CHAPTER 3

Encounter After School

Flashback – Earlier That Morning

Principal: “Sir, please come in.”

The classroom door opened, and silence swept through the room as our new professor stepped in. He walked with quiet confidence, his expression unreadable, eyes sharp beneath his glasses.

Mr. Jeon: “Hello, students. I’m Mr. Jeon, and I’ll be teaching you Mathematics this semester,” he said in a cold, detached voice that made the room feel like it had suddenly dropped a few degrees.

Class: “Good morning, Mr. Jeon,” we chorused, though a few girls sounded a little too enthusiastic.

Meanwhile, Some Girls...

Girl 1: whispers to her friend “He’s so handsome. He looks like a K-drama lead!”

Girl 2: giggling “I swear I’d study all night just to see that face every day.”

Girl 3: “Mark my words—he’s going to fall for me. I’m his type, I can feel it.”

I rolled my eyes silently, not turning to look at them.

---

Yn’s POV

While every other girl seemed to be melting over Professor Jeon, I stayed still in my seat, completely unfazed. I wasn't interested in him—not in his looks, not in his cold, brooding demeanor.

I had made a promise to myself: no distractions this semester. My focus was solely on academics and my goals. I didn’t care how many girls fantasized about marrying him—I had better things to do.

Or at least… that’s what I told myself.

---

Back to the Classroom

Mr. Jeon: “Let’s begin.”

His tone was just as icy as before. His voice was calm, yet there was something intimidating in the way he carried himself. He wrote formulas on the board with swift precision, explaining concepts in that same monotonous, emotionless voice.

---

~ Later During the Lesson ~

Lisa: whispering beside me “Yn… be honest… aren’t you even a little bored?”

I stifled a yawn, then leaned closer to respond, whispering back.

Yn: “Yes, I am.”

Except… I didn’t whisper low enough.

Mr. Jeon: abruptly turning from the board and walking toward me “Excuse me, Miss… Care to repeat that? Since it seems more interesting than what I’m teaching.”

Everyone turned to look. A few giggled. My face flushed.

Class: laughs awkwardly

Mr. Jeon: sternly “I want pin-drop silence.”

I sank into my seat, cheeks burning with embarrassment. Oh no… why didn’t I just keep my mouth shut?

Then he spoke again.

Mr. Jeon: calm but firm “Miss Kim Yn, meet me after school. We need to have a word.”

My heart dropped.

Yn: nodding nervously “Y-Yes, sir.”

He returned to the front, resuming his lecture like nothing had happened, while I mentally prepared myself for death—or at least extreme humiliation.

---

— Time Skip —

After School – Outside the Classroom

The final bell rang, and students rushed out. I slowly packed my things, my hands slightly trembling.

Lisa: “Are you actually going to meet him?”

Rose: “You should. He seemed serious.”

Jisoo: “Yeah, you don’t want to get into more trouble.”

Jennie: smirking teasingly “Of course she’s going. Her future husband just summoned her.”

Yn: blushing deeply “Oh my God, Jennie. Stop saying nonsense.”

Lisa: grinning “Aww, look at her cheeks turning red.”

Jisoo: mock gasp “She’s blushing! She likes him!”

Rose: “Miss Coldhearted suddenly has a soft spot?”

Jennie: “Okay, girls, we should give the lovebirds some privacy.”

Lisa, Rose & Jisoo: teasing in unison “You’re right, Jennie. Come on, let’s go!”

Yn: covering her face “Will you all shut up! I’m not interested in him!”

Jennie: “Sure you’re not. And I’m secretly dating BTS.”

They all burst out laughing and left the hallway one by one, leaving me alone with a wildly beating heart and a nervous sigh.

I walked slowly toward the staff room where he said he’d be. Each step felt heavier than the last. The halls were quieter now, the soft echo of my boots bouncing off the walls. My palms were slightly sweaty. Why was I so nervous?

It was just a meeting.

With a cold, intimidating professor.

Who happened to look like he stepped out of a magazine.

Get a grip, Yn. He probably just wants to scold you.

I raised my hand to knock on the door—only for it to open before I could.

And there he stood.

Mr. Jeon.

Arms crossed. Eyes unreadable. Expression unreadable.

Mr. Jeon: “You’re late.”

My breath caught.

Yn: “I… I’m sorry.”

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. Then, after a pause:

Mr. Jeon: “Come in.”

And just like that, the door closed behind me.

---

To be continued…

---

Author’s Note:

Next chapter, Yn and Professor Jeon finally talk alone—and tension sparks. What will he say? What will she feel? Is this the beginning of something... dangerous?

Stay tuned!