Secrets and Lies || Hoonki/Nikihoon

(Backstory)

A boy walked down the long, unfamiliar hallways of his new school, his eyes wide with curiosity. Everything was so different here-new faces, new sounds, new smells. As he nervously glanced around, something colorful caught his attention. It was a bright poster tacked onto a bulletin board, advertising the upcoming talent show. He couldn't help but smile. He loved dancing and thought maybe this could be his chance to fit in.
As he moved closer to get a better look, he didn't notice the group of kids heading straight toward him. He bumped into one of them, hard enough to make them all stop in their tracks.

"Watch it!" one of them snapped, turning to face him with a scowl.

His face flushed with embarrassment, "I'm sorry, I didn't see you," he stammered, stepping back.

The group exchanged glances, and he could feel their eyes on him, sizing him up, "New kid, huh?" one of them sneered, crossing his arms, "What, you think you're special?"

The boy shook his head, trying to stay calm, but the pressure of their stares made his heart race, "No, I... I just-"

"Just what?" another kid interrupted, stepping closer and shoving his shoulder, "You gonna cry about it?"

The others snickered as the boy felt tears sting the corners of his eyes. He tried to blink them away, but the fear and embarrassment were too overwhelming. The first tear slipped down his cheek, and that was all it took for the bullies to pounce.

"Aw, he's crying!" one of them mocked, their laughter echoing down the hallway.

The new kid's vision blurred as the tears welled up, but he could still see the other students gathered nearby, watching the scene unfold. They stood in small groups, whispering among themselves, their faces a mix of pity and fear. Despite the growing crowd, not a single person stepped forward to help him.

"Look at them," one of the bullies sneered, noticing the onlookers. "Everyone's too scared to do anything. Pathetic."

The kids watching shifted uncomfortably, some looking away as if they hadn't seen anything. Others just stared, their eyes wide with uncertainty, but no one dared to interfere.

"What's wrong with all of you?" another bully shouted at the crowd, "You scared or something?"

The students avoided eye contact, some slowly backing away as if distancing themselves could erase the memory of what they were witnessing. Among the crowd were a few familiar faces-kids from his class he had hoped to befriend-but they remained silent, just like the rest.

A hard shove sent the new kid stumbling, his tears now falling freely. The bullies' laughter echoed in his ears, louder and more cutting than ever. Each taunt and shove drove home the reality of his situation, he was utterly alone in this new place.

------------------------

Ni-ki jolted awake, the sunlight already streaming through his window. Panic shot through him as he glanced at the clock on his bedside table. He was late-really late. His heart sank as he realized his parents hadn't woken him up.

Quickly throwing on his uniform, Ni-ki rushed out of his room, only to find his parents sitting at the kitchen table, completely absorbed in their conversation. They didn't even glance his way as he grabbed his schoolbag.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" Ni-ki asked, his voice laced with frustration. He was trying to keep calm, but he couldn't hide the irritation in his tone.