Signals and Sidesteps
Morning – School Courtyard
Jae-hyun jogs into the courtyard, slurping banana milk and grinning like he just won a date with fate. He spots Min-joon exiting a black car, perfectly dressed as usual.
Lee Jae-hyun
(calling out)
Lee Jae-hyun
Hey, CEO-nim! Wanna hear how you appeared in my dream last night?
Lee Jae-hyun
Too bad. We got married. You cried. It was beautiful.
Lee Jae-hyun
I’ll take that silence as emotional overwhelm.
Student Council Room – Before Homeroom
Areum is flipping through budget forms, lips pursed, clearly not paying attention. Hae-in watches her, arms crossed.
Jung Hae-in
You’ve reviewed the same page three times.
Han Areum
(without looking up)
Han Areum
It’s called deep budgeting. You wouldn’t understand.
Jung Hae-in
Is that why you highlighted my name by accident?
Areum quickly shuts the folder and changes the subject.
Han Areum
We should visit the sports clubs this week. Show our leadership.
Han Areum
Maybe… cheer for the rugby team?
Jung Hae-in
You mean cheer for Jae-hyun… or someone else?
Areum pauses, then smirks slightly.
Han Areum
Why? Would you be jealous?
Jung Hae-in
(smiling faintly):
Jung Hae-in
Would you want me to be?
The air crackles. Then Hae-in walks off with perfect control, leaving Areum staring after her with her ears turning pink.
Hallway – During Class Change
Jae-hyun and Do-yun walk through the hallway. Min-joon passes in the opposite direction, tablet in hand.
Lee Jae-hyun
(strolling backwards)
Lee Jae-hyun
You coming to the game tomorrow?
Seo Min-joon
(without stopping)
Seo Min-joon
I don’t see how watching you sweat in a jersey benefits me.
Lee Jae-hyun
(leaning in, teasing)
Lee Jae-hyun
Because I’ll look hot and irresistible. That benefits everyone.
Min-joon doesn’t even blink.
Seo Min-joon
Your ego needs a leash.
Lee Jae-hyun
Then hold it for me.
Nam Do-yun
I’m transferring schools.
Areum and Hae-in sit across from each other, lunch trays untouched. Areum keeps sneaking glances.
Han Areum
You’ve been working out. Your shoulders look... sharper.
Jung Hae-in
(raising an eyebrow)
Jung Hae-in
Are you trying to seduce me or interrogate me?
Han Areum
Would it work if I said both?
Hae-in doesn’t respond — just takes a slow sip of her drink, eyes locked on Areum like she’s seeing straight through her act.
Areum fumbles her chopsticks.
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