Deception - L.HS

4

Chapter 4: A Clash of Wits

Scene 1: Tensions Mount

The following day at school was no better for Hana. If anything, the undercurrent of tension between her and Heeseung had only grown stronger. He continued to occupy her thoughts, not just because of his annoyingly smug demeanor but also because of the bet Jisoo had mentioned. Despite herself, Hana couldn't help but wonder about it. But confronting Heeseung directly wasn't an option. That would be playing into his hands.

Instead, Hana resolved to ignore him, focusing on her studies and her friends. Yet, it was easier said than done. Every class they shared became a mental battle of wills, a test of who could maintain their composure the longest. Today was no exception.

In the history class, Hana tried to focus on the lecture, scribbling notes diligently. But from the corner of her eye, she could see Heeseung sitting a few rows back, his gaze burning a hole through the back of her head. She resisted the urge to turn around, to acknowledge him. Instead, she kept her eyes glued to her notebook, even as her thoughts raced.

What does he want from me?

As the teacher droned on about ancient civilizations, Hana's phone buzzed quietly in her bag. She ignored it at first, but when it buzzed again, she discreetly pulled it out. The screen lit up with a message from Jisoo.

Jisoo: Lunch today? Need to vent!

Hana smiled to herself and quickly typed a response.

Hana: Definitely. I could use a break too.

Just as she slipped her phone back into her bag, the teacher called on her to answer a question. Caught off guard, Hana fumbled for a moment before giving a hurried response. She could feel Heeseung's eyes on her, and it took all her self-control not to turn around and glare at him.

The rest of the class passed without incident, but Hana could sense Heeseung's presence like a shadow following her every move. It wasn't until lunch that she finally felt she could breathe again. She made her way to the cafeteria, where Jisoo was already waiting at their usual table.

"Hey!" Jisoo greeted her with a wave. "You looked so serious in history. Everything okay?"

Hana dropped her bag onto the chair and sighed. "It's Heeseung. He's driving me crazy."

Jisoo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What did he do this time?"

"Nothing specific," Hana admitted, stabbing her fork into her salad with more force than necessary. "But I can tell he's up to something. It's like he's just waiting for me to react."

Jisoo gave her a sympathetic look. "I don't envy you. But don't let him get to you. He's just trying to mess with your head."

Hana nodded, trying to push aside her frustration. "I know. But it's not easy when he's everywhere I turn."

Jisoo chuckled softly. "Well, at least you're not alone. The whole school knows how annoying he can be."

Hana smiled weakly, appreciating the support. "Thanks, Jisoo. I just need to survive this year without letting him ruin everything."

Scene 2: The Unavoidable Encounter

After lunch, Hana headed to the library, hoping to get some quiet study time before her next class. But as soon as she walked through the doors, she spotted Heeseung at a table near the back, his head bent over a book. He didn't seem to notice her, and for a moment, Hana considered turning around and leaving. But she quickly dismissed the thought. She wasn't going to let him chase her away from her favorite study spot.