lee minho

The sun at Geumsan Middle School bathed the hallways in an amber glow, but even this warmth couldn't melt the ice of tension gripping Lee Minho's heart. The top student in his class and the pride of the school, he felt cornered. His gray eyes were glued to the duty roster, as if he were facing a death sentence.
Fate, with its twisted sense of humor, played a cruel joke on him, throwing him into the arms of chaos. The name written opposite his sounded like a challenge, like a harbinger of a storm. The embodiment of all the vices of Geumsan High School, the subject of dirty gossip and rumors.
Minho sighed. His reputation was his fortress, his weapon. A flawless student, an Olympiad winner, a role model. But behind that mask lurked a razor-sharp tongue, ready to tear to shreds anyone who dared to shake his peace.
The girl entered the classroom like a hurricane. Her leather jacket, slightly casual gait, and defiant gaze suggested she didn't follow the rules. Rumors swirled about her: skipping classes, getting into fights, and, worst of all, rumors of affairs with teachers for grades. While she wasn't actually any dumber than most, her rebellious nature and unwillingness to conform created an image of her as a wild child.
Minho grimaced. He despised those who achieved success by crooked means, by stepping on others. It wasn't that he believed the dirty rumors about the girl's affairs with the teachers, but her very presence in the classroom filled him with disgust. She was a stain on Kimsan's otherwise impeccable reputation.
The girl, noticing his gaze, smiled.
"What, are you staring at me again, nerd?" she asked, deliberately loudly. "Not happy to see me?" she purred, approaching her desk.
Minho tried to maintain his composure. "I don't see any reason to be happy. Being on duty is work, not a time for fun."
"Oh, come on, Professor," the girl snorted. "Relax a little."
Minho rolled his eyes, not intending to argue. "I just don't understand how anyone can sleep soundly knowing their success was bought," he muttered.