ugly duckling

endurance of a prodigy boxer

By the time you arrive at the address, Daniel sent you 'in case you changed your mind', but the Group has long since left when you arrive. it was a humiliating situation, the owner of the shitty establishment waved you off and threatened to call the cops had you stayed any longer and it wasn't worth the trouble since she said he left with some 'friends'.

yet shockingly enough, you were still plenty worried for the boy. it was bizarre how easily you felt yourself admitting that when you've never actually had a full, proper conversation but then again, not having friends for as long as you have made it easy to get attached to people.

jiho was nice when you made small talk in class, but he tended to get intense when it came to popularity and getting attention, same with your other classmates who seemed friendly enough to get to know.

walking home alone, in the cold, you felt stranded in your thoughts. where had the urge for friends and beauty come from exactly? the urge to stick out until was a development that came from nowhere despite your lack of desire for attention in the past. was it an ego thing? maybe puberty? whatever it was you couldn't put your finger on the uge

burying the thoughts for another day, you arrived home, closed the door behind you, and stepped into your abode with a sigh feeling more tired than when you left.

your mom stands in the entryway, leaning against the wall with a half smirk "Did you still wanna do some skincare?" she asks softly

you glance up at her before leaning over to untie your shoes "I guess I might as well, sleeps for the weak anyways." mutter, grateful for her help with your journey to the ultimate glow up. for now, you'd focus on spending time with your mom who eagerly layers your face with fruity-smelling creams and cold masks.

it felt like you were carrying a million-ton weight as you walked into class the next day but at least your face felt fresh.

you woke up to a good morning text from Daniel, it was cute how he used emoticons. sadly you felt too awkward to text him so familiarly so you sent him a simple "good morning" in return.

thinking nothing of it, you enter the classroom shocked when he stands up to greet you "(name)!" he borderline cheers, Zoe steps to the side as he approaches you. you sweatdrop at the eyes that instantly lock on your sheepish figure, the burning gazes forcing you to slump into yourself as the urge to run away like a rat rushes through you.

"hey...?" you mutter, glancing around the room hastily, meeting eyes with everyone somehow.

Daniel talks your ear off as you walk to your seats. setting your stuff down you prepare for the lessons while he chats away.

"Can I see your art?" he asks suddenly, breaking you out of your spiral of thoughts. glancing up at him you see him smiling, pointing as he stares at your sketchbook openly

"Ah-!" you heat up, feeling shy suddenly as you hold your book close to yourself. "sorry but that's kinda private!" you stutter, calming your frantic heart

the boy hums in understanding, looking at you with pursed lips "Right, that's cool"

silence weights heavily around you two, giving you a chance to hear the whispering of your classmates to one another

"Why is he talking to her?" someone says with a snicker

"She's kinda plain... didn't realize she was in this class till just now" another peels quietly

"She's cute if you ignore how poorly she presents herself, like, come on! try a little harder, what a slob"

it was horrifying being perceived, and in all honesty, you felt exposed by how harshly your classmates picked you apart.