Fighter || Lookism x Reader

18

It had been a little over two weeks since the incident at the school retreat, and you were finally returning to school, despite the efforts of Gun of not letting you go, declaring it wouldn't be safe after the text message about your grandmother.

The moment you stepped through the front gates, it was like entering a pressure cooker. The whispers started immediately, spreading through the hallways like wildfire. You had expected rumors, sure, but not like this.

Everywhere you went, heads turned, conversations abruptly halted as you passed. You could hear the snippets of gossip as you walked with your head held high, trying to act like it didn't bother you.

"That's her, right? The girl who got caught doing stuff with the instructors?"

"I heard she fought them off, like some action hero."

"No way, I heard she was kidnapped, and Zack had to rescue her!"

The stories were wildly exaggerated, each one more ridiculous than the last. You felt your skin prickling under the weight of their stares, but you pressed on, determined not to let the rumors get to you. After everything that had happened at the retreat, the last thing you needed was to deal with high school drama.

When you finally reached your classroom, Mira and Zoe were already waiting for you. Mira's eyes widened the moment she saw you, and she rushed over, pulling you into a tight hug.

"(Y/N)! Are you okay? I've been worried sick!" Mira exclaimed, squeezing you like she hadn't seen you in years.

Zoe, always more reserved, stayed seated, her arms crossed, but there was a soft glint of concern in her eyes. "You're the talk of the school, you know. The rumors are... well, they're something."

"Yeah, I noticed," you muttered, pulling away from Mira's hug. You sat down at your desk with a sigh. "What exactly are they saying?"

Zoe leaned back, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Oh, you know, the usual. That you fought off a gang of rogue instructors with your bare hands or that you're secretly dating one of them. It's absurd."

Mira's brow furrowed. "Are you sure you're okay to be back? It's a lot to deal with, especially after what happened..."

You shrugged. "The rumors were going to spread no matter what. Might as well face them now instead of later."

Mira's face softened with concern, but Zoe let out a low whistle. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, half the school thinks you're some kind of badass now."

"Great," you said dryly. "That's exactly what I need."

As if on cue, Zack entered the room, his presence causing the whispers to dial down for a moment. His usual confidence was tempered by something softer, more guarded. The rumors hadn't spared him either—students were already whispering about how he'd "heroically" rescued you.

"You shouldn't be here," Zack said softly, moving to sit beside you, his voice low enough that only you could hear.

You offered a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "I needed distraction."

Zack's expression darkened slightly. "Ignore the rumors. People don't know what really happened, and they don't need to."

"Easier said than done," you sighed, glancing around at the students still sneaking glances at you and Zack. The weight of their stares was exhausting.

Mira fidgeted with her pen, clearly uncomfortable. "People are just bored, (Y/N). This will all blow over soon."

Zoe, on the other hand, seemed far more amused by the whole situation. "Yeah, if you can survive this week, they'll find something else to gossip about."