Quantum Entanglement Love (Series 1)

Middle school marked a new chapter in Kang Minjun's life, but the transition was anything but smooth. On his first day, he found himself in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by faces he didn't recognize. Communication was challenging; his classmates spoke to each other with a comfort he couldn't replicate. The absence of Minjin, his childhood friend, made his new reality even more isolating.
Minjun often sat alone during lunch breaks, eating his meals by himself. Although he appeared unbothered on the surface, a subtle ache lingered within him. He noticed the girls in his class whispering and giggling while occasionally glancing in his direction, which only heightened his discomfort. This led him to avoid the cafeteria altogether, preferring the quiet solace of his desk or the library.
After school, Minjun's mother would pick him up and ask about his day. Despite her warmth and concern, he always responded, "It was fine," keeping his struggles to himself.
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A few weeks into the semester, the first round of examinations took place. Minjun, always diligent, achieved a perfect score. News of his academic excellence spread quickly among his classmates. Gradually, they began to approach him, seeking help with their lessons and inviting him to self-study sessions. Initially hesitant, Minjun soon found comfort in these interactions. Being recognized for his abilities made him feel appreciated and valued.
Over time, the girls who had once giggled from a distance began to offer him drinks and baked goods, their smiles shy and tentative. These gestures reminded Minjun of Minjin and the simpler times they had shared. Although it felt awkward at first, he accepted their offerings with polite gratitude, but the memories of his past companionship lingered.
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One afternoon, Minjun witnessed a group of students bullying a quiet boy named Bang Eun-Kyung from his class. They mocked him for his mother's occupation as a shaman, a profession often steeped in superstition and ridicule. Initially, Minjun chose to ignore the incident, hoping it would resolve itself. However, the bullying continued, and his patience began to wear thin.
The final straw came when Minjun saw the same group harassing Bang Eun-Kyung again. Although he hesitated at first, he decided to step in. He approached the group with the intention of mediating the situation, but things quickly escalated. One of the bullies pushed Eun-Kyung, and when Minjun tried to shield him, he was struck. Forced to defend himself, Minjun fought back until a teacher arrived and broke up the chaos.
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The fight resulted in everyone being summoned to the principal's office along with their parents. Minjun's father, a man whose presence exuded authority and command, represented him. The bullies and their parents pleaded for forgiveness, but Minjun's father insisted on strict consequences, suggesting that the bullies be expelled. After a tense discussion, the matter was resolved with disciplinary actions, and Bang Eun-Kyung's mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Minjun's father, bowing deeply in respect.
News of Minjun's father's identity spread quickly throughout the school. Overnight, Minjun's classmates began to treat him with newfound politeness and caution, their demeanor tinged with fear of offending him. However, the unintended consequence of this change was that Minjun felt isolated once more.
One day, amidst his solitude, Bang Eun-Kyung approached Minjun. With a hesitant smile, he reached out his hand and asked if they could be friends. Minjun, surprised by the gesture, accepted without hesitation. He felt a connection for the first time since entering middle school, marking the beginning of a friendship.