My Bully, My Love | NCT Mark

10| Mid-Summer Dance: Part 1

After the call with Aunt May, Mina felt a heavy cloud of sadness weighing down on her. With each step, she dragged her feet through the hallway, lost in her own thoughts. Irene and Joy walked by her side, trying to lift her spirits as they entered their first-period class, Geometry. They didn't know the full extent of Mina's worries; they only assumed she was worrying about running into Mark. They settled down by the window, and Mina absentmindedly stared outside, her sigh blending with the passing breeze.

"Earth to Mina," Joy playfully waved her fingers in front of Mina's face, snapping her back to reality.

"Oh, sorry. What did you say?" Mina asked, mustering a smile to mask her inner turmoil.

"The Mid-Summer dance is coming up in two months. Have you thought about going?" Joy inquired with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Mid-Summer dance? What's that?" Mina asked, genuine confusion evident in her tone.

Joy glanced at Irene, who kindly intervened, "Joy, you have to explain. Mina is new to all of this."

"Right, my apologies," Joy smiled warmly. "The Mid-Summer dance is an annual event our school hosts for the junior high students."

"Which would be us," Irene chimed in, her angelic smile putting Mina at ease.

"People usually ask someone to be their date for the dance, and it's a night filled with music, dancing, and creating unforgettable memories," Joy explained enthusiastically.

"So, it's like prom?" Mina asked, drawing a parallel to the familiar concept.

"What's a prom?" Joy asked, genuinely curious.

Irene chuckled, realizing the cultural difference. "Yes, Mina, it's similar to prom. Our previous principal picked up on the tradition during his time abroad and introduced it to our school."

The mention of the Mid-Summer dance sparked a glimmer of curiosity within Mina. Perhaps it could allow her to immerse herself in this new school and create positive memories. With newfound determination, she looked at her two friends and smiled.

"I think I'd like to go to the Mid-Summer dance," she declared, feeling a flicker of excitement amidst the challenges she faced. "It could be a fresh start, a chance to make new friends, and leave behind the shadows of the past."

Irene and Joy beamed with happiness, their smiles reflecting a shared excitement. "That's the spirit, Mina! We'll help you make the most of it and create unforgettable memories together," Irene assured her.

As the class began and the teacher's voice filled the room, Mina couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. The Mid-Summer dance loomed on the horizon, promising a night of joy and camaraderie. It was a beacon of light guiding her toward brighter days, and she was ready to embrace the opportunities that awaited her.

That was until a certain someone walked into class. "You're late!" exclaimed the teacher, frustration evident in their voice.

"I know," Mark stated casually, his nonchalant demeanor unchanged as he made his way into class. Mina's heart skipped a beat as their eyes locked for a brief moment. In that instant, a montage of her kicking his shin and running away played vividly in her mind, the memory still fresh. She couldn't believe she almost forgot.

Mark took his seat in the back, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It was as if he relished the power he held over others, the control he had in instilling fear and discomfort. His very presence sent a shiver down Mina's spine, a reminder of the bullying she would endure at his hands.

She tried to focus on the teacher's lecture, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Mark. What would he do next? Would he seek revenge for what she did to him? The uncertainty gnawed at her, fueling her anxiety. Yet, deep down, a newfound sense of resilience began to grow within her. She had stood up to him, even if it was just a small act, and it had left an impact.

As the class continued, Mark's gaze periodically shifted in Mina's direction, a glint of annoyance and frustration flickering in his eyes. It was clear that her act had disrupted his usual power dynamic, and he was not one to let such defiance go unpunished.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Mina gathered her belongings, a mix of apprehension and determination swirling within her. As she made her way towards the exit, she could feel Mark's presence behind her, his steps echoing ominously.

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through the tension. "Mina!" Seulgi called out, hurrying towards her with a reassuring smile. Irene and Joy followed closely behind, their supportive presence was comforting. Mark stopped in his tracks as he watched his prey get swept away by those irritating birds.

"Are you okay?" Seulgi asked, her concern evident in her voice.

Mina nodded, drawing strength from their unwavering support. "I am. Thank you."

Seulgi's eyes narrowed, determination shining through. "Mark may think he can control everything and everyone, but we won't let him. We'll be here when you need us."

Irene and Joy nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with solidarity. Despite Mina's newfound determination, an undeniable undercurrent of fear remained tucked away in the depths of her mind.