The text discusses Asher "Ash" Park, a world-renowned model who publicly displays homophobia to fit in and avoid backlash in a city where being openly LGBT is dangerous. He feels he must keep his true feelings hidden to avoid severe consequences such as disownment, bullying, or being forced to leave the city. Ultimately, Ash has romantic feelings for Jaeyoon "Jae" Cai, which complicates his situation, so instead of admitting his feelings, he bullies Jae to avoid any suspicion.

The chapter follows Jae's point of view, who feels anxious and conflicted about their relationship with Ash, a bully at school. After a challenging day, they are forced to work on a project together at home. Despite Ash's rough demeanor and mocking attitude, some moments reveal a deeper, more vulnerable side to him. The narrator struggles with their feelings, alternating between dislike and attraction, while reflecting on their own painful past involving family abandonment. The encounter creates a mix of tension, temptation, and a hint of understanding between the two boys.

In Chapter 1, we are introduced to Asher Park, a popular model in South Korea, who struggles with maintaining a facade of a perfect life while hiding his true self, particularly his feelings for a boy named Jaeoon Cai. Asher feels suffocated by his dysfunctional family, with an abusive father and a mother who is a prostitute. He grapples with societal expectations and the pressures of being a role model, all while secretly loving Jaeoon. Asher shares a close friendship with Jasper, a nerdy but endearing classmate who knows about Asher's complicated feelings. Despite his rebellious nature, Asher excels academically while navigating high school dynamics. The chapter ends with the announcement of partner projects in class, causing Asher to feel anxious about who he will be paired with, given the mixed dynamics of his classmates.