A New Beginning

Six months had passed since that fateful day.

Seojoon stood in front of the full-length mirror in his new bedroom, barely recognizing the person staring back at him. His once round face was now sharp and defined, his body lean and muscular. The baggy hoodies and oversized jeans had been replaced with a crisp school uniform, complete with a neatly tied necktie that sat perfectly against his fitted shirt.

"Not bad," he muttered with a small grin, adjusting his tie.

After months of intense workouts, strict dieting, and relentless determination, Seojoon had achieved what he once thought was impossible. But this transformation wasn't just about appearances—it was about leaving the past behind.

Now, he was ready for a fresh start at a new school.

The bell rang as Seojoon entered his new high school, garnering more than a few curious glances from students passing by. Whispers followed him through the hallways.

"Is he a transfer student?"

"Wow, he's so tall."

"his cute "

Seojoon tried to ignore the attention, walking toward the office to collect his schedule. He didn't come here to stand out—he came to move on.

But fate had other plans.

In his first class, Seojoon slid into an empty seat at the back. As the teacher took attendance, a familiar name made his ears perk up.

"Hana Lee?"

"Here!"

Seojoon's head snapped up, his heart skipping a beat. There she was—Hana, his childhood friend. She looked different now, more mature, but her bright smile and kind eyes were exactly as he remembered.

Hana didn't notice him at first, too busy chatting with a friend. Seojoon debated whether to say something, a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling inside him.

The opportunity came after class when Hana accidentally bumped into him in the hallway.

"Oh, I'm so sorry—" she started, then froze, her eyes widening. "Seojoon?"

He smiled, scratching the back of his neck. "Hey, Hana. Long time no see."

Her jaw dropped, and for a moment, she just stared. "Seojoon? You… I mean… what happened to you?!"

Seojoon chuckled. "I guess I grew up."

Hana blinked, still trying to process the transformation. "you look... different." "You look… different. Different," Hana said, her voice filled with awe.

Seojoon tilted his head, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Hana blinked, then smiled back, warmth spreading across her face. "It is. You've changed a lot, but… it still feels like you."

Seojoon's chest tightened at her words. For a moment, the weight of the past six months lifted, replaced by a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in years.

"Thanks, Hana," he said softly. "It's good to see you again."

Hana nodded, her gaze steady. "Yeah. It's really good to see you too, Seojoon."

For the first time in a long time, Seojoon felt like he belonged. This new beginning wasn't just about leaving the past behind it was about finding something real again