Hearts Entwined || PpoToz

CHAPTER 24

NO ONE POV

The next day, the school buzzed with an undercurrent of excitement and tension. Whispers and curious glances were exchanged in hallways, classrooms, and the cafeteria. The mysterious video had caught everyone’s attention, and the QR code stickers that Yubin had strategically placed around the school were being scanned left and right.

Yoojin was the name on everyone’s lips, but not in the way she was used to. Instead of admiration or fear, the tone had shifted to one of suspicion and disdain. The once-powerful student was now the subject of intense scrutiny, and for the first time, cracks began to show in her seemingly untouchable façade.

Meanwhile, the group gathered in their usual spot during lunch. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of nervous energy and anticipation as they huddled around Yubin’s laptop, watching the video that had set the entire school ablaze.

Nakyoung, having just finished watching it for the third time, leaned back in her chair, genuinely impressed. “I have to hand it to you two, this is genius,” she said, flashing a grin at Mayu and Yubin. “You really outdid yourselves.”

Mayu couldn’t help but beam with pride. Yubin, on the other hand, blushed slightly, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks under Nakyoung’s praise. She had been so focused on getting the video out there that she hadn’t considered the reactions of her friends.

“Well, it was a team effort,” Yubin mumbled, trying to downplay her contribution, though the flush on her face betrayed her modesty.

Seoyeon, always the one to voice her thoughts directly, furrowed her brow slightly as she replayed a portion of the video. “I have to ask, though... why does it look like a school presentation?” she questioned, tilting her head as she watched the clean transitions and neatly organized points.

Xinyu burst into laughter, her amusement echoing through their small group. “You know, she’s got a point! I half-expected you to start talking about the benefits of recycling or something.”

Mayu and Yubin exchanged glances, then shrugged in unison. “That’s what makes it interesting,” Yubin said, echoing the sentiment she’d shared with Mayu the night before. “It’s unexpected. People don’t see it coming, and it gets the message across in a way that sticks.”

Sohyun, who had been quietly observing the interaction, raised an eyebrow as she looked at the screen. “Well, it’s definitely gotten people talking. But now it’s a waiting game. We need to see how Yoojin reacts to all this.”

Yooyeon, sitting beside Sohyun, nodded in agreement, though her expression remained tense. The video had brought back memories she’d rather not revisit, and seeing the impact it was having on the student body made her feel conflicted. But she knew this was necessary—exposing Yoojin for what she truly was.

The group settled into a thoughtful silence as they considered Sohyun’s words. The video was out, the truth was spreading, but they all knew this wasn’t over. Yoojin wasn’t the type to back down easily, and her next move could be anything.

Mayu leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed, a determined look on her face. “Whatever she does, we’re ready for it. We’ve got the truth on our side, and now everyone knows

•••

In class, the air was charged with tension, but it wasn’t from the usual hum of academic stress. The whispers floating around the room were all about Yoojin. The video had taken hold of everyone’s attention, and now Yoojin was the subject of hushed conversations and curious glances. Seoyeon noticed the shift and couldn’t help but smile. Everything was falling into place. She glanced over at Yooyeon, catching her eye, and they shared a quiet, knowing smile.