The energy at the festival was still electric music blasting, lights strobing over the school courtyard, laughter echoing between booths and stages. But as the sun dipped lower, one of the most anticipated events began:
The Charity Auction.
Students mostly from the fashion and modeling departments were "auctioned" off for short dates or hangouts to raise money for school clubs. It was flashy, silly, and a little intense.
And then…
Daniel Park's name was called.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
Daniel, dressed in a fitted white shirt and beige pants, stepped nervously onto the stage. Whispers bounced around.
"He's so handsome…"
"Isn't that the same guy who just walked the runway?"
"He's the new top dog…"
Then the bidding began.
A few students raised their hands playfully, tossing out small bids but all of it halted when a tall, elegant girl stepped forward from the back.
Crystal Choi.
Dressed in a sleek school-issued festival outfit with custom flair, she raised her hand.
"One million won."
Silence.
No one else dared speak.
Daniel blinked, caught between awe and panic.
He was "bought."
Moments later, Crystal walked beside him under the night lights, her expression unreadable. Daniel tried to strike up conversation.
"You really didn't have to"
She cut him off with a glance. "I only did it to stop the noise. You were getting too many eyes."
"Oh…" Daniel rubbed his neck. "Well… thanks?"
Crystal stopped walking. "Let me make something clear. I don't like arrogant boys who think they're special just because people look at them."
Daniel's smile faded. "I didn't mean"
But she was already walking away, graceful and cold.
Daniel stood frozen for a second… before taking a step forward.
"Wait!"
And then he stopped.
Or rather was stopped.
A hand gripped his shoulder, firm like iron.
Daniel turned and saw Gun Park.
Impeccably dressed in black, hair slicked back, his expression unreadable behind cold eyes.
"I wouldn't follow her if I were you."
Daniel frowned. "Who are you?"
Gun smirked. "Someone you don't want to pick a fight with."
Daniel tried to move past him big mistake.
In a blink
CRACK!
A Brazilian kick slammed into Daniel's side, launching him across the pavement like a rag doll. Gasps rang out. A few students screamed. Daniel groaned, clutching his ribs.
Crystal turned back, unfazed. "Ignore him, Gun. He's not worth your time."
Gun raised a hand to finish it just one more hit
But then someone stepped in.
Vasco.
His nose bloodied from the punch he didn't dodge.
He had jumped in front of Daniel and taken the hit with his face.
Gun narrowed his eyes. "You again."
Vasco didn't flinch. "You're strong. But I won't let you hit him again."
Gun cocked his fist again but this time
Clang!
It didn't land.
Someone had deflected it.
With two fingers.
Gun's eyes widened slightly. Not many people could intercept a punch like that.
He turned and saw Jalen Creed.
Black gloves. Calm eyes. Perfect posture.
Crystal blinked in surprise. "...That's the other model boy."
Gun stared him down. "And you are?"
Jalen smiled faintly, lowering Gun's fist gently. "I can't believe I get to meet Gun Park."
Then his voice dropped, colder, quieter
"Or should I say… Shiro Oni."
Both Gun and Crystal froze.
For the first time that night, Gun looked surprised.
And for the first time in her life Crystal felt curiosity spark like fire.
To be continued.