𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 || 𝐊𝐓𝐇 [𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝] ✔

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏: 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬.

Next Day

Author's POV:

Yn entered the bustling hall, her eyes immediately landing on Jennie and Felix chatting by the corner. They greeted her warmly, and after a brief exchange of casual conversation, she mentioned needing to leave for her next class.

"Alright, go ahead!" Jennie smiled as Yn nodded, making her way toward the empty classroom.

With 9 minutes left before the next class, Yn decided to settle in early. As she entered the quiet room, she noticed someone sitting in the far corner, trembling slightly. Curious and concerned, she walked closer and found Jackson, sitting with his head down, cold sweat visible on his forehead.

Her heart clenched at the sight. Without thinking, she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Jackson flinched, his eyes darting up to meet hers, startled by the sudden contact.

"Are you okay?" Yn asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Jackson gave a weak smile, attempting to stand up but still looking shaken. "You know, no one ever asks me that... if I'm okay."

Yn stared into his eyes, sensing a deep sadness beneath the surface. "But I’m asking you now. Are you okay?" she repeated softly.

He hesitated before finally shaking his head. "No... I’m not." His voice was low, and his hands were trembling as he placed one shakily on her shoulder.

Yn studied his features, her eyes widening as something familiar struck her—a memory, a feeling, something from her past. It urged her to ask a question she hadn’t planned.

"Jack," she said hesitantly, "can I ask you something?"

Jackson blinked, surprised at the nickname. "Jack, huh? I like it. Sure, go ahead," he replied with a faint grin.

She took a deep breath, pausing before asking in a single breath, "Are you... are you taking drugs?"

His reaction was immediate. His eyes widened, freezing in place, unable to hide the shock on his face. Yn waved her hand in front of him, breaking him out of his stupor.

"How did you know?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. There was no denial—just a cold admission.

Yn’s heart dropped. *So, it’s true.*

"I... I’ve known someone in my past who was like this," she said, her voice trembling, memories of her parents flashing in her mind. "But forget that. Jackson, I know you don’t like me, and to be honest, I don’t really like you either. But... I’m asking you, please don’t take those drugs. They’re dangerous."

Jackson chuckled darkly, stepping closer. Yn instinctively stepped back.

"They help," he muttered, his gaze distant. "They help you heal."

"No, they don’t! They destroy you. Every second you use them, they’re tearing you apart!" she cried out, the pain of her own experience evident in her voice. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, memories of the suffering she’d witnessed consuming her.

Jackson noticed her tears, for the first time sensing something real—something that made him pause. "Yn... I’m not the good guy you think I am."

"I know," she replied, her voice firm. "But I’m still here, and you can talk to me. I’m listening."

His heart skipped a beat. No one had ever spoken to him like this. He stepped back, shaking his head. "Don’t do this. Don’t look at me like that. I’m not good for you," he warned, his voice laced with vulnerability.