DOWNFALL -HIERARCHY

Chapter 18: The Video

Narrator's POV:

Nabi and Ri-an stepped into their classroom, they were met with an unexpected sight – Jae-i and Kang Ha standing near by the entrance. Nabi's heart skipped a beat, and her hand involuntarily tensed within Ri-an's grasp. The memories of the past and the present collided in that single moment.

Jae-i and Kang Ha had been engaged in a conversation, but they now shifted their attention to Nabi and Ri-an. Their gazes flicked up to the two of them, and a slight tension crept into the air. Jae-i's eyes narrowed slightly, taking in their intertwined hands and the forced smile on Nabi's face.

As Kang Ha's hand found Jaei's, a subtle sense of reassurance passed between them. This small action didn't go unnoticed by Nabi, who couldn't help but notice the intimate gesture. Nabi wasn't so sure of what to feel as she saw the easy affection between Kang Ha and Jae-i, a stark contrast to the strained facade she had to maintain with Ri-an.

Ri-an's eyes caught the sight of Kang Ha holding Jae-i's hand. His grip on Nabi's hand instinctively tightened, as if to unconsciously claim her. His face show no emotions, as he looks at the two infront of him. Nabi and Ri-an made their way past Jaei and Kang Ha, each step feeling heavier than the next. They settled into their respective desks, their chairs side by side. The distance between them seemed too close yet too far at the same time. Woojin is seated infront of Ri-an, while Hera is seated infront of Nabi.

Nabi looked straight ahead, avoiding the gazes of their classmates who were undoubtedly watching them, curious about the situation and the dynamics at play.

Ri-an casually pulled Nabi's chair closer to his, closing the small gap between them. His arm draped over the back of her chair, a display that was subtle yet deliberate. The proximity was both comforting and claustrophobic, each breath they took blending together in the small space between their desks.

Ri-an leaned in, his voice low so only Nabi could hear him, and said, "From today onwards, you'll sit next to me," he announced, his tone firm yet almost commanding, "and I don't want you to leave my side."

The statement hung in the air, an order disguised as a request. It was a demand for her constant presence, a declaration of ownership. Nabi didn't protest, her mind still tangled in a web of mixed emotions. She knew resisting would be futile, and she was too tired to fight at this moment.

*Timeskip*

As the class finished, and their teacher exits the room. Hera, who was seated in front of Nabi, turned around in her seat to face her. The sudden motion caught Nabi's attention, and she looked up, bracing herself for whatever was coming her way.

Hera flashed a smile at both Nabi and Ri-an, her tone friendly and casual. "Hey there," she greeted, her eyes flickering between Nabi and Ri-an. "How are you both doing?"

Nabi forced a smile in response, her face showing no trace of the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "We're doing fine," she replied, her voice sounding somewhat strained. Meanwhile, Ri-an returned the greeting with a nonchalant nod, his arms crossed over his chest.

Hera leaned slightly closer to Nabi, her voice filled with curiosity. "So, are you going to the parent night?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on Nabi. Nabi's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Parent night?" she echoed, her voice tinged with innocence.