Chapter 2: Trouble on Day One

Shin Ji slumped into his seat at the back of the lecture hall, stretching lazily as the professor began taking attendance. His plan was simple: lay low, avoid attention, and blend in as a normal student.

But it was easier said than done.

"Hey, new guy."

A student sitting next to him nudged his arm. Shin Ji turned to see a lanky guy with glasses studying him curiously. "I saw what happened outside earlier. You know Yeji Nam?"

Shin Ji shrugged. "We… go way back."

The guy whistled. "Man, you must be something else. She's kind of a big deal here. Nobody messes with her."

Shin Ji smirked but said nothing. He wasn't about to start explaining how he chased her all the way to this country.

As the lecture dragged on, he could feel people sneaking glances his way. Whispers here and there—mostly about Yeji and how she had confronted him earlier. His name was already spreading, and it was only his first day. So much for blending in.

When the class finally ended, he stretched again and headed toward the cafeteria. Food first. Normal life second.

The cafeteria was buzzing with students, and Shin Ji managed to grab his tray without issue. He was about to take a bite when he noticed a few guys eyeing him from another table. The same ones from earlier.

"Yo, new guy." One of them stood up and walked over, resting his hand on Shin Ji's table. "You move pretty well for someone who claims to be normal."

Shin Ji sighed. "It was just luck."

The guy smirked. "Luck, huh? Let's test that."

Before Shin Ji could respond, the guy flicked a spoon at him at high speed. Without thinking, Shin Ji tilted his head slightly, letting it fly past him. The room went silent.

"…That was a reflex," Shin Ji muttered. Crap.

"That so?" The guy's grin widened. "Then how about—"

A tray suddenly smacked down on the table.

Yeji Nam stood there, looking at the scene with an irritated expression. "What now?" she asked, crossing her arms.

The guy backed off slightly but didn't drop his smirk. "Relax, we're just getting to know the new guy."

Yeji raised an eyebrow. "By throwing spoons at him?"

"He dodged it, didn't he?"

Shin Ji sighed. "Look, I just want to eat in peace."

Yeji scoffed. "You? Peaceful? Doubt it."

Shin Ji chuckled. "I swear, I'm just a normal student."

Yeji rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't get caught up in some dumb fight." She grabbed her tray and walked away.

The guy's smirk faded, but he didn't push further. Instead, he gave Shin Ji a knowing look before leaving with his friends.

Shin Ji exhaled. Day one, and I'm already on people's radar.

From the second floor, overlooking the cafeteria, the student council president observed the scene with an unreadable expression. His sharp eyes flickered between Shin Ji and Yeji before he muttered a single word:

"Interesting."

Then, he walked away, leaving more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, Shin Ji sighed as he stared at his now-cold food. So much for a quiet life.