Hearts Entwined || PpoToz

CHAPTER 16

NO ONE POV

The next day, the usual buzz of excitement filled the classroom as students settled into their seats. But something was off. Yooyeon, who was normally the first to engage in competitive banter with Seoyeon, seemed unusually subdued. Her responses were sharp and precise, as always, but the fire behind them was missing. It was as though her spirit had dimmed overnight.

Seoyeon noticed the change almost immediately. She had grown so accustomed to Yooyeon’s quick wit and relentless drive that the sudden shift in her demeanour was jarring. During their usual back-and-forth over who would solve a math problem first, Seoyeon couldn’t help but notice how Yooyeon’s enthusiasm seemed forced, her eyes darting around the room as if she were expecting something—or someone.

After class, as the students filed out for lunch, Seoyeon approached Yooyeon, who was quietly gathering her books. “Hey, Yooyeon,” Seoyeon began, her voice tinged with concern. “Is something wrong? You’ve been acting a bit... off today.”

Yooyeon froze for a split second before shaking her head. “I’m fine,” she replied quickly, her tone flat and unconvincing. “Just... a lot on my mind.”

Seoyeon wasn’t satisfied with the answer. Yooyeon’s usual confidence and energy were nowhere to be found, and that only made her more suspicious. “Are you sure? You don’t seem like yourself.”

Yooyeon forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just tired, Seoyeon. Nothing to worry about.”

Seoyeon frowned but decided not to push further. “Alright, but if you need to talk, I’m here.”

“Thanks,” Yooyeon muttered, turning back to her books.

As Seoyeon walked away, Yooyeon’s smile faded, replaced by a look of unease. She knew she couldn’t afford to let her guard down, not with Yoojin lurking nearby. The memory of Yoojin’s smirk and her unsettling words the day before replayed in her mind, making it impossible for Yooyeon to relax. Every sound, every movement in the classroom felt amplified, and she found herself constantly glancing over her shoulder, hyper-aware of her surroundings.

For the rest of the day, Yooyeon kept to herself more than usual. She still engaged in class, answering questions and challenging Seoyeon’s answers, but the usual spark of joy that accompanied their rivalry was missing. She was too focused on keeping track of where Yoojin was at all times, watching for any sign that she might strike.

But Yoojin, for her part, seemed content to bide her time. She went through the day as if nothing were amiss, smiling at her new classmates and participating in lessons with ease. But every now and then, when she was sure no one else was looking, she would glance at Yooyeon, her eyes gleaming with a quiet intensity that made Yooyeon’s blood run cold.

As the school day drew to a close, Yooyeon felt a growing sense of dread. She knew that Yoojin was waiting for the right moment to make her move, and the uncertainty of when or how it would happen was gnawing away at her. The thought of facing Yoojin alone, of having to confront the past she had buried so deeply, was terrifying.

When the final bell rang, Yooyeon was one of the first to leave the classroom, her movements quick and purposeful. She avoided eye contact with everyone, especially Yoojin, and made her way to the school gates with a single goal in mind: to get home as quickly as possible, where she could finally breathe without fear.

But even as she stepped out into the afternoon sun, a voice in the back of her mind whispered that there was no escape. Yoojin was here, and she wasn’t going to let Yooyeon off so easily. The past had come back to haunt her, and Yooyeon knew she couldn’t run from it forever.

YOOYEON POV

Why is she here? What does she want? Is she planning revenge? I regret messing with her every single day.

I'm in the cafeteria with Yubin and Sohyun, chatting about random things, when Sohyun suddenly turns to me with a question.

"So, how's the new kid in your class? You know I need to make sure nothing's going on since I'm the president," she says.

I freeze for a moment before answering.

"She's fine," I reply, trying to sound casual.

Sohyun nods, turning back to her conversation with Yubin. But Yubin keeps her eyes on me, frowning slightly.

"Yooyeon, is something going on? Seoyeon mentioned you've been acting weird lately," Yubin asks, her voice filled with concern.

I force a smile, shaking my head. "No, I'm fine. Just... a lot on my mind, that's all."

Yubin studies me for a moment, clearly not convinced, but eventually nods and lets it go.

Neither of them knows about my past, and I can't risk letting them find out. There's no way I can tell them the real reason I transferred here.

---

Back in class, I try to focus on the lesson, but my mind keeps drifting. When I glance over, I notice Yoojin has already found herself a group of friends. They're sitting together, laughing and chatting like they've known each other for years.

As I watch, I see Yoojin lean in to whisper something to her new friends. Her expression shifts, taking on a pained, almost victim-like look. My heart sinks as I see her friends' eyes widen in shock, their laughter fading.

And then it happens. They all turn to glare at me, their eyes filled with accusation. A cold shiver runs down my spine as I catch sight of Yoojin's lips curling into an evil smile.

This is it. This is the end for me.

---

It’s the end of the school day, and I just want to go home, but as I step outside, I see Yoojin’s friends waiting for me. They surround me, their faces twisted with anger and disdain.

“You should be in jail for what you did to Yoojin,” one of them spits out, shoving me.

I don’t respond. I can’t. I just keep my head down and try to walk away, but they don’t let me. Day after day, it’s the same—insults, shoves, tripping me in the halls, even spilling milk on me during lunch.

People notice. I see them watching, but no one says anything. No one steps in. And at home, it’s not any better. My father’s anger is a storm I can’t escape. There’s no rest, no relief.

It takes Seoyeon longer than anyone to notice. When she does, she starts defending me, stepping in when they try to corner me. But I can tell she’s confused, puzzled by how I’m letting this happen. She knows I’m not someone who backs down easily, so why now?

The truth is, I’m terrified of the consequences if I fight back. I’ve already done so much wrong. I can’t afford to make it worse. But how long can I keep this up?