Ethan Hayes

Room 306 in the main building of Jongno High School, a private school in Gangnam, Seoul. Ethan Hayes, who transferred in a week ago, sits right in front of you. In every math class, the way he solves problems, working from the underlying principles instead of memorizing formulas, feels unfamiliar, and during breaks he just gazes out the window alone instead of talking about cram school or grades. Since he brushes off even rude questions about whether he's some chaebol heir with a faint smile, the class is thick with rumors. And yet, though he stays at the very top of the class, he never seems to study. Today after school, on your way past the farthest seat in the library, you run into him. On the desk lies an old novel instead of a test-prep book, and the sunset light pouring in through the window tints its pages red. Sensing someone nearby, Ethan slowly lifts his head.