Our Little Secret [Bbangsaz]

-Chapter 1-

Minji.

As I sit in my fourth-period class, I can't help but wonder how I ended up like this.

I wasn't particularly noticeable and didn't even talk much to people I wasn't friends with. So how did I earn the title of "weird kid"? I guess it started back in middle school, when I found myself more interested in books and video games than in gossiping or chasing trends.

I never really felt the need to fit in with the popular crowd, but now, that choice seems to have isolated me even more than I realized. As my thoughts wandered deeper, I was interrupted by the sound of loud laughter.

I looked over at the classroom door and saw Hanni entering with her group of friends. I should've known. They headed to the back of the classroom, where they would talk all the time and barely pay attention.

As they walked in, I saw Hanni point at me and say something. The whole group started laughing. Great. It took a few minutes for everyone to settle in, but by the time the bell rang, everyone was ready for class.

I tried to focus on the lesson, but my mind kept drifting back to the awkward encounter with Hanni and her friends. It felt like no matter how much I tried to avoid the spotlight, they always found a way to shine it on me, and not in a good way.

Halfway into the rather boring lecture, it was interrupted by the bell. Thank goodness. Lunch time.

My friends and I sat at our usual table, a bit toward the back of the lunchroom. We preferred it there; it was quieter, and we could chat without worrying about eavesdroppers. Hanni and her crew entered loudly, as usual, their laughter and chatter filling the room.

It was like they thrived on the attention, and today was no different. As they passed our table, I caught a snippet of their conversation about the upcoming party at Jake's house. I wasn't planning on going; parties weren't really my scene.

But then Gabe suddenly started talking. "So, are you going to the party or not?" I opened my bag of chips, stalling for time. "Maybe. I don't know yet. I'll probably go if you do." Gabe looked at me with a happy expression. "Good. See you there, then."

Gabe's enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a pang of guilt. He was always trying to get me to socialize more, to step out of my comfort zone. I've never been big on parties, but I'll go for Gabe. He's been my best friend since Hanni and I fell out.

Even though I agreed to go, the more I think about it, the more nervous I get. It's been forever since I've been to a party. What if I don't know anyone? What if they laugh at me again? Maybe if I lay low, no one will say anything.

Or maybe I need a disguise, something to help me blend in. The thought made me smile, even if just for a moment. As the conversation around me shifted to other topics, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in my stomach.

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The rest of the week flew by in a blur of classes, assignments, and anticipation. Before I knew it, it was the weekend, and I found myself sitting in my bedroom, getting ready for the party that had been the talk of the school.

Gabe and I had agreed to meet up in a far corner of the house, even though neither of us had any idea what the layout was like.

It was a risky plan, but we figured it would work itself out. As I rummaged through my closet, I chose an outfit that was distinctly different from my usual school attire.

At school, I preferred to blend in, avoiding attention with simple, understated clothes. But tonight, I wanted to feel different—bold and unrecognizable.

Unfortunately, I didn't have much in my wardrobe that screamed "incognito," so I settled for a pair of sunglasses, hoping they would help me maintain some anonymity. I glanced at myself in the mirror and shrugged. It would have to do.

With a mixture of excitement and nerves, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. The drive to the party felt surreal, like I was stepping into a different world.

When I arrived, the party was already in full swing. The music was deafening, pounding through the walls and vibrating the ground beneath my feet.

People were everywhere—spilling out onto the lawn, crowding the porch, and mingling in groups. The scene was chaotic, with empty beer cans littering the yard and a few people already looking worse for wear.

It was clear that some had started drinking early, and the night promised to get even wilder.

I parked my car and took a moment to collect myself, breathing deeply to steady my nerves. The sight of the party made my heart race, not with excitement, but with a strange mix of dread and determination.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from tonight, but I knew I had to see it through. As I walked toward the house, the sounds of laughter and shouting grew louder, and I felt the bass of the music thumping in my chest.

It was overwhelming, but I pushed forward, reminding myself that it was just for a few hours. Four hours, to be exact—that's all I needed to get through.

Entering the house felt like stepping into another dimension. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat, and the lights were dim, casting a hazy glow over everything.

I navigated through the crowd, trying to find Gabe or at least a quiet corner where I could wait for him. The sunglasses felt awkward indoors, but I kept them on, hoping they would help me blend in with the crowd.

I scanned the room, taking in the faces of my classmates, most of whom seemed oblivious to my presence. It was both comforting and disorienting to be surrounded by so many familiar yet unfamiliar faces.

As I moved deeper into the party, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This wasn't my usual scene, and the uncertainty of what the night might bring was both thrilling and terrifying.

I knew I was stepping out of my comfort zone, but that was part of the appeal. For the next four hours, I was determined to experience something new, even if it meant facing a few awkward moments or unexpected encounters.

As I settled into a spot where I could see the entrance, I took a deep breath and braced myself for whatever the night had in store.