Lost In You

Chapter 7 - Dreadful Monday

Aneung

The next two days were pure agony. I barely left my room, curling up in bed as I cried endlessly over Professor Neung. Her harsh words had ripped through me, cold and final, like a dagger twisted in my heart. My first love—destroyed so carelessly. Where did I go wrong? The memory of that night kept replaying, tormenting me with every replay, every echo of her voice.

I tried to distract myself with assignments, but when it came to the Fine Arts project—her subject—I would break down all over again. Each attempt brought back the pain, forcing me to relive the rejection.

Monday came too soon. My eyes were swollen and puffy as I made my way downstairs. Grandma was waiting for me, concern etched on her face. She looked at me, her worry apparent.

"Aneung, what happened to your eyes? You've been locked up all weekend."

"Nothing, Grandma. I just couldn't sleep well." I forced a smile, unwilling to let her in on the wreckage that was my heart.

She nodded, hesitant but trusting my lie. "Alright, but take care at school. Stay out of trouble."

I gave her a simple nod, leaving the house in a fog. My phone buzzed with messages from Yui, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. I had no words, no strength to explain. I just wanted to be alone.

When I finally arrived at class, I paused outside the door, heart pounding. How was I supposed to face her? The woman who had so easily discarded me after stripping away my innocence, leaving me shattered and hollow.

I took a deep breath and entered.

There she was, Professor Neung, as beautiful as ever, her hair half-tied in a bun, looking softer than usual. The same woman who had captured my heart only to crush it underfoot. She looked up as I walked in.

"Aneung," she said, her voice low and husky, but detached. She was perfectly composed, like nothing had ever happened between us.

I didn't respond. I couldn't. I quietly went to my seat, my chest tight with the ache of unspoken words.

Throughout the lesson, I barely heard a thing. My eyes were glued to her, every movement reminding me of the way her hands had touched me, the way she had whispered my name in the dark. That night—our night—haunted me, a memory that refused to fade.

Suddenly, I snapped back to the present as the class fell silent. I could feel everyone staring at me.

"Aneung," Yui whispered, nudging me.

"Huh?" I blinked, confused and disoriented.

"Professor asked you something," Folk added, his voice low.

Before they could repeat the question, Professor Neung's voice cut through the silence.

"Miss Aneung, where are you right now?" Her tone was measured, but there was a flicker of something underneath.

"I... I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention," I muttered, my face hot with embarrassment.

Her gaze didn't waver. "Meet me in my office after class," she said, leaving no room for argument.

I sighed. The last thing I wanted was to be alone with her again, but I knew I had no choice.

As the class ended, Professor Neung announced a class trip to Chiang Mai, sparking excitement among the students. But even that couldn't lift my spirits. My mind was too clouded by the weight of everything that had happened.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Yui asked gently as we packed up. Her touch was soft on my arm, but I could barely muster a response.

"I'm fine. You guys go ahead. I'll catch up later," I said, forcing a smile. They exchanged glances but didn't push me further.