Hearts Entwined || PpoToz

CHAPTER 21

NO ONE POV

The next day was no easier for Yooyeon. Every movement sent sharp jolts of pain through her body, the bruises from last night’s “punishment” still fresh and throbbing under her clothes. She winced as she tried to adjust her position in her seat, hoping no one noticed the discomfort that was etched across her face.

But Seoyeon noticed. She always noticed. Across the classroom, she exchanged a look with Nakyoung, the kind that needed no words. They both knew what was going on, and it was tearing them up inside.

As the lunch bell rang, the students began to file out of the classroom, eager to head to the cafeteria. Yooyeon stayed behind, dragging her feet as she finally stood and made her way out. She waited until the hallways were nearly empty before starting her slow, painful walk to the cafeteria. She preferred it this way—less chance of anyone noticing her limp or the way she winced with each step.

But Yooyeon didn’t realise she was being followed. Seoyeon, Nakyoung, and Xinyu trailed behind her, their concern growing with each step she took. The trio moved in silent agreement, knowing they couldn’t let her suffer in silence any longer.

When Yooyeon reached the middle of the empty hall, Seoyeon gave a slight nod, and they all quickened their pace. Before Yooyeon could react, they grabbed her arms gently but firmly and guided her toward the nurse’s office.

The sudden tugging made her wince, pain shooting through her side, but she bit her lip, refusing to let a sound escape. She knew what they were doing, and part of her was relieved, but another part of her dreaded the confrontation that was about to come.

They entered the nurse’s office, and the trio wasted no time getting Yooyeon to sit on the bed. Seoyeon stood in front of her, her face serious and eyes unwavering.

"We know," Seoyeon said, her voice steady but soft, like she was delivering a truth she wished she didn’t have to.

Yooyeon’s heart skipped a beat. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at Seoyeon, shock and fear washing over her. "Who… who told you?" she whispered, her voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and betrayal.

Seoyeon and Xinyu didn’t say a word. Instead, they both turned their heads in unison toward Nakyoung, who was rummaging through a nearby cabinet, searching for something.

Nakyoung froze, feeling the weight of their gazes on her back. Slowly, she turned around to find everyone’s eyes on her. The guilt that had been gnawing at her since the day before now sat heavy on her shoulders. She knew why they were all staring, and her heart sank.

"I’m sorry, Yooyeon," Nakyoung said softly, her voice full of regret. She clutched the med kit in her hands, looking down at it as if it held the answers she couldn’t give.

Yooyeon just sighed, the tension in her shoulders relaxing slightly. "It’s okay," she said, her voice resigned. There was no anger in her words, just a deep weariness. She knew Nakyoung hadn’t meant to betray her. They were family, after all, and Nakyoung was probably just worried about her. Yooyeon had always been good at hiding her pain, but even she couldn’t do it forever.

Nakyoung stepped forward, med kit in hand, her expression softening into one of determination. "Let us help you," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "Show me where it hurts."

Yooyeon hesitated for a moment, her instincts screaming at her to stay silent, to keep her pain hidden away like she always had. But when she looked at the faces of her friends—no, her allies—she saw only concern, not pity. They weren’t here to judge her or to pity her. They were here to help, and for once, she decided to let them.