Chapter 13: The First Political Move
That night, Gevran's room was lit by the glow of his laptop screen and the dim reflection of Seoul's city lights. In front of the screen, he was reviewing the school's internal data—bullying incident reports, both those filed and those deliberately hidden.
On the other side of the video call, Nari's face appeared—a member of the "Silent Defenders" team who had successfully hacked into the school's security system.
"We found the names of students who were secretly victimized. They never dared to report it. Because the bullies… are the children of the elites."
Gevran clenched his fist.
"We need to change the system. But not just through resistance... I need formal power. Structure."
---
The next day, a shocking announcement appeared on Daehan International School's digital bulletin board:
> "Gevran Yi Jido announces candidacy as Interim Student Council President for Internal Reform."
The school erupted in chaos. In the grand hall, Min Hyuk—the official Student Council President—scoffed coldly as he read the notice.
"The scandal boy wants to be a hero?" he muttered.
But his smirk faded when he saw the list of initial supporters: names of students with strong reputations, including Han Jimin.
---
Meanwhile, at Jido's home, the father sat in his study. An advisor entered and handed him an internal polling report:
> "Gevran's popularity among youth has increased by 37% since the scandal."
Jido didn't smile immediately. He stared out the window.
"He really is my son. Stubborn and steadfast." Then, in a quiet voice, he added,
"Maybe… it's time I changed too."
---
That afternoon, in the school debate hall, an open forum was held. Gevran stood at the podium, surrounded by students from all walks of life—poor, immigrant, even formerly indifferent students.
"Reform isn't about overthrowing. It's about listening. I know what it feels like to be stepped on. But now I know… we can stand together and change the system from within."
By the end of his speech, one by one, students stood up. From bullied victims to former bullies seeking redemption. Support poured in.
---
But that night, a secret message popped into Gevran's anonymous email:
> "Stop now, or all your family's secrets will be leaked to the media. Including the truth about who your mother really is."
Gevran froze.
He knew this wasn't just a threat—this was part of a much bigger political game.
And perhaps… his dark past was about to return and haunt him.
---
Late Night – Rooftop Garden, Korindro Mansion
The wind was cold, but Gevran barely felt it. He stared at the encrypted message on his phone, the threat echoing in his mind:
"…the truth about who your mother really is."
Footsteps approached—light, careful. It was Jimin, holding two cups of hot chocolate.
"You ghosted everyone after the forum. Wanna talk?"
He hesitated. "They know… about my mother. Or something about her. They're going to use it."
Jimin sat beside him. "Do you know who your real mom is?"
Gevran looked down. "No. I've never asked. I thought it didn't matter."
"But now it does?"
He nodded slowly. "Because in this game… family isn't personal. It's strategy."
---
Early Morning – Jido's Office
Jido was already awake. A tray of untouched tea sat beside a photo frame: a younger Jido with a woman whose face was scratched out.
When Gevran entered, he didn't waste time.
"Tell me about her."
Jido didn't turn. "So… they've found the weak point."
"I'm not asking as your son. I'm asking as someone who's about to be dragged through the dirt. I deserve to know."
There was a long silence. Then finally—
"Your mother… was a journalist. She died in a fire that wasn't an accident."
Gevran's heart raced. "Was she… targeted?"
"She was working on a corruption case involving Korindro's biggest rival at the time. The same people now funding your enemies."
Jido finally turned to face him. "They think this secret can destroy you. But Gevran… if you accept your past, they'll lose their leverage."
---
Midday – Daehan Student Council Room
Gevran called a closed-door meeting. Present were Han Jimin, Ara, Soo-bin, Yoon-jae, and even Ryu Min-seok—once neutral, now visibly shaken.
"I'm not backing down," Gevran said.
Ara raised a brow. "Even with this threat?"
"Especially because of it."
He laid down a folder on the table.
"Operation Transparensi. We reveal everything—even the parts that make us uncomfortable. No secrets. No hidden agendas. We build trust through raw truth."
Jimin blinked. "You're going to go public with your family secret?"
"Before they can twist it."
---
Evening – Emergency Livestream Broadcast
On Daehan's official platform, Gevran appeared in front of a neutral backdrop. No makeup. No scripts.
> "There's something I want you all to know—before someone else tells it in a way that hurts more.
My birth mother died fighting for the truth. She wasn't famous, but she was fearless.
I didn't grow up knowing her. But I've decided—I want to honor her.
If I'm going to lead change in this school, in this country…
Then I'll do it the same way she lived. Unafraid."
The comment section exploded with reactions: "respect++," "THIS is leadership," "future president vibes," and… "Who's gonna stop this guy now?"
---
Meanwhile – A Dark Room Somewhere in Seoul
Cain Seo-Jun leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.
He watched the livestream in silence, then turned to a shadowy figure beside him.
"I told you. Threats don't work on people like him. He's too used to surviving."
The figure nodded. "Then we'll change strategy."
Cain smirked. "Let's see how he handles war… from inside the system."
---
Final Scene – Gevran's Phone Notification
> [New Message from: Youth Reform Forum]
"Congratulations on your bravery. We officially invite you to be part of the National Student Delegation. Your first forum speech will be… in front of the President."
---
Gevran's Journal – Final Entry of the Chapter:
> *Power isn't just influence. It's the courage to lose everything and still stand.
If they want a war, I'll give them something worse—
A revolution.*
---
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