Unlucky: Luxury And a Lies

Chapter 28: You've Been Framed Minji's POV: Grilled Cheesus

"That assembly felt like a huge jab at me," I said. Mia chuckled in agreement, "Yeah, it kinda was at all of us."

"So, where's this spot you speak of?" she asked. I climbed onto the banister and replied, "Just trust me." With some effort, I hoisted myself up onto the roof and extended a hand to help Mia up.

"Wow," she uttered, clearly impressed by our new vantage point. We both sat down on the roof, the wind gusting through her long jorts.

"You know, all the connections and riches in the world, and no one to guide us – no one truly cares about us at all. There's no real meaning to this life. Is there?" I pondered out loud. Mia nodded, trying to empathize, "I see where you're coming from."

"One day someone will end up jumping off this roof," I muttered, staring off into the abyss. Mia, concerned, touched my arm, "Hey, don't think that way." I nodded, but deep down, I knew she didn't fully understand my turmoil.

Suddenly, the intercom interrupted our moment of reflection. "Kim Minji, report to the principal's office. I repeat, May Kim Minji-" I sighed, "That's me," I said, getting up from my spot on the roof. Mia stood as well, offering some parting words, "I'll see you in class, okay?" I nodded in response, and she brushed my shoulder before leaving. Now, I was left to grapple with my thoughts and emotions as I headed to the principal's office.

-

"So we're aware of the importance of what events happened last night. We and the police force want what's best for our students, so we investigated," Mr. Brown, our principal, stated. I sighed, nodding along as he and the police officer led up to something big. I could feel it in the air, and I just wanted them to get on with it.

"And with that, I'm particularly shocked and disappointed at what we found in your locker, Ms. Kim," he continued. I glanced at the police woman beside him, who looked strangely familiar. She pulled out a plastic bag, and a repulsive odor emitted from it, making me grimace.

"Take a look," Mr. Brown beckoned, and I leaned over to peer inside. "What the fuck," I mumbled.

"Care to explain why we found weed and many other substances in your locker, Ms. Kim?" Mr. Brown inquired. I gaped in disbelief.

"Are you kidding? That's not mine!" I protested, my voice shaking.

He raised a skeptical brow. "There's no need to lie, Minji. The evidence is in front of us."

"I'm telling you it's someone else's evidence. I don't do drugs!" I exclaimed.

He sighed, clearly not convinced. "I'm giving you one chance to tell the truth. We've had many reports saying you were intoxicated last night, and now this? You don't have a very strong alibi, Ms. Kim."

I stood up, my frustration mounting. "I've been framed," I muttered above a whisper.

The police officer fixed her gaze on me, and I continued. "I swear to God, Mr. Brown, ask my friends, ask anybody. I'm clean. I don't engage in anything like that. Someone put that in my locker, I don't even do cocaine!."

Mr. Brown sighed again. "People have been saying they've caught a smell from your locker for days now. We're going to further investigate. But for now, I think it's best you spend some time preparing to tell the truth."

I blinked in disbelief. "Are you suspending me?" I uttered.

He confirmed, "It's what's best for everyone at the moment."

I scoffed, unable to contain my anger. "No, it's what's best for your reputation. I can't believe this shit," I said as I stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind me.

My head collided with the wall, and I slid down to the ground. I buried my face in between my legs, overwhelmed by the situation. "Are you okay?" I heard a voice ask. I groaned, not wanting to deal with any more annoyances. "No, my life is over," I muttered.

"I'm sure you'll be okay," someone reassured me. I wasn't in the mood for platitudes, but I raised my head to see who was beside me. My expression shifted from silent despair to disgust as I recognized her.

"You," I said coldly.

Danielle smiled. "Is your world crashing down?" she asked, her tone condescending.

I bit my lip to keep from saying something I might regret. She leaned in closer. "Listen, babe, nothing is as it seems," she whispered.

I closed my eyes and exhaled shakily, struggling to control my anger. "You insufferable... I know you did this," I accused her.

She smiled and taunted, "Prove it," before getting up. As she walked away, she added, "Do you think I did too much?"

I stood, seething with anger. "No, because I'll do much worse," I promised her.

She tilted her head, seeming unfazed. "Whatever. Not worse than disappointing your parents, right?" she taunted. With a mocking laugh, she left me seething with rage. I couldn't even feel the pain from punching the nearest locker; I was consumed by anger and frustration.

-

Perez paced back and forth, frustration etched on his face. "Okay, what do you want me to do, push her into a pool, light her hair on fire?" he asked.

James sighed, bouncing his genie's ball against the wall. I turned my attention toward him as he skillfully caught it. "It's no use, plus her hair is too pretty to burn anyways," he grumbled, repeating the action.

Mia nodded solemnly. "I just want to know what made her do this, look inside her brain, find the reason," I muttered.

Jack chimed in, his words laced with dark humor. "God, you sound like you want to wear her skin."

I buried my head in my hands, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. "You know what you need to do?" Perez said, approaching me. His voice carried a hint of promise.

I raised my head, my voice tinged with hope as I asked, "What?"

Perez came closer, gently pressing my temples. I furrowed my brows, unsure of his intentions. "Channel all that rage, betrayal, and anger into getting what you want," he coaxed.

I shut my eyes, trying to follow his advice. The room fell silent as everyone awaited my response. After a moment, I opened my eyes. "Nope, nothing," I admitted, and a collective sigh filled the room.

I sighed as well, feeling a deep sense of self-blame for letting my guard down in the first place. I hated myself.

"Not gonna lie, peaking in high school was cringe anyway," James said with a faint smile.

I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. "I don't need your pity," I replied, but his words did bring a brief smile to my face.

Looking around the gym, I realized that what I truly needed was closure. I couldn't let Danielle's actions define my high school experience or my sense of self.

Mia placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You look like you need a grilled cheese. Let's go get a grilled cheese," she suggested.

I nodded, grateful for her support and the prospect of some comfort food. We all got up from the benches, ready to leave the school behind and find solace elsewhere.