Minjin and Mun Sara

While walking along the sidewalk, Mun Sara spotted a small store that sold school supplies. Recalling Minjun's mention of losing his mechanical pen, she chose to enter. Happily, she strolled through the aisles, looking at different mechanical pens until she discovered one she believed he would enjoy. She continued browsing and was attracted to a few stationery items that she thought Minjun would also find appealing.

At that moment, Minjin and Heo Yeong-hwan walked into the store after completing their delivery.

Heo Yeong-hwan looked around before turning to Minjin with a playful grin. "What are you hoping to buy? You sleep through classes, after all."

Minjin rolled her eyes at his teasing remarks. "I won't be using this for classes," she said, moving closer to the vibrant pens on the shelves.

Meanwhile, Mun Sara completed her purchase and made her way to the exit, still focusing on the items she held. She was lost in thoughts of Minjun, so she didn't see two men by the door and accidentally collided with them.

She quickly lowered her head in apology.

"Watch where you're going, kid!" one of the men snapped, visibly irritated.

Mun Sara bowed once more, softly apologizing.

The second man scrutinized her and, captivated by her beauty, smirked in a sleazy manner. "Wow, you're beautiful. Why not come hang out with us?"

Mun Sara lowered her head, visibly uncomfortable.

The man reached out to touch her face, but before his hand could reach her, Minjin intervened, gripping the man's wrist firmly. "Do you not see that she doesn't want you to touch her?" she stated as she pushed his hand away.

The man smirked and pushed Minjin's shoulder. But Heo Yeong-hwan intervened quickly before he could continue, shoving the man's shoulder back with equal strength.

"Back off," Heo Yeong-hwan commanded.

Observing his friend struggling against Heo Yeong-hwan, the other man felt compelled to step in. He approached confidently, leaning against Heo Yeong-hwan's chest as a show of strength.

"Just because you're younger doesn't mean we won't stand up for ourselves!" he challenged.

Heo Yeong-hwan held his position. "Alright, show me what you can do!" he retorted confidently.

Fueled by anger at Heo Yeong-hwan's confidence, the man threw a punch. But Minjin reacted quickly, stepping in front to intercept the blow with her arm. She kicked his leg in a single fluid movement, sending him off balance.

"We need to go!" she clasped Mun Sara's hand, gesturing toward Heo Yeong-hwan.

The three dashed out of the store, racing down the sidewalk.

The man who had been kicked pushed himself up. "Catch them!" he shouted at his partner, who swiftly chased after them.

"Ya!" the man shouted, pursuing them as they dashed through the bustling street, maneuvering around pedestrians.

Minjin tightly gripped Mun Sara's hand and led her through the crowded maze. Heo Yeong-hwan remained nearby, frequently looking back to assess the distance of their pursuers. They zigzagged around corners and dashed through alleys, gasping for air. Minjin concentrated on locating an escape route to evade their pursuers and protect everyone.

"Look over there!" Minjin pointed to a tight side street, tugging Mun Sara in that direction. The three rushed into the alley, eager to find an escape route.

Heo Yeong-hwan, still catching his breath after discovering a small alcove to conceal themselves in. "Why are we hiding? We can take them both on!"

"Be quiet!" Minjin whispered urgently, glancing out from their hiding place.

She noticed one of the men patrolling the road, but fortunately, he didn't spot them.

"If the school learns we got in trouble again, we're finished." Then she focused on Mun Sara, who was still shaking slightly. "Are you alright?"

Mun Sara offered a slight nod. "I believe we've lost them."

Minjin rose carefully and scanned the area. and then the three walked along the road. "We can take you home," Minjin suggested, noticing Mun Sara's unease.

Mun Sara quickly shook her head. "N-no, I'm fine."

Minjin remained unconvinced. "At least let us walk you to the bus stop."

After a moment's hesitation, Mun Sara accepted. "Araso, I appreciate your help."

"It's no trouble," Minjin responded with a comforting smile.

Heo Yeong-hwan glanced at Mun Sara as they walked to the bus stop. They waited together when the bus had not yet arrived.

Suddenly, Heo Yeong-hwan asked, "What is your name?"

"I'm Mun Sara," she responded.

His eyebrows raised in recognition. "Wait, do you go to Taejo High School?"

"Oh, yes," Mun Sara replied, taken aback. 

"We're also students there," Minjin said with a smile.

"No way! What a coincidence!" Mun Sara exclaimed.

Heo Yeong-hwan chuckled, smirking. "Sure, you're in second place after that arrogant Kang Minjun."

Minjin's face shifted dramatically. "K-Kang Minjun? Did you really just mention Kang Minjun?"

"Yeah," Heo Yeong-hwan affirmed.

Minjin paused, then asked Mun Sara, "D-do you have a photo of him?"

Without hesitation, Mun Sara pulled out her phone and quickly located a photo of Minjun in the classroom. She handed it to Minjin, who examined it closely, her breath halting momentarily. It was him—the Minjun she remembered.

"Y-you're his classmate?" Minjin asked, striving to keep her voice steady.

"Yeah, we're pretty close. You don't know Kang Minjun? He's quite popular with the girls."

"What year and section are you in?" Minjin inquired.

"We're in 11th grade, section one," Mun Sara responded.

Minjin's eyes grew wide. "We're in the same year."

"What's your name?" Mun Sara asked.

"I'm Park Minjin, and this is Heo Yeong-hwan," Minjin introduced.

As the bus approached, Mun Sara hurried to collect her belongings. "Catch you at school," she called, waving as she boarded the bus.

As Mun Sara boarded the bus, Minjin suddenly realized something, widening her eyes. Without delay, she turned to Heo Yeong-hwan and said, "You go back first; I need to go somewhere." Her voice filled with urgency.

Minjin took off running. "Where are you heading?" Heo Yeong-hwan shouted after her, but Minjin didn't look back.