DOWNFALL -HIERARCHY

Chapter 9: The Cat And The Mouse

Narrator's POV:

Nabi emerged from their car, locking the door behind her. She began walking towards the school gate, Scanning the surroundings looking left and right finding any signs of someone she's constantly avoiding during the weekend.

It was Monday morning, and Nabi was making her way through the school gate alone, trying to keep her composure despite the anxious knots tying in her stomach. All weekend long, she had ignored Ri-an's messages and calls, leaving them unanswered and unread. Now, she was bound to see him again...

She glanced around, checking if Ri-an was nearby. Nabi's heart almost got out of her own chest, as she spotted his approaching car Infront of the school gates. She quickly ducked behind a nearby pillar, looking closely at the car.

Peeking out warily, she saw Ri-an stepping out of the car, slinging his bag across his shoulder. A few steps behind him, Woojin appeared, his own bag in hand. They exchanged a few words, but Nabi was too far away to hear clearly.

Ri-an's gaze was sweeping across the school grounds, as if searching for something or someone in particular. Nabi observed Ri-an and Woojin from her hiding spot, her brows furrowed as she saw the duo together. Confusion and curiosity filled her mind as she watched them walk towards the school entrance.

Once Ri-an and Woojin disappeared into the school building, Nabi cautiously emerged from her hiding spot behind the pillar. She took a few moments to collect her thoughts, before carefully, making her way towards the entrance, bracing herself for the day ahead.

Nabi tried her best to stay inconspicuous. She constantly looks over her shoulder to ensure Ri-an wasn't nearby. The entire morning felt like a cat-and-mouse game, with her being the mouse running away from the cat that is Ri-an.

Nabi was avoiding Ri-an because she couldn't shake off the memories of what had happened between them during and after the party. The image of the drugs on his bedside table haunted her mind, stirring up a mix of confusion, worry, and disappointment.

Although it was hers and Kang Ha's plan to find evidence that Ri-an was indeed using drugs, there is something inside her that hopes and wishes that the latter wasn't actually taking it. She dreaded facing him, knowing she would have to confront the truth, and she wasn't ready for that conversation.

Therefore, avoiding him seemed like the simpler, albeit cowardly, solution.

As Nabi walked through the hallway, her mind still consumed by thoughts of Ri-an and the events in the party, she suddenly sensed someone walking behind her. Before she could react, the person spoke, their voice familiar enough to make her freeze in place.

Kang Ha appeared beside Nabi, his smile warm and reassuring. Seeing him brought a bit sense of comfort to her troubled mind. "Hey," he greeted her casually, falling into step beside her.

Nabi could see through Kang Ha's casual demeanor. She knew him well enough to recognize that beneath his smile, there was an urgency to talk about something important. She could tell from the subtle hint in his voice and the way his eyes lingered on hers just a little longer than necessary.

Nabi returned Kang Ha's smile, "We need to talk," Kang Ha whispered, his voice low so as not to draw any attention from passing students. He glanced sidelong at Nabi, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.

Nabi stiffened slightly at his words, a wave of anxiety washing over her. She knew exactly what they needed to talk about, and the thought of it made her stomach churn. Nevertheless, she nodded silently in agreement.

They continued walking together, their pace slow and calculated,  maintaining their casual demeanors for the sake of any potential onlookers.

Once they entered the classroom, Nabi and Kang Ha found their usual spots at the back of the room. They took their seats, silently settling into the familiar surroundings. The hum of students chatting and shuffling papers filled the air, creating a slight cover for their hushed conversation.