The Beginning of an Unlikely Encounter

The soft morning light filtered through the classroom windows, casting a golden glow across the rows of desks. Ji Hyun sat near the middle, her notebook open, and her pen poised as the teacher reviewed equations from the board. She wasn't paying attention though—not really. Her mind was on something much bigger: university applications. She'd been preparing for years to get into a prestigious university in Seoul, and now the time was closing in. Every minute mattered.

The classroom door slid open. The teacher stopped mid-sentence as a tall figure stepped in, and the room fell into a hushed silence. Ji Hyun glanced up, mildly interested. Her breath caught in her throat.

The boy standing in front of the class had an undeniable presence. Tall, with black hair that framed his strikingly handsome face, he carried an air of confidence that was hard to ignore. Whispers spread like wildfire across the room.

"Ji hyun that's him!" Minji whispered, leaning over. "Kim Tae Oh! He's a celebrity!"

Ji Hyun frowned, but she didn't say anything. Celebrity or not, she wasn't about to let some random guy distract her. She returned her gaze to her notebook, but she couldn't shake the feeling that everyone's attention—hers included—was locked on the newcomer.

As Tae Oh introduced himself, his voice was calm, steady—like someone who was used to being the center of attention. "Kim Tae Oh," he said simply, offering no further explanation. The teacher smiled, clearly pleased to have a student with such an impressive reputation, even if most of the students were already whispering about his celebrity status.

"Take a seat wherever you'd like," the teacher said, gesturing toward the class.

Ji Hyun kept her eyes down, determined not to care about this boy, no matter how famous he was. She had her future to think about. But her resolve was tested the moment he walked down her row and slid into the empty desk directly next to hers.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly pulled herself together. This was just a coincidence. He had no reason to care who she was—just as she had no reason to care about him.

The day moved slowly, and although Ji Hyun tried her best to focus, she couldn't shake the growing awareness that Kim Tae Oh was sitting next to her. Occasionally, she could feel his gaze flicker toward her, but she didn't dare look back. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he was getting to her, even a little.

At lunch, Minji was buzzing with excitement. "He's sitting next to you? You're so lucky, Ji Hyun!" she exclaimed. "Everyone's talking about how cool he is. He's been on TV so much, I feel like we're sharing a classroom with a movie star!"

Ji Hyun shrugged. "He's just another student. Nothing special."

The rest of the day passed in a blur. As Ji Hyun walked home that afternoon, her thoughts kept returning to Tae Oh. She didn't want to admit it, but he intrigued her. Not because he was a celebrity, but because he seemed... different. There was something in his eyes that suggested there was more to him than just the perfect image he showed the world.

The next morning, Ji Hyun arrived at school determined to refocus. She walked through the school gates, her headphones on, listening to a playlist meant to get her in the right mindset. The day would be hers. No distractions, no drama, no celebrity nonsense. But as soon as she entered the classroom, she noticed the stir that Tae Oh's presence had created again.

He was already seated, surrounded by a small group of students, mostly girls, all eager to be the first to talk to him. Tae Oh handled the attention with ease, smiling politely and nodding, but never giving too much away. It was like he was used to it—like this was just another day in his world.

Ji Hyun took her seat without looking at him, pulling out her books and focusing on the lesson. But it wasn't long before Minji leaned over, whispering excitedly. "He's so cool, Ji Hyun! Aren't you curious about him?"

"No," Ji Hyun said flatly. "I'm focused on my future, not some celebrity."

Minji pouted. "You're no fun."

Throughout the day, Tae Oh kept a low profile, despite the attention. He didn't seem interested in making friends with anyone, though a few students, particularly some of the popular girls, tried hard to win his favor. Ji Hyun noticed one girl, in particular, eyeing him with more intensity than the others—Hye Jin, one of the most popular girls in school. She was known for always getting what she wanted, and now it was clear that Tae Oh was her next target.

By lunchtime, Ji Hyun was back to her usual routine, sitting with Minji and a few others from their friend group, talking about school and future plans. They were discussing the latest university rankings when suddenly, a shadow fell over their table. Ji Hyun looked up to see Tae Oh standing there, tray in hand.

"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his eyes meeting hers briefly before shifting to the rest of the group.

Minji's jaw dropped, and the others exchanged glances, clearly starstruck. Ji Hyun, however, simply nodded. "Go ahead."

He sat down, and for a few minutes, there was an awkward silence as everyone seemed too nervous to speak. Ji Hyun continued eating, pretending not to notice the way her friends were staring at Tae Oh. Eventually, Minji broke the silence.

"So, Tae Oh, what's it like being a celebrity?" she asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

Tae Oh smiled faintly. "It's not as glamorous as it seems. Lots of hard work."

Ji Hyun glanced up at him, surprised by his humble response. Maybe there was more to him than she thought.

The rest of the lunch period passed by with the group warming up to Tae Oh, though Ji Hyun remained mostly quiet, observing. He answered their questions politely, but his responses were brief, leaving the conversation mostly to the others. It was clear that despite his fame, he wasn't the type to boast or draw attention to himself unnecessarily.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Tae Oh stood up, offering a small smile. "Thanks for letting me join you," he said, glancing at Ji Hyun before leaving the table.

Minji let out a squeal as soon as he was out of earshot. "I can't believe he sat with us! This is insane, Ji Hyun! You were so calm, though. How did you manage that?"

Ji Hyun shrugged, trying to act indifferent. "Like I said, he's just another student."

But the truth was, she wasn't as unaffected as she appeared. There was something about Tae Oh that unsettled her, something she couldn't quite place. It wasn't his fame or his looks—those were obvious enough. It was the way he seemed... different, detached from everything around him, despite being surrounded by people. And the way he had glanced at her, more than once, like he saw through the facade she was trying to maintain

As the day drew to a close, Ji Hyun packed her bag, ready to leave. Just as she stepped out of the classroom, she heard a voice behind her.

"Ji Hyun, right?"

She turned to find Tae Oh standing there, looking just as composed as he had all day.

"Yeah," she replied, her guard immediately going up. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if considering what to say next. "I just wanted to thank you. You didn't make a big deal out of me being there. That was... refreshing."

Ji Hyun raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you were expecting?"

He shrugged. "Most people do. It gets tiring."

For a moment, there was a pause. Ji Hyun wasn't sure how to respond. On one hand, she didn't want to get involved with someone like him—famous, popular, surrounded by attention. But on the other hand, she could sense that Tae Oh wasn't as simple as she first thought.

"Well, you're just a guy," she said finally. "I'm not interested in all that celebrity stuff."

Tae Oh smiled, a real smile this time, not the polite one he had been giving everyone else. "Good to know. See you tomorrow"

The days that followed settled into a routine. Ji Hyun kept her focus on her studies, determined not to let Tae Oh distract her. But despite her best efforts, he was everywhere—at school, in conversations, and even in her thoughts. She couldn't deny that there was something about him that made it hard to ignore his presence. The school buzzed with excitement around him, and she noticed how effortlessly he managed to blend in, despite the attention.

Tae Oh, for his part, seemed content to observe from the sidelines. He didn't try to be the center of attention, though that's where everyone naturally placed him. He spent his time quietly, only speaking when necessary, and seemed to have taken an interest in Ji Hyun's friend group. Every now and then, he would sit with them during lunch, though he never imposed. It was as if he was testing the waters, trying to understand the dynamics of high school life outside the spotlight.

One afternoon, Ji Hyun stayed behind after class to finish an assignment. The classroom was nearly empty, with only a few students lingering to chat with the teacher. Ji Hyun focused on her notebook, jotting down notes when she heard footsteps approaching.

"Still working hard, I see," Tae Oh's voice came from beside her.

Ji Hyun glanced up, a little surprised to see him still at school so late. "What are you doing here?" she asked, keeping her tone neutral.

Tae Oh shrugged, leaning casually against the desk. "I had some things to catch up on."

Ji Hyun raised an eyebrow. "A celebrity with homework? I thought you'd have someone doing that for you."

He laughed softly, shaking his head. "No, I still have to do my own work. Being famous doesn't change that."

For a moment, there was silence between them. Ji Hyun wasn't sure why, but something about Tae Oh's laid-back attitude made her feel less guarded. He wasn't what she had expected—there was no arrogance, no pretense. It was almost like he was just another student trying to fit in.

"Well," Ji Hyun said, returning her focus to her notebook, "I've got a lot to finish, so if you're here to distract me, it's not going to work."

Tae Oh smiled, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I'll let you get back to it, then."

Ji Hyun's paths continually crossed with Tae Oh's - at the library, during breaks, and on walks home. Their casual exchanges dispelled her notion of him as just a shallow celebrity.

Tae Oh, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy these moments. While the rest of the school fawned over him, treating him like someone untouchable, Ji Hyun was the only one who treated him like a normal person. She didn't care about his fame or popularity, and that's what drew him to her.

One afternoon, as Ji Hyun was packing her books after a particularly long day, she heard Tae Oh's familiar voice.

"You heading home?"

She looked up to see him standing near the door, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

"Yeah, just finished," she replied. "You?"

He nodded. "Mind if I walk with you?"

Ji Hyun hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

As they walked side by side through the quiet streets, the conversation flowed more easily than it had before. They talked about school, their ambitions—Ji Hyun's plans to get into a top university in Seoul, Tae Oh's dream of making it big in the entertainment industry. Despite their different paths, there was an understanding between them.

"So, why did you transfer to our school?" Ji Hyun asked, curious.

Tae Oh looked thoughtful for a moment. "My schedule was getting hectic, and I needed to balance it with my studies. This school has a good reputation, and it seemed like the right fit."

Ji Hyun nodded, but she sensed there was more to the story than he was letting on. She didn't press him, though. If he wanted to share, he would in time.

As

At one point, they reached a small park, and Ji Hyun paused. "I usually cut through here to get home," she said.

Tae Oh stopped beside her, glancing around. "It's nice. Peaceful."

Ji Hyun nodded. "Yeah, I come here to clear my head sometimes. It's one of those places where no one bothers you."

They stood there for a moment in comfortable silence, the sound of rustling leaves filling the air. It was strange how easy it was to be around him, even though they hadn't known each other for long. Ji Hyun was used to people trying to impress her, but Tae Oh wasn't trying at all. He was just... himself.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Ji Hyun said, breaking the silence.

Tae Oh turned to her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, see you."

---

Back at home, Ji Hyun sat at her desk, flipping through her textbooks. She had a mountain of work to get through, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Tae Oh. It wasn't that she was interested in him romantically—not yet, anyway. But there was something about him that made her curious, something that made her want to know more.

---

The next day at school, Ji Hyun could feel eyes on her. She wasn't surprised; people had been watching her ever since Tae Oh had started talking to her more frequently. But today, it felt different. It wasn't just curiosity—it was hostility.

During lunch, Ji Hyun and her friends were sitting in their usual spot when Minji leaned in, lowering her voice. "Have you noticed Hye Jin lately?"

Ji Hyun raised an eyebrow. "What about her?"

Minji glanced across the cafeteria, where Hye Jin( one of the most popular girls in school) sat surrounded by her usual crowd. But instead of her usual confident smile, Hye Jin was glaring in Ji Hyun's direction.

"I think she's jealous of you," Minji whispered. "You know, because of Tae Oh."

Ji Hyun sighed. She had noticed the change in Hye Jin's attitude since Tae Oh arrived, but she hadn't thought much of it. After all, Hye Jin was always used to being the center of attention, and with Tae Oh being the new star, it made sense that she felt threatened. Still, Ji Hyun didn't want to get involved in any drama.

"Let her be," Ji Hyun said, brushing it off. "I'm not interested in Tae Oh, and even if I were, it's none of her business."

But as the day went on, it became clear that Hye Jin wasn't going to let it go. During gym class, Ji Hyun overheard a group of girls whispering about her, and when she walked by, the snickering started.

"Isn't it strange how quickly she's gotten close to Tae Oh?" one of the girls said loud enough for Ji Hyun to hear. "She's probably using him for attention."

Ji Hyun's hands clenched into fists, but she kept walking, refusing to let them see how much their words bothered her. She knew this was Hye Jin's doing. It was exactly the kind of subtle manipulation she was known for—stirring up rumors without directly getting her hands dirty.

---

Later that day, Ji Hyun found herself alone in the hallway, heading toward her locker. She was putting her books away when she heard footsteps approaching.

"Ji Hyun," a cold voice called out.

She turned to see Hye Jin standing there, arms crossed, a smug look on her face.

"You think you're special because Tae Oh talks to you, don't you?" Hye Jin sneered. "But don't get too comfortable. He'll lose interest soon enough. Guys like him don't stick around for girls like you."

Ji Hyun narrowed her eyes but kept her cool. "I don't know what your problem is, but I'm not interested in Tae Oh. So if you have an issue, deal with it yourself."

Hye Jin stepped closer, her smile turning vicious. "You'll regret it if you get in my way. I always get what I want."

Ji Hyun stood her ground, not letting Hye Jin's threats intimidate her. "I'm not afraid of you, Hye Jin. And if you think spreading rumors is going to scare me off, you're wrong."

Hye Jin left Ji Hyun feeling more frustrated than rattled. She had dealt with girls like Hye Jin before—those who used their popularity to control others. But this felt different. Hye Jin was more dangerous because her envy was fueled by Tae Oh's attention, something Ji Hyun hadn't even asked for.

As Ji Hyun walked to her next class, she could feel eyes following her again, the whispers growing louder. Hye Jin's influence was working fast, and Ji Hyun could already see the effects. Some students were starting to avoid her, while others shot her suspicious looks, as if wondering if the rumors were true.

Ji Hyun knew she had to be careful. One wrong move, and Hye Jin would have even more ammunition to use against her.

---

That afternoon, Ji Hyun decided to stay late at the library to avoid the drama. She needed some time to clear her head and focus on her studies. As she sat down at a quiet table near the back, she pulled out her textbooks and started reading. But it wasn't long before she heard someone pull out the chair across from her.

"Is this seat taken?" Tae Oh's voice broke the silence.

Ji Hyun looked up, surprised to see him. "Uh, no. You can sit if you want."

Tae Oh smiled and sat down, placing a notebook on the table. "I saw you here and figured I'd say hi."

Ji Hyun raised an eyebrow. "You don't usually study in the library."

He shrugged. "Trying something new. Plus, it's quieter here."

For a moment, they worked in comfortable silence. Ji Hyun could feel the tension of the day easing as she focused on her books. But after a while, Tae Oh spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

"I heard about what happened with Hye Jin."

Ji Hyun's stomach dropped. Of course, he'd heard. Rumors traveled fast in their school, especially when someone as high-profile as Tae Oh was involved.

"Yeah, well, she's not exactly thrilled with me," Ji Hyun replied, trying to keep her tone light. "But it's not a big deal."

Tae Oh frowned, leaning back in his chair. "I know Hye Jin. She can be... difficult. Don't let her get to you."

"I'm not worried," Ji Hyun said, though her clenched fists said otherwise. "She's just mad because you're not paying attention to her."

Tae Oh chuckled softly. "Is that what this is about?"

Ji Hyun gave him a look. "You seriously didn't notice?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "I guess I didn't. But you're not wrong."

---

Tae Oh leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Honestly, I didn't expect Hye Jin to act like this. She's usually pretty nice."

Ji Hyun scoffed. "Nice? Please. She's just another girl who can't handle someone else getting attention. Let her talk."

Tae Oh watched her, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You really don't care what she says, do you?"

"Not at all," Ji Hyun replied with a smirk. "Hye Jin can spread all the rumors she wants. I know the truth, and so does anyone who actually matters."

Tae Oh chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I like that. Most people would be worried about it."

"Why would I waste my energy on someone like her?" Ji Hyun said, waving her hand dismissively. "If she's so threatened by me, that's her problem, not mine. I'm here to focus on my studies and my future, not to play her games."

"Fair point," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "But you know, she might try harder now that she's got you in her sights."

"Let her try," Ji Hyun said confidently. "I'm not going anywhere, and I'm definitely not scared of her."

Tae Oh smiled, clearly impressed. "You really are something else, Ji Hyun. I can see why people are drawn to you."

"I'm just being real," she shrugged. "I don't have time for fake drama."

---

As they continued studying, Ji Hyun felt the tension from earlier slowly dissipate. With Tae Oh by her side, the library felt less like a battleground and more like a safe haven where she could focus on her goals.

"Can I ask you something?" Tae Oh said, breaking the silence again.

"Sure."

"What's your dream? I mean, besides getting into a good university."

Ji Hyun paused, contemplating her answer. "I want to help people. Maybe work in social justice or community development. I've always wanted to make a difference."

Tae Oh smiled, and for a moment, the pressures of their lives seemed to fade away. "That's a great dream. You'll get there."

---

As they continued their study session, the atmosphere shifted. Ji Hyun felt a spark of connection with Tae Oh, something deeper than just casual friendship. His encouragement fueled her determination, and she found herself opening up more than she had intended.

"Have you always wanted to be a celebrity?" Ji Hyun asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Tae Oh shrugged, contemplating his answer. "Not really. It kind of just happened. I love performing, but the fame part can be overwhelming sometimes."

"I can imagine," Ji Hyun said. "Do you ever miss being normal?"

He laughed softly. "I think I'd like to try it someday—just being an ordinary kid without all the cameras and attention. But then again, I wouldn't trade the opportunities I have now for anything."

Their conversation flowed easily, each exchange revealing more about themselves. Ji Hyun felt a sense of relief, a break from the pressures of her school life.

But as they wrapped up their study session, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Ji Hyun gathered her things, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. Tae Oh stood up, brushing crumbs off his shirt.

"Hey, want to grab a snack before heading home?" he asked.

Ji Hyun hesitated. "Sure, but I can't stay out too long. I still have homework."

"Just a quick one," he insisted, flashing that charming smile. "I promise I won't distract you."

They stepped out into the fading light, the sun casting a warm glow over the school grounds. Ji Hyun couldn't shake the feeling that this moment was a turning point in her life.

As they walked toward a nearby café, Ji Hyun noticed a group of girls watching them, whispers buzzing like angry bees. She rolled her eyes, completely unbothered by the stares.

"Looks like Hye Jin's squad is at it again," Tae Oh said, glancing over his shoulder.

"Let them talk," Ji Hyun replied, her tone cool. "I'm not here to make friends with everyone."

"Not even Hye Jin?" he teased.

"Especially not her," Ji Hyun shot back with a smirk. "I've got better things to worry about than her jealousy."

Tae Oh chuckled, clearly enjoying her attitude. "I admire your confidence. Most people would be intimidated."

"That's their problem, not mine," she said, shrugging as they entered the café.

Once inside, they ordered their snacks and found a table near the window. The atmosphere felt light and easy, and Ji Hyun found herself laughing at Tae Oh's jokes, the tension from earlier melting away.

"Thanks for today," Tae Oh said, a genuine smile on his face. "I needed this. It's nice to hang out with someone who doesn't see me as just 'Kim Tae Oh, the celebrity.'"

Ji Hyun met his gaze, a spark of something unspoken passing between them. "I like spending time with you too. Just don't expect me to be your fan club."

He laughed. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As they finished their snacks, Ji Hyun's phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at the screen and saw Hye Jin's name pop up, her heart sinking.

I hear you're getting pretty close to Tae Oh. Just remember, I'm not someone you want to cross.

Ji Hyun rolled her eyes, tapping the screen to dismiss the message. She wasn't going to let Hye Jin's words ruin her day.

"Everything okay?" Tae Oh asked, noticing her change in expression.

"Just some drama I'd rather not deal with," Ji Hyun replied, shaking her head. "Nothing to worry about."

Tae Oh's expression turned serious. "If it's about Hye Jin, I can handle it. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable because of me."

Ji Hyun appreciated his concern but shook her head. "I've got this. I won't let her push me around."

As they left the café and walked back to school, Ji Hyun felt a surge of determination. No matter what Hye Jin or anyone else said, she wouldn't let them control her narrative. She was Ji Hyun—strong, confident, and unbothered.

---

As they reached the school entrance, the sun had almost set, casting a golden glow over everything. Ji Hyun turned to Tae Oh, feeling grateful for their unexpected bond.

"See you tomorrow?" he asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

"Definitely," Ji Hyun replied, a smile spreading across her face.