the Break

– School Courtyard, Midday

The sun is high.

The courtyard is buzzing with students. Gossip, laughter, the usual hum of high school chaos.

But in the center, something unusual happens.

Min-Soo and Min-Jae are joking loudly, surrounded by a small group of friends.

Their laughter is mocking, a little too loud.

They pass around a phone—

Another video. This time, it's about Ji-Woo again. A new edit. A new humiliation.

Min-Ho walks up. Calm. Controlled.

But his eyes are sharp. His fists clenched.

Min-Ho:

— "Delete it."

Min-Soo laughs.

— "Come on, don't act like you care now."

Min-Ho:

— "I said. Delete it."

Min-Jae scoffs.

— "What's your problem? You've been weird since last month."

Min-Ho reaches forward and grabs the phone. He slams it to the ground.

Crack. Silence falls around them.

He steps closer.

Min-Ho:

— "You think this is power? Laughing at someone until they break?"

— "You're cowards. Both of you."

Min-Soo:

— "You're choosing him over us?"

Min-Ho looks at them, voice steady but burning:

— "I'm choosing me."

Then, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear:

— "I'm done being your brother."

Murmurs ripple through the crowd. Phones are recording. The air is charged.

He turns away. Doesn't look back.

---

Scene – School Roof (Later That Day)

Min-Ho stands alone. Again.

But something's different. He's breathing heavier. Shoulders tense, but lifted.

Ji-Woo appears at the doorway. Watches him.

No words. Just silence.

Then, Ji-Woo walks over. Stands beside him.

They say nothing.

But for the first time… they stand on the same side of the line.

---

Scene – Ji-Woo's Room (Night)

He watches the video. The one where Min-Ho defends him.

It's all over social media now. Comments, reactions, theories.

He pauses it on Min-Ho's face.

Something flickers in Ji-Woo's chest.

Not forgiveness.

But… something he can't name yet.