Chapter 1: The Transferee

These hallways are always the same. A sea of faces, some curious, some indifferent, all blurring into a background hum as I make my way to class. Honestly, the stares are getting a bit old. I know, I know, I'm blessed with good genes, courtesy of my stunning German mother. But can a guy get a little peace and quiet around here?

I smoothed down my uniform, the crisp white shirt and navy blazer doing little to hide my slender frame. My long brown hair, usually tied back in a neat ponytail, swayed slightly as I walked, a few strands escaping to frame my face. I caught my reflection in a nearby window and sighed. Even in this drab uniform, I look… well, pretty. It's a blessing and a curse, really. "Wan Ryung!"

Speak of the devil, or rather, the annoying magpie.

Park Ji-woo, the school's resident gossip queen, came bouncing towards me, her perfectly styled black bob swaying with every step. Her entourage of giggling girls trailed behind her like ducklings. Ji-woo always acted like we were the best of friends, though I'd barely spoken two words to her.

"Oh my god, you look amazing as always!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Did you see the school play auditions are next week? You should totally try out! You'd be perfect for Juliet!"

I forced a polite smile. "Thanks, Ji-woo, but I'm not really into acting."

Lies. All lies. My dream is to become a famous actor, to grace the silver screen with my presence and enthrall the world with my talent. But I wasn't about to share that with Ji-woo and her gossiping crew.

"Oh, you're too modest!" she insisted, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Everyone knows you're practically a celebrity already, with your looks and everything. You'd be a natural!"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Ji-woo and her cronies were probably the ones spreading rumors about me, fueling the whispers and stares that followed me everywhere.

"I'll think about it," I said, my voice carefully neutral. "I have to get to class now."

I brushed past her, ignoring her disappointed pout. Honestly, the girl was exhausting.

As I entered the classroom, I looked at my seat, the one in the back corner. It was perfect. I could finally have some peace and quiet. I settled into the chair, pulling out my textbook and trying to focus on the upcoming lesson. But my mind kept wandering back to the school play auditions.

Maybe Ji-woo was right. Maybe I should try out. It could be my chance to finally show everyone what I'm capable of, to prove that I'm more than just a pretty face.

The bell signaling the start of class echoed through the halls of the Seoul Global Academy, or SGA as we liked to call it. SGA was one of the most prestigious international high schools in Seoul, and it definitely lived up to its reputation. The curriculum was rigorous, the teachers were demanding, and the student body was a mix of ambitious Koreans and foreign students from all over the world.

Being half-German in a predominantly Korean environment wasn't always easy. While there were other mixed-race students and even a few full-blooded foreigners, I always felt like I stood out. It wasn't just my appearance, though my light blue eyes and fair skin did make me look different. It was also my upbringing. My mother, a renowned German model, had instilled in me a sense of confidence and elegance that wasn't always appreciated in a culture that valued humility and conformity.

She had also insisted that I attend SGA, despite my father's initial reservations. "It'll be good for your English, Wan Ryung," she'd said, her voice laced with her German accent. "And it will open doors for you in the future, whether you decide to pursue acting or something else."

My mother was a strong believer in education and independence. She had always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even if they seemed unconventional. While my father, a successful lawyer, had hoped I would follow in his footsteps, he eventually came around to supporting my aspirations of becoming an actor. My younger sister, Hana, was still in grade school, blissfully unaware of the pressures and expectations that came with being a teenager.

Life at home was a constant balancing act between my Korean heritage and my German influence. My father was a traditional Korean man, valuing hard work and discipline. My mother, on the other hand, was more free-spirited and encouraged creativity and self-expression. It was a unique blend of cultures that shaped my personality and worldview.

My thoughts further drifted to my mother. She was currently in Milan for a fashion show, and I missed her terribly. She usually traveled once or twice a month for work, but it never got any easier being away from her. She was my confidante, my biggest supporter, and the person who understood me best.

"Wan Ryung," a voice called out, snapping me out of my reverie. It was Mr. Kim, our English teacher, a stern but fair man who had a reputation for being a tough grader. "Would you please read the first paragraph of the passage?"

I nodded and straightened up in my seat, my eyes scanning the page. I took a deep breath and began to read, my voice clear and steady. English was my third language, but I had always excelled at it thanks to my mother's insistence on speaking it at home.

As I finished reading, I glanced around the classroom. Some of my classmates were paying attention, while others were doodling in their notebooks or staring out the window.

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any more mundane, a sudden interruption shattered the monotony of Mr. Kim's lecture. The classroom door swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Principal Lee, his face unusually serious. A hush fell over the room as everyone turned to look at him, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

"Excuse me, Mr. Kim," Principal Lee announced, his voice carrying an air of authority. "I'd like to introduce a new student who will be joining the class."

My ears perked up. A new student? In the middle of the school year? That was unusual, to say the least. Whispers began to circulate around the room as everyone speculated about the identity of the transferee.

And then, it happened.

In a moment that felt like a scene from a movie, a striking boy entered the classroom, his every move exuding an aura of suavity. Time seemed to slow down as he walked towards the front, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. The girls, especially, were practically swooning, their eyes wide with admiration.

He was tall, maybe a head taller than me, with short raven hair that framed a face that could only be described as sculpted perfection. His gray eyes held a hint of mischief, and a playful smile danced on his lips. His physique was athletic, hinting at a strength that lay beneath his seemingly calm demeanor.

Principal Lee cleared his throat, bringing the class back to reality. "This is Shawn Black, from Germany," he said, gesturing towards the newcomer. "His family recently moved to Seoul due to his father's work. Shawn will be attending SGA while he continues to learn Korean."

Shawn nodded politely, his gaze sweeping across the room before landing on me for a brief moment. I felt a strange flutter in my stomach, a sensation I couldn't quite explain.

"I'm Shawn Black," he said, his voice smooth and confident, with a hint of a foreign accent. He paused, as if searching for the right words in a language that was still new to him. "Good… meet… all?" he attempted in broken Korean, his pronunciation slightly off but undeniably... adorable?

A wave of laughter rippled through the classroom, a mix of amusement and genuine warmth. Shawn's attempt at Korean, while imperfect, was endearing, and it instantly broke the ice. I couldn't help but crack a smile myself.

Mr. Kim gestured towards an empty seat in the middle row. "Shawn, you can sit there for now," he said. "Welcome to SGA."

Shawn nodded again and made his way to his assigned seat, his movements graceful and fluid. As he walked, our eyes met once more, and this time, the flutter in my stomach intensified. There was something about this boy, something that drew me in, something that made me want to know more about him.