The alleyway was dimly lit, the only sound the distant hum of the city. Suddenly, a group of 15 rough-looking men emerged from the shadows, eyeing the lone figure standing before them.

The hooded figure, face obscured by the darkness of their hoodie, stood calmly, hands tucked into their pockets. The gang, fueled by bravado and adrenaline, charged forward.

The fight was swift and one-sided. The hooded figure dodged and weaved, landing precise blows that sent the gang members crashing to the ground. In mere minutes, the 15 men lay subdued, groaning in pain.

As the last gang member fell, a figure emerged from the shadows. The boss, a towering man with a chiseled, muscular build, sneered at the hooded figure. He took a long drag on his cigarette, the ember glowing bright red in the darkness.

"You're a real wild card, aren't you?" the boss said, his voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you."

The hooded figure charged forward, fists flying in a flurry of punches that cracked against the boss's jaw. The boss retaliated with a powerful uppercut, but the hooded figure dodged it by a hair's breadth, countering with a devastating kick that sent the boss crashing into a nearby dumpster.

The boss sprang back to his feet, eyes blazing with fury, and launched himself at the hooded figure. The two clashed in a whirlwind of punches, kicks, and blocks, their movements lightning-fast as they battled across the alleyway.

The hooded figure landed a series of rapid-fire jabs, each one snapping the boss's head back. The boss stumbled, but refused to fall, and countered with a crushing blow that sent the hooded figure flying into a nearby wall.

The hooded figure rebounded off the wall, using the momentum to fuel a spinning kick that caught the boss square in the chest. The boss stumbled back, gasping for breath, as the hooded figure closed in for the kill...

The boss held up a hand, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the hooded figure. "Wait," he said, his voice low and even. "I don't want to fight you. I want to make you an offer."

The hooded figure paused, their chest heaving with exertion, as they regarded the boss warily.

"This turf," the boss said, gesturing to the surrounding alleyway, "it's yours. I know you're the one who's been taking care of things around here. I've seen the way you handle yourself. You're a force to be reckoned with."

The boss took a step forward, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and calculation.

"I want you to be my subordinate," he said. "Work with me, and we can take this city by storm. You'll have all the resources you need, and we'll split the profits. What do you say?"

The hooded figure remained silent, their gaze fixed intently on the boss. For a moment, it seemed like they were about to strike again, their muscles tensed and ready to unleash another flurry of attacks.

But the boss held up a hand, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, no, I think I've misunderstood the situation," he said, his voice dripping with amusement.

He took a step back, his eyes never leaving the hooded figure. "You're not just some skilled fighter, are you?" he said, his voice filled with a newfound respect. "You're the one they call... the owner of this turf."

The boss's smile grew wider as he nodded his head in understanding. "I see," he said. "In that case, I'm the one who should be subordinate to you."

The hooded figure still didn't respond, but the boss just chuckled and nodded his head again. "I'll take that as a yes," he said, a hint of humor in his voice.

The hooded figure turned and walked away, their footsteps echoing through the alleyway. The gang, still nursing their injuries, struggled to their feet and bowed their heads in respect.

The boss, despite his own injuries, bowed deepest of all, his forehead nearly touching the ground. "We acknowledge your authority," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of respect and fear. "This turf is yours, and we will serve you."

The hooded figure didn't look back, didn't acknowledge their words. They simply kept walking, disappearing into the shadows as suddenly as they had appeared.

The gang and the boss remained bowed, waiting until the hooded figure was out of sight before slowly rising to their feet. They exchanged nervous glances, their faces pale with a mix of fear and awe.

"What just happened?" one of the gang members whispered.

The boss's expression was grim. "We just met our new boss," he said. "And we'd better not forget it."

The Reapers Gang, a notorious and feared group that controlled the 11th district of the city. Their reputation preceded them, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies and respect from their allies.

The 11th district, a sprawling and densely populated area, was their domain, and they ruled it with an iron fist. Their influence was palpable, from the graffiti-tagged walls to the whispered conversations in the streets.

The Reapers Gang was known for their ruthlessness, their willingness to do whatever it took to maintain their power and control. And now, they had sworn allegiance to the mysterious hooded figure, acknowledging them as their leader.

The dynamics of the city's underworld had just shifted, and the Reapers Gang was at the forefront of this new era.

The irony was not lost on the Reapers Gang. They, who had once inspired fear and respect throughout the 11th district, had been brought low by a single, mysterious individual.

And to add insult to injury, only their boss had caught a glimpse of the man's face. The rest of the gang had been left to wonder and speculate about the identity of their conqueror.

The boss's knowledge was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, he felt a sense of responsibility to uncover the truth about the mysterious man. On the other hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had gazed upon something he wasn't meant to see.

The boss's eyes seemed to hold a secret, a secret that only he knew. And as he gazed out at his gang, he couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered.

The bells rang out, signaling the start of another day at Manila High School. The automatic gates began to close, their metallic arms swinging shut with a loud clang.

Japhiex, a bespectacled student, sprinted towards the gate, his eyes fixed on the narrowing gap. He clutched his eyeglasses, fearful of them slipping off his face as he ran.

Just as he was about to slip through the gap, the teacher on duty, Mr. Reyes, blocked his path. "Japhiex, you're late again!" he scolded, his voice stern. "Five minutes, to be exact. What's your excuse this time?"

Japhiex panted, trying to catch his breath. "I-I'm sorry, sir. I overslept," he stammered, his eyes darting nervously towards the gate, now fully closed.

Mr. Reyes sighed, shaking his head. "Detention, Japhiex. After school, report to the principal's office."

The classroom was abuzz with chatter and laughter as students settled into their seats. The noise level was deafening, with everyone eager to share the latest gossip and rumors.

Japhiex, still trying to catch his breath from his earlier sprint, slipped into his seat and tried to tune out the commotion. But it was impossible to ignore the excited whispers and pointed fingers.

"Did you hear about the Reapers Gang?" someone whispered.

"I know, right? They got defeated by some mysterious guy!"

"No way! I heard it was a group of guys, not just one."

Japhiex's ears perked up at the mention of the Reapers Gang. He had heard rumors about their notorious reputation, but he never thought they'd be defeated so easily.

The teacher, Mrs. Santos, walked into the room, a stern expression on her face. "Alright, class. Settle down. We have a lot to cover today."

The room slowly quieted down, but Japhiex could still feel the excitement and curiosity buzzing in the air.

Japhiex's eyes scanned the room, taking in the excited chatter and speculation about the Reapers Gang. A small, enigmatic smile played on his lips, but it was quickly suppressed as he looked away, his expression neutral once more.

He pulled out his notebook and pencil, pretending to focus on the lesson, but his mind began to wander. Memories of the previous night's events flashed through his mind, the thrill of the fight, the rush of adrenaline...

Mrs. Santos began to lecture, but Japhiex's attention drifted, his thoughts consumed by the secrets he kept hidden. Secrets that only he knew, secrets that made him feel both powerful and vulnerable at the same time.

Janna sashayed over to Japhiex's desk, her designer handbag swinging from her arm. Her long, curly hair cascaded down her back, and her bright pink lips curved into a saccharine smile.

"Hey, Japhiex! Did you bring the notes I asked you for?" she asked, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Japhiex, however, didn't even acknowledge her presence. He kept his eyes fixed on his notebook, his pencil scratching out random doodles.

Janna's smile faltered for a moment, before she recovered and tried again. "Japhiex, hello? Earth to Japhiex?" she said, waving her hand in front of his face.

But Japhiex remained silent, ignoring her completely. Janna's eyes narrowed, her expression turning icy. She spun on her heel and stalked off, leaving Japhiex to his thoughts.

Jaylord, the star baseball player, swaggered over to Japhiex's desk, his athletic build and chiseled features commanding attention. He flashed a charming smile, but his eyes narrowed into a glare as he noticed Japhiex's continued silence.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Jaylord demanded, his voice low and menacing. "You ignoring my girl?"

Japhiex didn't flinch, didn't even acknowledge Jaylord's presence. He kept his eyes fixed on his notebook, his pencil moving in slow, deliberate strokes.

Jaylord's face darkened, his fists clenched at his sides. He took a step closer to Japhiex, his eyes blazing with anger. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to attack.

But just as the tension was about to boil over, Mrs. Santos walked back into the room, her eyes scanning the space with a keen gaze. "Is everything alright here?" she asked, her voice firm but controlled.

Jaylord's anger was palpable, but he knew better than to cross the teacher. He spun on his heel and stalked out of the room, leaving Japhiex to his silence and Mrs. Santos to her watchful gaze.

The recess bell rang, and the courtyard erupted into a flurry of activity. Students rushed to the food stalls, eager to grab a bite to eat or socialize with friends.

Japhiex sat alone on a bench, his eyes cast down at the ground. He pretended to be engrossed in his book, but in reality, he was observing the commotion unfolding before him.

A group of juniors and seniors were arguing, their voices raised in anger. The juniors were accusing the seniors of bullying, while the seniors were denying any wrongdoing.

The argument escalated, with some students pushing and shoving each other. The teachers rushed to intervene, but Japhiex remained seated, his expression neutral.

He looked like a weak and timid student, someone who wouldn't dare get involved in a confrontation. But his eyes, though cast down, were watching everything with a keen intensity.

As the commotion died down, Japhiex closed his book and stood up, brushing off his pants. He walked away, lost in the crowd, his true nature still hidden from the world.

As Japhiex walked out of the courtyard, he was suddenly stopped by a familiar voice.

"Japhiex, wait!"

He turned to see Lea, his childhood friend, standing in the doorway. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes were a stark contrast to the chaos that had just erupted in the courtyard.

But before Lea could say another word, a group of burly guards rushed past her, their faces stern and urgent.

"Secure the area!" one of them barked. "We have a situation!"

Lea's eyes widened in concern as she grabbed Japhiex's arm. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Japhiex's expression remained calm, but his eyes flicked towards the guards, his gaze narrowing slightly. "I don't know," he said, his voice neutral. "But I think we should get out of here."

As they strolled outside, the warm sunlight casting a gentle glow over the scene, Lea chatted animatedly about her day, her laughter and smile infectious. Japhiex walked beside her, his eyes fixed on the ground, his expression a mask of calmness.

But beneath the surface, Japhiex's heart was racing. He had always harbored feelings for Lea, but he had never mustered the courage to confess. As they walked, he couldn't help but steal glances at her, drinking in the sight of her bright smile and sparkling eyes.

Lea, sensing his gaze, turned to him with a playful grin. "Hey, Japhiex, what's up?" she asked, her voice low and conspiratorial.

Japhiex's face grew hot as he quickly looked away, his heart skipping a beat. But as he glanced back at Lea, he caught her sending him a secret signal, a subtle flutter of her eyelashes and a slight tilt of her head.

Japhiex's pulse quickened as he realized that Lea might feel the same way. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, and began to speak.

"Lea, I—"

But just as he was about to confess, the bell rang, signaling the start of their last subject. Lea's face fell, and she let out a disappointed sigh.

"Aww, man! I was hoping we could talk more," she said, pouting.

Japhiex's face burned with embarrassment as he nodded, feeling like he had just been saved from a potentially disastrous confession. "Yeah, maybe later," he muttered, his eyes avoiding Lea's gaze.

As they walked back to their classroom, Japhiex couldn't shake off the feeling that he had just missed his chance. But little did he know, Lea was already planning her next move, a sly smile spreading across her face as she thought about how to get Japhiex to confess his feelings once and for all.

As the final bell rang, Japhiex gathered his belongings and stepped out of the classroom, expecting a quiet walk home. But to his surprise, Lea was waiting for him, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, Japhiex! Want to walk home together?" she asked, falling into step beside him.

Japhiex's heart skipped a beat as he nodded, trying to play it cool. As they strolled out of the school gates, the warm sunlight and gentle breeze made for a perfect afternoon walk.

But their peaceful stroll was short-lived. As they turned onto a one-way street, a group of rough-looking men, dressed in black and sporting Grim Reaper tattoos, emerged from the shadows. Their eyes scanned Japhiex and Lea, and for a moment, they seemed to freeze, unsure of what to do.

Lea's eyes widened in fear as she grabbed Japhiex's arm, pulling him close. "Japhiex, I'm scared," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Japhiex, trying to maintain his cover, pretended to be afraid too. He wrapped his arms around Lea, trying to shield her from the gang. But as he attempted to cry, he realized that he couldn't produce a single tear. He settled for a pathetic whimper instead.

The Grim Reapers took a step closer, their eyes gleaming with malice. But just as they were about to pounce, a police officer turned onto the street, his eyes scanning the scene.

"Hey, what's going on here?" he asked, his voice firm and authoritative.

The Grim Reapers hesitated, then turned and fled, disappearing into the alleys. The police officer watched them go, then turned to Japhiex and Lea.

"You two okay?" he asked, his expression concerned.

Japhiex nodded, still trying to maintain his cover. "Y-yes, officer. Thanks for showing up."

The officer nodded and smiled. "No problem. Just be careful, okay? There's been a lot of gang activity in this area lately."

As the officer walked off, Lea turned to Japhiex, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thanks for protecting me back there, Japhiex," she said, her voice sincere.

Japhiex's heart swelled with emotion as he smiled back at her. "Anytime, Lea," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

As they stood outside Lea's house, she turned to Japhiex with a warm smile. "Thanks again for walking me home, Japhiex. I really appreciate it."

Japhiex smiled back, feeling a sense of comfort and ease around Lea. "No problem, Lea. Anytime."

Lea nodded, her eyes sparkling with friendship. "So, what are you doing tomorrow? It's Saturday, after all."

Japhiex shrugged, his expression casual. "I'll probably just hit the gym, and then help my mom out at the palengke."

As Lea's words trailed off, she suddenly leaned in, her face inches from Japhiex's. Before he could even react, she stole a fast and gentle kiss on his cheek.

Japhiex's eyes widened in shock, his face turning a deep shade of red. He stood frozen, his body statue-still, as if time had stopped.

Lea, on the other hand, just giggled and ran towards her house, leaving Japhiex stunned and bewildered. The sound of her laughter echoed through the air, leaving Japhiex to wonder what had just happened.

The sun had set over the city, casting a dark and foreboding shadow over the streets. The Grim Reapers, once a formidable force, now lay scattered and defeated on the pavement.

A rival gang, the Phoenix, had taken them down with ease. The Phoenix members, dressed in black and orange, stood victorious over their vanquished foes.

One of the Phoenix members, a burly man with a scar above his left eyebrow, knelt down to examine the Grim Reapers' leader. He turned to his boss, a towering figure with a menacing gaze, and spoke in a low tone.

"Boss, it looks like these guys were already hurt before we took them down. They've got injuries that look like they were inflicted hours ago."

The Phoenix leader's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. "What are you saying, Vinnie?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

Vinnie stood up, his eyes locked on his boss. "I'm saying that someone else must have taken a shot at them before we did. Someone who's been flying under the radar."

The Phoenix leader's gaze turned inward, his mind working overtime to process this new information. Who could have taken down the Grim Reapers before they did? And what did it mean for the balance of power in the city?

The room was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the faint glow of a computer screen. Lea's room was a shrine to her obsession, the walls plastered with pictures of Japhiex. Every moment of his life seemed to be documented, from his childhood to his present-day life.

Lea's family was a mysterious organization, unknown to the public. Their influence and power were whispered about in hushed tones, but few knew the truth.

Lea's face was illuminated by the computer screen as she gazed at Japhiex's latest photos. Her eyes seemed to bore into his soul, her expression a mixture of fascination and calculation.

As she scrolled through the images, a slow, sinister grin spread across her face. Her eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity, and her voice whispered a single, chilling word:

"Mine."

The sleek, silver airplane taxied down the runway, its engines roaring as it came to a stop. The passengers began to disembark, and among them was a young man who turned heads as he stepped off the plane.

He was tall, with a lean, athletic build that was evident even under his designer clothing. His hair was a rich, dark brown, styled in a fashionable cut that framed his chiseled features. His eyes were a deep, piercing brown that seemed to gleam with an inner light.

He was dressed in the latest fashion trends, his outfit a perfect blend of style and elegance. A crisp, white shirt with intricate embroidery on the cuffs was paired with sleek, black pants that hugged his legs in all the right places. A tailored, black jacket completed the outfit, its fitted silhouette accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

As he walked through the airport, he was surrounded by a small entourage of attendants and airport staff, all of whom seemed to be vying for his attention. But he ignored them, his eyes scanning the crowd as he searched for someone.

And then, he saw him - a stately, middle-aged man with a dignified air about him. He was dressed in a formal, black suit, his eyes fixed intently on the young man as he approached.

"Welcome home, Master Lee Soo Oh," the man said, his voice low and respectful.

Lee Soo Oh smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he extended a hand. "Thank you, Mang Boyet," he said, his voice deep and smooth.

Lee Soo Oh, a half-Filipino and half-Korean young man, smiled warmly as he shook hands with his butler, Mang Boyet. As the son of a Korean businessman and a Filipino socialite, Lee Soo Oh had grown up with the best of both worlds.

"Master Lee Soo Oh, I trust your journey was uneventful?" Mang Boyet asked, his eyes scanning his young charge's face.

Lee Soo Oh nodded, his dark brown hair perfectly styled. "Yes, Mang Boyet, it was fine. Thank you for asking."

Mang Boyet smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Very well, sir. I have taken the liberty of familiarizing myself with your new school. You will be attending Manila High School, one of the most prestigious schools in the country."

Lee Soo Oh's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, Mang Boyet. I'm aware of that. What can you tell me about the school?"

Mang Boyet's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over with a hint of concern. "Master Lee Soo Oh, I'm afraid your father will not be able to attend to your school matters personally. He is currently attending an international business meeting in Europe and will be unavailable for the next few weeks."

Lee Soo Oh nodded understandingly, his expression calm. "I see. Well, in that case, please ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made for my school application. I would like to start attending Manila High School as soon as possible."

Mang Boyet bowed his head slightly, his eyes gleaming with efficiency. "Already taken care of, sir. Your application has been processed, and you are scheduled to start school tomorrow. I have also arranged for a car to take you to school in the morning."

Lee Soo Oh's eyes flickered with a hint of excitement, his mind already racing with thoughts of his new school and the experiences that awaited him. "Very well, Mang Boyet. I'll make sure to be ready on time tomorrow."

Mang Boyet's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "Master Lee Soo Oh, if I may ask, why did you choose to attend school in Manila instead of South Korea? Your father's business is based in Seoul, and it would have been more convenient for you to attend school there."

Lee Soo Oh's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes gazing into the distance. "I wanted to experience life in my mother's country," he said, his voice filled with a sense of longing. "I've grown up hearing stories about the Philippines from my mother, and I've always been fascinated by the culture and the people. I want to learn more about my roots and connect with my mother's heritage."

Mang Boyet's face broke into a warm smile, his eyes shining with understanding. "I see, sir. That's a wonderful reason to attend school here. I'm sure you'll have a rich and rewarding experience in Manila."

The busy gates of Manila High School were abuzz with students chatting and laughing with each other. The sound of car horns and chatter filled the air as students made their way to their first day of classes.

Amidst the chaos, a sleek black car pulled up to the entrance, turning heads as it came to a stop. The door swung open, and Lee Soo Oh stepped out, his tall, lean frame unfolding from the car.

The chatter and laughter around him came to an abrupt halt as girls' eyes widened in amazement, their faces lighting up with admiration. Whispers and gasps spread like wildfire as they took in Lee Soo Oh's chiseled features, his piercing brown eyes, and his perfectly styled dark brown hair.

"Oh my god, who is that?" one girl breathed, her eyes fixed on Lee Soo Oh's face.

"I know, right? He's so hot!" another girl squealed, her friends giggling in agreement.

Lee Soo Oh, seemingly oblivious to the commotion he was causing, smiled politely as he nodded to the students around him. He adjusted his backpack and began to make his way towards the school entrance, his long legs eating up the distance.

As he walked, the whispers and gasps turned into outright stares, girls' eyes following him like magnets. Some of them couldn't help but take out their phones, snapping photos and selfies with Lee Soo Oh in the background.

Mang Boyet, who had been waiting by the car, smiled knowingly as he watched the scene unfold. He had expected as much, given Lee Soo Oh's striking appearance and charismatic presence.

With a satisfied nod, Mang Boyet got back into the car and drove off, leaving Lee Soo Oh to navigate the chaotic world of Manila High School on his own.

As Lee Soo Oh walked towards the school entrance, Lea and Japhiex happened to be walking in the same direction. Lea's eyes locked onto Lee Soo Oh, and a look of fake admiration crossed her face.

"Oh my, Japhiex, look at him!" Lea squealed, grabbing Japhiex's arm. "He's so gorgeous! I've never seen anyone like him before!"

Japhiex raised an eyebrow, his eyes following Lea's gaze to Lee Soo Oh. He looked unimpressed, but Lea didn't seem to notice.

"I know, right? I'm totally crushing on him already!" Lea continued, her voice loud enough for Lee Soo Oh to hear.

Lee Soo Oh's eyes flickered towards Lea, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. He smiled politely, but didn't seem to be taking Lea's flirtation seriously.

Japhiex, on the other hand, looked like he was about to roll his eyes. He muttered under his breath, "Great, just what we need. Another drama queen."

Lea shot Japhiex a warning glance, but he just shrugged and continued walking. Lea's eyes lingered on Lee Soo Oh, a calculating glint in her eye. She was clearly up to something, but what, Japhiex had no idea.

The Phoenix gang stormed into the school grounds, their loud shouts and aggressive posturing sending a wave of fear through the students. They clashed with the school guards, who tried to stand their ground but were vastly outnumbered.

"Phoenix rules this school!" one of the gang members yelled, his voice echoing through the hallways.

"Nobody messes with us!" another gang member chimed in, brandishing a fistful of chains.

The students watched in terror as the Phoenix gang continued to wreak havoc, smashing windows and overturning tables. Lea, who had been watching the scene unfold, seemed to be calculating something, her eyes darting back and forth between the gang members and Lee Soo Oh, who stood frozen in shock.

Japhiex, on the other hand, seemed to be seething with anger, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity as he watched the Phoenix gang's destruction.

Lee Soo Oh stepped forward, his eyes locked on the leader of the Phoenix gang. He walked calmly, his long legs eating up the distance, his hands loose by his sides.

As he approached, the Phoenix gang members turned to face him, their eyes narrowing in hostility. The leader, a burly young man with a scar above his left eyebrow, sneered at Lee Soo Oh.

"Or what, pretty boy?" the leader sneered, taking a step closer to Lee Soo Oh. "You think you can take us on?"

Lee Soo Oh smiled, a cold, calculating smile. He didn't flinch, didn't back down. Instead, he took another step forward, his eyes never leaving the leader's face.

Without warning, Lee Soo Oh's hand shot out, his fingers closing around the leader's wrist. He twisted, using a subtle but effective martial arts technique to send the leader crashing to the ground.

The other Phoenix gang members gasped, taken aback by Lee Soo Oh's sudden display of strength and skill. They took a step back, their eyes darting nervously between Lee Soo Oh and their fallen leader.

Lee Soo Oh stood tall, his chest heaving slightly with exertion. He looked around at the Phoenix gang members, his eyes flashing with a warning.

"Don't start something you can't finish," he said, his voice low and even.

As the Phoenix gang members charged at Lee Soo Oh, a group of personal bodyguards, who had been blending in with the crowd, stepped forward to defend him. They were skilled fighters, trained to protect Lee Soo Oh at all costs.

The bodyguards took down several Phoenix gang members, using their martial arts skills to disarm and disable them. Lee Soo Oh, meanwhile, continued to take on the leader of the Phoenix gang, using his own martial arts skills to gain the upper hand.

The fight was intense but brief, with the Phoenix gang members quickly being overwhelmed by Lee Soo Oh and his bodyguards. Just as it seemed like the fight was over, the police arrived, sirens blaring and lights flashing.

The police officers rushed into the scene, arresting the Phoenix gang members and taking them away in handcuffs. The students, who had been watching the fight in awe, began to cheer and applaud, praising Lee Soo Oh for his bravery and skill.

"Wow, Lee Soo Oh is a total boss!" one student exclaimed.

"I know, right? He took down the Phoenix gang like it was nothing!" another student agreed.

Lea, who had been watching the fight with interest, smiled to herself. She seemed to be thinking that Lee Soo Oh was more than just a pretty face, and that he might be a valuable ally to have.

Japhiex, on the other hand, looked like he was still trying to process what had just happened. He seemed to be thinking that Lee Soo Oh was trouble, and that he needed to be careful around him.

As the students settled into their seats, the teacher introduced Lee Soo Oh to the class. "Everyone, please welcome our new classmate, Lee Soo Oh," she said with a smile.

As soon as Lee Soo Oh stood up, the classroom erupted into a chorus of squeals and screams. The girls couldn't take their eyes off him, and they began to yell out in excitement.

"Oh my, he's so cute!" one girl shrieked.

"I know, right? I'm totally in love!" another girl exclaimed.

Lea, who had been watching Lee Soo Oh from afar, couldn't help but join in on the commotion. She stood up, a fake smile plastered on her face, and yelled out, "I'm totally obsessed with him! He's so gorgeous!"

Japhiex, who had been sitting quietly in the back of the classroom, looked up at Lea with a mixture of confusion and jealousy. He couldn't understand why Lea was being so over-the-top, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of possessiveness towards her.

Lee Soo Oh, meanwhile, looked like he was trying to take it all in stride. He smiled politely and waved at his new classmates, but he couldn't help but look a little overwhelmed by all the attention.

As the classroom continued to erupt into chaos, the teacher tried to regain order. "Okay, okay, let's settle down," she said, laughing. "I'm sure Lee Soo Oh would like to introduce himself properly."

The cafeteria was bustling with students, the smell of fried food and chatter filling the air. Lea sat alone at a table, eating her lunch and trying to ignore the group of rowdy students who were eyeing her from across the room.

The group, led by a burly boy named Bong, began to taunt Lea, calling her names and making lewd comments. Lea tried to ignore them, but it was clear she was getting uncomfortable.

Just as Bong and his friends were about to get physical, Japhiex stood up from his own table, his eyes flashing with anger. He was about to confront the bullies when Lee Soo Oh suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Without hesitation, Lee Soo Oh strode over to Lea's table, his eyes locked on Bong and his friends. "Leave her alone," he said, his voice firm but calm.

Bong and his friends snickered, but Lee Soo Oh's confident demeanor made them hesitate. Japhiex, who had been about to intervene, stopped in his tracks, watching as Lee Soo Oh effortlessly defused the situation.

"Or what, pretty boy?" Bong sneered, trying to save face.

Lee Soo Oh smiled, a cold glint in his eye. "You don't want to find out," he said, his voice dripping with menace.

Bong and his friends backed down, muttering under their breath as they slunk away. Lee Soo Oh turned to Lea, who was watching him with a mixture of gratitude and surprise.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.

Lea nodded, still looking a bit shaken. "Yeah, thanks to you," she said, smiling up at Lee Soo Oh.

Japhiex, who had been watching the scene unfold, felt a pang of jealousy.

One of their classmates, a curious-looking girl named Camille, approached Japhiex and asked, "Hey, Japhiex, why aren't you with Lea? You two are always together."

Lea's eyes flicked to Japhiex, a hint of surprise and curiosity on her face. Lee Soo Oh, who was still standing next to Lea, noticed the exchange and raised an eyebrow.

Japhiex's face darkened, and he muttered, "Mind your own business, Camille."

Camille looked taken aback by Japhiex's brusque response, but she quickly recovered and said, "Sorry, sorry. I was just wondering."

Lea's eyes lingered on Japhiex's face, a thoughtful expression on her own. Lee Soo Oh, meanwhile, was watching the exchange with interest, his eyes darting back and forth between Japhiex and Lea.

It was clear that there was some kind of history between Japhiex and Lea, and Lee Soo Oh couldn't help but wonder what it was.

Just then, a stray cat appeared out of nowhere, walking along the concrete wall with ease. It suddenly leapt into the air, trying to catch a dragonfly buzzing around its head.

Camille let out a delighted shout and quickly grabbed her phone to record the scene. She expertly moved the camera angle to capture the cat's acrobatic jump, and then panned across the courtyard, inadvertently capturing Lee Soo Oh standing nearby.

Lee Soo Oh, unaware of being filmed, took a deep breath and began to make his way towards Lea, who was still sitting at the table. Just as he approached, Japhiex appeared in the distance, waving at Lea while running towards the library.

Just then, a stray cat appeared out of nowhere, walking along the concrete wall with ease. Its grey fur blended perfectly with the dull color of the wall, making it almost invisible. But as it moved, its tail twitched back and forth, giving away its presence.

The cat's eyes were fixed intently on something in the air, and as it walked, it began to crouch lower and lower, its muscles tensing in preparation for a pounce. Suddenly, it leapt into the air, its body stretching out in a graceful arc as it tried to catch a dragonfly buzzing around its head.

The dragonfly, its iridescent wings glimmering in the sunlight, darted and weaved through the air, always just out of the cat's reach. The cat landed with a soft thud on the concrete, its paws making barely a sound as it immediately began to stalk its prey again.

Camille let out a delighted shout and quickly grabbed her phone to record the scene. She expertly moved the camera angle to capture the cat's acrobatic jump, and then panned across the courtyard, inadvertently capturing Lee Soo Oh standing nearby.

Lee Soo Oh, unaware of being filmed, took a deep breath and began to make his way towards Lea, who was still sitting at the table. He walked with a confident stride, his eyes fixed intently on Lea's face. As he approached, he could see the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Just as Lee Soo Oh reached Lea's table, Japhiex appeared in the distance, waving at Lea while running towards the library. His backpack bounced behind him, and his face was set in a determined expression. Lea's eyes flicked towards Japhiex, and for a moment, Lee Soo Oh thought he saw a flash of something like affection in her eyes.

But then her gaze returned to Lee Soo Oh, and she smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hi," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lee Soo Oh's heart skipped a beat as he smiled back at her, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation that he hadn't felt in a long time. He sat down next to her, his arm brushing against hers, and began to talk, his words flowing easily as they chatted about everything and nothing.

As they talked, Lee Soo Oh found himself becoming more and more drawn to Lea. He couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, or the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back.

Lea, for her part, was friendly and respectful, but didn't seem to be aware of the romantic vibes that Lee Soo Oh was giving off. She chatted with him easily, asking him questions about his interests and hobbies, and listening intently as he responded.

As the conversation flowed, Lee Soo Oh found himself feeling more and more at ease. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt this way around someone - so comfortable, so himself.

As they talked, Lee Soo Oh reached out and casually brushed a strand of hair out of Lea's face. It was a gentle, intimate gesture, and Lea didn't flinch or pull away. Instead, she smiled up at him, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Lee Soo Oh's heart skipped a beat as he gazed into her eyes. He felt a rush of excitement and attraction, and he knew in that moment that he was hooked.

As Lee Soo Oh gazed into Lea's eyes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and attraction. He leaned in a little closer, his face inches from hers, and smiled warmly.

But Lea, despite her friendly demeanor, didn't seem to be reciprocating Lee Soo Oh's romantic vibes. She smiled back at him, but her eyes didn't sparkle with the same level of interest. Instead, she seemed to be regarding him with a polite, friendly affection.

Japhiex, who was watching the scene unfold from afar, noticed the subtle difference in Lea's body language. He saw the way she leaned back slightly, creating distance between herself and Lee Soo Oh, and the way her smile seemed more polite than passionate.

Camille, who was still filming the scene with her phone, caught every detail of the exchange. She zoomed in on Lee Soo Oh's face, capturing the hopeful, romantic expression in his eyes. She then panned out to show Lea's more reserved reaction, her face a mask of friendly politeness.

As the scene played out, Japhiex felt a pang of relief. He had been worried that Lea might actually be interested in Lee Soo Oh, but it seemed clear that she didn't feel the same way.

Lee Soo Oh, however, seemed oblivious to the subtle cues. He continued to chat with Lea, his eyes shining with excitement and interest. Lea, meanwhile, continued to smile and laugh, her friendly demeanor hiding any underlying lack of interest.

The scene played out for several more minutes, with Camille capturing every detail on film. As the conversation finally began to wind down, Lee Soo Oh smiled warmly at Lea and stood up, his eyes never leaving hers.

"It was great talking to you," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Lea smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling with friendly warmth. "Yeah, same to you," she replied.

As Lee Soo Oh walked away, Japhiex couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It seemed clear that Lea wasn't interested in Lee Soo Oh, and that was all that mattered.

As Lee Soo Oh walked away, Camille couldn't resist teasing him. She walked up to him, a mischievous glint in her eye, and said, "You're so smooth, Lee Soo Oh!"

Lee Soo Oh turned to her, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "What are you talking about?" he asked, trying to play it cool.

Camille giggled. "Don't play dumb, Lee Soo Oh. I saw the way you were looking at Lea. You're totally into her!"

Lee Soo Oh's face grew hotter as Camille continued to tease him. "And I have to say, your attempts at flirting were pretty adorable. But sorry to say, Lea didn't seem too impressed."

Lee Soo Oh's eyes narrowed, and he tried to defend himself. "Hey, I was just being friendly. And Lea seemed nice, that's all."

Camille laughed. "Friendly? You call that friendly? You were practically drooling all over her!"

Lee Soo Oh's face turned bright red as Camille continued to tease him. He tried to laugh it off, but inside, he was mortified. Had he really been that obvious?