Deception - L.HS

16

Chapter 11: The Web of Deceit

Feelings were valid, but actions were not. Hana had to remind herself of this over and over as she wrestled with her thoughts. Lee Heeseung had every right to be furious about that damned article, but it wasn't her doing. The one who posted it deserved his wrath, not her. Yet, here she was, tangled in the mess, with the blame pinned squarely on her shoulders.

But how was she going to prove her innocence? The accusation weighed heavily on her, and she hated it. If she wanted to move past this, she had to confront Sunghoon. It was the only way.

Yeji's words echoed in her mind, a warning not to confront Sunghoon. But why shouldn't she? Why should she live with this unjustified accusation hanging over her like a dark cloud?

As she spotted Sunghoon by his locker, a strange mix of determination and anxiety churned in her stomach. She had to do this, but it wasn't going to be easy.

"Hey, Sunghoon," Hana called out, trying to keep her voice steady. Sunghoon turned to her with a small, welcoming smile, his expression as calm and composed as ever.

"Yeah?"

"Can we talk?" Hana asked, the tension in her voice unmistakable. Sunghoon's smile faltered slightly, but he nodded, closing his locker.

They found themselves sitting on the bleachers in the schoolyard, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the grass. The breeze was cool and gentle, but it did little to calm the storm brewing within Hana.

"Why did you do this?" Hana blurted out, her voice shaky yet filled with resolve. Sunghoon looked at her, confusion clouding his features.

"Did what?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"This whole article thing," Hana pressed, struggling to keep her composure. "I know you're the one who posted it."

Sunghoon's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening slightly as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What!? What the hell-why would you think that?"

"I don't think. I believe. So drop the defenses," Hana muttered, looking away as she tried to steady her breathing. The chill in the breeze didn't seem so gentle anymore; it only added to the tension between them.

"Hana," Sunghoon began, his tone measured and sincere, "I really don't know what this is about, but I didn't post it. Why would I?"

Hana turned to look at him, her eyes searching his for any sign of deceit. "Well, you're his best friend. You know Heeseung better than anyone, and you've been trying to get close to me. Isn't that enough? Maybe you used me to write it-"

"Whoa, whoa. Relax there," Sunghoon interrupted, holding up his hands as if trying to slow the conversation down. "Yes, I know him, and yes, I've been trying to get to know you. But does that mean I have ill intentions? What good would posting that article do me?"

His logic was sound, too sound. Hana's resolve began to waver. Sunghoon had always been calm, composed, almost frustratingly reasonable. But now, sitting here under the setting sun, she couldn't help but feel like she had been wrong all along.

"I-" Hana hesitated, her voice softening. "I know you're frustrated, and I'll believe you if you say this wasn't you. But this is why I tried to get close to you in the first place."

"Wait," Sunghoon said, tilting his head slightly, "so you're telling me you thought I wrote it?"

Hana nodded, the weight of guilt pressing down on her chest. The way she had treated him these past few days-it was all starting to feel wrong. She had jumped to conclusions, assumed the worst, and now... now she wasn't so sure anymore.