Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

Izzy informed DJ and BJ about meeting Kira and left her apartment. She was set to meet Kira at the city gate for a girls' day out. Thinking back on her friendship with Kira, it had started in a rather unusual manner during their time at Shinhwa High School.

Back then, Izzy had preferred keeping a low profile and concentrating on her studies, being a residential student at the school. However, her intentions of staying inconspicuous were challenged when a guy she barely knew, but recognized from her class, directed her towards Grey, Kira, and their friends' group. When he mentioned their interest in talking to her, Izzy was uninterested and declined.

Despite her reluctance, their friends persistently attempted to engage Izzy in their conversations, waving and calling out to her as they passed by. Gradually, this persistent approach became a normal part of Izzy's routine. Eventually, Kira took the initiative to invite Izzy to sit with their group. Although other classmates warned Izzy against associating with Kira and her friends, Izzy chose to disregard their advice and form a bond with them.

After school, they were just hanging out with one of the guys in the group and he started talking shit about Izzy and tried to pick a fight. Izzy didn't really listen to him at first, When anyone in class irritated Izzy, Grey would be the one to tell them to back off. But Grey and Kira were not present right now. 

Soon after other guys also joined him and they laughed at Izzy. It looked like the guy had got more confident and walked straight in front of Izzy and taunted her in many ways. One of the things they said was 'Izzy is always so quiet. 

She would never fight like us. She will probably never have our backs in our fights.' Another one added 'She looks like she was raised like a princess. All spoiled and protected from the outside world.' Izzy couldn't help but laugh at their words and they noticed it. The first guy who started it all poked Izzy in the middle of her forehead and Izzy couldn't hold herself anymore. 

When Grey and Kira arrived, they saw Izzy with a bloody hand standing in the middle of the guys who were laying on the ground. Grey went to check on them and they were all severely wounded. He looked at Izzy but she didn't say anything and just walked away. 

After that, Kira shared what happened after Izzy went away. Grey asked one of his friends what had happened and when they heard about it; they understood why Izzy did it. 

The whole school heard about what had happened and they all understood one thing after the story, 'Izzy is a bomb that can blast anytime.' Kira then told Grey 'As they say; if you can't beat them then join them.' The rest is history.  

Izzy and Kira roamed the city, indulging in various activities like sampling food from different stores and playing games at the arcade. However, unbeknownst to Izzy, their carefree excursion had not gone unnoticed, as someone had observed them, noting the nature of Izzy and Kira's relationship.

The bell signaling the end of class echoed through the room, marking the beginning of the lunch break. Izzy was engrossed in a lively conversation with her group when an unfamiliar voice interrupted them. A girl approached Izzy and questioned, "Izzy, is it true that you're friends with a gangster's girlfriend?"

Baffled by the sudden accusation, Izzy exchanged a confused glance with Luiz, who spoke up, "What are you talking about? How could Izzy know a gangster's girlfriend?"

The girl persisted, "It's all over the class group chat. Someone saw Izzy and the girl together yesterday."

Curious and somewhat alarmed, Izzy immediately checked her phone, scrolling through the class group chat. There, she found a picture of herself and Kira walking together, the source of the rumor.

Deciding to head to the cafeteria, Izzy felt the scrutiny of many eyes upon her. Her friends offered support, advising her not to let the rumors affect her. As they settled at a table, Alex, Blake, and Jade joined them. Blake, visibly anxious, hurried over to Izzy, questioning her, "Izzy, is it true?"

Sighing, Izzy nodded in response, "Guys, she's not a gangster's girlfriend. Grey isn't a gangster; he just has a reputation. They're my friends from Ace."

Alex chimed in, expressing concern, "We get it, Izzy, but others might not."

With a determined tone, Izzy replied, "I don't care what others think, but please believe me, guys."

Her friends smiled in understanding, showing their support and assurance.

Midway through her lunch, Izzy was interrupted by a loud voice that resonated across the cafeteria. It was Chris, who swaggered towards her, followed by Darren, Vivian, and Summer. Izzy looked up calmly as Chris addressed her with an air of certainty, "Izabella, I finally know who you are."

Izzy responded with a smile, "Hi, Chris. It's been a while since someone used my real name."

Chris pointed at her, his tone accusatory, "It was you all along, right?"

Innocently playing along, Izzy asked, "What do you mean?"

Vivian, standing beside Chris, chimed in, "I know too, Izabella. I asked around, and it turns out you have a reputation at Ace."

Izzy remained silent, locking eyes with them, and her friends sensed the rising tension.

Chris continued, his voice heavy with accusation, "Do you want your student council friends to find out about it?"

Izzy stayed composed, and Chris pressed on, "So, our dear Izabella used to bully students at Ace High School."

Vivian jumped in, "She was called 'The bomb.' You could never know when she'd explode. Izabella, when are you going to explode here?"

Izzy's smile turned into a scoff, and she retorted, "If standing up to those who bullied or did wrong is considered bullying here, then I'm the biggest bully around."

Chris confronted her, "You were the one who told Grey to beat me and Vivian, weren't you?"

Izzy's smile widened as she replied, "Looks like it took you longer than expected to figure that out."