NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4 : First Day Jitters
Chapter 4: First Day Jitters
Ha-Na sat down at her desk, trying to compose herself. She couldn't believe the boy in the back of the classroom was staring at her like that. She felt like he could see right through her.
Mrs. Kim began to take attendance, and Ha-Na tried to focus on the lesson. But her eyes kept drifting back to the boy in the back. Who was he? And why was he staring at her like that?
As the lesson progressed, Ha-Na found herself struggling to keep up. The other students seemed to know the material inside and out, and Ha-Na felt like she was the only one who was lost.
Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, Mrs. Kim assigned a group project. Ha-Na's heart sank as she realized she would have to work with the other students.
And then, to make matters worse, the boy in the back of the classroom stood up and walked over to her desk. "Hi," he said, with a charming smile. "I'm Ji-Hoon. And you are...?"
As Ji-Hoon stood by Ha-Na's desk, the other girls in the classroom couldn't help but stare. Who was this boy, and why was he paying so much attention to Ha-Na?
Shin-Ae, Ha-Na's stepsister, looked particularly put out. She had always been the center of attention, and she didn't like the fact that Ji-Hoon was now focused on Ha-Na.
"Ji-Hoon, what are you doing?" Shin-Ae asked, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Ji-Hoon turned to Shin-Ae, his smile never wavering. "Just introducing myself to our new classmate," he said.
Shin-Ae's eyes narrowed, but Ji-Hoon just chuckled and turned back to Ha-Na. "So, Ha-Na, want to work together on this project?" he asked.
Ha-Na's heart skipped a beat as she met Ji-Hoon's gaze. She couldn't believe that the most popular boy in school was asking her to work with him.
But before she could respond, Shin-Ae interrupted. "Ji-Hoon, you can't work with her," she said. "She's...she's not even from a good family."
Ji-Hoon's expression turned cold, and he turned to Shin-Ae. "That's not true, Shin-Ae," he said. "Ha-Na's family is just as good as yours."
Ha-Na's eyes widened in surprise. How did Ji-Hoon know that? And why was he defending her like that?
As Ha-Na walked to the lab to meet Ji-Hoon, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She had never worked with someone as popular as Ji-Hoon before, and she was curious to see how he would approach the project.
Just as she was turning a corner, she bumped into a boy who was walking in the opposite direction. His books and papers went flying out of his hands, and Ha-Na quickly apologized and bent down to help him pick up his belongings.
As she looked up at the boy, she was struck by his piercing gaze. He had an arrogant and rebellious air about him, but at the same time, he maintained a scholarly demeanor that seemed to command respect.
"I'm so sorry," Ha-Na said, handing him his books. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
The boy took his books from her, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's fine," he said, his voice deep and smooth. "I'm just glad I didn't spill my coffee."
Ha-Na smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Me too," she said.
The boy smiled back, and for a moment, Ha-Na felt like she was drowning in his gaze. Then, he nodded and turned to walk away.
"Wait," Ha-Na said, feeling a sense of curiosity. "What's your name?"
As Ha-Na watched, the boy turned and walked away, leaving her feeling both intrigued and frustrated. She had been expecting him to introduce himself, but instead, he had simply turned and walked away.
"Wait," Ha-Na called out, feeling a sense of curiosity. "What's your name?"
But the boy didn't turn back. Instead, he kept walking, disappearing around the corner.
Ha-Na sighed, feeling a sense of disappointment. She had been hoping to get to know him better, but it seemed like that wasn't going to happen.
Just then, Ji-Hoon appeared at her side. "Hey, Ha-Na," he said. "Ready to get started on our project?"
Ha-Na nodded, trying to push thoughts of the mysterious boy out of her mind. "Yeah, I'm ready," she said.
But as they walked to the lab, Ha-Na couldn't help but wonder about the boy she had bumped into. Who was he, and why had he seemed so aloof?
And then, as if fate was playing a trick on her, Ha-Na heard a voice behind her.
"Namjoon," Ji-Hoon said, nodding in greeting.
Ha-Na turned to see the boy she had bumped into earlier walking towards them. He smiled at Ji-Hoon, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of disdain.
"Ji-Hoon," Namjoon said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Always so eager to please."
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"As Ha-Na settled into her new routine, she began to find her footing in a world that was both familiar and foreign. She was determined to make the most of her second chance and forge a new path for herself."
_ End of Chapter 4_