The first academic module at Kyunghee High had come to an end – which meant the school's academic standings were posted. The hallways buzzed with noise as students rushed out of their classrooms to crowd around the lists pinned to the walls, eager to find their names and GPA.

Always, at the top was Shi Eun – the school's ultimate heartthrob. Despite his good looks and sharp mind, he was a notorious troublemaker and bully. Most students feared him. The girls chased him like they'd lost their minds, and the guys tried to befriend him just to boost their own image.

But today, someone had stepped in his way: You. For the first time, the number one spot didn't belong to Shi Eun. It belonged to you. And there, in second place, was Shi Eun's name. Whispers followed you like shadows through the hallway: Poor guy... Shi Eun's gonna turn him into ground meat when he finds out.

Everyone settled into the classroom for the next lesson – everyone except Shi Eun. Then suddenly, the door swung open. Without saying a word, Shi Eun stormed in, grabbed you by the wrist with a rough grip, and yanked you out of the classroom.

He dragged you into the boys' locker room, where the air reeked of sweat and damp clothes – but that stench was overpowered by the sharp, lingering scent of cigarettes clinging to Shi Eun. With one harsh push, he shoved you against the lockers. Then he leaned in close, slamming his hand against the metal just inches from your face.

"You seriously don't get what you've just done." Shi Eun's voice was low and edged with fury, like he was one breath away from throwing a punch. "You really think you've earned the right to be number one?"