When Two Worlds collide

The next day, the sun shone brightly on the school field, signaling the start of sports lessons. The students were already gathered, ready to start warming up. That day, Soo Jin finally decided to join the gym class, something she rarely did before due to her insecurities.

She wore a simple school sports uniform, but her appearance was still eye-catching. Her neatly tied up hair, her brighter face, and her growing confidence made several students notice her.

On the other side of the field, a girl named Yoon Ha Na, who is known to be smart and kind, approaches Soo Jin. Ha Na smiled kindly. "Hi, Soo Jin. I'm glad you joined us today. If there's anything you need, let me know," she said sincerely.

Soo Jin smiled, a little awkward but comfortable. "Thank you, Ha Na. I'll try my best today."

Ha Na nodded. "You can do it. Let's get started!"

Soo Jin followed the gym teacher's directions carefully, trying to adjust to an activity she'd never participated in before. When her turn to run came, she seemed to struggle, but didn't give up.

In the distance, Ji Hoon stood leaning against the fence of the field, not participating in the activity due to a "stomach ache" which was obviously just an excuse to be lazy. He crosses his arms over his chest, watching Soo Jin who is running with vigor despite looking exhausted.

A small smile appeared on Ji Hoon's face. He felt that there was something different about Soo Jin. The girl had not only changed in appearance, but also in spirit. It made Ji Hoon, unconsciously, more interested in watching her.

"She's really trying," Ji Hoon muttered quietly, smiling to himself.

Ji Hoon's friend, who was sitting next to him, elbowed his arm. "You're smiling to yourself, Ji Hoon. What's wrong? Are you looking at Soo Jin?" he teased.

Ji Hoon sighed, trying to act casual. "Hah, I'm just enjoying the view. Besides, she's attracting everyone's attention, not just mine," he replied casually, though he knew in his heart that Soo Jin had been making him think a lot lately.

At the field, Soo Jin finally finished running and returned to her place with a heavy breathing. Ha Na handed him a water bottle. "You did well, Soo Jin. I know it wasn't easy, but you looked great out there," Ha Na said with a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Ha Na," Soo Jin replied, feeling a little proud of herself.

That day, Soo Jin felt that her life was slowly changing-not only because of Ji Hoon's help, but also because she was starting to find her place among her friends. Meanwhile, Ji Hoon continued to watch her from afar, smiling for no reason that she realized.

On the way home from school, Soo Jin walked to the gate with slow steps. It had been a tiring day for her, especially after the draining gym class. However, there was a slight sense of satisfaction in her that she made it through the day without any problems.

However, just as she stepped out of the school gate, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

"Hey, Soo Jin!" exclaimed Ji Hoon in his signature, excited tone.

Soo Jin turned her head and saw Ji Hoon walking casually toward her, hands stuffed into the pockets of his uniform pants, his face adorned with a mischievous smile. She had guessed that this would be Ji Hoon's moment to annoy her again.

"What are you doing? Don't tell me you're trying to avoid me," Ji Hoon said as he quickened his pace, now walking next to Soo Jin.

"I'm not avoiding you," Soo Jin replied flatly, trying to ignore him.

Ji Hoon chuckled. "But you look tired. Was that workout too hard for you? Or... maybe you were too excited because I was watching you from afar?" he teased, nudging Soo Jin's shoulder with his elbow.

Soo Jin sighed, then glanced at Ji Hoon. "You always have something to say, don't you?"

"Of course," Ji Hoon replied quickly. "I feel responsible for making sure you don't take yourself too seriously. You know, life should be balanced between hard work and a little fun."

Soo Jin just shook her head, but there was a slight smile at the corner of her lips that she tried to hide.

Just as they were about to reach the main road, Ji Hoon suddenly stopped his steps. "Hey, wait a minute," he said, pulling Soo Jin's hand to stop.

"What else?" asked Soo Jin, confused.

Ji Hoon looked at her with a serious face, but in an obviously playful tone, he said, "You know what? From now on, I'll be your guardian. Whenever you come home, I'll make sure you're not alone. The world is dangerous, Soo Jin. Especially for a pretty girl like you."

Soo Jin was silent, looking at Ji Hoon who seemed satisfied with his words. She knew Ji Hoon was just joking, but there was something in his words that warmed Soo Jin's heart.

"Ji Hoon," Soo Jin said softly, looking at him seriously. "You really like to piss people off, don't you?"

Ji Hoon laughed loudly, then stepped in front of Soo Jin. "Hurry up, I don't have all day to make sure you get there safely."

Soo Jin could only follow his lead while shaking her head. Although she was often annoyed by Ji Hoon's behavior, somehow, his presence always made Soo Jin feel lighter. Even a tiring day felt easier to get through.

That night, Ji Hoon wore a formal suit that made him look like a rich family heir too perfect to be true. He felt like a clichéd drama character ready to be set up by his family for business. "Hah, what a cliché," he muttered to his own reflection in the mirror before leaving. But, he knew, fighting back wouldn't change anything.

At the dining table of the fancy restaurant decorated with candles and fresh flowers, the atmosphere is formal. Ji Hoon's mother and father sit quietly, chatting casually with their business partner's family. The main focus of the evening was clear-they wanted to introduce a girl named Park Eun Seo to Ji Hoon.

Eun Seo looked elegant, wearing an expensive dress and a smile so perfect it looked like a model in a toothpaste commercial. She spoke softly, occasionally trying to strike up a conversation with Ji Hoon, but Ji Hoon's responses were perfunctory.

"So, Ji Hoon-ssi, what's the hobby you do most often?" asked Eun Seo with a sweet smile.

Ji Hoon, already lazy, replied in a serious tone, "Running away from dinner like this."

His father immediately glared at him, making Ji Hoon chuckle a little. "Kidding, kidding. I like boxing," he continued quickly. Eun Seo looked confused, not knowing whether to laugh or not.

Her mom brought her face a little closer to Ji Hoon, whispering in a stern tone. "Ji Hoon, can you be polite? Talk to Eun Seo. She's a nice girl."

Ji Hoon sighed, holding back his frustration. He gave Eun Seo a small smile, then said, "Sorry, I think I need to go to the restroom for a minute."

Without waiting for a reply, Ji Hoon got up from his chair casually, but in his heart, he was already planning something wilder.

As soon as he left the dining room, Ji Hoon took off his suit, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and put on the hat he found at the reception desk. At that moment, he felt like an undercover spy on a secret mission. "Who says I have no acting talent?" he muttered with a grin.

After making sure no one recognized him, he quickly slipped out of the restaurant. Outside, he stopped a taxi in dramatic fashion, waving his arms like he was filming a movie.

The taxi driver looked at him with an astonished expression. "Young Master, did you run away from your wedding or something?"

Ji Hoon chuckled. "Not a wedding, sir. Just a dinner that was more boring than watching a cooking show in the middle of the night."

The taxi driver chuckled. "Where to, sir?"

Ji Hoon thought for a moment. "Anywhere, just away from my parents and the girl in the expensive dress."

The driver laughed again, then nodded. "Alright, sir. Let's find a more lively place."

During the ride, Ji Hoon opened the taxi window, letting the night breeze sweep across his face. He felt like a hero who had just escaped from an enemy trap. But his mind wasn't completely at ease. Suddenly, Soo Jin's image appeared in his mind.

"Driver, turn toward the school district," he said suddenly.

The driver looked over curiously. "School? You don't want to go to a nightclub or karaoke place like the other rich kids?"

Ji Hoon smiled a little. "No, I'm not that crazy."

The driver just shrugged. "Okay, sir."

Ji Hoon knew running away from dinner would make his parents furious. But he didn't care. To him, being himself was much more valuable than being the family doll.