"Duality"

That morning, the disciplinary committee meeting was filled with serious faces. Teachers, along with the principal, sat around a long table, stacks of files spread before them.

"Our school is becoming increasingly unmanageable," one teacher spoke with concern. "Yesterday's incident, a student falling from the rooftop... and now, student delinquency is on the rise. We must act."

The principal sighed heavily. "We'll tighten surveillance. If necessary, we'll involve the authorities."

Tension hung thick in the room as they discussed possible solutions. Meanwhile, something even more surprising was unfolding elsewhere.

In Ji Hwan's classroom, the usual noise and chatter suddenly ceased when the door creaked open, and a teacher walked in.

"Everyone, today we have a new student," the teacher announced.

All eyes shifted toward the door. The moment the new student stepped inside, the entire class erupted in disbelief.

"Wait... she's a girl?!" one student whispered from the back.

Eyes widened in shock. How could a girl be admitted to an all-boys school? What's more, the girl bore an uncanny resemblance to Ji Hwan.

Seconds of stunned silence passed before the whole class simultaneously turned to stare at Ji Hwan.

He gave an awkward smile, shooting a glare at his twin sister, Kang Ji Yeon.

"Why here of all places?" he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Ji Yeon to hear.

Instead of looking guilty, Ji Yeon smirked and casually waved. "Nice to meet you guys."

Whispers filled the room.

"She looks just like Ji Hwan... but prettier."

"Honestly, Ji Yeon's way cooler than Ji Hwan."

"At least she's not annoying like him."

From the back, Lee Joo Hyuk chuckled. "Looks like we've found a better version of you, Ji Hwan."

Ji Hwan shot him a glare. "Shut it."

Just as the room settled down...

BANG!

The classroom door slammed open with a loud crash. Everyone jumped, including the teacher at the front.

Kim Seung Woo stood in the doorway, breathing heavily. His face was battered, bruises blooming across his skin. Blood dried at the corner of his lips, and his disheveled clothes hinted at the chaos he'd been through.

A heavy silence engulfed the class as they stared, stunned.

Seung Woo staggered inside, his gaze fierce despite his injuries. He scanned the room, locking eyes with Ji Hwan.

The teacher rushed over. "Kim Seung Woo! What on earth happened to you?!"

Ignoring the question, Seung Woo rasped, "I need to talk to you," his eyes never leaving Ji Hwan's.

Ji Hwan frowned. Something was seriously wrong.

And at that moment, he knew... trouble had just begun.

The classroom buzzed with whispers as Kim Seung Woo stood panting at the front. His bloodied face and trembling hands painted a clear picture—he had been in a fight, and not just any fight.

"Seung Woo, what happened?" the teacher asked again, more gently this time.

Seung Woo's chest rose and fell rapidly, but he ignored the teacher's concern. Instead, he pointed at Ji Hwan. "You. Come with me."

Ji Hwan blinked in confusion. "Why me—"

"Now," Seung Woo cut him off, his voice low and urgent.

The tension in the room was palpable. Students exchanged nervous glances, wondering what was going on. Lee Joo Hyuk leaned over to Ji Hwan and muttered, "Better go. He looks like he's about to pass out or punch someone... or both."

Rolling his eyes, Ji Hwan got up. As he passed by Ji Yeon, she smirked. "Getting dragged into trouble already? Not surprised."

"Zip it," Ji Hwan grumbled, following Seung Woo out of the classroom.

They walked down the empty hallway, Seung Woo limping slightly. Ji Hwan finally asked, "Are you gonna tell me what this is about, or—"

"They're after me," Seung Woo interrupted. "And soon... they'll come after you too."

Ji Hwan stopped in his tracks. "What? Who?!"

Seung Woo glanced around, making sure no one was nearby. "It's not just school fights anymore. There's something bigger going on... gangs, territory disputes. I got caught up in it."

Ji Hwan frowned. He had heard rumors—about underground gangs controlling certain areas, about students being used as messengers or worse. But this... this was real.

"Why would they come after me?" Ji Hwan asked, disbelief in his tone.

Seung Woo hesitated. "Because you got involved without realizing it. There's something about you they want."

Before Ji Hwan could process that, the loudspeaker crackled to life.

"All students, return to your classrooms immediately."

They exchanged a look.

"This isn't over," Seung Woo said. "Watch your back."

---

Back in class, Ji Yeon rested her chin on her hand, bored. "What's taking him so long?" she muttered.

Lee Joo Hyuk stretched, grinning. "Probably getting roped into some heroic mess. Classic Ji Hwan."

Suddenly, the door opened. Ji Hwan walked in, face pale. His gaze scanned the room before landing on Ji Yeon.

She raised an eyebrow. "What's with that face? You see a ghost?"

Ji Hwan sighed heavily. "Something worse."

Before anyone could ask more, the teacher clapped his hands. "Alright, settle down! Focus on your studies, not drama."

But the tension in Ji Hwan's chest refused to fade.

Whatever this was... it was just getting started.

The cafeteria was unusually crowded that afternoon. Whispers and curious glances were all directed toward a table in the corner, where Kang Ji Hwan, Kang Ji Yeon, and Lee Joo Hyuk sat together.

"Seriously? They're twins?" one student whispered, glancing at them.

"Yeah, that's what I heard. But how did a girl get into this school?" another chimed in.

"I heard she's a troublemaker. She's transferred like fifteen times," a different student added conspiratorially.

Lee Joo Hyuk casually scooped his food, smirking. "Look at that. First day here, and she's already famous."

Ji Hwan sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Why does everyone have to make a big deal out of this…"

Ji Yeon, unbothered, ate her meal calmly. After sipping her drink, she glanced around with a slight smile. "Have they never seen a girl before? How sad."

The whispers grew louder.

"Hey, Ji Hwan! Are you really twins?" someone shouted from another table.

Ji Hwan shot him an annoyed look. "Does it matter? Just eat your food!"

Ji Yeon shrugged. "Relax, Ji Hwan. I'm actually enjoying the attention."

Lee Joo Hyuk chuckled. "No wonder you're a troublemaker. That attitude of yours…"

"Thanks for the compliment," Ji Yeon replied casually, making Joo Hyuk scoff.

Some students continued to stare in curiosity.

"How did a girl even get into an all-boys school?" one student whispered.

"I heard her dad pulled some strings… or maybe no other school wanted her," another murmured.

Hearing this, Ji Hwan slammed his hand on the table. "If you're just gonna gossip, shut up already!"

The cafeteria fell into awkward silence for a moment, but Ji Yeon just let out a small laugh. "Wow, you're pretty fierce when you're mad."

Ji Hwan massaged his temples. "This is gonna be a long day..."

Meanwhile, Kim Seung Woo entered the cafeteria, limping slightly. His face still showed signs of bruises, yet he walked with his usual calmness. Students immediately shifted their attention to him.

"What's with this school… One mess after another," Lee Joo Hyuk muttered while chewing.

Ji Yeon grinned. "I like this place. It's entertaining."

Ji Hwan could only let out a long sigh. "I seriously need a vacation..."

Not long after, Kim Seung Woo walked over to their table. His steps were calm despite the bruises on his face, and without saying a word, he reached out and snatched Lee Joo Hyuk's food.

"Hey! What the hell, Seung Woo?!" Joo Hyuk protested, eyes wide.

Seung Woo sat down beside him, casually eating the stolen food. "You didn't look like you were finishing it anyway."

"That's not the point! Get your own!" Joo Hyuk reached to grab it back, but Seung Woo smoothly leaned away, stuffing another spoonful into his mouth.

Ji Hwan sighed. "Seriously, you two are like Tom and Jerry."

Ji Yeon chuckled. "No kidding. They're worse than little kids."

"Shut up!" both Joo Hyuk and Seung Woo snapped at the same time, making Ji Hwan and Ji Yeon burst out laughing.

Joo Hyuk tried to snatch the food again, but Seung Woo swiftly dodged, grinning. "Too slow."

"You wanna fight?!" Joo Hyuk shot up from his seat, glaring.

Seung Woo, still chewing, glanced up lazily. "With your slow reflexes? Pass."

Ji Hwan shook his head. "How do you guys even call yourselves friends?"

"It's complicated," Ji Yeon smirked. "Boys bond through chaos, apparently."

Joo Hyuk sat back down, grumbling. "One of these days, Seung Woo…"

Seung Woo shrugged, finishing the last bite. "Thanks for the meal."

"I hate you," Joo Hyuk muttered.

"Love you too," Seung Woo shot back with a wink, causing another round of laughter from Ji Hwan and Ji Yeon.

Around them, the cafeteria buzzed with murmurs and curious glances. But at that table, amid teasing and banter, it felt like just another typical day... or at least, as typical as it could get in this school.

Elsewhere, on the quiet rooftop of the school, Jung Tae Min stood gazing into the distance. The afternoon breeze gently ruffled his hair as he pulled out his phone, reading a newly received message.

"When can you get it done?"

He scoffed. "Sooner or later... they'll all be involved," he muttered.

Moments later, another student emerged from the rooftop door. "Tae Min, are you sure about this?" the boy asked hesitantly. "After what happened yesterday... things are getting risky."

Tae Min glanced at him briefly. "Exactly. The more chaos, the easier it gets."

The student swallowed hard. "But there are rumors... that new girl—Kang Ji Yeon—people say she's a troublemaker. And... Kim Seung Woo is getting involved too."

Tae Min chuckled quietly. "Good. It's more fun with more players." He slid his phone back into his pocket. "This school needs a wake-up call... They really think the disciplinary committee can stop this? Ridiculous."

"If we get caught—"

"I don't care," Tae Min cut him off sharply. "Just prepare what I told you. Next week... the real show begins."

The wind picked up again, carrying with it the weight of looming tension. Below them, the faint echoes of the bustling cafeteria could still be heard. But up on that rooftop—behind Jung Tae Min's cold smile—a dark plan was already in motion, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The school bell rang loudly, marking the end of another chaotic day. Students flooded out of their classrooms, heading home in different directions. Kang Ji Hwan strolled along the sidewalk with Kang Ji Yeon, their bags slung over their shoulders.

"So... how was your first day?" Ji Hwan asked, glancing at her.

Ji Yeon yawned. "Boring... except for your shocked face in class earlier. Priceless," she said with a smirk.

"Hah, hilarious," Ji Hwan grumbled, rolling his eyes. Still, he couldn't hide the small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

When they arrived home, the aroma of dinner filled the air. In the living room, Kang Dae Ho, their father, was already waiting. As soon as he saw them, his expression turned serious.

"Ji Hwan, sit down. We need to talk," he said firmly.

Ji Hwan and Ji Yeon exchanged glances before taking a seat on the couch. Han Mi Jung, their mother, brought tea but looked worried.

Dae Ho sighed. "You're old enough, Ji Hwan. I want you to start learning self-defense—liberal combat—with your uncle. The world out there isn't as safe as you think. You need to know how to protect yourself, especially with how things have been lately."

Ji Yeon leaned back, "Well, at least it'll come in handy when you run into idiots looking for trouble."

Han Mi Jung cut in, her voice full of concern. "Dae Ho, that's too dangerous! That kind of training is rough! What if Ji Hwan gets hurt?"

Ji Hwan was silent for a moment before speaking softly, "I'm ready, Mom."

His mother stared at him in disbelief. "Why are you so eager? I thought you weren't into violence."

Scratching the back of his head, Ji Hwan shrugged. "Honestly... I just want an excuse to get out of the house more. If learning martial arts is the ticket, why not?" he said half-jokingly.

Ji Yeon burst out laughing. "Pfft! So, you're doing this just to sneak out? Classic."

Dae Ho gave Ji Hwan a serious look but couldn't hide a faint smile. "Weird motivation, but if it gets you to train... fine. You start tomorrow afternoon."

Han Mi Jung sighed deeply, still anxious but no longer protesting. "Just be careful... Don't push yourself too hard."

Ji Hwan nodded. Deep down, he knew it wasn't just about getting out of the house. After everything that had happened—especially the recent attack—there was a growing desire inside him to become stronger, to survive.

In the corner, Ji Yeon was still chuckling. "If you get beat up, don't come crying to me."

"Thanks for the support," Ji Hwan shot back sarcastically.

What none of them realized was that this decision would lead Ji Hwan down a path far darker and more dangerous than he ever anticipated.

Elsewhere, Lee Joo Hyuk walked home with heavy steps. His eyes stared blankly at the pavement, his mind clouded with burdens he never asked for. Upon arriving at his house, an eerie silence welcomed him—a silence far more unsettling than the noise at school.

He opened the door and found his parents, Lee Seok Jin and Kang Eun Ha, seated in the living room. A stack of documents—divorce papers—lay on the table between them. The tension in the room was suffocating.

"Joo Hyuk, sit down for a moment," his father said in an attempt to sound calm.

Without saying a word, Joo Hyuk dropped his bag and slumped into a chair. He had expected this conversation.

"The court hearing is next week," his mother spoke softly, her eyes slightly red—whether from exhaustion or holding back tears, he couldn't tell. "We just want to know... whose side you want to be on?"

The question hung heavy in the air. Joo Hyuk let out a small scoff, leaning back with folded arms. His gaze shifted from his father to his mother.

"I'm not choosing anyone," he finally said. "Besides, I'm an only child, right? I'm old enough to figure out my own life without having to pick between you two."

His father fell silent, while his mother bit her lip, guilt flickering across her face.

"It's not just about choosing, Hyuk... We just want what's best for you," Kang Eun Ha reached out to touch his hand.

But Joo Hyuk pulled away, rejecting the gesture gently but firmly. "What's best? If this was really about what's best for me, you wouldn't have turned this house into hell these past few months."

Silence blanketed the room again. Lee Seok Jin exhaled heavily as Joo Hyuk stood up, grabbing his jacket.

"I'm tired of hearing you two argue all the time. I'm heading out," he said, already walking toward the door.

"Joo Hyuk!" his mother called after him, but he merely raised a hand without looking back. "Seriously... you have no idea how I feel."

The door closed with a sharp click. Outside, the cool night breeze brushed against his face—oddly more comforting than the air inside his home. Shoving his hands into his jacket pockets, Joo Hyuk wandered off into the darkness, aimless.

"Being alone is better," he muttered under his breath. Yet deep down, he knew the loneliness hurt just as much.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious room dimly lit with soft, warm lights, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. Smooth jazz played from expensive speakers tucked in a corner. Jung Dong Wook, a man in his late forties wearing a perfectly tailored suit, sat comfortably in a black leather chair behind his large desk. His fingers tapped against a crystal glass filled with whiskey as his gaze wandered out the window at the city slowly enveloped by the night.

The door swung open without a knock. Jung Tae Min, still in his rumpled school uniform, strolled in with a relaxed demeanor, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

"Dad," Tae Min greeted casually, his voice carrying a hint of laziness.

Dong Wook turned his chair to face his son, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You finally showed up. I thought you'd be out until late, like always."

Tae Min shrugged. "Got bored."

Dong Wook gestured to the chair in front of him. "Sit. We need to talk."

With an exaggerated sigh, Tae Min flopped into the chair. His eyes drifted toward the glass in his father's hand. "Drinking again? Don't you ever get tired of that?"

Dong Wook chuckled softly. "You know, Tae Min... life's more complicated than you think. Sometimes, this is the only thing that doesn't disappoint me."

Tae Min exhaled through his nose. "So? What's this about? If you're just going to lecture me, I'm leaving."

Dong Wook's expression shifted to something more serious. He turned off the music and leaned back. "I've heard things about your school. Fights, trouble... a student's death. Are you involved?"

Tae Min met his father's gaze without flinching. "Would you believe me if I said no?"

Silence lingered between them. Dong Wook's eyes, sharp yet tired, locked onto his son. "You're my son, Tae Min. Everything you do reflects on this family. Don't let the empire I built crumble because of some reckless teenage decisions."

"So this is all about your reputation?" Tae Min scoffed. "And here I thought you actually cared about me."

Dong Wook tapped his finger against the desk, his voice calm but firm. "I don't need a son who's weak or careless. I need someone who can control his emotions and handle any situation. The world's harsh, Tae Min. You need to be smarter."

Tae Min remained quiet for a moment before standing up. "Too bad I'm not interested in being your successor. I've got my own life."

As he turned to leave, Dong Wook added, "Be careful who you associate with. This city's small, but trouble can come from anywhere... even those closest to you."

Tae Min paused at the door but didn't look back. "I'm old enough to choose my own path, Dad."

The door shut softly behind him. Dong Wook let out a long sigh, draining the last of his drink. "Stubborn kid..." he muttered, though a glimmer of pride lingered beneath his words.

At the Kang siblings' house, the night felt relaxed. In Ji Yeon's room, she sat in front of the mirror with her hair tied up, a bright green face mask covering her face. Her hands scrolled through her phone lazily, the warm bedroom light creating a cozy atmosphere.

The door suddenly swung open.

"Hey, Ji Yeon, are you sure this is how you use it?" Ji Hwan asked, pointing at his face. His mask was a complete mess—unevenly applied with clumps everywhere, and some even smeared into his hair.

Ji Yeon glanced over, took one look at him... and burst into laughter.

"Pfft—HAHAHA! Oh my god, Ji Hwan! Did you apply that or get into a fight with it?!"

Ji Hwan scowled.

"How should I know? The instructions are tiny! And it dries so fast..."

He tried fixing the mask, but it only got worse.

"You idiot! You're supposed to use a brush, not slap it on with your hands!" Ji Yeon kept laughing, clutching her stomach.

Ji Hwan grumbled, staring at his reflection.

"Ya shiballoma... what the hell is this stupid mask? It's pissing me off!" he muttered under his breath.

"YAH! Watch your mouth!" Ji Yeon scolded, though her face was still red from laughing.

Annoyed, Ji Hwan grabbed a pillow and chucked it at her. Ji Yeon quickly dodged.

"Missed! Wow, you suck!"

"Wanna see how it feels to have this mask all over your face?!" Ji Hwan threatened, inching closer.

"Touch me and I swear I'll post your face in the class group chat!" Ji Yeon held up her phone with a mischievous grin.

Ji Hwan froze, weighing his options. After a moment, he backed off.

"That's cheating... using blackmail."

Ji Yeon winked.

"This is called being smart, dear brother."

"Smart, my ass... You're just a troublemaker..." Ji Hwan muttered, but Ji Yeon stuck out her tongue in response.

That night, their playful banter and bickering filled the house with a warmth neither of them would openly admit—but secretly, they both enjoyed it.