Hana's heart hammered in her chest.
The footsteps were fast. Too fast. They weren't just casual visitors or kids playing—they were deliberate.
Min-jae stepped slightly in front of her, protective without saying a word.
A figure appeared from the edge of the park, partially hidden by shadows. Hana squinted.
It was a teacher she didn't recognize—one of the new administrators recently assigned to the school. Her expression was strict, eyes scanning the area like she was hunting something.
"Min-jae Han? Hana Seo-rin?" the woman called out, voice firm and unyielding.
Min-jae's eyes narrowed. "Yes. What is it?"
The teacher's gaze flicked toward Hana, then back to him. "We need to talk. Now. Please follow me."
Hana felt her stomach twist. This wasn't just a casual chat. The way she spoke, the way she carried herself—it was serious.
"Why now?" Min-jae asked. "Can't it wait?"
"No," the woman replied sharply. "This involves both of you. It's important."
Hana glanced at Min-jae. He gave her a small, reassuring nod, but she could see the tension in his jaw.
They followed her down the path, leaving the fountain behind. Every step felt heavier than the last, as though the weight of the video, the rumors, and the confrontation with Yuri was now converging into something they couldn't ignore.
The woman led them to a small, private office tucked behind the main administrative building.
"Please sit," she said, motioning to the chairs.
Min-jae and Hana exchanged a glance, both of them uneasy but silently agreeing to stay calm.
"Let me start by saying," the teacher began, her tone measured but serious, "we are aware of the video that's been circulating. And we know who was involved in taking it. However…"
She paused, letting the words sink in.
"However, this has escalated beyond what we expected. There are allegations now… that may involve more than just the two of you. Witnesses have come forward, and some of the footage has already reached parents. This is no longer something we can handle quietly."
Hana's heart pounded. She glanced at Min-jae. His face was calm, but she could see the storm behind his eyes—the storm she had fallen into herself.
"What does that mean?" Min-jae asked, steady but low.
"It means," the teacher said, "that the school will be conducting a full investigation. And both of you will be questioned separately about everything that happened behind the auditorium—and everything leading up to it."
Hana felt a chill run down her spine.
"You don't understand," she whispered, almost to herself. "It was just… a moment…"
The teacher looked at her sharply. "I understand it feels that way. But the school has to act on what they see. What they hear. What's circulating online. Do you understand?"
Hana nodded slowly, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.
Min-jae's jaw set. "We understand."
The teacher's gaze softened slightly, but it was still firm. "Good. Now, you'll be allowed to give your statements, and then the school will decide on any disciplinary measures. Until then, you are to refrain from contact with each other outside of class."
Hana's chest tightened.
Min-jae's hand brushed hers briefly, just enough to let her know he was still there. But when the teacher stepped out to call the next student, Hana felt the space between them stretch painfully.
She sat back in her chair, staring at the blank walls, and realized just how fragile everything had become.
And outside, she could still feel someone watching—someone waiting for the perfect moment to twist the story even further.