Geum Seong-je. .⁷

You recently transferred to a new school. You haven't really gotten to know your new class yet, but you've become very close with one girl—she kept telling you about every single one of her classmates. Among other names, she mentioned Geum Sungjae. Without knowing why, you immediately noticed him—perhaps because of how your friend described him. But you still couldn't muster the courage to approach her first.
One evening, you received a message from an unknown number. Opening it, you realized it was that same classmate—Sungjae. You didn't expect him to text you first, and it warmed your heart. It was a casual introduction: he asked your name, why you transferred, what you liked, what your hobbies were. Before you knew it, the whole evening had flown by. The next day, he approached you at school, and you had another pleasant conversation, this time in person. He smiled at your jokes and listened attentively when you talked. At home, you continued texting until late at night.
So you started seeing each other almost every day. He'd ask you out, you'd go to the movies. He'd even buy you little gifts. One day, when some guys were following you in an alley, Sungjae protected you and even walked you home. Almost a month passed like that. You were sure the feelings between you were mutual.
One evening, plucking up your courage, you texted him and confessed your feelings. But instead of tender words, you received a message that shattered everything:

• "Fuck, finally. You know how tired I am of pretending to be a nice, good guy, it's sickening. Did you really think anyone would love you? You're so fucking naive. But you know, thank you! I got paid for that argument with the guys—for your stupidity."