「 ⩩ 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇 Vienna, amidst the bullying at school, crosses paths with a charmingly mysterious thug who swiftly becomes her protector. They both become each other's comfort despite being polar opposites, discovering in each other the hope a...
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⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ˳༄꠶ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
↳ currently playing ;; [Maze in the mirror] - [TxT]
The scorching sun roused Vienna from her slumber, though it could have been her accustomed early rising. Yet, she lacked the will to awaken fully. Sometimes, she longed to shut her eyes and never open them again, drifting into an eternal sleep.
Wearing her uniform, Vienna felt the urge to vomit. Rushing to the bathroom, she emptied the remnants of last night's dinner. This had become her routine since Hana and her cohorts were suspended.
Each day: wake up, study, cry, vomit, go to school, return home scared, and repeat.
She held her head over the toilet, washing her face and using the water to rinse away her tears. Looking at herself in the mirror, Vienna saw a miserable reflection: her hair was thinner, dark circles under her eyes making her face look hollow.
Desperately, she borrowed some makeup from her sister, trying to conceal as much as she could.
She made a deliberate choice not to go to school that day. Sending a text to her sister, Vienna knew it would likely go unread, and she also called Shotaro to ensure he wouldn't come to escort her from home to school.
The fridge was empty, as usual. Vienna stared at the barren shelves, feeling lost.
The thought of stepping outside terrified her—Hana and her gang of bullies would pounce the moment she let her guard down. She couldn't bear the idea of facing them on the streets.
Then, suddenly, her phone rang. It was Shotaro.
"Vienna? Why aren't you going today? Are you feeling sick?"
"Mhm, I am."
"Is that so? Then I'll come to you. We can go to the hospital."
"No, it's not physical... I'm just mentally... tired."
The line went quiet on the other side.
"Okay, I'm coming over with croissants—your favorite. Don't eat breakfast without me; we'll have it together."
Vienna felt a small smile tug at her lips. He wasn't annoying at all. No, he felt more like an older brother.
Twenty minutes had passed, and Shotaro was late. Vienna glanced out the window, noticing the kids playing outside.
It wouldn't hurt to wait for him out there, she thought.
She slipped on her jacket, the chill in the air biting at her skin, and quietly sat on the stairs in front of her house.
