32 : bittersweet

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Nabi approached the designated spot behind the school with heavy steps, her breathing labored from both nerves and the brisk walk. As she rounded the corner, she saw Areum and her friends casually leaning against the wall, one of them twirling something that looked like a metal rod in her hand. Areum, cigarette in mouth, flicked a lighter and inhaled deeply, her eyes locking onto the girl with a predatory grin.

"Hey, Nabi, over here!" she called out as she exhaled a stream of smoke. She draped an arm around her shoulders as she approached, her touch feigning friendliness but the underlying grip firm and controlling. "Wanna try?" she offered, holding out the cigarette towards her.

Nabi recoiled slightly, her discomfort obvious. "No, I-I don't smoke," she replied, her voice shaky.

Areum's smile didn't falter. "Oh, lighten up," she teased, tightening her hold. "It's just a bit of fun. Don't be such a killjoy."

Nabi's eyes darted around, looking for any possible escape, but the circle was tight. Her refusal hung in the air, thick with tension as Areum's expression shifted to something more sinister. "Really, you should learn to relax. We're all friends here, aren't we?" her tone was sugary sweet, but the threat was palpable.

Areum's faux playfulness quickly turned rough as she gave Nabi a light but pointed tap on the back of her head. "Oh, come on, don't be such a bore," she said, her laughter not quite reaching her eyes, which narrowed slightly in annoyance.

Nabi flinched, the recent pain from her previous encounter still fresh and throbbing subtly beneath her hair. She resisted the urge to reach up and protect the tender spot, knowing any sign of weakness might only encourage further aggression. "I really should get going," she tried to excuse herself, her voice tight with anxiety.

Areum's grip tightened momentarily, a clear message that she wasn't ready to let her off so easily. "Not just yet," she insisted, her smile thinning. "We haven't had our fun yet."

The air around Nabi grew tense as Areum's friends tightened their grip on her, effectively trapping her. Panic surged through her as she watched one of the girls heat the end of the rod with a lighter, the metal glowing ominously red in the dim light behind the school.

Areum, standing directly in front of Nabi, kept up her mocking smile, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and malice. "Let's make this a memorable lesson," she sneered, the laughter of her friends echoing around them, creating a cacophony of dread that filled her ears.

Nabi's heart raced, her breaths shallow and rapid; she struggled in vain against the hands that held her, her eyes darting around desperately for any sign of help or a way out. The fear was palpable, choking her as she realized the seriousness of the situation she was in.

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