The following morning at Huweol High, the hallways were alive with the usual chaos — students rushing to classes, lockers slamming, and the faint scent of breakfast lingering in the air. Hwang Siyeok walked calmly, each step deliberate, his presence commanding attention without drawing it.
Shy Suya trailed a few steps behind, trying to maintain her usual low profile. Yesterday had left her mind spinning; the new transfer student was unlike anyone she had ever encountered. His quiet confidence, the perfection in his every move, the way he seemed aware of everything without trying — it was unsettling and fascinating all at once.
The first class was literature. Students were discussing a complex poem, attempting to decipher metaphors and hidden meanings. Hwang Siyeok listened attentively, his green eyes scanning the text, and when called upon, he offered an interpretation so precise, nuanced, and insightful that even the teacher paused in surprise.
"Excellent, Hwang Siyeok," the teacher said, jotting notes on her pad. "You've captured the essence beautifully."
Around him, classmates whispered quietly. Some admired him; others were wary of his talent. Shy Suya, notebook in hand, tried to scribble notes, but she found herself distracted by his composure, the calm way he spoke, and the depth of understanding in his words.
After literature, the students moved to the science lab. Today's assignment involved creating a small mechanical device capable of launching a tiny projectile. Most students struggled with the calculations and assembly, but Hwang Siyeok worked with meticulous precision. He adjusted gears, calculated angles in his mind, and assembled the device flawlessly.
When the device fired successfully on the first attempt, the lab erupted in cheers. Some students were astonished, others envious. Hwang Siyeok simply packed his materials with quiet efficiency, offering no explanation. Shy Suya's eyes widened — it wasn't just that he succeeded, it was how he did it. Every action was calculated, perfect, and effortless.
Lunchtime arrived, and Hwang Siyeok chose to sit in the courtyard, away from the main crowd. The gentle sunlight highlighted his tall, lean frame as he unpacked his meal. Ramen steam curled gently upward, the bread with banana neatly arranged on the side. He ate calmly, each bite measured, savoring the flavors.
Shy Suya hesitated nearby, unsure if she should approach. Finally, summoning courage, she sat at a bench a few feet away. "Um… your food looks… nice," she said softly.
Hwang Siyeok glanced up, offering a small, polite nod. "Thank you." His tone was neutral, calm, and friendly without revealing too much.
They sat in a quiet rhythm for a few minutes, the chatter of the courtyard around them fading into background noise. Shy Suya felt compelled to ask, "Do you… always do everything so perfectly?"
Hwang Siyeok's green eyes met hers briefly. "I try to do things correctly. It makes life easier." There was no arrogance in his voice, only quiet honesty.
The conversation ended there, but Shy Suya's curiosity deepened. She noticed small things others might miss: the way he adjusted his uniform with precision, how his posture never wavered, the subtle awareness in his gaze as he scanned the surroundings.
The afternoon brought PE — another opportunity for Hwang Siyeok to demonstrate subtle mastery. The students were challenged to a team obstacle course. Most struggled with balance beams, climbing walls, and coordination drills. Hwang Siyeok moved through every obstacle with seemingly effortless skill. He timed each jump perfectly, maintained flawless balance, and completed the course with precision that seemed almost unnatural for a human.
His teammates glanced at him in amazement, some whispering, "How is he doing that?" and "Is he… like a professional athlete?"
Shy Suya, watching from the sidelines, noticed the same perfection. She tried to rationalize it. Maybe he practiced a lot? she thought. But something in her gut told her it was more than that.
Later, during a brief break, a student accidentally dropped a notebook that was sliding toward the edge of a desk. Without looking, Hwang Siyeok extended a hand, stopping it just before it fell. The student blinked, grateful but oblivious to the skill involved. Shy Suya couldn't help but notice — his reflexes, coordination, and awareness were beyond ordinary.
As the final bell rang, students packed up and filed out. Hwang Siyeok adjusted his blazer and tie, maintaining the calm composure that defined him all day. Shy Suya hesitated, then decided to walk beside him.
"You're… really different from everyone else," she said quietly, her curiosity pushing her forward.
Hwang Siyeok glanced at her, green eyes meeting hers briefly. "I don't think so," he replied softly. "I just… pay attention."
Shy Suya frowned slightly, unconvinced. "No, it's more than that. You… you notice everything, you do everything perfectly, and you never make mistakes. How… how is that possible?"
Hwang Siyeok offered a faint, polite smile. "Some things come from practice, some from observation. Others… I just understand."
They walked in silence for a while, the streets of Seoul bustling around them. Shy Suya's mind raced. She wanted to ask more, but she knew she wasn't ready. Whatever secrets Hwang Siyeok carried, they were hidden intentionally, and she had to earn the trust to learn them.
As they reached the edge of the school grounds, Hwang Siyeok paused. "See you tomorrow," he said calmly, before continuing on his way home.
Shy Suya stood there, watching him disappear into the distance. Her heart pounded with anticipation and curiosity. She knew one thing for certain: Hwang Siyeok was no ordinary student, and discovering the truth about him would not be easy.
The day ended quietly, but Shy Suya's fascination only grew. Every subtle action, every precise movement, every calm word — it all hinted at something extraordinary beneath the surface. She didn't know what it was yet, but she would find out, one step at a time.
And as for Hwang Siyeok, he moved through the world with the same hidden precision, his abilities, his identity, and his true potential remaining entirely concealed — a secret that only he could hold.
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