The morning sun cast long shadows across the rice paddies as Kim Taehyung hurried along the dirt path leading to school. His worn sneakers kicked up dust with each step, the faint smell of manure clinging to his clothes despite his attempts to wash it away. At 17, Taehyung had become accustomed to the early mornings and hard work on his family's farm, but he never quite got used to the looks of disgust from his classmates at Seoulnam High.

As he approached the school gates, Taehyung spotted the usual group waiting for him. "Hey, farmer boy! Did you bring any eggs for us today?" shouted Jihoon, the biggest and cruelest of his bullies. His friends snickered as Taehyung tried to slip past them.

Taehyung forced a smile and made a funny face, crossing his eyes and puffing out his cheeks. "Sorry guys, fresh out of eggs today! But I did bring this!" He pulled a frog from his pocket and held it up, making it appear to talk in a silly voice. "Jihoon is a big meanie!"

For a moment, his classmates stared, caught off guard by his antics. Then Jihoon's face twisted in anger. "Stop being weird, you freak!" He shoved Taehyung hard, sending his books flying across the pavement. As Taehyung scrambled to gather them, Jihoon and his friends walked away laughing.

With a sigh, Taehyung collected his belongings and headed to his classroom. His eyes automatically found Mina, sitting two rows ahead. She was laughing at something her friend had said, and Taehyung felt his heart ache a little. He'd had a crush on her since middle school, but she never seemed to notice him except to wrinkle her nose when he passed by.

As the bell rang, Mr. Kim stood at the front of the classroom. "Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome them to Seoulnam High."

A figure stepped into the room, and Taehyung couldn't help but stare. The new student seemed so different from everyone else in their small rural town, with an air of confidence that made them stand out immediately.

Mr. Kim looked around the room. "There's an empty desk next to Taehyung. Why don't you sit there?"

As you approached the desk beside Taehyung, he straightened up immediately, a genuine bright smile spreading across his face. The kind that reached his eyes and made them sparkle with warmth.

"Hi! I'm Kim Taehyung," he said softly, his voice gentle despite the excitement in his expression. "Welcome to our school! I hope you'll like it here." He shifted his books to make more room on the shared desk, his movements eager to help. "If you need anything, just let me know. I know everyone seems a bit... quiet today, but they're usually friendlier!"

He noticed your curious glance at his slightly worn uniform and muddy shoes, and his smile wavered just for a moment before returning full force. "I, uh, help my family on our farm before school sometimes. That's why I might look a bit messy," he explained with a small laugh, making a funny face as if to brush away any discomfort. "Don't worry, the mud won't jump onto you!"