"Resonance"

The next day in class Ji Hwan sat at his desk, his face covered in bruises. A bandage stretched across his cheek, and his arm was secured in a sling. Every movement sent a jolt of pain through him, but what was more annoying was how the entire class gathered around him.

One by one, his classmates pulled their chairs closer, forming a circle around his desk. Whispering and murmuring filled the air.

"Bro... you look like you fought a bear," one of his friends remarked, eyes wide.

Another leaned in, curiosity burning in his gaze. "Seriously, what happened? Who did this to you?"

Ji Hwan sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "It's nothing... I just slipped," he replied casually.

"Slipped? Bro, from what—an airplane?" someone shot back, clearly not buying it.

Just then, Joo Hyuk plopped down beside him, dropping his bag. "He's an idiot, that's why," he said half-mockingly, though concern lingered in his tone.

Seung Woo entered shortly after, hoodie on, hands tucked in his pockets. "You should've let me handle it," he muttered under his breath.

Ji Yeon walked into class, gave Ji Hwan a long look, and sighed heavily. "Next time you wanna pick a fight, try using your brain first," she scolded.

Ji Hwan grinned, even though it clearly hurt. "Hey, the important thing is... I'm still alive, right?"

For a moment, the class fell silent—then soft chuckles broke out around him. Despite being battered, Ji Hwan's spirit hadn't dimmed one bit, and somehow, that only made him stand out even more.

Ji Hwan slowly stood up, trying to appear fine despite the bruises on his face and the sling supporting his injured arm.

"I'm fine, seriously," he said with a grin, though the strain in his voice was obvious.

But just as he finished speaking, one of his classmates reached out and grabbed his injured arm out of concern.

"Hey, are you really okay—"

"Ah—!" Ji Hwan winced in pain, his face twisting as he quickly pulled his arm back.

The entire class collectively flinched.

"Geez, you're so annoying!" someone complained.

"Why are you acting tough when you're clearly not?" another added, shaking their head.

"Just sit down, idiot!" Joo Hyuk muttered, tugging him back into his seat.

Seung Woo, leaning against the wall with crossed arms, sighed. "Serves you right."

Everyone grumbled in frustration before returning to their seats, though a few kept glancing back at Ji Hwan with lingering concern.

Ji Hwan leaned back with a crooked smile. "At least I'm popular today..."

"Shut up," Ji Yeon and Joo Hyuk said in unison.

Meanwhile, Kang Dae Ho sat in his study with a serious expression. A cup of coffee on the table had long gone cold, untouched. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the wooden surface as his mind raced with thoughts about his children's recent troubles.

There was a soft knock at the door. "Come in," he said without looking up.

Han Mi Jung stepped inside, her face filled with concern. "I heard Ji Hwan got into another fight. Have you talked to him yet?"

Dae Ho let out a heavy sigh. "Not yet. That boy is stubborn." His eyes shifted to the file on his desk, containing the report from last night's incident. "And Tae Min... That kid isn't an ordinary opponent."

"Could this be related to your past?" Mi Jung asked quietly.

Silence lingered for a moment before Dae Ho finally replied, "I hope not. But if Tae Min dares to drag my children into this... I won't stand by and do nothing."

Tension thickened in the room. Mi Jung sat beside him, gently taking his hand. "What matters most is that Ji Hwan and Ji Yeon are safe. Don't repeat the same mistakes from before, Dae Ho."

He nodded slowly. "I'm just a father trying to protect his family."

Suddenly, the phone on his desk rang, slicing through the heavy atmosphere. Dae Ho glanced at the screen, his expression hardening. "This isn't a coincidence."

Mi Jung squeezed his hand tighter. "Please... be careful."

Dae Ho answered the call. "It's me. What did you find?"

Meanwhile, inside the grand office of Jung Cooperation, Jung Ha Joon stood before his father, Jung Dong Wook, his expression calm but his posture tense. The room exuded authority—dark wood furniture, shelves lined with books and awards, and a large window overlooking the city skyline.

Dong Wook leaned back in his leather chair, his gaze cold and piercing. "I told Tae Min to gather information, not to stir up trouble," he said, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable edge of disapproval. "What was he thinking, causing a fight?"

Ha Joon paused before replying, "I'll talk to him. It won't happen again."

Dong Wook's eyes narrowed. "Make sure it doesn't."

Ha Joon turned toward the door, hand reaching for the handle. But before he could leave, his father's voice cut through the room.

"One more thing," Dong Wook said. His tone was calm, yet something in it made the air feel heavier. "That club of yours..."

Ha Joon's hand froze on the handle.

"You think I don't know what you've been up to?" Dong Wook continued. "I built this company with my blood and sweat. I won't let reckless actions from my son tarnish the family name."

A thick silence stretched between them. Ha Joon clenched his jaw, choosing his words carefully. "It's just a club. It won't affect the family."

Dong Wook studied him, as if trying to see past the words. "See that it doesn't," he said finally, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Ha Joon gave a small nod and exited the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Once outside, he released a slow breath, the weight of the conversation settling on his shoulders.

"It's never just about the club," he thought grimly, glancing down the empty corridor.

Tension lingered. Between family expectations and personal choices, the storm was just beginning.

In the school cafeteria, the place buzzed with chatter and laughter. At one table, Ji Hwan sat with his right arm in a cast, struggling to hold a spoon awkwardly. His face twisted in frustration as every attempt to scoop up rice ended with it falling back onto his tray.

"Ugh, seriously... this sucks," he grumbled, lowering his head in defeat.

Beside him, Ji Yeon calmly ate her lunch. Every so often, she glanced at her twin brother battling his meal. At first, she tried to ignore him—let him struggle, serves him right—but that pathetic, frustrated expression finally made her sigh.

"Idiot," Ji Yeon muttered under her breath. Setting her chopsticks down, she grabbed Ji Hwan's spoon.

"Hey, what are you—" Ji Hwan started, but Ji Yeon, looking completely indifferent, began feeding him.

"Open your mouth," she ordered flatly.

Ji Hwan gave her a weird look. "Seriously? I can do it myse—"

"Now. Complain again and I'll stop," Ji Yeon cut him off, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Grudgingly, Ji Hwan opened his mouth and accepted the bite. "This is so weird," he mumbled between chews.

"Not my problem," Ji Yeon replied. Her face stayed blank, but there was a faint warmth in her actions.

Across the table, Joo Hyuk stifled a laugh, watching them with amusement. "Man, this is priceless. You two fight all the time, but look—such sibling love. I should've recorded this."

Ji Hwan glared. "Don't you dare—"

Ji Yeon promptly shoved another spoonful into his mouth. "Shut up. Eat."

At the side, Seung Woo shook his head while eating. "You guys are like kids," he muttered, though the slight smirk on his face betrayed his words.

The cafeteria remained lively, filled with voices and movement. Yet at that table—amid teasing, sarcastic remarks, and their usual antics—one thing was undeniable: their bond was unbreakable.

After lunch, the group headed back to class. The hallway echoed with footsteps, laughter, and occasional shouts as students moved around.

Stepping into their classroom, the atmosphere shifted instantly—it was loud, chaotic, and undeniably alive. Desks were rearranged into random clusters, some students sat on top of them, while others tossed paper balls across the room. Music played softly from someone's phone, blending with the constant chatter.

"Home sweet home," Joo Hyuk joked, plopping into his seat and leaning back with a grin.

"More like a zoo," Seung Woo muttered, but the amused glint in his eyes said he didn't really mind.

Their class wasn't just noisy—it was infamous throughout the school. The so-called "troublemaker class" where every notorious student somehow ended up. Yet, despite the mischief and constant rule-breaking, there was an unspoken loyalty binding them together. No one got left behind. No bullying thrived here—they caused chaos, but never at the cost of someone else's dignity.

Ji Hwan, with his injured arm resting on the desk, glanced around at his classmates—some arguing over card games, others mock-wrestling in the corner, and a few casually dozing off despite the ruckus.

"Look at this mess," Ji Yeon sighed beside him, shaking her head.

Ji Hwan chuckled. "Yeah, but... this is us, you know?" He leaned back, eyes drifting over the room. "Sure, we're a bunch of loudmouths and idiots—but we don't bow down to anyone just 'cause they think they're better. No one here cares about status or who's rich or powerful."

Ji Yeon glanced at him, thoughtful.

"Even when we act like jerks," Ji Hwan continued with a grin, "we still know how to treat people like people. We mess around, but not to hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it."

"That... sounds surprisingly mature coming from you," Ji Yeon teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey!" Ji Hwan protested, then added, "Just saying the truth. This class might be a disaster, but it's our disaster."

At that moment, someone from the back yelled, "Yo, Ji Hwan! Up for a rematch later? Bet you can't beat me at cards again with that arm!"

Ji Hwan smirked. "Bring it on, loser!"

The classroom was wild, unpredictable, and constantly on the verge of chaos—but it was home. And as Ji Yeon watched her brother laugh with everyone else, she found herself smiling, just a little.

Meanwhile, in Tae Min's class, the atmosphere was entirely different. There was no rowdiness like in Ji Hwan's class. Everything appeared orderly, yet the air was heavy and tense. Some students spoke in hushed tones while others kept their heads down, avoiding any eye contact.

At the back of the classroom, Tae Min sat casually, though a cold aura surrounded him. He spun a pen between his fingers, his gaze blankly fixed on the whiteboard, seemingly indifferent to the lesson just given.

Soon after, Kyung Ho, sitting beside him, leaned in. "So? Still thinking about yesterday?" he whispered.

Tae Min scoffed. "Not your business."

Kyung Ho shrugged. "I was just asking. You caused a stir... now you're all quiet."

Min Soo, seated in front of them, turned around with sharp eyes. "Kyung Ho, shut it. Don't make Tae Min more uncomfortable," he said flatly but firmly.

Kyung Ho raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright… I'm just concerned."

Tae Min exhaled slowly, trying to keep his rising emotions in check. "I got what I wanted. What matters is... I've gathered information about Ji Hwan's family," he muttered. His eyes narrowed, hiding something unreadable. "My father won't be angry as long as I deliver results."

Kyung Ho stared at his friend but chose not to argue. When Tae Min was like this, there was no point in pushing further.

Silence fell over them until Tae Min suddenly stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, drawing everyone's attention. No one dared to speak.

With calm but heavy steps, he walked out of the classroom.

Min Soo sighed. "Let him be. He needs space."

Kyung Ho could only watch Tae Min's retreating figure. "This whole thing… is getting way too complicated," he thought.

Behind the closed classroom door, a bigger storm was waiting to unfold.

Elsewhere, in a dimly lit room, Ha Joon sat comfortably in his chair. The large window beside him revealed the reddening evening sky. In his hand, a steaming cup of coffee filled the room with its rich aroma. His gaze was fixed straight ahead, eyes deep in thought, as if contemplating his next move.

Silence enveloped the space, broken only by the faint ticking of the clock. After a moment, Ha Joon picked up his phone, tapping on a name from his contacts before bringing it to his ear.

Meanwhile, in the old school hall, cold and dust-filled, Tae Min leaned against one of the worn pillars. The air was chilly, walls marked with faded graffiti from years past. The sudden ringtone echoed through the emptiness. Reaching into his pocket, he glanced at the caller ID.

He answered, his voice calm but heavy.

"Hyung," Tae Min greeted shortly.

On the other end, Ha Joon gave a faint smile, though his gaze remained serious as he looked out the window.

"We need to talk," he said softly but with weight.

Silence stretched for a beat. The evening breeze swept through the hall, stirring up dust and breaking the stillness. Tae Min glanced at the cracked ceiling, his mind swirling with thoughts of everything that had happened... and what was yet to come.

This wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.