Whispers of the Past

Chapter 6 - Unravelling Threads

Nabi had been in the hospital for a month, her body slowly healing from the brutal assault she had endured. The bandages covered the wounds, but the emotional scars ran deep. She had no recollection of the attackers or what had transpired in the alley that fateful day.

As Nabi lay in her hospital bed, her mother sat by her side, her heart heavy with worry. She had been a pillar of strength for her daughter, but the guilt weighed heavily on her conscience. Nabi had insisted that her mother contact Minho and apologise on her behalf for not being able to meet him as planned. According to Nabi's fabricated story, she had to go overseas for a few months to take care of her ailing grandfather.

Nabi's mother, who had been kept in the dark about the true nature of her daughter's ordeal, reluctantly dialled Minho's number. When he answered, her voice trembled with sadness and regret. "Minho, this is Nabi's mother. I want to apologise on her behalf. I'm sorry she hadn't met with you as planned. She had to go overseas to take care of her sick grandfather and forgot to take her phone."

Minho, who had been eagerly awaiting their meeting, felt a sense of disappointment wash over him again like it did when Nabi didn't show up to meet him. He understood the importance of family, but he had been longing to see Nabi and ensure that she was safe and well. "I understand," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "Please tell Nabi that I hope her grandfather gets better soon."

As the call ended, Minho couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness. With Nabi out of the picture, he had returned to school, but his thoughts were consumed by her absence.

Meanwhile, Sooya had seized the opportunity created by Nabi's absence to get closer to Minho. She had always harboured a secret infatuation for him, and now, with Nabi seemingly out of the picture, she saw a chance to insert herself into Minho's life.

Over time, Sooya and Minho began to spend more time together. They studied together, attended rehearsals together, and shared meals after school. Minho, still grieving the loss of contact with Nabi, found comfort in Sooya's presence, unaware of the ulterior motives that fueled their growing friendship.

As days turned into weeks, rumours began to circulate about Nabi's sudden disappearance. Some speculated that she had left Minho for someone else, while others whispered about a scandalous affair that had driven her away. The truth remained buried beneath a web of deception, and Nabi's reputation suffered in silence.

Throughout her recovery, Changmin, Nabi's neighbour, had been a constant presence by her side. He had become like an older brother to her, offering support, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on. His unwavering friendship was a lifeline for Nabi as she struggled to come to terms with the trauma she had endured.

As Nabi's life continued to unravel in her absence, the shadows of deceit and betrayal cast a long and foreboding darkness. The threads of their intertwined lives were unravelling, and the truth remained hidden, waiting to be unveiled.

~ Four months later ~

Four long and agonising months had passed since Nabi's brutal attack and her subsequent disappearance from school. Now, as she returned to the familiar halls of Gyeonggi Middle School, she could hardly recognize the place she had once called home.

Nabi's arrival sent ripples of shock through the student body. Rumours and whispers had painted a picture of her as a traitor and a slut, a stark contrast to the girl they had once admired. The truth remained hidden, and Nabi felt the weight of the accusations pressing down on her.

Minho, who had long forgotten the love he had once shared with Nabi, regarded her with cold indifference. His heart had found solace in the company of Sooya, and any lingering feelings for Nabi had been cast aside. He couldn't bring himself to acknowledge the girl who had seemingly betrayed him.

Nabi, heartbroken by Minho's icy demeanour, couldn't understand how everything had gone so wrong. She had faced a horrifying ordeal, only to return to a world that had turned its back on her.

Sooya, who had successfully positioned herself as Minho's new girlfriend, took great pleasure in belittling Nabi. The two of them had conspired to feed the idea that Nabi had cheated on Minho with Changmin during her absence. They whispered behind Nabi's back, wondering aloud when she and Changmin had become so close.

Changmin, standing at Nabi's side, had undergone a transformation of his own during her time away. Tall, with a sculpted model-like appearance, he had always been known for his competitive spirit and intelligence. His puppy-dog eyes and charming smile only added to his appeal.

He and Nabi had practically grown up together, their families' conglomerate connections forging a close bond. But it was only after Nabi's return to school, following the accident, that they had been seen together in public. The rumours began to circulate that Nabi was using Changmin for his money, a secret he had kept hidden, much like Nabi's own wealth.

Minho couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and anger when he saw Nabi and Changmin together. His misconceptions about Nabi's supposed infidelity fueled his resentment. Sooya took full advantage of this, stoking the fires of doubt in Minho's mind.

One day, as Nabi and Changmin walked together, they couldn't help but notice the cold glares from Minho and Sooya. Sooya couldn't contain her disdain any longer and confronted Nabi.

"So, Nabi," she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "How long have you been seeing Changmin behind Minho's back?"

Nabi, taken aback by Sooya's hostility, shook her head in disbelief. "Sooya, you know there's nothing going on between me and Changmin. We're just friends."

Sooya's eyes narrowed, and she continued to taunt Nabi, determined to break her spirit. The shadows of deceit and betrayal had created a web of misunderstandings and resentment, and the truth remained buried beneath layers of deception and malice.

Sooya's eyes bore into Nabi, a malicious glint reflecting her determination to break Nabi's spirit. Her voice dripped with contempt as she continued her taunting.

"You expect us to believe that, Nabi?" Sooya sneered. "You conveniently disappear for months, and now you expect us to accept that you and Changmin are just friends? Don't think we're that naïve."

Nabi, her heart heavy with the burden of misunderstandings and false accusations, struggled to find the right words. She knew the truth, but it seemed impossible to convince Sooya and the others who had turned against her.

"I never cheated on Minho," Nabi replied, her voice shaking with frustration and sadness. "Changmin has been a friend for as long as I can remember, and he was there for me when I needed someone the most."

Sooya's laughter was cold and cruel. "Friend, huh? Well, it seems like Minho and I are together now, and we don't need friends like you."

Minho, standing beside Sooya, remained silent, his gaze cold and distant. He had been convinced that Nabi had betrayed him, and the bitterness had taken root in his heart. Sooya had successfully manipulated his feelings, and he couldn't bring himself to listen to Nabi's side of the story.

Changmin, however, stood steadfastly by Nabi's side, his expression one of unwavering support. He knew the truth and had witnessed Nabi's suffering during her recovery. He had no intention of abandoning her when she needed him the most.

As the days passed, Nabi's return to school became increasingly difficult. The whispers and accusations continued, and her reputation suffered, despite her desperate attempts to clear her name. Changmin remained her constant protector, picking her up from class every day and ensuring her safety.

Minho and Sooya, fueled by their anger and jealousy, continued to thrive in their relationship, their bond deepening as they alienated Nabi further. The shadows of deceit and betrayal had cast a long and foreboding darkness over Nabi's life, and the truth remained buried beneath the layers of deception and malice.

Nabi's journey to reclaim her life and uncover the hidden truths that threatened to destroy her remained an uphill battle. She was determined to persevere, no matter the odds, and to find a way to break free from the tangled web of lies that had ensnared her.

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(A/N) omg hiiiiiii!

That was a long chapter hey?!

Would be interested to know your thoughts about this one 😍😍😍😍

Lots of love,
Lee 🩵