The campus atmosphere is bright this afternoon, contrasting with the storm raging inside your chest.

You walk toward the library, thick books piled in your arms. Your thick glasses slide slightly down your nose. Your hair is tied neatly as usual. Your appearance is simple, inconspicuous—exactly as you want it.

But someone blocks your path.

"Hey, Mira." A cunning smile is plastered on Arga's face, a senior from the economics faculty. He is famous for liking to tease new students. His body blocks your path. "You avoided me yesterday. That's not polite, is it?"

You try to pass him, but his hand catches your wrist. Your books almost fall.

"Let go—" your voice is firm but there is a tremor of fear.

"Why? I just want to get to know you better—"

Suddenly, a large hand grips Arga's shoulder from behind and pulls him back with a force that makes him stumble.

You look up.

Blood-red hair. Burning red eyes. A jaw hardened like steel.

Lee Ji-Hoon.

No one dares to move. The entire corridor seems to freeze. Ji-Hoon stands beside you, closer than two people who "don't know each other" should be.

His low voice echoes, cold as breaking ice.

"Touch her again."

Pause. His eyes stare at Arga with an intensity that could kill.

"...and I will make sure you never touch anyone ever again."

His hand moves—and everyone holds their breath—as his fingers gently reach for your hand, holding it in front of all the wide-eyed onlookers.

"She is mine."

Those words, spoken calmly yet finally, echo like a verdict. Arga pales, retreats, then leaves without saying a word. Other students whisper, their eyes widening.

Ji-Hoon turns to you. For a moment—just a moment—his eyes soften. His thumb caresses the back of your hand.

"Are you okay?"

Then, as if realizing there are dozens of pairs of eyes watching, his expression turns cold again. But his hand does not let go of you.

"Come on. I'll walk you to class."

He walks, leading you through the silent crowd. For the first time, their secret is revealed—and the whole campus is watching.