Just the Beginning

Park Eun Shin stepped out to grab coffee from the nearest café that sat across from Hex Company. As she reached the entrance, she spotted Lee Jae Vin emerging from the building. Her gaze dropped to the sidewalk. She quickened her pace.

“Eun Shin!”

She didn’t turn around. She slipped inside, letting the door swing shut behind her. Outside, Jae Vin hesitated, then lingered near the glass storefront.

Inside, the barista greeted her with a practiced smile.

“What can I get started for you?”

“One grande black coffee, please,” Eun Shin replied, returning the smile faintly as she reached for her wallet.

When her drink was ready, she grabbed the cup and headed for the door, walking briskly. Jae Vin intercepted her just outside.

“Eun Shin, can we talk?” he asked, slightly out of breath.

She didn’t stop.

From behind, a familiar voice rang out.

“Vinnie-oppa… you disappeared on me again,” Rena purred, gliding up and slipping her arm through his.

Jae Vin brushed her off without a glance, eyes still fixed on Eun Shin.

“Eun Shin—”

He caught her wrist. She yanked her arm free and turned on him with a sharp glare.

“Don’t follow me. I’m working.”

He frowned.

“Stop ignoring me. I need to talk—”

“I don’t. You haven’t changed—you’re still annoying, and worse, pathetic. You have Rena.”

She spun to leave—

—and collided hard with someone. Her coffee splashed across her blouse—and his suit.

“Ah—! Damn, that looks expensive… I’m so sorry,” she gasped. “I wasn’t looking—”

“Eun Shin…” Jae Vin’s voice faltered.

She looked up… and froze.

That face. Older now. Sharper jaw. Colder eyes. But it was him. Unmistakably him.

“Seung-oppa…” she whispered.

The man stared back, unreadable.

“Young lady,” he said coolly. His tone was distant. Disconnected. No flicker of recognition. No warmth. Nothing.

Her chest tightened. Her mouth opened, but no words came.

He looked past her… at Jae Vin.

“Is this man bothering you?”

She blinked, stunned. Her voice caught. Her heart stumbled.

He looked at her like she didn’t exist.

Jae Vin stared at him, tense, recognition flaring in his eyes, but held back. He understood. Seung didn’t know who Eun Shin was. He treated her like a stranger.

10 YEARS EARLIER — SENIOR YEAR

No one was supposed to be in the gym.

The overhead lights were off. The only sound was the distant hum of the corridor beyond the fire door.

Then—

“Mmh… wait—”

Jae Vin didn’t stop. He kissed her again, slower this time, his fingers inching higher beneath her skirt. The echo of their breaths filled the empty gym—careless, hungry. Like they had all the time in the world.

From the hallway, Eun Shin stepped out, eyes on her phone as she tapped open a chat.

Love ♥︎ : “I’m out now.”

She hit send—

—and froze at the faintest sound. A muffled noise, raw and sharp, slipped from the gym.

Her thumb hovered over the screen. Her eyes flicked toward the door.

Then she kept walking.

A pulse of unease brushed her thoughts, but she didn’t let it root. She was waiting.

For someone.

Jae Vin.

The one behind those gym walls.

A few steps later, he appeared—grinning, boyish, slinging an arm around her neck like nothing had happened.

“Hi, babe! When did you get here?”

She frowned, already done.

“I texted you a while ago, Oppa. Didn’t you read it?” Her voice was flat.

He laughed—too quick, too rehearsed.

“Sorry, Eun Shin. I was… chatting with my coach,” he said, scratching the back of his head.

She turned without answering and walked off.

“Babe! Wait for me!” he called after her.

“My father’s waiting. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, climbing into the car. She rolled the window down, her smile small and sweet.

“Bye.”

“Heh… bye,” he muttered, watching the car disappear. His lips curled into a crooked smile.

Casually, he wiped the corner of his mouth. For a second, his thoughts flickered to Eun Shin—but just as quickly, he shoved them aside.

Guilt?

He didn’t have time for that.

A girl pounced on him from the side.

“Oppa!”

He turned, already wrapping an arm around her.

“Let’s go to my place,” he murmured.

She blushed, nodding eagerly.

“Jae Vin Oppa is so sweet,” she giggled, clinging to him as they walked away.

THE NEXT DAY

Park Eun Shin walked down the hallway, whispers trailing in her wake—gossip thick with speculation about her and Jae Vin. They were the couple everyone watched.

But Jae Vin was also the boy everyone warned about.

Too many smiles.

Too many desires.

Eun Shin didn’t care. She couldn’t. Even if she wanted to, her mother would throw her out.

Oh Seok Jun, her childhood friend since kindergarten, appeared beside her and tapped the top of her head.

“Ah!” she exclaimed, startled. Seok Jun grinned.

“You ready for game night?”

Eun Shin rubbed her forehead, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Of course. You guys better win.”

He laughed. Just then, Jae Vin strolled down the hallway, and a wave of squeals rippled through the nearby girls.

Jae Vin didn’t even glance at them. His eyes were locked on Eun Shin as he stepped in and pulled her into a hug.

“Hey, babe. You didn’t call me last night.”

Eun Shin sighed, unimpressed.

“I had tutoring. You knew that.” She pushed him away. Jae Vin chuckled and poked at her waist. “Hey!”

“At least say goodnight before bed,” he added, voice laced with faux sadness. “I was lonely.”

She scoffed, her expression cool.

“Then maybe text me like a normal person. I might reply.”

Seok Jun let out a laugh and stood.

“I’ll tell coach you’ll be late,” he called over his shoulder, grinning as he walked off.

Jae Vin’s smile faltered under Eun Shin’s sharp gaze.

“Thanks,” he muttered, looking away.

Seok Jun raised a peace sign before disappearing down the corridor.

Their homeroom teacher entered, scanning the room until his eyes landed on Jae Vin.

“Young man, you don’t belong in this class. Step out.”

The room erupted in giggles. All eyes turned to Jae Vin, who smirked and basked in the attention—until he noticed Eun Shin wasn’t even looking at him.

Her gaze was distant. Cold.

“Come on, teacher. I’m just here because I like being here,” he said with a lazy grin.

The teacher gave a short chuckle, amused but firm.

“Appreciate the enthusiasm, but we have a transfer student joining us. That seat’s taken now. Off you go.”

Jae Vin stretched like he owned the place, then finally dragged himself up and walked out.

The transfer student entered quietly, barely lifting his head. His hands twitched against his sleeves. Every step looked rehearsed and reluctant.

Whispers flared instantly.

“Who’s that?”

“He looks so dorky…”

“Hehe. Kinda cute, though.”

The murmurs grew until the teacher raised a hand.

“Settle down. Class, this is our new student—Hae Seung Jee. Seung Jee, please introduce yourself.”

The boy stood still for a moment, then lowered his gaze even more.

“I-I’m Seung Jee…”

His voice barely carried.

Silence stretched… then broke into a ripple of giggles. A few students exchanged smirks.

The teacher sighed through a tight smile.

“Go ahead and sit down,” he said, motioning to the empty desk beside Eun Shin.

Seung Jee shuffled forward, head bowed as if shielding himself. He slid into the seat, but the room’s attention clung to him like static.

Eun Shin scanned the room once, then clicked her tongue quietly. She picked up her book and slid it across the desk toward him.

“You can use mine for today.”

Seung Jee froze, startled. His eyes flicked from the book to her, uncertain.

The classroom buzzed around them, but Eun Shin didn’t react. She turned toward the window, shoulders stiff, eyes distant—shutting it all out.

The teacher began the lesson.

Once the lesson ended, Eun Shin stood as class president.

“Teacher, thank you for your hard work today. The class is now over. Everyone, please go home safely,” she said with a small bow.

The teacher nodded as he walked out with his binder.

“See you all tomorrow.”

The class stood and bowed.

“Thank you, teacher,” they echoed in unison.

Eun Shin grabbed her backpack, ready to leave. Seung Jee quietly closed the book and handed it back to her.

“Th-thank y-you…” he murmured, trying to sound normal.

The girls nearby giggled, teasing him.

“Let’s go, Eunnie,” one of them, Shim Rena, called out.

Eun Shin offered a faint smile.

“I’ll come after. You can head out first.” She gently pushed Rena’s hand aside.

Rena nodded awkwardly and stepped back.

Turning to Seung Jee, Eun Shin took the book.

“Thank you. I hope you enjoy your time here,” she said kindly.

He nodded, still nervous.

“Th-thank you…” he stammered again.

Eun Shin noticed him fidgeting with his fingers. She slowly reached out and steadied his hands.

“Don’t be nervous. If anyone bullies you, let me know,” she said, her voice firm.

Seung Jee stared at her, momentarily lost in the confidence of her gaze. He nodded, a shy smile spreading across his face.

Eun Shin slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked out. Seung Jee remained in place, smiling softly at what had just happened.

At the gym, Eun Shin changed into her cheerleading uniform. With pom-poms in hand, she headed casually toward the football field.

The other cheerleaders were already gathered, stretching and chatting. Among them stood a new member, Ahn Min Ying, wearing a different outfit from the rest.

“Gosh, there she goes, trying to stand out…”

“Psh. Ain’t like she’s all that.”

“Eun Shin will shine brighter regardless.”

They giggled among themselves.

Eun Shin walked straight toward Min Ying, who tensed and glared—expecting confrontation. Maybe even a slap.

Instead, Eun Shin smiled.

“Your outfit is cute. Maybe you can come to my house and teach me your talents,” she said sincerely.

The squad went silent.

Rena chuckled nervously and grabbed Eun Shin’s arm.

“Are you crazy? She’s definitely trying to outshine you. You’re supposed to put her in her place,” she muttered.

Eun Shin turned to her, visibly annoyed.

“Why? Am I that kind of person?”

Rena swallowed hard and bowed slightly.

“No… but—” She stopped herself. Her eyes flicked to Min Ying, then away.

“Then forget it,” Eun Shin said firmly.

Rena backed off and returned to the others. She didn’t say anything else, but she didn’t look entirely sure she’d been wrong either.

Eun Shin stood tall, waiting for the team to enter the field.

The stadium lights buzzed overhead as the announcer’s voice echoed across the turf, muddled by a restless crowd that hadn’t yet picked a side. A thin fog clung to the early evening sky, reluctant to let the sun fully slip away.

The visiting team entered first, cutting sharp lines across the field in green uniforms. One player broke formation.

He sprinted toward the cheerleaders. Toward her.

Eun Shin stiffened as she noticed him—a football player with flushed cheeks and bright, nervous eyes. Goo Han Tael. His sudden approach drew curious glances from the other girls.

He came to a stop in front of her, out of breath but smiling.

“Are you… Park Eun Shin?” he asked, his voice laced with hope.

She blinked.

“I am…”

The boy beamed, shoulders lowering with a quiet sigh of relief.

“By any chance, do you have a Kakao account?”

Her lips parted in an awkward laugh.

“Hm. I do, but… I have a boyfriend. I’ll have to ask him.”

Just then, a smooth voice cut in.

“Yeah, and I’m that boyfriend.”

Jae Vin strolled in with his usual confident smirk and slid his arm around Eun Shin’s shoulder. She flinched, but didn’t resist.

She hated it when he touched her like that.

Han Tael saw it.

The discomfort in her eyes.

The way she didn’t lean into the boy who claimed her.

“I see…” Han Tael said, his gaze lingering. “Well… if I win, can I get it?”

Eun Shin stifled a laugh.

Jae Vin’s smile faltered. The audacity.

“We’ll see,” she replied, her eyes flitting between them. “Fighting.”

Han Tael returned to his team with a smug nod.

Jae Vin leaned in and pinched her cheek—too hard—and kissed her. She almost pulled away. Instead, she closed her eyes and endured it.

“I’ll bring the win,” he whispered, casting a sideways glance at Han Tael.

Then he smirked.

Eun Shin wiped the corner of her lip and gave him a light push.

“Go prepare to play.”

“Yes, yes.”

He kissed her forehead like they were some picture-perfect couple and ran off toward his teammates.

From the sidelines, Rena bit her nails, watching everything with silent nerves.

The rest of the team jogged through the tunnel. Seok Jun stopped briefly in front of Eun Shin and patted her gently on the head.

She smiled—genuinely this time.

“Fighting.”

He nodded silently and left without looking back.

Eun Shin turned just in time to see Min Ying blushing, her eyes still locked on Seok Jun.

Eun Shin chuckled.

“Let’s get ready!” she shouted to the squad.

“Yes!” the cheerleaders answered in unison.

As the match began, they waved their pom-poms and chanted with fierce pride.

Eun Shin stood at the front—relentless.

Even when the score dipped.

Even when hope wavered.

She kept cheering, her voice louder than the others’, driving her team forward.

Then came the moment.

Seok Jun had the ball.

He ran. Faster.

He pivoted between defenders and kicked—a clean, sharp strike.

The ball soared.

A half-second of held breath.

The net shuddered.

The referee blew the whistle.

For a heartbeat, the stadium stood still.

Then it erupted.

“GOAL!”

The crowd roared. Cheers thundered from the home stands, buzzing with school spirit.

Across the field, the visiting team exhaled in silent defeat, their disappointment tucked behind the composure drilled into them. One by one, they lined up, bumping hands with the victors in a show of quiet sportsmanship.

Han Tael wore a calm smile, his posture relaxed—even when he reached Jae Vin, who met him with a smirk and that unmistakable glint of rivalry.

The moment passed without friction…

Until Jae Vin laughed. Loud. Sharp. Cutting.

“What a sore loser,” he said—just loud enough to land like a slap.

Han Tael’s friends froze mid-step. Eyes narrowed.

“What did you just say?” one of them snapped.

Jae Vin turned, slow and deliberate, a grin still plastered on his face.

“I said, ‘what a sore loser.'”

The atmosphere thickened, tension crackling like static.

Han Tael raised a hand, holding his friends back before anything escalated.

“I think the only losers,” he said evenly, “are the ones who act like they’re better than everyone else.”

Jae Vin’s grin twitched, hardening.

“What?”

Han Tael’s smile didn’t falter. His friends exchanged glances, the message received.

“Yeah,” another added, “being on top doesn’t make you untouchable. Step on enough people, and you’ll fall harder than anyone.”

Jae Vin’s jaw clenched.

He stepped forward, fire in his eyes—

But Seok Jun was faster. He slid between them, palms up.

“Not here,” Seok Jun muttered, low and firm. “This isn’t the place.”

“That asshole started it!”

“Jae Vin. Don’t.”

But restraint only stoked the flame.

Jae Vin shoved Seok Jun’s hand away violently and sharply.

“Get out of my face!”

Seok Jun winced, rubbing his temple—jaw tight with unspoken exhaustion.

He knew this side of Jae Vin.

Knew it too well.

From the sidelines, past the fading cheers of the crowd, Eun Shin watched.

Her expression held no surprise.

Only quiet observation.

As if she’d predicted every beat of the scene before it played out.

Without a word, she gathered her pom-poms and followed the other cheerleaders off the court.