But i wasn't a liar ✔️[ENG ver]

Part 18

Part 18

Leeknow pushed through the bathroom door, the sharp scent of antiseptic stinging his nose. He turned the faucet, the water icy against his skin as he scrubbed at the dried blood.

His reflection stared back at him in the mirror—pale, dark circles under his eyes. A shaky breath escaped him.

"Please..." he whispered, gripping the sink. "My God... let it not be what I think."

The water ran pink as he splashed his face again. Then, with one last glance at the mirror, he straightened his uniform and walked out, the echo of his footsteps hollow against the tiled floor.

The bell's distant ringing urged him forward. By the time he reached the classroom door, his expression was calm—carefully blank.

No one would notice a thing.

Lia tapped her pencil nervously, her eyes darting to the empty seat beside Yeji. She leaned over.

"Hey Yeji," Lia whispered, "where's Leeknow?"

"He went to wash his face," Yeji replied, flipping a page in her notebook. "He'll be back soon."

"Oh... okay." Lia bit her lip, gaze drifting to the door.

A slow, knowing grin spread across Yeji's face. "Aww, our girl's worried about her love~" she teased, singsong.

Lia's head snapped toward her. "What?!"

Yeji leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Come on, Lia. Do you really love him?"

"Yah!" Lia's face burned. "Stop—"

"Tell meeeee!" Yeji prodded her shoulder.

The classroom door creaked open. Leeknow trudged in, and Lia immediately straightened, schooling her expression into something neutral.

"Shh," she hissed. "Leeknow's back!"

He slumped into his seat just as the teacher entered. Yeji eyed him sideways.

"You good now?" she murmured, voice barely audible.

Leeknow gave a tiny nod. "Yeah."

12:30 PM

Hyunjin rubbed his tired eyes as he descended the stairs, his study session leaving him drained. He filled a glass with water, but the moment he turned, he froze.

"Where have you been?!" Hyunjin demanded, gripping the counter as Yuna nonchalantly set down her own glass.

"Outside," Yuna replied flatly, moving to walk past him.

Hyunjin blocked her path. "With whom?"

Yuna sighed, finally turning to face him. "With my friends."

"Friends?!" Hyunjin's voice sharpened. "We've barely been in Korea a week. How do you already have friends close enough to vanish with?" His eyes dropped to her outfit—a sleek dress far too polished for casual outings. "Or should I assume you were at a bar in those clothes?"

Yuna's eyes flashed with defiance as she squared her shoulders. "Will you hold me accountable?" She let out a bitter laugh. "Ugh, Mr. Sam, I'm not as bored with this life as you are. And I'm certainly not as cold as you - shutting everyone out!"

Hyunjin's grip tightened on his water glass. "You're only sixteen!" His voice cracked with frustration. "You're still too young for these things! How can you-"

"Just stop!" Yuna shouted, cutting him off mid-sentence. She shoved past him, her shoulder knocking against his arm. "I don't need your useless advice, Sam!"