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Chapter 9 - Festival Preparations

Huweol High was buzzing with energy. The annual school festival had arrived, filling classrooms with decorations, laughter, and the smell of freshly cooked food. Students ran around, setting up booths, arranging games, and rehearsing performances.

Hwang Siyeok walked calmly through the crowded hallways, observing everything with quiet precision. His black hair was neatly combed, green eyes scanning the environment, and tall, lean frame moving effortlessly without drawing attention. Shy Suya trailed behind him, notebook in hand, trying not to get lost in the chaos.

"Do you… really notice everything?" she whispered softly. "Even little things no one else sees?"

Hwang Siyeok glanced at her calmly. "Observation is key. Small details often determine the outcome of larger events. Awareness lets you act with precision."

Nearby, Kang Jae-Hoon lurked, watching Hwang Siyeok with narrowed eyes. His bruised pride from previous encounters still lingered. He whispered to his friends, plotting another subtle attempt to challenge him without drawing obvious attention.

In the gym, a mini obstacle course had been set up for students to compete. Hwang Siyeok's gaze lingered over it. He noted the spacing of cones, the height of the balance beam, and even the subtle slope on the climbing wall. Every small detail mattered.

A student called out, "Hey, want to try the course?"

Hwang Siyeok nodded slightly. "Sure."

The crowd gathered as he stepped up. Every movement was deliberate — his strides measured, balance perfect, and reactions precise. He navigated the cones without touching them, crossed the balance beam effortlessly, and climbed the wall with smooth, controlled motions.

Kang Jae-Hoon had secretly adjusted a rope near the wall, hoping to trip him. But Hwang Siyeok noticed the slack immediately, shifted his grip, and continued without a single misstep. The crowd gasped quietly, murmuring about his uncanny ability.

Shy Suya's eyes widened. "He's… amazing. And he didn't even struggle," she whispered.

Hwang Siyeok smiled faintly. "Control is not about effort. It's about awareness and adjustment. Understanding intent allows action without chaos."

The festival continued, and Hwang Siyeok subtly helped classmates. A falling decoration was caught with a gentle hand, a spilled tray was corrected quietly, and a misaligned poster adjusted without anyone noticing. Every action was precise, controlled, and unobtrusive.

Shy Suya followed, notebook full of observations. She realized that Hwang Siyeok wasn't just strong or skilled — he was masterful at subtly influencing outcomes, all while keeping his true identity hidden.

Kang Jae-Hoon watched from the sidelines, fists clenched. He knew direct confrontation wouldn't work. Hwang Siyeok was always one step ahead. He needed a plan, something clever, something unexpected.

Hwang Siyeok, as always, remained calm. Every interaction, every movement, and every detail was an opportunity — to observe, to learn, and to maintain control. For him, the festival was just another day to demonstrate skill subtly, protect others, and navigate school life without revealing his full abilities.

And Shy Suya knew one thing for certain: Hwang Siyeok was extraordinary, and every day at Huweol High would reveal just how much.

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