deceit • Han Seojun x Kang Soojin

55. night changes

Everything that you've ever dreamed of
Disappearing when you wake up
But there's nothing to be afraid of
Even when the night changes
It will never change
Me and You

- one direction

55. night changes

Lim Jugyeong had been bullied all her life. If it was for her low grades, or certain mannerism or even a disorder - she'd understand the justification behind the bullying - not accept it of course - but understand it.

She would have tried to study more, change her habits or even work on her disorderly manner that got her bullied so she wouldn't have to cry herself to sleep every night.

But it was her plain, ugly and pathetic face that got her uncalled remarks - pushing and dragging - and even used as a trash can. It took so much - almost every ounce of her will - to get back on her feet using make-up as her shield.

Was she hiding behind a facade? Yes. Definitely.

But was she hurting anyone with that? No. She never intended to hurt anyone - that was never the reason why she opted to use makeup. It was deceiving - yes - but it was way better than being called names and bullied.

Her self esteem was at the lowest - probably underground - when she met Lee Suho. And till date, she never got why Suho - the most handsome and smartest boy of the school - liked her. Her doubts would resurface many a times - something Suho was used to - and she'd find herself asking Suho if she was even worthy of her.

Although she was pretty confident about herself now, liked her natural face and everything about it - there were times when the old voices of her bullies would echo in her mind. She had made peace with all of them, forgiven them and forgotten most of them.

Except the betrayal she received from the girl she loved so much - more than herself - and despite being hurt by her actions, Jugyeong would find herself worried about the whereabouts of the said girl.

Kang Soojin was her best friend - family - once and a part of her would always be with that confident, haughty and extremely pretty girl.

When Suho told her that Soojin had left - ran away - from a toxic household, Jugyeong's anger and disdain towards Soojin transformed into sympathy and concern. Never did Jugyeong realise before that moment how Soojin must have kept a straight face whenever they were around.

She had mentioned about her father and the stress marks on her hands - something Jugyeong couldn't do much for - but she didn't realise how traumatic it was. That was partially because she had good parents - mom a bit overbearing but loving and a dad who'd die for her - and partially because she was dealing with her own life.

Jugyeong also considered herself to be a bad friend of having nothing to do with a girl who was suffering silently. She was so preoccupied with Suho and her family and with her bullying video being published - the thought about Soojin slipped out of her mind.

And ever since that Jugyeong felt guilty. It wasn't fair on her either to help a friend who stabbed her in the back given the circumstances, but she still felt so guilty.

Ever since that day - the day she learned that Soojin left - till date, she'd been awaiting Soojin's return. Without any number to contact to or any address to write to, Jugyeong only had the option to wait.

And she did.

Patiently.

And when she got the chance of meeting Soojin - something she gave up on - she uttered the words she had been longing to tell her lost friend.