THE 02z

chapter 13

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You gaze at her in utter disbelief.

Is she truly sorry? Sorry for shaming me and tarnishing my reputation? For betraying my trust? Absolutely not.

"Leave." You assert, fixing her with a piercing gaze as you clench your fists tightly by your side, ignoring the ache in your heart at the sight of her pained expression.

"What's happening between you two?" Your mom inquires, her voice tinged with confusion and concern evident on her face. "You two never fight.." She observes.

"Miss, may I have a moment with her?" Hanni politely asks, seeking your mom's permission.

She nods and exits the room in confusion.

Hanni then redirects her attention to you. "Let me explain—" But before she can continue, you interject firmly.

"I don't want to hear your stupid excuses, Hanni. Our friendship?" You gesture emphatically between the two of you. "Over."

Her eyes widen in shock, tears welling up within them.

You can't help but feel a pang of guilt, but you push them emotion aside.

"Don't say that. You don't know the whole story!" She exclaims, rising from her seat.

"I don't have to know the whole story, Hanni. You told Yunjin MY secret. I trusted you. How could you do that to me? You know how sensitive I am about this topic."

You raise your voice, the words heavy with emotion, tears threatening to spill from your eyes as you blink them back.

"I know, I know... and I'm deeply sorry for that. She just.... gosh. She threatened to ruin my reputation at school if I didn't divulge something you were sensitive about,"

She explains, stepping closer towards you, attempting to reach for your hand, but you withdraw.

"You didn't want to ruin your reputation, so you decided to ruin mine?!!" You respond in pure disbelief, your gaze a mix of disappointment and anger fixed upon her.

Hanni flinches at the sharpness in your tone, the weight of guilt and shame evident on her face.

"I know.. it was wrong of me to give her that information, but I was so scared. She has a lot of power at school, and she can make things really difficult for me."

She hesitantly reaches out, trying to touch your arm but you back away. "Please just forgive me.."

As you listen to Hanni's explanation, a wave of anger and frustration washes over you.

Here is your best friend, admitting to giving away your secret, all because she was afraid of a mean girl who threatened her.

It hurts, feeling betrayed by someone you trusted, someone who knew exactly what you were going through.

As she describes Yunjin's threats against both of your reputations and relationships, you're torn between wanting to forgive her and feeling resentful for what she did.