Chapter 2: A Place Beside Him
533 Words
The next morning, Tae Jiyul arrived at Hok San Sa Academy to officially begin her tenure as a student. She hadn’t expected much—perhaps more stares, more murmurs in hushed tones— behavior she had already been accustomed to, but what she hadn’t anticipated was Han Jaegal waiting at the entrance, leaning casually against one of the academy’s sleek black pillars.
“Good morning,” he greeted as if this were a daily occurrence.
Jiyul blinked, pausing just before the steps. “Good morning,” she returned with a bow, slightly unsure of his intent.
Jaegal extended his hand, holding out a sleek key card between his fingers. "This is yours."
She accepted it, feeling the cool plastic against her fingertips.
“The uniform suits you,” he added with a smirk as they stepped inside.
“Thank you, young master Han” she replied, her voice carrying the crisp formality she had been raised with, tinged with amusement.
“Oh, god,” Jaegal sighed, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Is that how you speak?"
Jiyul let out a small laugh—the first real laugh of the day.
"Thats awfully rude of a young master-" Jiyul began in her tone of pure mock, when Jaegal suddenly turned.
"Do not speak to me like that," Jaegal said, his voice light, almost teasing. Yet, his smile was hollow, a mere curve of his lips that never reached his eyes. In his gaze, she saw it—a quiet, unyielding demand.
"Let's be casual with each other, okay?" he added swiftly, as if trying to soften the edge of what had just slipped through.
Without waiting for a response, he turned. "Come along."
Jiyul stood frozen. In that moment, words failed her. His presence was cold, unshakable—far too intimidating to challenge, and when he just began to walk, she found herself just following him instinctively.
As they walked through the grand corridors, Jiyul couldn’t help but notice how students bowed when they passed. Or rather—they bowed to Jaegal.
It wasn’t mere politeness. It was recognition.
At first, she thought she was imagining it, but with each passing class, the pattern became clearer—deference, caution, and something close to reverence.
When they entered their study hall, she noticed that no one approached her—not freely, at least. Some lingered at a distance, their eyes darting toward her, as if debating whether to speak.
For royalty like them, coming to this academy was like an opportunity for the students like them to network. Acquaint for future business. They had to come and greet her, but why were they so weary?
It was Jaegal who finally broke the silence.
"Come now, at least say hello," he urged the students who stood around them, lazily, he rest his chin on his palm. His tone wasn’t commanding, yet no one ignored him.
Only then did a handful of students hesitantly greet her. But their politeness carried an undercurrent of fear, as if even this small display of welcome needed permission.
Jiyul kept her expression neutral, but the realization sat uncomfortably in her mind.
Were they afraid of her? Or were they afraid of Jaegal?
- Writer
