing taller than any human, was a being of immense presence. The figure radiated a soft glow, its form draped in robes of flowing light, its features indistinguishable but overwhelmingly serene and powerful. It was as if he was gazing upon something not meant for mortal eyes—a being of pure divinity. Seo-jun's knees nearly gave out from the sheer presence.

"I am the Eternal God of Reincarnation," the figure spoke, its voice gentle but firm. "You are here because your lives have been weighed. Each of you carries both sins and good deeds within you, a balance of light and shadow. I am here to offer you a choice: to be transported in another world, with a chance to right your wrongs, to redeem yourselves… or to be erased from existence entirely."

Seo-jun's heart pounded in his chest. A second chance…? The words hung in the air, the weight of them sinking deep into his soul. He glanced around at the others, who looked just as shocked and confused as he felt. None of them seemed to know what to do, just like him. Is this real? Or is this just some kind of dream?

The godly figure's gaze, though faceless, seemed to pierce through him, as if reading every thought, every regret, every pain that had shaped his life. The others began to murmur amongst themselves, uncertain of what to make of the situation.

Seo-jun's mind raced. A second chance? Could he really start over? Would things be different in this new world, or would he carry the same suffering with him? His hands clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as the thought of returning to his old life filled him with dread. I can't go back… I can't go back to that hell.

The voice of the Eternal God echoed once more, resonating in the hollow of Seo-jun's heart. "The choice is yours. To live again or to disappear forever. Know that in this new world, your actions will determine your fate. Make your choice wisely."

Seo-jun stared at the figure, his mind torn. Could I really escape this suffering? Could I really start over?