𝐈𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 • Lookism ✔

X.

CHAPTER TEN
One of Us | 우리 중 하나

⚘( ၴႅၴ

–

"Mira, where are you?"

"Just on the other side in front of the school."

(Your name) made her way down the bustling street, weaving through the crowd of students who were heading home. The air was filled with chatter and the distant sound of buses pulling away, but they were all focused on their newfound friend. They scanned the surroundings, eyes darting from one corner to the next, until they spotted Mira standing outside a small, cozy food place. It was one of those hidden gems—a spot that wasn't too popular but had gained a reputation among the students for its delicious snacks and relaxing vibe. The group's faces lit up when they saw her. She was standing with her usual casual confidence, her posture relaxed but commanding the attention of everyone around her.

Inside the food place, Vasco, Jace, Jay, Joy, Daniel, Zack, Zoe, and Jiho were sitting together at one of the long tables, laughing and joking, their voices blending with the hum of the other patrons. The group had known each other for a while, and despite their varied personalities, they made it work. Vasco was the laid-back type, Jace had that natural charm, Jay was always deep in thought, and Jiho was the quiet one who tended to shy away from the limelight. Joy and Zoe were like the fire and ice of the group—one bringing warmth and excitement, the other always a little bit more reserved and skeptical. Daniel and Zack were a perfect pair of confident, outgoing individuals, always up for anything. Despite their differences, they shared an easy camaraderie that made them seem like an inseparable team.

Mira, on the other hand, was the kind of person who seemed to effortlessly attract attention, no matter where she went. She was always at the center of the conversation, always the one with the latest stories to tell, the latest gossip to share. Whether she wanted it or not, she had a magnetic presence that made her impossible to ignore. And today was no different. Her entrance turned heads, as her group of friends immediately fell into a more energetic and excited mood, eager to see where the evening would take them.

"Let's go out!" Mira said with a wide grin, already thinking about the next adventure she had in mind. She wasn't one to sit still for long, and she loved the spontaneous nature of her friends' hangouts. She loved to be the one to set the pace, to make sure everyone was always having fun, always on the move.

"(Your name), this is Zack, Zoe, Joy, Jay, and Vasco and Jace!" Mira gestured toward the group sitting at the table, introducing them one by one with a casual wave.

"Nice to meet you all," (Your name) said, offering a warm but slightly cautious smile. She wasn't sure what to expect from this new group, but she was willing to give them a chance. She had heard stories about some of them, especially the ones who had a reputation for being a bit wild.

(Your name) quickly glanced at each of them. Jay gave a quiet but sincere nod of approval, while Jiho, shyly nodded back. His face flushed slightly, and he looked away for a moment, as if he was unsure about making eye contact. Zoe, on the other hand, crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing as she sized (Your name) up. There was something about her that Zoe couldn't quite place, and it made her suspicious, though she would never admit it outright.

"Nice to meet you! I've heard about you from Daniel!" (Your name) said brightly, trying to make a good first impression. Her tone was upbeat, but her eyes briefly flickered over Zoe, sensing the tension that seemed to hang in the air between them.

Zoe's eyes widened, her expression instantly darkening as she processed (Your name)'s words. She straightened up, her arms tightening in an almost defensive posture.