Dear Blood

5장

(Flashback) 

Natty sat at her usual spot in the school cafeteria, her eyes fixed on the pages of her textbook as she tried to drown out the noise of the other students around her. She felt a sense of relief that she had made it through the morning without any incidents with Lina.

Suddenly, she felt a cold liquid splash onto her head, soaking her hair and running down her face. Startled, she looked up to see Hee-jin standing over her, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

 "Oops, clumsy me! Looks like you need a shower, Natty!" Hee-jin said, her words like daggers cutting through the air.

Natty blinked in confusion, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. "What... why would you do that?"

Hee-jin laughed, the sound grating on Natty’s nerves. "Come on, Natty, don’t be such a wet blanket. It’s just a joke."

But Natty couldn’t find it in herself to laugh. She felt humiliated and embarrassed, the eyes of the other students on her as they snickered and whispered amongst themselves.

Humiliation burned hot in Natty's cheeks as she fought back tears, her hands trembling with anger and shame. She wanted to lash out, to scream and cry But as she met Hee-jin's gaze, she saw something in her eyes – a darkness, a cruelty that chilled her to the bone. And in that moment, Natty knew that this was only the beginning of her torment at the hands of her bullies.

With a heavy heart, Natty turned and fled, the laughter of her tormentors echoing in her ears as she disappeared into the crowded hallway.

(End of flashback)

Natty watched from behind a dumpster as Hee-jin, her longtime bully, walked home from school. She had been planning this moment for weeks, carefully stalking Hee-jin and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. She knew that the empty train station up ahead would be the perfect place for her to carry out her plan.

As Hee-jin approached the station, Natty emerged from her hiding spot and followed close behind. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she approached her enemy, but she knew that she had to see this through.

Hee-jin sensed someone behind her and spun around. When she saw Natty, her eyes narrowed. 'What are you doing here, Natty?' she sneered.

Natty stepped out of the shadows, her eyes filled with determination. 'I’m here for your soul,' she said.

'You’re gonna kill me like you killed Lina?' Hee-jin responded with no sign of fear in her voice or eyes.

Natty nodded. 'Yes, I am.'

“Well” Hee-jin pulled out her pocket knife. “If you wish to claim my life, You’re gonna have to fight me it”

Natty's heart raced as she prepared for battle. She knew that Hee-jin was a formidable opponent, but she was determined to come out victorious. The two girls circled each other, their eyes locked in a fierce staredown.

Hee-jin lunged at Natty with the knife. Natty quickly dodged out of the way and fought back with all her might. The two girls clashed, their limbs flailing as they struggled for control. They were both scratched and bruised, their clothes torn and bloodied.

But Natty refused to give up. She fought with every ounce of strength she had. Natty disarmed Hee-jin and seized the knife. Natty expected Hee-jin's face to be filled with fear seeing what was about to happen. But to Natty's surprise, Hee-jin smiled.

'I'm not afraid to die,' Hee-jin whispered.

Natty hesitated for a moment before plunging the knife into Hee-jin's heart. She watched as life drained from Hee-jin's eyes, and she felt a sense of relief.

Hee-jin's body slumped to the ground, and Natty knelt down beside her. She felt a mix of emotions - relief, guilt, and sadness. She had wanted Hee-jin dead for so long, but now that it had happened, she felt a sense of emptiness. Natty looked up at the sky,  took a deep breath, and walked off.