Chapter 4 – Whispers and Warnings

The scent of old paper and fresh ink filled the school library. Areum walked quietly between the aisles, her arms wrapped around a stack of textbooks. As usual, she moved gently, her gaze low, trying not to draw attention. She found a spot near the window and settled in to review notes.

Across the room, Haneul sat with Jisoo, their conversation drifting into idle chatter.

"What's your ideal type?" Jisoo asked, tilting her head, voice laced with curiosity.

Haneul looked up briefly, pausing as if picturing someone. At that moment, Areum stood up from her seat by the window to return a book. Haneul’s gaze shifted slightly in her direction. A simple glance. Nothing more.

But Jisoo’s eyes narrowed.

Her heart clenched.

She followed his gaze, and saw Areum.

That was all it took.

Later that afternoon, Areum sat quietly in her classroom, jotting down lecture notes. The hum of student chatter faded as a group of girls strutted into the room.

Jisoo.

With her usual entourage.

Jiyun sat in her usual spot by the window, earphones in, the press play tucked in her lap. She stared out at the trees, calm on the surface, chaos underneath. Her breathing was steady, practiced. She had felt the tension the moment they entered.

Areum looked up in surprise, startled by the sudden appearance. Jisoo wore a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Hey, Areum. We were just talking about you,” she said, walking over. “Did you get a new pen? Or… was it borrowed?” Her tone was sugary, yet every word sharp enough to draw blood.

Areum blinked, unsure.

One of the girls chimed in. “I mean, people like you are good at borrowing things, right? Even attention.”

They laughed.

Minjae was fast asleep in his seat, arms crossed, oblivious.

Areum tried to hold her composure. “I—I don’t know what you mean.”

“Of course you don’t,” Jisoo giggled, leaning closer. “That innocence act must really work. Even got someone to look at you today.”

Areum’s eyes widened.

Jisoo was relentless now, tossing a crumpled tissue at her desk. “Oops. That must’ve slipped.”

Another girl added cruelly, “Do you think you’re something special? Report us, then. Her mom’s the principal. Go ahead. Try.”

That was when Minjae stirred, his head lifting groggily. His eyes scanned the scene—Areum curled into herself, bits of trash scattered on her desk. His jaw tightened. He was about to rise—

"Hey."

A bold, cutting voice sliced through the tension.

All heads turned.

Jiyun stood, one hand on her desk, her eyes locked on Jisoo.

“This isn’t your class,” she said calmly. “Leave.”

Jisoo scoffed. One of her lackeys sneered, “Do you know who she is? She can go wherever she wants.”

Minjae blinked, surprised. Jiyun? Speaking up?

Jiyun walked forward, past Areum, her steps measured. She stopped just before Jisoo. Their faces inches apart.

She tilted her head, lips curling into a soft smirk.

“Are you really the real one here?”

Jisoo’s smile faded.

Jiyun leaned in, whispering only for her to hear—

“Fake.”

Then, softly, she laughed.

Just once.

Jisoo stiffened, stunned. Her fists clenched at her side, but she didn’t say another word. Instead, she turned on her heel and stormed out, her entourage trailing behind like shadows.

The room remained frozen for a moment.

Areum looked up in disbelief.

Minjae stared at Jiyun—speechless.

Jiyun didn’t say another word. She simply returned to her seat, popped her earphones in, and hit play.

A man’s voice drifted faintly through her world.

“You’re my brave girl. No matter what happens, you’re not alone.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***