Chapter 3: Unwanted Attention

Shin Ji walked out of the cafeteria, stretching his arms as he tried to shake off the weird feeling of being watched. This is annoying.

It had only been a few hours since classes started, and he was already making waves. Not intentionally, of course. But when you dodge flying objects without thinking, people start to notice.

Just as he was about to head toward his next class, a voice called out to him.

"Hey, you! New guy!"

Shin Ji sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before turning around. A short but muscular guy stood in front of him, arms crossed. His uniform was slightly messy, and the confident smirk on his face told Shin Ji everything—this guy was trouble.

"Name's Kang Dae-ho," the guy said, cracking his knuckles. "I heard you dodged Joon's spoon like it was nothing."

Shin Ji blinked. "...And?"

Dae-ho grinned. "Means you've got quick reflexes. And guys with quick reflexes usually know how to fight."

Shin Ji groaned inwardly. Not this again.

"Nah, man. Just good instincts," Shin Ji said, waving his hand dismissively. "I don't fight. I'm just here to study."

Dae-ho narrowed his eyes. "That so? Then you won't mind if I—"

Before he could finish, a hand suddenly grabbed Dae-ho's shoulder.

"You again?" Yeji Nam stood behind him, an unimpressed look on her face.

Dae-ho turned his head and smirked. "Ah, Nam. Didn't see you there."

Yeji crossed her arms. "Cut it out, Dae-ho. You picking fights again?"

"I'm just curious about the new guy. That's all," Dae-ho said, grinning. "No harm in that, right?"

Yeji scoffed. "If you're so curious, go fight yourself in a mirror. Now get lost."

Dae-ho chuckled but didn't argue. "Alright, alright. No need to get violent, Nam. We'll talk later, new guy."

As Dae-ho walked away, Shin Ji sighed in relief. "Thanks for that."

Yeji rolled her eyes. "You're already attracting all the wrong kinds of attention."

"Not my fault people here get worked up over a spoon dodge."

"Doesn't matter. Keep your head down, or things will get messy."

Shin Ji chuckled. "Messy, huh? Sounds like you're worried about me."

Yeji's eye twitched. "Worry? You? As if. I just don't want to deal with the headache if you start a fight on day one."

Shin Ji smirked. "Not planning on it. Promise."

Yeji gave him a long look before shaking her head. "Whatever. Just don't cause trouble."

As she walked off, Shin Ji let out a breath. So much for staying lowkey.

From the rooftop of a nearby building, a group of students watched the scene unfold.

"That guy... he's interesting." One of them muttered.

Another nodded. "We should keep an eye on him."

A third person smirked. "Let's see how long he lasts."

And just like that, Shin Ji had unknowingly stepped into something far bigger than he had planned.