Behind the Gossip

NEW ARRIVALS

Mia rushed to the cafeteria, hoping to grab a quick lunch before her next class. The chatter around her seemed louder than usual, and she quickly realized why. The three new Korean students had become the center of attention.

"Did you see Hyun's smile?" one girl gushed.

"Jisoo is so dreamy," another sighed.

Mia shook her head and joined the lunch line. Lily caught up with her, her face flushed with excitement. "Mia, did you hear? They're in our chemistry class too!"

"Great," Mia said flatly, "just what we needed."

Lily laughed. "Oh, come on. You have to admit they're a bit intriguing."

"No, I don't," Mia retorted, grabbing an apple. "I've got enough on my plate without dealing with a bunch of boy-crazy classmates."

As they sat down to eat, the cafeteria doors swung open, and Hyun, Jisoo, and Minho walked in. The room seemed to buzz even louder. Mia rolled her eyes and focused on her food.

"Mia," Lily whispered, nudging her. "They're coming this way."

Mia glanced up to see the trio approaching their table. Hyun smiled politely. "Hi, mind if we sit here?"

Lily beamed. "Not at all!"

Mia sighed inwardly, then stood up abruptly, grabbing her tray. "Actually, I do mind." She walked to an empty table across the room and sat down alone.

Hyun looked puzzled. "Did I say something wrong?"

Lily shook her head, embarrassed. "No, it's not you. It's just... Mia."

Jisoo raised an eyebrow. "What's her deal?"

Lily sighed, leaning in closer. "Mia has a lot on her plate. She works hard, and she's been through a lot. But more than that, she hates boys."

Minho frowned. "Hates boys? Why?"

"It's complicated," Lily said softly. "But let's just say she has her reasons."

Hyun glanced over at Mia, who was eating alone, her face set in a determined frown. "That's rough. We didn't mean to upset her."

Lily smiled weakly. "I know. She just needs time to warm up to people, especially guys."

Hyun nodded thoughtfully. "Thanks for explaining, Lily. We'll try to give her some space."

Later, in chemistry class, Mia tried to focus on Mr. Johnson's lecture, but she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She glanced over and caught Hyun's eye. He smiled slightly and returned his attention to the lesson. Mia felt a strange mix of irritation and curiosity.

After class, Hyun approached Lily. "Hey, Lily, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Lily said, packing up her things.

"I know you said Mia hates boys, but why? What happened to her?"

Lily hesitated, then sighed. "It's just... complicated. She doesn't talk about it much."

Hyun nodded slowly. "I understand. I just want to help, if I can."

"Just be patient," Lily advised. "And maybe, one day, she'll let you in."

Hyun glanced at Mia, who was already out the door, her usual determined stride. "I hope so," he said quietly, more to himself than to Lily.

As Mia walked down the hall, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, these new arrivals weren't here to complicate her life but to change it in ways she hadn't anticipated.