𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐙𝐘

16

"Stop it!!" The words echoed, snapping him out of his trance. He spun around to locate the source, his eyes widening in horror as he saw Bora crumple to the ground, a hand clutching her throat. It was Alex, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief, witnessing the scene unfold before her.

Even with all of the chaos, Jimin maintained an eerie calm. When he saw Alex's incredulity, his demeanor showed no trace of regret. A smile played on his lips, a show of nonchalance concealing the chaos inside. He walked passed Alex without looking at her, his hands nonchalantly tucked in his pockets.

Alex's shock at Jimin's insensitive response changed to shock. How could he pretend like nothing was wrong? With her life in jeopardy, Bora lay on the ground, unable to breathe. Alex couldn't understand the sharp contrast between Jimin's carefree attitude and the seriousness of the issue.

Alex was left reeling from Jimin's deeds, his acts bearing a heavy price as he carried on along his path. Beside Bora, she knelt, her heart heaving with the gravity of the situation. Bora's rasping coughing fit only made Alex's resolve stronger. She could not allow Jimin's lack of concern to overwhelm the truth about the damage he had inflicted.

Between gulps of water, Bora choked out, her throat still stinging from the experience. "I never expected him to react like that. I am really sorry!."

Bora felt the anxiety that persisted from Jimin's harsh acts, even as Alex helped her replenish her dry throat. It seemed as though she had faced death head-on and just managed to avoid its jaws.

"How could he do that to you?" Anger and worry mixed together to create trembling in Alex's voice. "You really need to report him."

With a feeble nod of assent, Bora's mind raced with ideas of accountability and justice. She understood Jimin had to pay the price for his brutality since his actions were unacceptable.

"He must be held responsible for his actions," Bora nodded, her determination becoming stronger by the second. "He belongs behind bars for the harm he's caused."

Bora knew she could not remain silent much longer, especially with Alex's encouragement and determination supporting her own. Jimin needed to accept the consequences of his behavior as his activities had gone beyond far.

The world seems to revolve around Bora as Alex assisted her in standing up. A ache of betrayal and bewilderment pounded in her head. Her beloved Jimin had betrayed her trust and invaded her privacy in the most horrible way imaginable.

Questions swirled in Bora's mind like crazy. How long had Jimin been holding onto her private pictures and videos? What had he done with them? The mere thought sent shivers down her spine, igniting a sense of vulnerability and fear.

Every step they took on the return trip to Bora's house felt more substantial than the last. Everything that they had once shared was shadowed by the weight of Jimin's betrayal, which hovered over them like a black cloud.

With Jimin's deceit still echoing in her mind, Bora's mind raced with confusion and dread. What would come next? More significantly, after this serious betrayal of confidence, how could she ever trust again?

"Please do not think about this for now! Take care!"With a tone full of assurance and worry, Alex said farewell to Bora, who faked a modest smile and nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Alex," she whispered, appreciative of her friend's help in such a turbulent moment. Bora let out a deep breath as she watched Alex go away down the street, her heart heavy with the lies and betrayal she carried.

Now by herself, Bora walked towards her home, stuttering with every step. Fear bit her deep inside, even as she yearned for the warmth and comfort of her mother's arms. When she found out, how would her mother respond? Would she be disappointed in her daughter's behaviour, or would she understand?