Hatred (Karina ff)

16

Karina's P.O.V.

"I have already checked your exam papers. But since I haven't recorded them yet, I won't be able to return them today." our teacher announced.

Our midterms passed by so fast. To me, it didn't even feel like our exams were already done.

"But... the results surprised me a little. There has been a drastic change." she added.

I looked up at her and paid more attention. Maybe the average score of our class got lower? Or it increased a lot?

Or maybe... Cha Y/n finally succeeded in beating me?

Before I knew it, an amused grin had already made its way to my lips.

"As expected, our top one is Ms. Yoo. Following after her, is Ms. Kim Chaewon." she stated.

Our classmates clapped their hands, everyone's heads turning to look at the current top two student. However, my eyes landed on someone else.

I creased my forehead as I stared at Cha Y/n. She was smiling and applauding her friend, which made me more confused. What happened? Why is she okay? Isn't she shocked or sad at all?

I quickly turned to face in front, looking at our teacher and raising my hand.

"Ma'am? May I ask who's the third?" I asked.

While she seemed to think for a while, I just looked at her and waited to hear her name.

"Oh, right. As far as I can remember, I think it's Ms. Kim Minjeong." she answered.

As much as I was happy that it was my friend, I can't help but wonder why both the second or third place didn't go to someone I know. It's already weird that she wasn't just below me. But it felt more suspicious that she seemed okay about it.

Soon, the bell rang and we were dismissed for lunch break.

"Karina, you're quiet today." I looked up from my food and hummed as I faced my friends.

"Is there something? Aside from, you know, the toxic issue about that jerk." Giselle said.

A small laugh escaped my lips while I shook my head and swallowed the food in my mouth.

"Nothing. And forget that we even happened." I told them.

"Right... I'm not complaining, but isn't it weird that Y/n isn't at the top today?" Minjeong asked.

My attention turned to her, but their eyes suddenly landed on me. For a moment, they just stared at me like I was the one who could give them the answer that they were looking for.

"Why are you all looking at me? I'm not her." I muttered.

I noticed their lips pursed as they subtly looked away from me. Now even they're suspicious.

We continued eating, conversing with each other casually. But I can't stop wondering why the ranking in our class suddenly changed. It's not like she suddenly changed her mind, right?

Oh, I remember meeting her at the mall last week. I didn't expect her to be outside instead of studying, but I thought that maybe she would study the night before the exams. Did she have a hard time studying?

Maybe she got too preoccupied with the competition back then, and she got mentally drained? Or maybe she focused too much on the upcoming play? But then I remember she tried to quit before too...

Why on Earth-

"Karina, if she's bothering your mind that much, why don't you just go ask her?" I was brought out of my thoughts when Ningning spoke to me.