Michaeng (Short Stories) Vol. 2

IIY 4

The next day, all eyes seemed to follow Chaeyoung as she walked to her class. Confused, she didn't understand why until a group of boys and girls blocked her path.

"You... you don't belong here... peasant," one of the guys sneered, smirking as he poked her shoulder.

"W-what?" Chaeyoung stuttered, more confused than ever.

"You're nothing but a poor loner. It's embarrassing to even have you here at this school," he continued with a smug grin. Chaeyoung tried to stay calm, taking a deep breath, and attempted to walk past them, ignoring their harsh words.

"Where do you think you're going?! I'm not done talking to you," the guy snapped, reaching out to grab her.

Before his hand could make contact, someone blocked his way. "Mind your own business, Bambam," Tzuyu's cold voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Why don't you mind your own business, Tzuyu?" Bambam shot back, glaring at her.

Tzuyu stepped forward, her eyes fierce as they met his. "Touch Chaeyoung again, and I won't hesitate to test my combat skills on you."

Bambam scoffed. "You think I'm scared of you—"

Before he could finish, Tzuyu swiftly kicked Bambam in the groin, sending him crashing to the ground in agony.

"You bitch!" Bambam growled, clutching himself, and swung his fist, aiming for Tzuyu. But before he could land a punch, someone caught his hand mid-air.

It was Yoo Jeongyeon, Tzuyu and Dahyun's friend from high school. They all studied in the same school together with Mina's group, she stood with a calm yet deadly presence, ready to back her friends. "you are already in college but you're still the same asshole kid" Jeongyeon uttered coldly.

"Jeongyeon?" Bambam's eyes widened in surprise. "I thought you transferred to London?"

Jeongyeon gave him a sly grin. "Changed my mind. So you better think twice before messing with my friends again."

Bambam scoffed, clearly frustrated, but he turned and walked away without another word.

"Jeongyeon! You're back!" Tzuyu exclaimed, throwing her arms around her old friend in a tight hug.

"I guess I am," Jeongyeon chuckled, hugging her back. "How've you been, Tzuyu-ah?"

"busy? but we've got a new friend," Tzuyu replied, glancing toward Chaeyoung.

Jeongyeon smiled and extended her hand. "I can see that. Hi, I'm Yoo Jeongyeon."

Chaeyoung took her hand gratefully. "Hi, I'm Son Chaeyoung. And thank you both for saving me back there. They just came at me out of nowhere. I didn't even do anything."

"It's because of this!" Dahyun called out, jogging over to them. "Someone leaked your profile."

Chaeyoung's eyes widened in shock. "Who would do such a thing?" Tzuyu's voice was laced with anger.

"I don't wanna point fingers, but I bet it's her," Dahyun said, her tone dark.

Chaeyoung sighed, her frustration building. "It's Mina, isn't it?"

"Mina?" Jeongyeon asked, confused. "Why would she do that?"

"Because Chaeyoung bumped into her—twice," Dahyun explained.

As they walked to class together, Chaeyoung spotted Mina sitting with her friends, laughing and chatting as if nothing had happened. Chaeyoung avoided eye contact, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She hated the situation, but the truth was, she was poor—and proud to be here despite it.