" Level Up"

The next day, Seung Min (with Hae Jin in his body) decided to take his father's sportbike to school. That morning, Lee So Mi, his younger sister, stood in front of their house, scrolling through her phone.

The deep roar of a sportbike suddenly shattered the morning silence, making So Mi turn her head quickly.

A sleek black sportbike came to a stop in front of her. Hae Jin, wearing a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, turned off the engine and lifted his helmet visor, revealing a confident smirk.

"Hop on. We're going together," he said casually.

So Mi frowned at the bike. "Seung Min, that's Dad's bike, isn't it? Since when can you ride it?" she asked suspiciously.

Hae Jin gave a small smirk. "Dad let me borrow it. I've been practicing in secret. Turns out, riding a motorcycle isn't as hard as you think."

So Mi still looked unconvinced. "The Seung Min I know couldn't even ride a bicycle without falling! And now you're suddenly handling Dad's sportbike? Are you sure you're really Seung Min?"

Hae Jin let out a small chuckle, trying to brush off her doubts. "People change, So Mi. If you don't believe me, you can walk to school."

Despite her hesitation, So Mi eventually climbed onto the back of the bike. "If you scratch Dad's bike, I'm not helping you explain!" she warned, wrapping her arms around his waist.

The ride to school was quiet. So Mi, who usually talked a lot, remained deep in thought. Her brother, who used to be timid and avoid trouble, now exuded confidence—almost to the point of being intimidating.

When they arrived at school, the sportbike immediately caught everyone's attention. Students in the parking lot whispered to each other, shocked to see Seung Min, who was usually quiet, stepping off the bike with a relaxed attitude. The black hoodie only added to his mysterious aura.

So Mi dismounted, eyeing Hae Jin from head to toe. "Seung Min, you've really changed. But I'm not convinced this is normal."

Hae Jin simply gave a small smile and pulled his hoodie lower. "Normal or not, you just have to get used to it," he said briefly before walking towards the school gates.

So Mi remained in the parking lot, watching her brother's retreating figure. There was something strange about Seung Min, and she was determined to find out what was really going on.

It was Lee So Mi's first day at her new school, and the atmosphere at Cheongdam Vocational High School was as chaotic as ever. After arriving at school with Seung Min, So Mi walked slowly through the hallway, observing her new surroundings. Her eyes soon fell on a group of male students smoking in a corner of the schoolyard, completely unfazed despite the ringing of the school bell.

"They're so carefree," So Mi muttered under her breath, slightly surprised to see such blatant behavior.

Not far from them, a group of girls with altered uniforms stood together, laughing loudly. Some of them had brightly colored hair, and their makeup seemed excessive for high school students. One of the girls briefly glanced at So Mi, whispered something to her friend, and then giggled.

So Mi sighed, choosing to ignore the odd stares directed at her. She focused instead on finding her classroom. However, her steps halted when she overheard a conversation between a few boys near the staircase.

"Hey, check this out," one of them said, holding up his phone, the screen glowing brightly. Displayed on the screen was the logo of the infamous Death Card Game, a game that had disrupted the lives of many students at the school.

"Seung Min really became a Joker, huh? Just like Jae Hoon. I can't believe that coward climbed this far," another boy said mockingly, eliciting laughter from the group.

Hearing her brother's name, So Mi briefly glanced at them but remained expressionless. She had no idea what they were talking about, and the game seemed like nothing more than some silly activity created by troublemakers.

"Is Seung Min really a Joker? I thought he was just some weakling," someone added, fueling more laughter.

Deciding not to waste her energy on their nonsense, So Mi walked away. She was more focused on adjusting to her new school, even though it was far from what she had hoped for.

"What kind of stupid game is that?" she muttered under her breath, uninterested in getting involved in whatever weird activities these students were obsessed with.

Arriving at her classroom, So Mi found her assigned seat and sat down. As she stared out the window, her thoughts wandered back to Seung Min's recent transformation, which still puzzled her.

"What exactly happened to you, Seung Min?" she thought to herself, watching her brother walk into the room with a confidence she had never seen in him before.

Not long after, the commotion began when one of the girls in the school exclaimed loudly, "Jae Hoon the Joker is fighting Do Jin!"

The chaos escalated quickly, and soon enough, a crowd had gathered outside the classroom where the fight was happening. Inside, Jae Hoon and Do Jin were exchanging blows, their confrontation fueled by tension and unspoken grievances.

Seung Min, standing outside with Dae Hyun and Jin Ho, watched the scene unfold through the small window on the classroom door. Dae Hyun leaned closer, whispering, "Why are they even fighting? What's going on?"

Jin Ho shrugged, equally confused, but Seung Min's expression grew darker. Unable to bear it any longer, he pushed the door open and stepped into the room, his calm but authoritative presence silencing the students momentarily.

The murmurs subsided as Seung Min's voice rang out, sharp and unwavering. "If you hurt one Joker, then the other Jokers will strike back, won't they?" His words sent a chill through the room, and everyone turned their attention to him.

Do Jin paused, glaring at Seung Min, while Jae Hoon, still catching his breath, shot Seung Min a subtle glance, unsure of his intentions.

Hae Jin, still inhabiting Seung Min's body, took a deep breath. Memories of his university days flooded back, particularly the time he mastered liberal arts techniques and debate strategies. Channeling those skills, he approached the fight with precision and strategy.

"Violence isn't the answer, but if you insist, let me show you how it's really done," Seung Min said, his tone calm yet filled with quiet intensity. He dodged Do Jin's sudden punch effortlessly and countered with a swift move, blending quick footwork and calculated strikes.

The fight quickly turned into a demonstration of skill, and the crowd outside grew larger. Among them was Lee So Mi, who, hearing the commotion, made her way toward the classroom. She stood at a distance, observing the scene with a frown.

"Is that your brother in there?" Dae Hyun asked as he and Jin Ho joined her.

Lee So Mi didn't respond much, her gaze fixed on Seung Min. Without saying a word, she walked toward the classroom door, her arms crossed over her chest, exuding an air of confidence and authority.

Inside, Seung Min's flawless execution of moves brought the fight to a halt. Do Jin, overwhelmed by the skill displayed before him, stumbled backward, his confidence shaken.

As the classroom erupted in whispers and awe, So Mi entered, her presence commanding attention. She leaned casually against the doorframe, arms still crossed, and stared at the room. "What a mess," she said flatly, her sharp tone cutting through the noise.

Seung Min turned to her, slightly startled by her appearance. The two locked eyes for a brief moment before So Mi raised an eyebrow. "You've changed, Seung Min. Let's see how long this lasts."

After the classroom settled into silence, Seung Min glanced at Jae Hoon, who was still catching his breath, then at Do Jin, whose face was filled with restrained anger. Without saying a word, Seung Min turned and walked out of the classroom.

As he passed Lee So Mi, who was standing by the door, his younger sister gave him a questioning look but said nothing, watching him silently as he walked away.

Seung Min continued down the hallway, his steps heavy, heading toward the restroom. Once inside, he stopped in front of the sink. Turning on the faucet, he splashed cold water onto his face, trying to calm himself.

As he stared at his reflection in the mirror, he saw Seung Min's unfamiliar face looking back at him. "What's really going on here?" Hae Jin muttered under his breath, frustration clear in his eyes.

The cold water running down his face felt like the only tangible thing in the midst of all the chaos—Death Card, the Jokers, and the complicated relationships surrounding him.

Hae Jin leaned against the sink with both hands, taking a deep breath. "I need to be more careful," he thought. "Drawing too much attention will make it harder to uncover the secrets behind this game."

After a few minutes, he wiped his face with his hands, brushing away the remaining water, and straightened up. With a calmer expression, he stepped out of the restroom, ready to face whatever awaited him outside.

In the bustling cafeteria, Jin Ho adjusted his glasses for the umpteenth time, as if it were a nervous habit he couldn't shake. Meanwhile, Dae Hyun casually enjoyed his meal, calm and relaxed, as though nothing in the world could disturb his peace.

Jae Hoon, on the other hand, was visibly irritated, his expression hard and brooding. He couldn't shake the humiliation of beating Do Jin to a pulp, only to feel conflicted afterward—after all, he was supposed to be the Joker, the one in control. Yet, the fight had left him more unsettled than victorious.

Seung Min, however, seemed to be in an unusually good mood. He sipped on his drink cheerfully, his relaxed demeanor standing in sharp contrast to the tension that had followed them since the earlier events.

From a distance, an unfamiliar voice rang out. Lee So Mi, Seung Min's younger sister, was being taunted by one of the girls in the cafeteria. "Hey, new girl," the girl sneered, her tone dripping with mockery. "Do you even know how things work here? Or are you just another clueless transfer?"

So Mi, unfazed by the insult, stood her ground. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance as she prepared to retort, her hands clenched into fists. It was clear that the situation was escalating quickly, and she was ready to defend herself if it came to blows.

Before things could go further, a sharp voice cut through the commotion. "Hey!" Seung Min called out from across the cafeteria, holding his drink in one hand and looking straight at the scene. His tone was firm but calm, enough to catch the attention of everyone present.

The entire cafeteria seemed to freeze for a moment. Then, as if on cue, the students started leaving the cafeteria hurriedly, including the girl who had been harassing So Mi. It was as though Seung Min's presence alone was enough to disperse the tension.

Lee So Mi turned her head toward her brother, her expression a mix of curiosity and surprise. She tilted her head slightly, scrutinizing him as if trying to figure him out.

Seung Min, standing casually, offered a faint, knowing smile, as if he had everything under control. The subtle exchange between the siblings was enough to hold the room's attention for a moment longer.

Meanwhile, at their table, Jae Hoon and Dae Hyun exchanged amused glances. They couldn't help but find Seung Min's calm yet commanding demeanor unexpectedly entertaining. "What's gotten into him lately?" Jae Hoon muttered, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.

Jin Ho, adjusting his glasses yet again, smiled faintly, though he made an effort to appear unaffected. It was as if everyone was beginning to notice the subtle but profound changes in Seung Min's behavior—and it was both intriguing and unsettling.

Not long after the tension in the cafeteria settled, a new group entered, immediately drawing everyone's attention. Min Joon, Jin Seok's half-brother, walked in alongside Do Jin, who was still glaring at Jae Hoon with irritation. Behind them were Tae Hwan and Ki Seok, strolling casually, followed by Jin Seok, who walked in last with his usual calm demeanor.

Min Joon, known for his relaxed yet cunning nature, immediately noticed Lee So Mi. With a sly grin, he greeted her, "So, you're Seung Min's little sister, huh?" His eyes glinted with amusement as he briefly glanced in Seung Min's direction, his expression unreadable.

So Mi, feeling awkward under Min Joon's gaze, tilted her head slightly but didn't respond enthusiastically. Still, her attention stayed fixed on the interactions unfolding around her.

Suddenly, Jin Seok stepped forward, stopping directly in front of Seung Min. Calmly, he examined Seung Min from head to toe before a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Congratulations," he said, his voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "As of today, you're no longer a Joker. You've been promoted."

The cafeteria fell into a stunned silence. All eyes turned toward them, filled with curiosity. Even Jae Hoon, Dae Hyun, and Jin Ho seemed shocked by the announcement. Seung Min, however, remained calm, meeting Jin Seok's gaze with a neutral expression.

Without elaborating further, Jin Seok turned and left the cafeteria, his steps steady and composed as always. Min Joon and the others stayed behind, beginning their meal as if nothing had happened. Yet, their occasional glances toward Seung Min betrayed their continued interest in him, as if trying to decipher his next move.

Lee So Mi, sitting at a distance, furrowed her brows. She was utterly confused by the situation. "Promoted?" she muttered quietly, almost to herself. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Seung Min, her curiosity growing. "What nonsense is this supposed to mean?" she finally asked aloud, her voice cutting through the silence.

Seung Min turned to look at her but only offered a faint smile without any explanation. His calm demeanor only fueled So Mi's curiosity further. What exactly was going on? What did 'promotion' mean? And why did everyone seem to be treating Seung Min differently now?

Meanwhile, Dae Hyun leaned toward Jae Hoon, nudging him slightly. "Do you have any idea what Jin Seok meant earlier?" he whispered.

Jae Hoon shook his head, his eyes still fixed on Min Joon and the others. "No idea," he replied curtly. "But I don't like it."

Even Jin Ho, usually quiet, decided to speak up. "If he's really been promoted, it must mean he did something significant. But... what?"

The questions lingered in the air, adding to the tension among them. Across the cafeteria, Seung Min simply sat there, quietly sipping his drink, seemingly unbothered by the stares and murmurs around him.

As the lunch break ended, all students returned to their classrooms, but the usual chatter and noise were even louder than before. Every student in the school had just received a notification from the Death Card Game app—an announcement that shook the entire campus.

[Notification: Seung Min has been promoted from Joker to Ace.]

Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire through the hallways. Some students looked at their phones in disbelief, while others exchanged glances filled with curiosity or apprehension. Seung Min's sudden promotion had become the hottest topic of the day.

Their homeroom teacher, Nina Park, entered the classroom. She was a strict and intelligent woman, but today, her sharp eyes occasionally flickered toward Seung Min.

"We'll begin our practice session soon," she announced, her voice steady but carrying a certain weight.

As she spoke, her gaze subtly shifted once more toward Seung Min.

Seung Min, seated calmly, felt the attention on him but remained composed. Right beside him, Jae Hoon sat, his fingers tapping lightly on his desk. In front of Jae Hoon was Jin Ho, adjusting his glasses as he checked his phone screen. Meanwhile, Dae Hyun had deliberately switched seats to sit directly in front of Seung Min, his posture relaxed but his mind clearly alert.

Nina Park observed their arrangement with keen eyes, as if mentally noting something significant.

Meanwhile, On the other side of the school, Lee So Mi sat in her class, barely paying attention to her surroundings—until she overheard whispers from the students around her.

"Did you hear? Seung Min got promoted to Ace."

"That's insane! How did he jump ranks so fast? Even Jae Hoon stayed a Joker for a long time!"

"Does that mean he won against someone high-ranking?"

"Or maybe he did something crazy in the game…"

Lee So Mi frowned slightly. What the hell are they talking about? She had no idea what this 'Death Card Game' truly meant, but it was clear that it held major significance in this school. And now, for some reason, her brother was at the center of it all.

She tapped her fingers against her desk, deep in thought. Whatever this game was, she had a feeling it wasn't just some harmless school tradition.

Not long after, a girl with long, wavy hair glanced at Lee So Mi. Her smile appeared friendly, but there was something in her eyes—like a predator observing its prey.

With a casual stride, she approached Lee So Mi's desk and leaned slightly, making herself seem familiar. "Hey, you're the new girl, right? Lee So Mi, if I'm not mistaken?" she asked in a soft tone.

Lee So Mi glanced at her expressionlessly. "Yeah. Why?"

The girl chuckled lightly, twirling a strand of her hair. "I was just curious… Are you really Seung Min's little sister?"

Lee So Mi narrowed her eyes, sensing something off about the question. "Why does that matter?"

The girl continued smiling, but there was something cold in her voice. "Well, you know… Your brother just leveled up in the Death Card Game. From Joker to Ace? That's not normal, especially for someone like him."

The murmurs around them grew louder. Several students stole glances, seemingly waiting for Lee So Mi's reaction.

But Lee So Mi simply sighed and leaned back in her chair. "I don't know anything about that game. So if that's all you want to talk about, find someone else."

The girl chuckled again, but this time, it sounded more condescending. "Really? You're not even a little curious about how your brother got to this point?"

Lee So Mi suddenly felt irritated by her attitude. "I don't care," she said coldly. "And I don't like small talk with people who have hidden agendas."

The girl's expression shifted, her smile faltering for a moment, but then she let out a soft laugh. "Alright, alright… You're interesting, Lee So Mi." She then straightened up and patted Lee So Mi's shoulder lightly before turning away.

As the girl walked off, Lee So Mi could only exhale in frustration. This school was seriously strange. And the more she heard about the Death Card Game, the more she felt that something was very wrong with this place.

Inside Seung Min's classroom, the previously calm atmosphere quickly shifted when Do Jin, Tae Hwan, and Ki Seok finally arrived. However, instead of taking their seats as usual, they remained standing, their presence unsettling the class.

Within seconds, several members of the Ace Gang casually walked down the hallway, stopping right in front of their classroom door. Whispers spread among the students as tension filled the air.

Do Jin shot Seung Min a bitter smile, as if silently challenging him. Meanwhile, Tae Hwan, known for his cunning nature, approached their homeroom teacher, Nina Park.

With a composed yet subtly scheming tone, Tae Hwan said, "Miss Park, the principal is calling you for an urgent meeting. It seems important."

Nina Park frowned, clearly puzzled. Her gaze shifted between Tae Hwan and the Ace Gang members outside. Something about this situation felt off.

"But..." Nina Park hesitated. She wasn't naive—she knew Tae Hwan and his group's reputation all too well.

Tae Hwan maintained his calm smile. "Don't worry, Miss Park. We just want to have a little chat with our classmate," he said, glancing at Seung Min.

The room fell silent. Everyone was waiting for Nina Park's decision. If she left, who knew what would happen in that classroom?

Nina Park was eventually forced to leave, though she still seemed hesitant. As soon as she disappeared behind the door, almost every student in the class rushed out, eager to witness the upcoming showdown. Rumors spread quickly, filling the school hallways with whispers and curious glances.

Moments later, the leader of the Ace Gang, Shin Kyung, stepped inside casually. His gaze was sharp and confident as he walked straight toward Seung Min's desk.

"Seung Min," Shin Kyung called out in a low but firm voice. "Meet me in the old auditorium. Let's settle this."

Seung Min, who had been lounging in his seat, slowly looked up. His eyes met Shin Kyung's, and the corner of his lips curled into a teasing smirk—not one of fear, but of interest in the challenge.

Behind him, Jae Hoon chuckled. "Seung Min isn't that weak," he said casually, but his words carried certainty.

Dae Hyun crossed his arms and added, "If you think you can scare him, you're dead wrong."

Jin Ho remained silent, simply observing the situation with sharp eyes, trying to predict what would happen next.

Inside the old, dimly lit auditorium, the atmosphere was tense. Students gathered around the makeshift arena, creating an underground fight club-like setting.

Shin Kyung stood tall, rolling his neck as if warming up. With a smooth motion, he signaled for Seung Min to step forward.

Seung Min didn't rush. He remained standing casually, observing his opponent with sharp eyes. However, the moment Shin Kyung advanced, Seung Min moved at a speed almost too fast to follow. His fighting style was unconventional—a mix of agility and unpredictable strikes, as if he were merely toying with his opponent.

From the stage above, Jin Seok watched with an unreadable expression, his hands tucked into his pockets. Meanwhile, below, Min Joon sat comfortably, biting into a stick of candy while watching the fight as if it were nothing more than afternoon entertainment.

On the other side, Do Jin, Ki Seok, and Tae Hwan stood among their gang members, their eyes locked onto the match. They seemed slightly surprised at how effortlessly Seung Min was dodging Shin Kyung's attacks, almost as if he were reading his movements before they even happened.

Shin Kyung began to lose his balance after repeatedly missing his strikes. His breathing became uneven, while Seung Min remained completely calm—perhaps even amused.

Finally, with a swift and precise move, Seung Min took Shin Kyung down. A single well-placed attack sent Shin Kyung crashing to the floor, groaning in pain. Seung Min stood over him, looking down with an almost playful expression before speaking in a voice that, despite being quiet, echoed through the auditorium.

"Is this already over?" He sighed dramatically before adding in a darker tone, "Honestly, I feel like eating someone."

A few students in the crowd swallowed nervously. Silence filled the air—until suddenly—CREAK!—the auditorium door swung open.

All eyes turned to the entrance. Standing there was Lee So Mi, her expression unreadable. Behind her, Dae Hyun, Jin Ho, and Jae Hoon followed, standing at the doorway with intrigued expressions.

From the stage, Jin Seok locked eyes with Lee So Mi for a brief moment before stepping down. He walked past Seung Min, pausing slightly beside him, then turned his head just enough to smirk.

"You really are different now," he murmured, just loud enough for Seung Min to hear.

Without waiting for a response, Jin Seok continued walking, passing by Lee So Mi as he exited the auditorium. Their eyes met briefly—a silent moment of assessing one another—before he walked away, leaving the tension still hanging in the air.

Lee So Mi stepped further inside, glancing at Shin Kyung, who was still lying on the floor, before shifting her gaze back to Seung Min with a questioning look.

"What the hell is this?" she muttered.

Dae Hyun, standing beside her, simply grinned. "Welcome to your new school, Lee So Mi. You'll get used to this soon enough."

As the sun began to set, Seung Min and Lee So Mi walked towards Seung Min's motorcycle, their steps in sync. Behind them, Jae Hoon, Dae Hyun, and Jin Ho followed casually.

Dae Hyun stretched his arms before sighing. "I have the evening shift at the café," he said, glancing at his watch. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Jae Hoon adjusted the strap of his gym bag. "I have boxing practice. Try not to get into more fights without me, Seung Min." He smirked before walking off in the opposite direction.

Jin Ho remained silent, his gaze drifting towards the road. A black luxury car pulled up, its sleek appearance contrasting with the school's rough atmosphere.

From inside the car, Jin Ho's father sat in the driver's seat, his face rigid with barely contained anger. His sharp eyes bore into his son, full of disappointment and something dangerously close to rage.

Seung Min caught the exchange and subtly glanced at Jin Ho's father. There was an air of tension between them, though Jin Ho remained unfazed. Without a word, he adjusted his glasses and walked toward the car. The moment he opened the door, his father's cold voice barked something inaudible before the door slammed shut, and the vehicle drove off.

Lee So Mi watched the car disappear down the street before shifting her gaze to Seung Min. "What's up with that?"

Seung Min simply shrugged, unlocking his motorcycle. "Family stuff."

She sighed and crossed her arms. "And what about earlier? That fight? And… Jin Seok?"

Seung Min paused for a moment before smirking. He looked at her with amusement, as if deciding how much to tell her. Then, he leaned slightly closer.

"You'll find out soon enough," he murmured before putting on his helmet. "Now, are you getting on or not?"

Lee So Mi rolled her eyes but climbed onto the motorcycle behind him. As Seung Min started the engine, the loud roar of the bike echoed through the empty school parking lot.

With one last glance at the darkening sky, they sped off into the city, leaving behind the echoes of unfinished conversations and the weight of unspoken secrets.

🎵 "God's Menu" – Stray Kids