Serena's POV

  I smiled at my brother as I pushed my empty pte forward, signaling the end of our dinner. Alexei, ever the doting older brother, had insisted on making sure I ate properly, which meant a full-course meal despite my protests.

  I stretched my arms zily. "Я устала, большой брат. Я пойду спать." (I'm tired, big brother. I'm going to sleep.)

  Alexei gave me a knowing look but didn't question it. Instead, he reached out, pulling me into a firm embrace. "Спокойной ночи, маленькая принцесса." (Good night, little princess.)

  I hugged him back, my arms barely wrapping around his broad frame. "Спокойной ночи, большой брат." (Good night, big brother.)

  Once he was gone, I waited a full five minutes, just to be safe. Then, I changed into something more casual—or at least, as casual as my wardrobe allowed. A pastel pink cropped hoodie, bck joggers, and designer sneakers. To bance out the look, I grabbed a structured tote bag. Practical, stylish, and not too eye-catching. Perfect.

  Now, I just had to avoid Alexei’s security detail.

  ================================

  I peeked outside my apartment, scanning left and right. Coast clear. I hurried out, making sure my steps were silent against the polished floors of the hallway. Once outside, I called an Uber, the cold night air biting at my skin.

  The ride to the convenience store was uneventful, though my mind was already on what y ahead. I wasn’t entirely sure why I felt the need to intervene tonight. Maybe it was because of my conversation with Mr. Beast, or myabe it was the guilt of knowing how this scene originally pyed out, or maybe… maybe I just didn’t like seeing good people suffer when I could do something about it.

  As I stepped into the store, the familiar chime greeted me. And so did she.

  Crystal Choi.

  She gnced my way, her gaze immediately cooling as she looked me up and down. I offered her a polite nod and a small smile. She ignored me completely.

  'Ah, right. She hated pretty people. Not my fault'.

  Shrugging it off, I went straight to the chocote aisle, grabbing a few strawberry bars before heading to the drink section. Strawberry-fvored, of course. Then my eyes nded on something unexpected—instant ramen. My predecessor had never even touched it, but I had fond memories of it in my past life. Curiosity won.

  I paid for my items at the counter, meeting Daniel’s gaze as he handed me my change.

  “Thank you,” I said smoothly.

  He blinked, looking a bit surprised, but nodded. “You’re welcome.”

  I settled into the corner of the convenience store, tearing into my ramen and savoring the warm, salty broth. It was nostalgic in a way I hadn’t expected.

  Then, I heard Daniel speak up again. “Thanks for the Betadine and cotton.”

  I swallowed my food and looked up, offering a small smile. “It was nothing.”

  Silence settled between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I continued eating, idly wondering when Jiho would arrive.

  =================================

  The door chime rang again.

  I gnced up, just in time to see Jiho stepping inside.

  And then, a staring contest between him and Daniel began.

  I exhaled through my nose, already knowing how this was about to go. I returned my focus to my ice cream selection—should I go for cookies and cream or strawberry cheesecake?

  Then, I heard a familiar ding.

  [Save Daniel from embarrassment! (100 EXP)]

  I froze.

  Looking up, I realized something was wrong. Daniel and Jiho were gone.

  I rushed out of the convenience store, my ears picking up the faint words, “Loser Battle.”

  I followed the voices, quickly locating them. Daniel and Jiho were surrounded by three men—and Vasco, but I paid him no mind for now. There was also a blonde woman with them, smirking in amusement.

  I stepped forward, my voice calm but firm. “What’s going on here?”

  All four of them turned to me, clearly surprised.

  The three men exchanged gnces before one of them smirked. “We’re just having fun with our cssmates. You’re the new transfer, aren’t you? What are you doing out so te?”

  “That’s none of your concern,” I replied smoothly. “What is my concern is what you’re doing to these two.”

  The men stammered, clearly caught off guard. But the blonde woman? She had enough.

  “Who the fuck do you think you are, disturbing our fun?” she snapped.

  I raised an eyebrow at her. “If you aren’t spoken to, you should just shut up and wait for your turn.”

  Her face turned red with fury. “You little—!” She turned to the guys. “If you won’t do it, I will.”

  The men hesitated, clearly uncertain.

  I ignored them and reached for Daniel and Jiho’s hands, intending to leave.

  Then, I felt it.

  A sharp tingling sensation at the back of my head.

  I moved on instinct, ducking just as the blonde girl’s hand swiped past me.

  Seriously?

  I let go of Daniel and Jiho, smoothly shifting my stance. Then, with a simple motion, I hooked my foot around her ankle and—

  Thud.

  She hit the ground.

  I smiled down at her. “Self-defense. No hard feelings, right?”

  Her stunned silence was answer enough.

  Before she could recover, I nudged Daniel and Jiho toward the store. “Go.”

  They hesitated for only a second before rushing back inside.

  I turned back to the blonde girl, who was still sprawled on the ground. I reached a hand out to help her up, but she spped it away.

  I retracted my hand. “Sorry,” I said, meaning it. My body had reacted before my brain could process.

  She cursed under her breath, pushing herself up. The three men hesitated before following after her, looking back at me with wary gnces.

  I waved at them with an easy smile, though I really wanted to stop them. They had taken pictures—those that needed to be erased. But this wasn’t the right time.

  Pulling out my phone, I checked the time. It's te.

  Sighing, I booked an Uber and headed back to the convenience store.

  I waved at Daniel and Jiho as I passed. “Stay safe.”

  And with that, I slipped into the night, feeling the weight of unseen eyes watching my departure.