Lookism: What If

(Monday, May 13, 2024 – 12:07 PM)

The classroom buzzed with quiet chatter, the usual midday lull settling in as students idly scrolled through their phones, finished their lunches, or halfheartedly listened to the teacher wrap up the lesson. The windows were open, letting in the warm spring breeze, carrying the faint sounds of the busy school courtyard below.

Duke Pyeon sat near the back, his head resting on his arms, eyes half-lidded in boredom. He had already finished his lunch, homemade kimbap from his grandmother, neatly packed and wrapped just the way she always made it. The taste still lingered, a comforting reminder of home. His thoughts drifted as he absentmindedly tapped his fingers against his desk in a slow rhythm.

Music was always in his head, beats forming out of habit, lyrics playing in his mind like a soundtrack to his life. But today, his usual calm was disrupted by a conversation happening across the room.

"…The festival's gonna be huge this year." one of the students said excitedly. "I heard even some famous agency scouts are coming."

"No way, for real?" another chimed in. "That means all the top trainees are gonna perform, right?"

Duke perked up slightly at that, his attention drawn to the discussion. The festival. It was an annual event, one of the biggest cultural and talent showcases held by J High, attracting students from all departments. Vocalists, dancers, rappers, and even actors used it as a stepping stone for exposure. Some of the past participants had even been scouted by big entertainment agencies.

He sat up, turning his head slightly to eavesdrop more clearly.

"I already know Vin Jin is gonna be there." someone muttered. "He wouldn't miss a chance to show off."

Duke's jaw tightened instinctively. Vin Jin.

His so-called "rival" though the term felt off. Rivalry implied some sort of mutual respect, but Vin had never respected him. To Vin, Duke was nothing more than a nobody, a kid from a poor background, raised by his grandmother, who sold food on the streets to make ends meet.

Vin, on the other hand, was a rapper trainee at OK Talent Agency, flaunting his connections and wealth at every opportunity. His arrogance was insufferable, his attitude even worse, but Duke had learned to ignore it.

Or at least, he had tried.

The mocking. The insults. The constant belittling of his talent, his appearance, his circumstances.

Duke had endured it all.

But ever since Daniel had humiliated Vin, looking at him up and down in a disappointed gaze, the harassment had lessened. Vin still shot snide remarks his way, but the outright bullying had stopped. Duke had thought that was enough.

But now, hearing Vin was entering the festival?

His hands curled into fists under the desk.

He knew exactly what would happen. Vin would take the stage, rap some overhyped track, boast about his agency connections, and act like he was already a star. People would cheer, and Duke would just be another spectator, watching from the sidelines.

He grit his teeth. 'No.'

'Not this time.'

At the front of the room, Mary Kim stood up. The class rep always carried herself with a mix of confidence and elegance, her presence naturally commanding attention. She glanced down at the clipboard in her hands before speaking.

"The festival is in a week." she announced, her voice clear and professional. "Sign-ups close tomorrow, so if you want to perform, now's the time to step up."

The classroom murmured with interest, but no one immediately volunteered. Big events like this were intimidating. Even talented students hesitated, knowing the competition would be tough.

Mary tapped her pen against the clipboard, scanning the room. "Vin Jin, I assume you're entering?"

Vin, who had been lounging in his chair with his feet kicked up, grinned. "Obviously. The festival needs some real talent." He ran a hand through his black hair before smirking. "Gotta give the people what they want."

A few students chuckled, some rolling their eyes at his arrogance, but no one denied that Vin was a strong performer. He was loud, flashy, and undeniably confident, everything that caught an audience's attention.

Mary noted his name down. "Anyone else?"

Duke hesitated.

His pulse quickened as he glanced around the room. This was it. This was his chance. If he wanted to prove himself, if he wanted to show that he wasn't just some nobody, he had to take this step.

His heart pounded as he raised his hand.

"I'll do it."

The classroom fell silent.

Mary lifted her head, eyebrows slightly raised in surprise. "Duke?"

Duke swallowed, keeping his expression neutral. "Yeah. Put me down."

Vin let out an amused scoff, leaning forward with an incredulous look. "You?"

Duke turned his head slightly, meeting his gaze.

Vin stared at him for a moment before breaking into laughter. "You're serious? Man, you really think you can compete with me?" He grinned, shaking his head. "That's cute."

Duke didn't rise to the bait. He simply stared back, his was full of conviction.

Mary, sensing the tension, cleared her throat. "Alright, that's two for the rap category." She jotted Duke's name down. "Anyone else?"

No one spoke.

Mary nodded. "Then that's settled." She glanced at Duke briefly, before moving on to the next category.

Duke exhaled slowly with his heart still racing.

Vin was still smirking, but there was something different in his eyes now, a flicker of irritation. He hadn't expected Duke to step up.

'Good.'

Duke turned his gaze back to the front of the class, his resolve was now set.

One week. That's all he had. One week to prepare. One week to prove himself.

He had trained for years in the shadows, never asking for recognition. But now?

Now, it was time for the world to hear him.

(12:43 PM)

The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead as Big Daniel pushed open the bathroom door, stepping inside. The tiled floor was slightly damp, and the faint scent of cheap disinfectant mixed with something far less pleasant. He had only intended to take a quick break after lunch, but the moment he entered, the scene in front of him made him pause.

Near the sinks, Doo Lee and his friends stood huddled around Jiho Park, their expressions twisted with amusement. Jiho's head was being forced down toward the toilet, the water inside murky and stagnant. His hands trembled as he desperately tried to resist, but he was outnumbered, his thin frame was shaking under their grip.

Doo Lee sneered. "Come on, Jiho, what's the problem? Just take a look at your reflection, man. Ain't that what you love doing?" His friends snickered, their laughter bouncing off the bathroom walls.

Jiho struggled, his breath uneven, but he was too weak to break free. His eyes darted around, searching for anything, anyone, that could get him out of this.

Then, a sharp, deliberate clap.

The sound echoed loudly, cutting through the laughter like a gunshot.

Doo Lee and his friends froze instantly, their heads whipping around toward the entrance. Panic flashed in their eyes as they spotted Daniel standing there with his towering figure leaning against the doorframe and arms crossed.

Jiho, still trapped in their grip, sighed in relief.

---

Name: Jiho Park

Height: 155 cm

Strength: |-{F}

Speed: |-{F}

Potential: |-{A}

Intelligence: |-{C}

Endurance: |-{E}

---

Daniel's presence alone was enough to make everyone in the room tense. They had all heard about his strength. No one here wanted to find out firsthand what he was capable of.

For a moment, the bathroom was silent.

Then, Daniel's eyes shifted, not toward Doo Lee, not toward the bullies, but directly at Jiho.

His voice was calm, almost indifferent. "You're still letting others push you around?"

Jiho blinked with his relief instantly fading.

Doo Lee and his friends hesitated, glancing at each other, unsure if Daniel was addressing them or not.

Jiho clenched his teeth with his shoulders tightening. He wanted to say something, wanted to defend himself, but before he could even open his mouth, Daniel continued.

"And don't give me that bullshit excuse that you're weak."

Jiho's breath hitched.

Daniel's gaze was piercing straight through him. "That's exactly why you're weak. Your mentality. You let people step on you, and then you act like you had no choice."

Jiho's fingers curled into fists. It wasn't his fault. He had never been strong. People had always looked down on him, always treated him like a stepping stone. Was it really his fault that he was born weak?

Daniel's next words shattered that thought completely.

"As long as you think like prey, you'll always be one."

Jiho's eyes widened in shock.

For a second, nothing moved. The words rang in his head, louder than any insult, sharper than any punch he had ever taken.

Daniel held his stare for another moment before stepping forward. Doo Lee and his gang instinctively backed away, pressing themselves against the wall as if giving him space. But Daniel didn't even spare them a glance.

Instead, he walked right past Jiho.

Jiho stood frozen, his mind racing. Wasn't Daniel going to help him? Wasn't he supposed to scare the bullies away, maybe beat them up, save him?

But Daniel simply walked to the urinal.

Unbothered. Unconcerned.

He didn't say another word.

Didn't tell Doo Lee and his friends to stop.

Didn't offer Jiho a hand.

He had already given Jiho all the help he was ever going to.

Jiho was left standing there, his thoughts a storm of emotions as Daniel finished, washed his hands, and walked out.

----

About the talent of Jiho, i think is pretty accurate since in the Canon after spending some months (3 i think?) in prison, he was able to fight against Lil Daniel who lost weight, even though Daniel was holding back, but it's a great feat.

Longer chapter since this is just the canon with Daniel different actions, but this is the beginning of the story so it's normal, but as time goes, the butterflies will come.

And I'm tired of going to the wiki to reread the arcs 😭, so much time spent, i deserve a beautiful Wife 🙏🏿.

May a beautiful love find me and ONLY ME 🙏🏿😔

Consider subbing on my Patreon for more than 10 advanced chapters 😁 and maybe you will find a beautiful love..

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