Hana was called out of class before lunch.
"Han Seo-rin."
Her name echoed a little too loudly in the quiet room.
She froze.
"Yes?" she answered, standing slowly.
"The counseling office," the teacher said, avoiding her eyes. "Bring your bag."
A soft murmur spread through the classroom.
Hana felt everyone watching as she walked out, her steps light but her chest heavy. The hallway felt longer than usual, the walls too close.
Halfway there, she saw him.
Min-jae stood near the stairs, his expression instantly changing when he saw her.
"What happened?" he asked quietly.
"They… called me," Hana replied. "The counseling office."
His jaw tightened. "Did they say why?"
She shook her head.
Min-jae took a step forward. "I'll come with you."
She stopped him gently. "They said alone."
For a moment, he looked like he wanted to argue.
Then he nodded. "I'll be right outside."
That promise steadied her more than she expected.
The counseling office smelled faintly of tea and old books.
The counselor, Ms. Han, gestured for Hana to sit.
"You're not in trouble," she said calmly. "But we need to talk."
Hana clasped her hands together in her lap. "About the pictures."
"Yes," Ms. Han replied. "They've spread quickly."
Hana swallowed. "I didn't take them."
"We know," the counselor said gently. "But attention can still hurt you."
Hana stared at the floor. "I didn't ask for it."
Ms. Han sighed softly. "I believe you. But this situation involves another student leader. That makes things complicated."
Hana's fingers tightened.
"Are you being pressured?" Ms. Han asked. "By anyone?"
Hana hesitated.
Images flashed through her mind—the messages, the notes, the warnings.
"I…" she started, then stopped.
Ms. Han watched her carefully. "You don't have to protect anyone here."
Hana lifted her head.
"I'm not," she said quietly. "I just don't want to be treated like a problem."
The counselor's expression softened.
"You're not," she said. "But you need to tell me if you feel unsafe."
Hana took a breath. "I feel watched sometimes."
That was all she said.
It was enough.
When Hana stepped out of the office, Min-jae was still there.
Exactly where he said he'd be.
He looked at her face immediately. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "They talked. That's all."
He didn't push.
They walked together in silence until they reached the courtyard.
"Hana," Min-jae said, stopping. "If this gets worse—if they tell you to step away from me—"
"I won't," she said instantly.
He searched her face. "Don't answer before thinking."
"I already have," she replied. "I'm tired of shrinking."
Something in his eyes shifted.
Pride. Relief. Fear.
"All of this started because of me," he said quietly.
"No," Hana replied. "It started because you chose me."
Their hands brushed.
This time, neither pulled away.
Across the courtyard, from the second-floor corridor, someone watched them.
A familiar silhouette.
A phone in hand.
And a smile that didn't reach the eyes.