I Like You
I'd always admired leaders since childhood. A leader stands before the masses, asserting their presence. They draw the attention of countless people and always take on the most dazzling role. Yeah, the leaders in those girls' cartoons on TV back then always shone so brightly. The girl who yearned for that dreamed every day of standing at the head of the pack, but one day, that desire twisted into aggressive violence.
It started with the boys who bullied the kids she played with. To energetic boys in their prime, frail girls were easy targets for teasing, so defeating them became her role as the group's leader. As that repeated, her fame began to spread. Soon, violent kids hungry for notoriety started challenging her, and after beating them all, she earned the moniker Red Mask.
A ferocious fighter who dyed her mask in the blood of challengers, a local legend who turned anyone who annoyed her even once into half-dead pulp... Hearing those rumors, many began to worship her as followers, and before long, she rose to lead a fairly large gang. It was exactly the role befitting the leader she'd idolized since childhood.
But even so, her heart always harbored an unfillable void and an indescribable unease. 'This isn't it. The leader I want isn't some blood-soaked throne.' Plagued by such doubts, the girl wandered in search of what she truly desired, until one day she found the answer on a billboard ad in the city square.
It featured a music video of celebrities in glamorous dresses, adored by crowds like fairy-tale princesses. The moment she saw it, life stirred in her deadened heart. 'Yes, this is it. This is the position I wanted.' She no longer wanted a rough life of brawling. What she needed was elegance and beauty. Charisma and leadership to captivate everyone without violence... And the noble status of a princess forged from all that.
Just then, her father got a promotion and transferred to the capital region—perfect timing to bury her violent past. 'Cover it all up. Pretend none of it happened, and start a new life where no one knows me.' Driven by that desire, she dropped her weapons, dyed her hair, and transformed with makeup into a new person.
Since she was starting fresh, a place far from violence would be ideal—a prestigious high school. She studied relentlessly and barely passed the entrance exam for Hyoeun High School, dreaming of a brilliant future while reaffirming her ambitions. Not relying on violence to dominate others, but becoming the ultimate social butterfly with genuine friends who adored her...
Having the class topper by her side in that process was the greatest achievement. With such a capable person under her thumb, her own status would rise accordingly. Soon, she'd be the princess of this school... no, even the queen. Yeah, she thought everything would fall into place perfectly.
If only for one person. That annoying guy who nominated her for class president and piled on the hassle.
"Give that here!"
"Whoa, no can do."
The boy who dug up even her past to taunt her. As he pulled back the smartphone with her photo, Baek Hara ground her teeth and glared daggers.
"No wonder someone said they visited yesterday—it was you! Coming all the way to my house to unearth my past!"
"I didn't rummage by force. When I got there, your mom showed me the album, and I cross-referenced it with your old school and online info to reach this conclusion."
No matter the means, her past she wanted hidden was exposed. Unable to snatch the phone, Baek Hara grabbed his collar and screamed violently.
"Do you even know who I am, you punk!? I'll kill you!!!"
"...Whoa, scary."
Even if she'd buried her past, old habits die hard. As a infamous delinquent, a fight would mean blood on both sides.
"You sure you wanna snap here?"
Of course, she'd suffer more if it happened. Knowing her position, he smirked despite the collar grab.
"If you beat me half to death here, your past gets exposed eventually. Gotta hit where it doesn't show, right?"
"You... bastard...!"
Grinding her teeth, she finally released his collar. As curses died on her lips, a voice laced with defeat slipped out.
"What do you want."
"Now we're talking."
Grinning, he pocketed the phone and got to the point.
"Not much, really. Just..."
"Hah, obvious. What all guys want."
Before he could speak, her hand went to her uniform button. As it popped open, revealing her shirt's curves, bewilderment crossed his face.
"Hey, wait. What are you doing?"
"What else? Giving you what you want. You're blackmailing me with my past to make me do this and that, right? You demon, trash—from your name Manbung, I knew you were sleazy, but acting on your creepy desires so casually."
"...That's not it. Button up."
Would a guy aiming to be an upright adult break child protection laws? Swallowing that retort, he clarified directly to avoid more misunderstandings.
"I want one thing. Do your class president duties properly without dumping them on others."
"Tch, that's it?"
She clicked her tongue in annoyance. It wasn't the worst, but the follow-up still irked her.
"You went to my house and dug up my past for that? You must be bored. It doesn't hurt you if I delegate."
"Doesn't hurt me, but it does the others. They work hard, but you hog all the perks."
"I told you before. They didn't refuse, so I asked. If they had, I wouldn't force it."
"Ironically, some people suck at saying no. Exploiting that psychology is pretty unethical."
"...You talk big. Bet it's just to look good to a girl you're into."
"No, it's not..."
"Oh right, you're second seat? If she has no study time, you could take first next exam. Win-win."
Hah, dissing from a new angle. Swallowing a retort, he brushed off her sarcasm casually.
"Don't want top spot like that. Her scores dropping doesn't boost mine."
"Ah, so you're totally lovestruck? What a destined soulmate."
"I said it's not... Whatever. Pointless arguing."
Sighing lightly, he shifted to the main topic.
"Anyway, one thing: Don't dump duties on Soeun or anyone. Do that, and I won't blab about your past."
An unwelcome development for her. Her plan was to make a top student president, control them, and rule the class. Being president to boss others was Plan B, but this interference distanced her from princess dreams.
"Fine, got it. I'll handle it myself from now on!"
With her weakness gripped, no sharp counter now. Reluctantly agreeing, he smiled satisfied and headed for the rooftop exit.
"Looking forward to your diligent attitude, Class Prez~"
His parting smirk was pure mockery. Facing it squarely, she clenched her fists until veins bulged, swallowing rage.
"That damn Kim Manbung... Annoying since the election, now strutting with my weakness?"
Her suppressed temper raged. But not the time to unleash. Regaining cool, she vowed inwardly for later.
"Just wait. When the chance comes, you'll pay."
The Red Mask of Daesung Girls' Middle School. The legendary thug who ruled a district declared bitter enmity with one boy.
After successfully blackmailing her with her past, Baek Hara stopped exploiting other students and handled her own duties. Of course, it didn't make my life easier. Early semester class president work was heavy, and splitting it solo took time. So today, I stayed hours after school again. By home time, it'd be dinner... Relying on my sister again. Heading out the gate—
"Ah."
Someone at the gate spotted me and approached slowly. The sunset-backed figure felt familiar—not illusion. Guessing who, I reflexively named the girl facing me.
"Soeun? What are you doing here?"
Hours past normal dismissal. Puzzled, she answered belatedly.
"Waiting... for you."
"Waiting? For who?"
"......"
Soeun stared silently. As quiet stretched, a hunch escaped me.
"No way... You waited all this time to walk home together?"
"......Yeah."
What? She really waited for me? Why? Our trains home matched, but no need to wait.
"Can we... go together?"
Despite my questions, she insisted. I shelved doubts and walked with her quietly.
"Uh, yeah. Sure, together."
Sunset time. Over the hill, across the bridge, to the city station. Waiting for the train, we stayed silent. To me, her waiting felt awkward...
But her? There must be a reason, yet she stared into space wordlessly.
*The doors are opening.*
As the train arrived amid those thoughts, we boarded quietly. Empty interior welcomed us—no one yet, pre-rush hour. Sat comfortably; she took the seat right next to me. Barely a handspan away... Despite empty car.
"Um..."
"......"
Soeun silent, eyes down. But glancing sidelong occasionally—like she had something to say. Wanted to speak but hesitant. Guessing her topic, I broached gently.
"Class prez didn't hassle you more today?"
"Hassle...?"
"She piled on work forever."
Exploitation worthy of the word. Victim sat beside me, yet no anger or relief on her face.
"Didn't... think that. Just needed help... so I did."
"Oh, okay?"
Only irks the onlooker; she saw no issue. I'd intervened caringly, but her detachment made me feel nosy.
"Um..."
Then, amid unease, Soeun asked me.
"You... helped me, right?"
"Helped?"
"Yeah, for me... Talked to prez, right?"
"......"
"Why... help me?"
Questioning my silence, I pondered why. Even when nearly president myself, or her blatantly targeted...
Despite her saying she was fine, my intervention was selfish. I didn't want a kid I'd grown close to, who I cared about, suffering like that... Yeah, pure friendship. Convinced, I shared my answer.
"Nothing big. Just..."
Because we're friends and seatmates.
"Like... me?"
But her sudden follow-up choked me; my eyes widened staring at her. Couldn't overlook her short words.
"Like you...?"
I grasped the meaning instantly. She assumed I helped because I had feelings for her. Interpreted today's events that way.
"I... like you."
Before I could respond, she met my eyes squarely, baring her heart. In our world alone, heartbeat pounding amid train jolts, hand on chest.
"Probably... think so."
Sunset couldn't hide it. The clearest shy blush imaginable.