School of Monsters

Wei wasn't new to being watched. His entire life had been filled with stares, whispers, and challenges.

But J High was something else.

Everywhere he walked, eyes followed him.

"That's the guy who fought Vasco."

"Is he stronger than Daniel Park?"

"No way. But he might be close."

"He looks scary as hell."

Wei ignored the murmurs, walking down the hallway with his usual calm demeanor. He wasn't here for attention. He wasn't here to prove anything.

He just wanted a fresh start.

But in a school like J High, that wasn't going to happen.

Vin Jin's Challenge

Wei had barely stepped into the cafeteria when someone blocked his path.

Slicked-back hair. Arrogant smirk. Sunglasses indoors.

Vin Jin.

"So, tough guy," Vin said, pushing up his shades. "You had your fun fighting Vasco, huh?"

Wei met his gaze but didn't answer.

Vin clicked his tongue. "Tch. You're quiet, huh? That's cool. But listen up J High ain't some playground where you can just do whatever you want."

Wei sighed. "And you're the one in charge?"

A vein twitched in Vin's forehead. "Watch it, newbie."

Behind Vin, a group of guys stood up from their seats, clearly part of his crew. Wei recognized the type immediately.

They weren't like Vasco's crew fighters with honor.

These guys were punks.

"So, what?" Wei asked. "You want to fight?"

Vin smirked. "Nah. Not right now. But I'll tell you what—you keep walking around like you own the place, and I'll make sure someone knocks you down a peg."

Wei stared at him for a long moment. Then, he stepped forward.

Vin barely had time to react before Wei was inches from his face.

The cafeteria went silent.

Wei's voice was calm but sharp. "You talk too much."

Vin's jaw clenched. "Tch. You think you're scary?"

Wei didn't reply. He just stared.

Vin clicked his tongue, backing up slightly. "Whatever, man. You'll get what's coming to you."

With that, he turned and walked off, his crew following behind him.

Wei shook his head. This school really was full of idiots.

Vasco's Interruption

As Wei sat down to eat, a tray slammed onto the table next to him.

He looked up.

Vasco grinned at him. "Yo!"

Wei sighed. "Do you always make this much noise?"

Vasco ignored the comment and sat down, shoveling food into his mouth like he hadn't eaten in days.

"Man, that was a great fight earlier!" Vasco said between bites. "You should really consider joining my crew! We fight for justice!"

Wei raised an eyebrow. "Justice?"

Vasco nodded. "Yeah! We protect the weak, beat up bullies, and..."

"Start fights on rooftops?"

Vasco paused, then scratched his head. "Well… sometimes!"

Wei shook his head but smirked slightly. "You're not like most people here."

Vasco beamed. "Thanks!"

Wei didn't say it out loud, but Vasco was genuine. In a school full of people trying to prove themselves, Vasco was just himself.

That made him dangerous in his own way.

Wei finished his meal and got up to leave when someone bumped into him.

A soft gasp.

Wei instinctively reached out, steadying the person before they could fall.

And then, he saw her.

Mary Kim.

For the first time in his life, Wei felt off-balance.

Long, silky hair. Sharp yet beautiful eyes. A confident posture. She was stunning.

His grip on her wrist loosened, but he still couldn't look away.

Mary blinked, looking up at him. "Uh… you good?"

Wei cleared his throat and let go. "Yeah."

Mary raised an eyebrow. "Haven't seen you before. You new?"

Wei nodded. "Yeah. Wei Liang."

She smirked slightly. "Oh, you're the guy who fought Vasco. People won't shut up about you."

Wei wasn't sure what to say. His mind, usually sharp and calculated, felt sluggish.

He'd fought against monsters, trained in brutal combat, but this?

This was different.

Mary glanced at him, seemingly amused by his silence. "Well, Wei Liang… try not to cause too much trouble."

With that, she walked off, leaving Wei standing there, staring after her.

Vasco, who had been watching from the table, grinned. "Damn. You good, man?"

Wei exhaled. He was not good.

For the first time, a fight wasn't the thing making his heart race.

As lunch ended, Wei walked out of the cafeteria. He had barely taken a few steps before his phone buzzed.

A message. Unknown number.

"I heard about you. Let's meet."

Wei narrowed his eyes. He typed back.

"Who is this?"

"Gun Park."

Wei's fingers hovered over the screen.

Gun Park. That name carried weight.

He had been expecting this.

But now that it was happening…

Things were about to get serious.