Scene: Late Spring – Graduation Ceremony Grounds
Cherry blossom petals floated in the warm wind, dancing through the courtyard where students, teachers, and proud parents had gathered. White tents were set up around the perimeter, and the stage was draped in the school's blue and gold colors.
A banner hung above the stage:
"Congratulations, Graduates!"
The air buzzed with excitement. Students clutched their certificates, some tearing up, others laughing in disbelief.
But the MC, Jang Minjae, stood near the edge of the crowd, watching silently.
He wore the standard uniform, cleanly pressed. His posture was straight, his face expressionless, but his eyes—cold and calculating—scanned everything.
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Ceremony Begins
The principal stepped forward with a mic.
> "To our students—who have endured, who have grown, and who will now step into a new future—we offer our pride."
Polite applause followed.
> "And now, for special recognitions…"
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Student Awards – A Moment of Tension
"Top scorer in academics: Jang Minjae."
He walked up to the stage calmly. Whispers followed him.
> "That's the kid who beat Daehyun…"
"He's creepy but… insanely smart."
"Did you see him fight? Like a machine."
He took the certificate without bowing. Just a nod. He didn't need their praise.
"Top in athletic achievement: Lee Daehyun."
Daehyun walked up next. His arm was still bandaged from the fight.
They stood side by side for a brief second.
Daehyun looked forward, jaw tight.
Minjae didn't look at him at all.
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Quiet Moment – Areum
After the ceremony, Areum found Minjae standing alone by the gym. She walked over, holding her certificate.
"You didn't celebrate," she said.
"I have nothing to celebrate," he replied.
She stared at him for a moment.
"Daehyun's still recovering. You hit him hard."
"He's lucky I stopped."
She sighed. "You're still the same."
"…And you still haven't answered my question."
"What question?"
Minjae turned to her, eyes sharp.
> "Why did you fight her like it was personal?"
Areum's expression stiffened.
"Because it was."
They stared at each other for a long beat—something unspoken brewing between them. Not love. Not hate. Just… unfinished threads.
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Final Scene – The Graduation Photo
The whole class gathered for a photo.
Minjae stood in the back row, hands in his pockets.
Areum stood in front, glancing back once.
Daehyun stood a little off to the side.
As the camera clicked, time seemed to freeze.
The end of childhood.
The start of something darker.
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