You step out of the van, immediately struck by the sheer wealth surrounding you. Everywhere you look—designer clothes, polished shoes, effortless elegance.
"Jeez," you mutter under your breath.
"Follow me, Y/n. I know your whole schedule—we're in the same classes," Chaeyoung says, motioning for you to follow.
"Okay then."
As you walk into the school, the chaos of movement overwhelms you. People glide through hallways, completely sure of where they're going, like they were born to navigate this maze. How? You're already lost.
Thank God Chaeyoung is in your class.
"First class—math," she announces.
You groan internally. You've barely started, and it's already boring.
Chaeyoung enters first. You follow, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes landing on you.
"Everyone, we have a new member joining us at WaJiho High, the elite all-girls school," Miss Fa says, her voice smooth and refined. "She's also the newest family member of the people who own this institution. You should already know who they are."
Her tone is hypnotic, but it's her face that catches your attention—a stunning blend of grace and authority. Your gaze flickers to the girl beside her, and you freeze. She's gorgeous, effortlessly so. Your breath hitches for half a second before you look away.
You clear your throat, forcing yourself to speak. "Hello, my name is Wang Royeon. But just call me Y/n."
"Alright, you can sit behind Park Chaeyoung—known as Rose," Miss Fa instructs.
You make your way to the desk behind her, the scent of her shampoo lingering in the air.
"You gonna stare or say something?" Rose suddenly asks.
You flinch slightly but recover quickly.
"I think you're cute."
Your boldness catches even you off guard, but you don't regret it.
Rose giggles softly, a spark of amusement in her eyes. "I think you're fine yourself."
You hum in response, barely containing the smirk rising to your lips—until something sharp smacks against your head. A crumpled paper ball.
You glance around. Chaeyoung makes eye contact from across the room, subtly motioning that she was the culprit. You unfold the paper.
---
**Don't talk to her, Y/n.**
—Step Sis
---
You look back at Chaeyoung before tossing the note onto the floor with little interest.
Ignoring the warning, you keep talking to Rose until class ends.
---
**Lunch.**
After two exhausting classes, you and Chaeyoung head toward the cafeteria. A win-win—you got Rose's number.
You both approach the table where the sisters sit after getting your food.
"Ugh, Chaeyoung, why'd you bring Y/n over here?" Jihyo complains as you sit down.
"We're in the same class," Chaeyoung responds, unbothered. "And she's still our sister."
Jihyo sighs dramatically.
You quietly eat, watching everyone chat amongst themselves. Momo suddenly shoves a massive bite of food into her mouth, barely chewing.
"Momo! Where are your manners?" Nayeon scolds.
"Sorry, unnie… it's just so good~" she mumbles, still chewing.
Nayeon rolls her eyes. But then—her expression shifts. Hardens.
You follow her gaze. A guy is approaching the table.
"Looks like Jihyo's boyfriend," Mina murmurs.
"Hey, guys," Zack greets.
"Hey, Zack," the sisters reply in unison, sounding incredibly unenthusiastic.
"I got you something, Jihyo. Your favorite—Blue Dailions."
"What the hell, Zack? That's not my favorite flower. It's white roses," Jihyo snaps.
"Oh."
"Yeah, oh. Just leave."
"But I wanted to take you out—seafood, maybe?"
"Do you even know me?" Jihyo looks at him like he's lost his mind. "I'm allergic to seafood, you idiot."
"We've been together five years, and you don't even know me."
"You know how it's been—I had stuff to do," Zack tries.
Jihyo exhales sharply, standing up. "Ugh."
She storms off. Zack scrambles after her.
"That's her boyfriend?" you ask, unimpressed.
"Yup," Momo confirms.
"That's disgusting."
"Something we can agree on," Nayeon mutters.
The others hum in agreement.
"You know, I feel bad for her," Sana says.
"Yeah, me too," Dahyun adds.
"What's wrong?" you ask.
"Sometimes he hits her," Nayeon says bluntly. "But since our parents want them together, she can't refuse. And she always complains about how bad he is in bed."
"Hmm."
"He's also cheated on her four times."
"What the hell?"
"It's disgusting," Dahyun agrees. "But forced marriages always have their outcomes."
"Forced marriage?" You stare, shocked. You thought that wasn't a real thing.
"Yup. She's just eighteen, but our parents want her to marry the richest man on Earth right now—Lee Zack. He's twenty-seven." Nayeon crosses her arms. "Ain't that a disgusting age gap?"
"Yup. Poor Jihyo," you think aloud.
Minutes pass before Jihyo returns, composed but distant. Lunch ends.
You and Chaeyoung finish your classes and head home with the others.