The perfect student Do-Yun

As the first rays of sunlight stretched across the city, the streets of Seoul came alive. The distant hum of traffic blended with the rhythmic footsteps of commuters, each lost in their own morning rituals. Among them sat Do-Yun, slouched in a seat near the back of the bus, his headphones snugly in place. The world outside the window moved in a blur, but his gaze remained fixed on it, a faint frown tugging at his lips.

"Streets... a place with too many faces," he mused silently, the beat in his headphones syncing with his thoughts. "They lead the way, but they're dangerous too. Slums or pathways—what's the difference?"

The bus jolted slightly as it pulled up to his stop. With a practiced motion, Do-Yun slipped off his headphones, shoved them into his bag, and stood, his polished school shoes clicking softly against the bus floor. Stepping onto the pavement, he adjusted the crisp collar of his uniform, the epitome of a model student. Yet, even as he walked, his thoughts lingered on the streets—on the stories they held, the lives they shaped, and the secrets they buried.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice the footsteps behind him until a sharp jab landed squarely between his shoulder blades. "I told you to stop doing this, Ha-Jun!" Do-Yun snapped, spinning around to glare at the culprit.

Behind him stood Ha-Jun, grinning like a mischievous fox caught in the act. His hair, dark and unruly, fell haphazardly over his forehead as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Ack, c'mon. It's just fun between friends, isn't it?" he retorted, brushing his hair aside with a dramatic flick.

Do-Yun rolled his eyes, lips pursed in irritation. "You really should get a haircut. You look ridiculous," he muttered, resuming his pace.

Ha-Jun merely laughed, falling into step beside him. "And you should lighten up. Seriously, Do-Yun, you're like an old man trapped in a teenager's body. By the way... can I copy your homework again? I swear I was going to do it, but then I got distracted."

Do-Yun stopped in his tracks and turned to glare at his friend. "Are you fu—"

"Shh, shh! Don't be so loud!" Ha-Jun cut him off, grinning sheepishly. "I'll owe you one, okay?"

The pair finally arrived at school, the towering gates of their prestigious academy looming ahead. As always, Do-Yun walked with a straight back, his demeanor calm and collected, every step calculated. In the classroom, he slipped into his seat, immediately surrounded by whispers and glances from his peers. His sharp blond hair and striking features made him stand out effortlessly, but his smaller frame, hidden beneath the crisp uniform, belied the hours of work he poured into maintaining his physique.

For a while, Do-Yun stayed true to his role: the perfect student, answering questions when called, taking notes with precision. But as the hours dragged on, boredom began to creep in. His polished mask faltered slightly, his fingers drumming against the desk in quiet rebellion.

"Hajun, what are you watching?" he finally asked, leaning over toward his friend's desk. Ha-Jun, as usual, had his phone out, eyes glued to the screen.

"Check this out," Ha-Jun whispered, angling the device so Do-Yun could see. The video showed a dimly lit room, the air alive with shouts and cheers. Two figures stood at the center, their voices sharp and rhythmic as they traded insults in rapid succession.

"An underground rap battle?" Do-Yun asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "Aren't these fake most of the time?"

Ha-Jun let out a loud laugh, earning a sharp glare from the teacher at the front of the room. Lowering his voice, he grinned. "Of course not! These are real. And I'm going to that show tonight. You should come with me."

Do-Yun hesitated, his expression tightening. "You know I can't. My parents are strict, and they'd kill me if they found out."

Ha-Jun leaned back in his chair, giving Do-Yun a bored, unimpressed look. "Just sneak out, man. Seriously, your parents aren't going to notice. You'll be back before they even realize you're gone. C'mon, let's have some fun—just like the good old days."

The words lingered in Do-Yun's mind. Fun. It had been a long time since he'd let himself loosen up. The idea of escaping his carefully crafted image, even for a night, felt... enticing.

"Alright," he said finally, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I'll go."

The day passed in a blur after that. Do-Yun managed to keep up his facade as the diligent, disciplined student, but his mind was elsewhere. Thoughts of the rap battle consumed him. What would it be like? The energy, the tension, the raw talent on display—it was so far removed from the controlled, predictable world he lived in.

By the time school ended, the idea of sneaking out had taken firm root in his mind. He walked home at his usual pace, careful not to arouse suspicion. As he stepped inside the grand apartment his family owned, the pristine silence greeted him like always.

His parents were seated in the living room, both dressed impeccably. His father, a stern businessman, barely glanced up from his newspaper. His mother, with her perfectly styled hair and cold gaze, simply asked, "Did you finish the mock exams?"

"Yes, Mother," Do-Yun replied, his tone even and polite. "I scored in the top five again."

"Good. Dinner will be served at seven. Don't be late," she said before dismissing him with a nod.

He retreated to his room, closing the door behind him. As soon as he was alone, the tension in his shoulders eased, and he let out a long breath. His room was immaculate, every item in its proper place—a reflection of the rigid structure his parents imposed on him. Yet, hidden in the back of his closet, beneath neatly folded shirts, lay a completely different set of clothes.

He pulled them out with care: a black hoodie, ripped jeans, and a baseball cap that had seen better days. The outfit wasn't much, but it was enough to transform him. He stuffed the clothes into a small backpack, heart pounding with anticipation.

At dinner, he played his part, nodding politely at his parents' comments and answering their questions with precision. They never once suspected anything was amiss.

By the time the clock struck nine, his parents had retired to their room, as they always did. The sound of the television hummed faintly from their door, masking any noise he might make. He waited a few more minutes, just to be safe, before slipping out of his room and down the hallway.

The night air was cool and invigorating as he stepped onto the quiet street. Dressed in his alternate outfit, he felt like a different person. The polished, perfect Do-Yun was gone. In his place stood someone freer, bolder.

Ha-Jun was waiting for him at the corner, leaning against a lamppost with a grin. "I knew you'd come," he said, clapping Do-Yun on the back.

"Don't make a big deal out of it," Do-Yun muttered, though he couldn't hide the excitement in his voice.

The two of them made their way through the city, weaving through crowded streets and dimly lit alleyways. The further they went, the more the polished facade of Seoul faded, replaced by graffiti-covered walls and the faint sound of music pulsing in the distance.

"This is it," Ha-Jun said, gesturing to a nondescript building with a line of people stretching around the block. The muffled bass from inside was like a heartbeat, growing louder with every step they took.

Do-Yun hesitated for a moment, his nerves threatening to get the better of him. But Ha-Jun grabbed his arm, pulling him forward. "C'mon, you'll love it."

The inside of the venue was a stark contrast to the sterile environment Do-Yun was used to. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and adrenaline, the crowd packed tightly together. On the stage at the center, two rappers faced off, their voices slicing through the noise with razor-sharp precision.

Do-Yun couldn't take his eyes off them. The way they commanded the crowd, the confidence in their delivery—it was electrifying. He felt a strange pull, a spark of something he hadn't felt in a long time.

"See? Told you it was real," Ha-Jun said, nudging him with a grin.

Do-Yun didn't respond. He was too busy imagining himself up there, the crowd cheering his name, his words cutting through the air like a blade. For the first time in years, he felt alive.

Here's the adjusted continuation in a more polished and novel-style format:

---

"Who are they?" Do-Yun asked, his eyes fixed on the two figures commanding the stage.

Ha-Jun leaned closer, his voice brimming with excitement. "On the left, that's Hyeong 'Big Bear' Jung. He's a top member of the Blackmore Roses—one of the biggest crews in the underground scene. And the other guy? That's Kamikaze. That's his stage name, though nobody knows his real one. Dude's a ghost outside of battles."

Do-Yun nodded, his gaze unwavering. The two rappers were magnetic, their words slicing through the air with precision and venom. The crowd's energy surged with each clever line and brutal retort. The battle reached its climax, the air thick with anticipation, before the two rappers stepped back to the sound of a deafening roar. Cheers and applause filled the room, vibrating through the very floor beneath their feet.

The host, a wiry man with a booming voice and an over-the-top presence, took the mic, his voice cutting through the chaos. "And now that we've witnessed the end of this insane battle, it's time for the real question!" He paused dramatically, letting the tension build. "Is there anyone here brave enough to step up and challenge Biiiiiiiiig Beaaaaaar Jung?"

The crowd erupted, people shouting, whistling, and jeering.

"Wh-what?" Do-Yun stammered, his wide eyes darting to Ha-Jun. "There's no way anyone would go toe-to-toe with him. That's insane!"

Ha-Jun grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying Do-Yun's growing panic. "Isn't it amazing, though? Just imagine beating someone like Big Bear! You'd be a legend!"

Do-Yun shook his head, laughing nervously. "Yeah, well, I'll leave that to the legends. I'm just here to watch."

As the host continued hyping the crowd, a set of small, flickering lights began dancing across the room, their beam scanning the audience. Do-Yun barely registered them until they stopped.

One spotlight landed on a short, sharp-eyed girl with a confident smirk: Chae-Won.

Another illuminated a tall, broad-shouldered young man with his arms crossed: Jinsoo Hyouk.

The final spotlight stopped on Do-Yun.

"What the—" Do-Yun froze, his heart dropping into his stomach.

"Wh-what just happened, Ha-Jun?!" he hissed, his voice rising in panic.

"What do you think?" Ha-Jun replied, grinning from ear to ear. "You've been chosen to participate in the battle! Lucky you!"

"Lucky?!" Do-Yun's voice cracked as the crowd began parting, giving him a clear path to the stage. His face turned pale, his pulse thundering in his ears. "This has to be a mistake! I didn't sign up for this!"

Ha-Jun shrugged nonchalantly, clearly enjoying the chaos. "C'mon, you've always been good with words. Think of it as practice!"

"Practice?" Do-Yun shot back, his voice barely audible over the noise. He could feel dozens of eyes on him, their expectations heavy on his shoulders. His mind raced, grasping for a way out, but the crowd's shouts grew louder, demanding the challengers to step up.

Big Bear Jung leaned casually against the stage's edge, his massive frame exuding an almost lazy confidence. He glanced at the challengers, his gaze briefly landing on Do-Yun. "You gonna step up, kid?" he called, his deep voice carrying easily over the noise.

Do-Yun's throat went dry. He felt Ha-Jun's hand on his back, giving him a playful shove. "Go on. You've got this," Ha-Jun whispered, clearly not giving him a choice.

With trembling legs, Do-Yun stepped forward, his mind screaming at him to turn back. The host's grin widened as the crowd erupted in cheers. "Well, well! Looks like we've got a brave newcomer here!"

Do-Yun climbed onto the stage, every step feeling like a death march. The lights were blinding, the heat oppressive, and the weight of the crowd's expectations crushing. Standing across from Big Bear Jung, he felt impossibly small.

"First time?" Big Bear asked, smirking.

Do-Yun nodded stiffly.

"Don't worry, kid," Big Bear said, cracking his knuckles. "I'll go easy on you."

The host raised his hand, signaling for silence. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for our newest challenger!" The crowd roared, a cacophony of encouragement, laughter, and taunts.

Do-Yun's pulse thundered in his ears as the host gestured to him. "Alright, kid, you're up first. Show us what you've got!"

The microphone was thrust into his hand, its weight feeling unnatural and foreign. Do-Yun's mind blanked for a moment, his grip tightening on the mic.

Then he glanced at Ha-Jun in the crowd. His best friend grinned, giving him a thumbs-up.

And something shifted. The nervous energy inside him transformed, coalescing into a single, fiery thought. I can do this. I have to do this.

Do-Yun :

"Uh... so this is it, guess I'm facing the Bear,

Didn't think I'd be here, but I'm standing, I swear.

I-I'm just a kid with a dream, yeah, I'm kinda rough,

But even diamonds started out in the dirt and tough."

"Man, you're big, yeah, you've got the name and fame,

But what's all that worth when the new blood claims the game?

I'm shaky, I know, but I've got something to prove,

So let's see if your roar can match my groove."

"Chains held me back, but I've learned to break free,

These streets, they're my teacher, and they've been tough on me.

I'm here to try, not to back down or fail,

Even if I stumble, my story will prevail."

Big Bear Jung (Response):

"Yo, listen up, rookie, let me show you the ropes,

You're fumbling your words like you're drowning in hopes.

This is my jungle, my domain, my floor,

You stepped into my ring, now hear the lion's roar."

"You talk about diamonds, but you're stuck in the rough,

Your lines are all shaky, and your delivery's fluff.

I've carved my name deep where legends reside,

You're a spark in the dark, I'm a star in the sky."

"Chains held you back? Kid, they shaped who I am,

Turned a cub to a bear, made a beast of a man.

This ain't a fairytale where rookies find fame,

This is blood, sweat, and tears—I dominate this game."

"Your story's still writing, but mine's a whole book,

You've got guts, little man, but it's skill that I took.

So sit back and learn, let the master lay it down,

You're in the big leagues now, better tighten that crown."

Do-Yun stood there, gripping the microphone tightly as Big Bear's words rang in his ears. Each syllable felt like a blow, heavy and precise, meant to break him down. But instead of crumbling, something stirred within him—a heat, a fire that refused to be extinguished. His heart pounded like a drum, his palms damp with sweat, yet a grin began to spread across his face.

'What is this feeling?' he thought, the adrenaline coursing through his veins like electricity. 'I feel scared… but I've never felt more alive. I feel… excited. That shithead thinks I'm just some cub? I'll show him. I'll show everyone.'

He rolled his shoulders back, the tension loosening as his confidence began to grow. A spark danced in his eyes, and he took a deep breath. The roar of the crowd faded to a low hum as he focused on the only thing that mattered: the words swirling in his mind. Words that demanded to be spoken, to be heard.

Do-Yun stepped forward, raising the mic to his lips. His voice was shaky at first, but it carried a raw energy that couldn't be denied.

Do-Yun:

"You spit like a vet, yeah, I see your grind,

But even the strongest fall in due time.

I'm not polished, I know, but don't write me off,

I'm the storm that'll shake you, the hidden boss."

"Chains shaped you? Cool, but they lit my fuse,

Now I'm here to explode with nothing to lose.

You're Big Bear, right? The king of the game?

Well, I'm the young flame here to burn your name."

"Talk all you want about scars and the street,

But I've walked those same paths, I've felt that same heat.

Your roar might be loud, but mine's just begun,

I'm the kid on the rise—you're the setting sun."

"Yeah, I'm rough, yeah, I'm new, but I'm hungry for more,

And hunger's the weapon that'll even the score.

So come at me, Bear, with all that you've got,

Because I'm not backing down, not a single shot."

Do-Yun's words echoed through the venue, a mix of determination and unrefined passion. The crowd erupted, some cheering for his guts, others jeering at his audacity.

Big Bear smirked, unfazed by the rookie's fire. He adjusted his stance, casually holding the mic as if this was just another day in his kingdom. When he began, his voice was like thunder, commanding attention and respect.

Big Bear Jung (Response):

"Nice try, kid, I'll give you some credit,

You're swingin' hard, but your aim? Forget it.

You talk about fire, about being the spark,

But I've been the blaze lighting up the dark."

"You're hungry? That's cute, but it ain't enough,

This jungle ain't kind—it's brutal, it's tough.

You're climbing, sure, but you're climbing my hill,

And I'm the king on top, with the unshakable will."

"Rough edges don't cut when the battle gets real,

You're swinging with words, but my flow's like steel.

I've bled for this crown, earned my place in this fight,

While you're dreaming of glory under neon lights."

"Your roar's just a whisper, your fire a spark,

I'm the beast in the jungle who owns the dark.

So bring your best, rookie, give me your all,

But remember this moment—you'll remember this fall."

The tension in the air was electric, the crowd caught in the clash of energy between the seasoned king and the fiery underdog. Do-Yun's chest heaved as he absorbed the weight of Big Bear's words. But instead of faltering, the fire within him burned brighter.

Novel Style Expansion

Do-Yun closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting the noise of the crowd and the gravity of the moment wash over him. The rhythmic beat pounding through the speakers seemed to sync with his own heartbeat, steadying the storm within. The words they'd exchanged so far had been good—sharp and intense—but something inside him yearned for more.

This wasn't just about holding his own anymore. The raw thrill of the battle, the adrenaline surging through his veins, the heat of the crowd's energy—all of it fed a deeper hunger. A hunger to prove himself. Not just to Big Bear, not just to the crowd, but to the person he was before he stepped into this circle.

'I'm not here to just survive this,' he thought as his fingers curled tighter around the microphone. 'I want to win.'

And with that, something snapped inside him. It was as if a lock had been broken, and out poured a torrent of words, perfectly strung together, flowing with a rhythm he hadn't even realized he was capable of. His lips parted, and the words spilled out like wildfire, igniting the air around him.

---

Do-Yun (Duri Hwan):

"You wanted fire, Bear? Well, here's the blaze,

I'm done playing nice, now I'm setting the stage.

I'm the kid from the slums, yeah, I know what it means,

To fight tooth and nail for impossible dreams."

"You've had your time—your reign's been long,

But even legends fade when the new wave is strong.

I've been quiet too long, kept my voice locked tight,

Now I'm spitting my truth, and it's burning the night."

"You talk about scars, like they make you a king,

But a crown built on pain doesn't mean a thing.

I've got scars too, Bear, they run deep in my chest,

But I wear them with pride—they put me to the test."

"I'm not here to bow, not here to lose,

I'm here to break chains, to rewrite the rules.

Every verse I drop, it's a weapon, a shot,

And I'm aiming at the throne—I'll take the whole lot."

"So roar all you want, flex your name and your crew,

But the storm's rolling in, and it's coming for you.

This mic's my sword, and my words cut clean,

Welcome to the new wave—watch me reign supreme."

---

The crowd erupted into chaos. Some shouted in awe, others in disbelief, but all eyes were glued to the young blond standing defiantly in the middle of the ring. Do-Yun's voice had been unpolished before, full of raw potential but lacking refinement. Now, though, it was as if he had unlocked something inside himself—a clarity, a flow, a rhythm that commanded attention.

Big Bear stood motionless for a moment, his expression unreadable. The seasoned rapper didn't offer a rebuttal, didn't even lift his mic to counter. Instead, he gave a slow, deliberate nod. It wasn't submission, but acknowledgment.

The crowd's roars grew louder, chants of "Big bear" echoing through the venue. Do-Yun's chest heaved as he caught his breath, the mic still clutched in his hand. His eyes burned with determination, and for the first time, he realized what this moment truly meant. He wasn't here to win over Big Bear. He was here to win over himself.

The words hit Do-Yun like a wave crashing on the shore. "You've done enough, kid. Welcome to the Dropbeat community, rookie," Big Bear's voice boomed across the mic. His laughter followed, deep and resonating, as if acknowledging that a new contender had just stepped into the ring. For a moment, Do-Yun felt his heart race faster than the beat itself, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He had done it. Not just survived, but shown them all that he belonged.

The crowd erupted, their cheers thunderous, filling every corner of the venue with a raw energy that sent shivers down his spine. The moderator, equally fired up, grabbed the mic.

"What an amazing performance! Big Bear himself acknowledges a talent standing right in front of him! And let him take the win for tonight! What a troublesome yet amazing night this is! But before we wrap up, one last question… What's your name, rookie?"

Do-Yun's breath caught in his chest. He had always been Do-Yun. But standing here, in this world he never imagined entering, he wasn't just some privileged high school student anymore. He wasn't the perfect son. He wasn't the boy his parents thought they knew. He was Duri Hwan.

He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment. His words came out steady, but with a new sense of pride he never thought possible. "I... I am Duri Hwan! Yes, my name is Duri Hwan!"

The crowd cheered louder, their voices merging into a single roar, embracing the name as if it had always been his. Duri Hwan. The name wasn't even his, not really—it was borrowed, taken from a comic book Hajun had lent him a few days ago. But it felt right. It felt like something real now, something that would carve its way through the streets and into history.

The moderator leaned into the mic, a smile in his voice. "Welcome Duri Hwan to Dropbeat! From now on, every night here or in the old subways, you'll have a place to call home, to rap as much as you want. And who knows? Maybe you'll hit the jackpot and become the next Rap God!"

The crowd's enthusiasm erupted once more, sending a wave of sound that made Do-Yun's chest swell with pride. For the first time, he truly felt like he had found something he could fight for. Something that wasn't just handed to him.

After the announcement, Do-Yun turned to Hajun, who was grinning from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with pride. "You did it, man!" Hajun shouted over the noise.

Do-Yun, still catching his breath, smiled back. The exhaustion from the battle was already creeping in, but it didn't matter. The night had just begun, and the world he'd always known—safe, predictable, and quiet—felt miles away. For the first time, the streets didn't feel like a dangerous path he had to walk—they felt like the road he was meant to travel.

The two friends made their way out of the venue, the glow of neon lights reflecting off the wet pavement, and the hum of the city's heartbeat pulsing around them. The night was still young, but for Do-Yun, it felt like the beginning of something bigger.

As they walked down the street, the buzz of the battle slowly faded into the background, replaced by the quiet rush of thoughts in his head. This is just the start. This is where I belong. I'm not just a model son or a high school student anymore. I'm Duri Hwan, and I'm going to take this city by storm.

Hajun glanced at him, still grinning. "You're on your way, man. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next big thing."

Do-Yun didn't respond right away, his gaze focused on the dark street ahead. But in his mind, he could already hear the beats, feel the flow, and taste the victory. Tonight wasn't just a win in a rap battle—it was the beginning of his own revolution. The desire to win, to rise above, burned stronger than ever before.

As the night carried on and the city's lights flickered around them, Do-Yun knew one thing for sure: he would never go back to the life he once knew. He was Duri Hwan now, and his journey had only just begun.

The spark had been lit. Now it was time to let it burn.

End of Chapter