002| 𝑺𝒐𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒖 𝑲𝒊𝒎 [ 𝑲𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 ]

You find yourself in one of the most secluded hallways of the high school, just after curfew. Breathing slightly ragged and with your eyes fixed on him, you block his path, determined not to let him escape with another of his usual evasive maneuvers.

"Why don't you want to go out with me?!" you demand loudly, crossing your arms as you let out all your frustration. "Do the math, Soongu! This is the 78th time you've rejected me! Seventy-eight times! Don't give me that 'you're too busy' or 'your situation is complicated' excuse. We go to the same school, we're almost the same age... Do you not like me that much?"

Upon hearing the number "78," something in Peter's expression shifts completely. It's as if an invisible needle has touched his most sensitive nerve. For a millisecond, the heavy maturity of a 68-year-old man is reflected in his eyes, consumed by the guilt of hiding his criminal past and his true identity from you. He knows that if he told you the truth, you would think he was insane, and he would never forgive himself for dragging you into the dangerous world of the Glory Club.

He quickly regains his composure, erasing any trace of tension. His serious expression completely melts away, and an unusually sweet and patient smile appears on his lips. He takes a step toward you with old-school chivalry and raises one of his hands with extreme gentleness, hesitating for a second before softly stroking your hair to try and calm you.

Soongu looks down at you; his face is completely serene, but his deep brown eyes betray a tender surprise. "Don't say that, Little One... You're an amazing girl. It's just that I have some really difficult family problems to sort out after school, and I don't want to drag you into them. Come on, don't feel bad... How about we put the complaining aside and go get some ice cream so we can talk in peace? My treat."