𝖱𝖾𝖻𝖾𝗅 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍, 𝖣𝗂𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖲𝗈𝗎𝗅

ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ⁴: ᴿᵘᵐᵒʳˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᴿᵉᵛᵉˡᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿˢ

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The next few days passed in a blur of tension and whispers. Irene tried her best to keep her head down at school, but the news of her encounter with Heeseung had spread like wildfire. Everywhere she turned, she could feel the curious stares and hear the hushed whispers of her classmates.

"Did you really see Kim Irene with Lee Heeseung?" one girl whispered as Irene walked by.

"Yeah, I heard they went on a joyride together. Can you believe it?" another chimed in, her voice dripping with disbelief.

Irene clenched her fists, trying to ignore the gossip swirling around her. During lunch, her friends gathered around her table, glancing at her with a mix of concern and excitement.

"So, are you and Heeseung like, a thing now?" Yuna asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Irene hesitated, her mind racing. "We're just hanging out. It's not that serious."

But her friends exchanged glances, clearly not convinced. Just then, a familiar voice cut through the noise. Yeji and Karina, two of the most popular girls in school, sauntered over, their expressions a mix of disdain and amusement.

"Well, well, if it isn't Kim Irene, the rebel," Yeji said, her tone mocking. "Hanging out with the school's bad boy? How original."

"Like, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Karina added, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Heeseung isn't exactly your type. He's, like, way too... rough for someone like you."

Irene felt heat rise to her cheeks, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "And what makes you think you know what my type is?"

Karina leaned in closer, a smirk playing on her lips. "I'm just saying, I know him better than you do. We hooked up last year. He's not looking for a long-term relationship, and I doubt he'd even want to be seen with you in public."

The words stung more than Irene cared to admit, a mixture of insecurity and humiliation washing over her. "You don't know anything about me or him," she shot back, her voice trembling with anger.

"Calm down, Irene," Yeji chimed in, feigning concern. "Just remember who you are. You don't want to ruin your reputation over a guy like that."

Irene's friends jumped to her defense . "Leave her alone, Karina. She can make her own choices."

"Yeah, you're just jealous," Ningning added, glaring at the two girls.

But Irene could barely hear them. Karina's words echoed in her mind, drowning out the supportive voices around her. She pushed her chair back abruptly, standing up. "I need some air."

The rooftop of the school was quiet, a sanctuary away from the chaos below. Irene leaned against the railing, staring out at the horizon as tears threatened to spill over. Why did she let Karina's words affect her so much? She had always tried to live up to her father's expectations, to be the perfect daughter, but now she felt like she was failing at everything.

As she wiped her eyes, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Jeongin, the class president, standing there with a curious expression. He was well-liked and respected, known for his charm and good looks. His presence only intensified her feelings of inadequacy.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice warm and inviting. "I saw you leave the cafeteria. Are you okay?"

Irene swallowed hard, feeling vulnerable under his gaze. "Yeah, just... dealing with some stuff."

"Is it about Heeseung?" Jeongin asked, a hint of concern in his eyes.

She nodded, her heart racing at the thought of discussing her troubles with someone like him. "I don't know. There are rumors going around, and it feels like everyone has an opinion about who I should be with."

Jeongin's expression softened. "I get it. People can be really judgmental. But you shouldn't let them dictate your choices."

"Easier said than done," she replied, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "I'm not exactly known for making the best decisions."

"Sometimes, it's the choices that scare us the most that lead to the greatest experiences," he said thoughtfully. "You have to do what feels right for you, not what everyone else thinks."

His words resonated with her, but the shadows of her father's expectations loomed large. "I don't know how to balance what I want with what my dad wants."

"Maybe it's time to find your own path," Jeongin encouraged, his tone gentle. "You deserve to be happy, Irene. Just remember, no one can define you but yourself."

In that moment, something shifted within her. She felt a flicker of hope, a realization that maybe she didn't have to choose between herself and what others expected of her.

As they stood together in the fading light, Irene realized that perhaps she could carve out her own identity, one that embraced both her adventurous spirit and the expectations of her family.

"Thanks, Jeongin," she said softly, feeling a sense of gratitude swell within her. "It really helps to hear that."

"Anytime," he replied, offering her a reassuring smile. "Just remember, I'm here if you need to talk."

As he turned to leave, Irene felt a strange sense of comfort, knowing that someone understood her struggle. But deep down, the desire to break free from her father's constraints—and to explore her connection with Heeseung—still pulsed in her veins, urging her to take that leap.

With a newfound resolve, she decided she would face the rumors head-on. No longer would she hide or let others dictate her happiness. She was ready to embrace her choices, whatever the consequences might be.