The school bell rang with a sharp chime, signaling the end of another tiring school day for Hana. The halls buzzed with the usual noise of students heading out, some rushing to extracurriculars, while others were eager to get home. But today was different. Today, Hana was the one at the center of attention, and not in a good way.

Saejoon sat in the sterile, chrome-plated waiting room of the elite school, his sharp eyes scanning the door, waiting for the principal to call him in. His posture was impeccable, though his expression betrayed the faintest hint of amusement. It wasn’t the first time he had been summoned to this place because of his younger sister’s antics, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

The door opened, and a flustered-looking principal entered, his face pale as he glanced nervously at the man who stood before him. Saejoon was a figure that commanded respect. At 23, the youngest chairman in Shin Group’s history, his presence was both formidable and impressive. His tailored suit, though simple compared to the flamboyance of other executives, still conveyed authority. His sharp jawline and piercing eyes made him look every bit the part of the powerful figure he had become.

“Chairman Shin, thank you for coming,” the principal began, his voice shaky. “It’s regarding your sister, Hana.”

Saejoon raised an eyebrow but said nothing, allowing the principal to continue.

“We had to call you in because of… an incident today,” the principal stammered. “Hana got into a fight with another student. They’re accusing her of instigating it, and with her track record...”

“Hana’s track record?” Saejoon interrupted with a soft but dangerous tone. “You’re talking about the same girl who got into trouble last week because of a few harmless pranks? Are you telling me that this school, with its resources and faculty, couldn’t manage something as simple as a dispute?”

The principal shifted nervously in his seat. “Well, it’s… it’s not simple. Hana’s behavior is… concerning, Chairman Shin. And this fight could lead to disciplinary actions. We may have to expel her.”

Saejoon leaned back in his chair, a silent moment of contemplation passing over his face. The idea of Hana being expelled from a prestigious institution like this wasn’t something he could allow. He had the power, the influence, the resources to ensure that it never came to that.

“Then I suggest we find a more reasonable solution,” Saejoon said coolly. “Because, if my sister is expelled, you’ll find it very difficult to continue operating this school under Shin Group’s ownership.” His voice remained calm, but there was an unmistakable weight behind his words.

The principal went pale, his hands shaking as he nodded. “Of course, Chairman. We’ll find another way to resolve this issue. No expulsion will be necessary.”

Saejoon gave a nod, signaling the end of the conversation. “Good. I’ll be taking Hana home now.”

Outside, the cool air greeted them as Saejoon and Hana made their way to the car. The bodyguards flanked them, and Hana, with her arms crossed, looked anything but thrilled.

“Thanks for saving me again,” Hana muttered under her breath, her voice laced with sarcasm. She wasn’t one to openly express gratitude, especially not to her older brother, who she often found stifling and overbearing.

“You’re welcome,” Saejoon replied dryly, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her irritation. It wasn’t the first time she’d gotten into trouble, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

“I’m just saying, I really can’t catch a break. You’re constantly swooping in to save me, and for what? So I can get another lecture on how to behave?” Hana continued, her frustration evident.

Saejoon raised an eyebrow, his tone still light. “I’m just doing my job. You should be thanking me that I haven’t allowed you to be expelled for the third time. Not every student has the luxury of a brother who is the chairman of the company that owns the school.”

Hana groaned, rolling her eyes. “Ugh, don’t remind me. You never let me do anything. I’m not a little kid anymore, you know? I should be able to go out at night, go to clubs, have fun, like other teenagers.”

Saejoon raised an eyebrow. “Clubs? No. You’re still underage. And besides, where’s the security? I can’t just let you run around in places like that.”

Hana snorted, clearly irritated. “You’re not my dad, Saejoon. Stop treating me like I’m five.”

Saejoon’s expression softened just a little. He hadn’t meant to come off as overbearing, but he couldn’t help it. The world they lived in was dangerous, and he couldn’t afford to let anything happen to her, not after everything they’d been through. “It’s not about being a dad, Hana,” he said quietly. “It’s about keeping you safe. And besides… I don’t like being alone in that mansion. I don’t like it when you’re not there.”

Hana paused, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice. She looked over at him, her annoyance fading for a brief moment. He’d always been the strong one, the one who shouldered the responsibilities, the one who never seemed to show weakness. But here he was, confessing something she’d never thought to ask about.

Still, she didn’t want to show him that she understood. She just huffed and turned her gaze back out of the window.

Later that evening, after dinner, Hana made herself comfortable in Saejoon’s office. She plopped down on the plush couch, the hum of the air conditioning the only sound besides her laughter as she scrolled through reels on her phone.

She laughed loudly at the funny clips, the sound filling the otherwise quiet room. The maids moved around the office, but none of them said anything to her. Hana had a way of making herself at home, and Saejoon never really minded—at least not enough to say anything. She wasn’t hurting anyone. Besides, she wasn’t exactly the studious type, and he had his own work to focus on.

His gaze flicked over to her for a brief moment as he reviewed some documents. Hana’s grades were lackluster, and she seemed disinterested in academics, but Saejoon couldn’t complain too much. After all, he hadn’t been much better when he was her age.

He shook his head slightly, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Make sure you at least get some studying done later,” he said, not looking up from his papers.

Hana snorted. “I’ll get to it, don’t worry. It’s just… the reels are so funny.”

Saejoon chuckled softly. “If you say so. Just don’t forget the bigger picture, Hana. School’s important.”

She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her phone. Saejoon couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if she had been born into a world where things hadn’t gone so wrong—where their parents were still alive, and he could still be the carefree brother who watched over her without the weight of the world on his shoulders.

But that was a dream long gone, replaced by responsibilities he never asked for.