The school courtyard was buzzing with energy as students gathered around. The reason?

A guy from Section B—Hyunwoo—had just publicly confessed to Lily.

He wasn’t subtle about it, either.

"Lily," Hyunwoo declared loudly, flipping his perfect hair, "you should date me. You’re sweet, beautiful, and let’s be honest—being my girlfriend would definitely raise your status in this school."

The entire courtyard exploded into whispers.

"Did he just say that?"

"Isn’t he just using her for clout?"

"Minho’s gonna kill him."

Ava, standing beside Jae, cracked her knuckles.

"Oh, hell no."

Jae smirked, amused. "Are you going to do something?"

Ava grinned. "Obviously."

Ava’s Interruption: The Meddling Begins

She stepped forward, grinning brightly.

"Wow, Hyunwoo," Ava said sweetly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That was… the most self-absorbed confession I’ve ever heard."

The crowd snickered.

Hyunwoo blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

Ava placed a hand over her heart. "I mean, what girl wouldn’t love to date someone who just wants her for status?" She turned to Lily. "Right, Lily?"

Lily looked panicked.

Hyunwoo scoffed. "I’m serious. I like her."

Ava arched a brow. "Oh, really? Then tell me one thing about her that’s not about her looks."

Hyunwoo opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.

Ava smirked. "Exactly."

The crowd roared with laughter.

Hyunwoo glared. "This has nothing to do with you."

Jae, who had been watching the scene unfold, finally stepped forward. His presence alone shut everyone up.

His voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp. "It has everything to do with her."

Hyunwoo hesitated. "Why would you care—"

Jae stepped in front of Lily.

Ava swore she saw a flicker of protectiveness in his gaze.

"You’re making a scene," Jae said coolly. "Lily’s not interested. Walk away."

The entire school held its breath.

Ava smirked. Now for the grand finale.

Minho’s Breaking Point: The Kiss 💥

Just as Hyunwoo scoffed and turned back to Lily, Minho finally snapped.

One second, he was standing still.

The next—he grabbed Lily’s hand and pulled her towards him.

And then—

He kissed her.

The courtyard erupted into chaos.

Screams. Cheers. Laughter.

Section E lost their minds.

Eli whistled. "Damn, okay, Minho!"

"GO, MINHO!"

"That’s our boy!"

Lily was redder than a tomato when Minho finally pulled away.

"Just so we’re clear," Minho muttered, staring straight at Hyunwoo, "she’s mine."

Hyunwoo looked absolutely humiliated as the crowd howled with laughter. He turned and stormed off.

The Aftermath: Jae’s Gaze on Ava

Ava was jumping and screaming like a proud mom.

"OH MY GOD, LILY!" she shrieked, grabbing her best friend’s arm. "YOU KISSED HIM! FINALLY!"

Lily hid her face in her hands. "Ava, please—"

"NOPE. NO HIDING. WE’RE CELEBRATING."

The entire Section E cheered. Even the toughest guys in the class were grinning and teasing Minho.

Ava was still screaming in excitement when she felt eyes on her.

She turned—

And caught Jae staring.

Not just staring.

Adoring.

His expression was unreadable, but the way his eyes softened when he looked at her made Ava’s stomach flip.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, suspicious.

Jae smirked. "You’re loud."

Ava huffed. "And?"

Jae leaned in slightly, voice low. "It’s cute."

Ava’s brain short-circuited.

Before she could recover, Jae was already walking away, hands in his pockets.

And just like that, Ava was left standing there, heart pounding like crazy.