Beneath the Moonlit Sky. | R - 18+

Part 1 - First Encounters.

Chapter 1:

The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the halls of Elmwood High, a stark contrast to Yumi's quiet demeanor as she navigated her way to her locker. She always preferred to stay out of the spotlight, blending into the background as she hurried from one class to another. With her long, blonde hair tied in a simple pigtail and a book clutched to her chest, Yumi tried her best to avoid the eyes that often lingered a moment too long.

As she approached her locker, a group of students gathered nearby, their conversation laced with playful teasing and laughter. Yumi held her breath, hoping they wouldn't notice her. But just as she turned the combination lock, a familiar voice cut through the din like a knife.

"Well, if it isn't Yumi the bookworm!" Eunchae sneered, stepping forward with her usual entourage. With her striking features and confident stride, Eunchae commanded attention wherever she went. Today, she wore a fitted top that showcased her figure and a smirk that sent chills down Yumi's spine.

Yumi tried to ignore her, focusing intently on her locker as she fought to suppress the wave of anxiety crashing over her. Eunchae had made it her mission to make Yumi's life miserable since freshman year, and the torment showed no signs of stopping.

"Hey, are you even listening?" Eunchae taunted, stepping closer. "I didn't realize you were still hiding in the shadows. Maybe you should come out and join the rest of us."

"Leave her alone, Eunchae." one of her friends said, but Eunchae waved her off dismissively.

"Why should I? She's practically begging for attention with that pathetic look." Eunchae shot back, her laughter echoing through the corridor.

Just then, a new voice chimed in, cutting through the tension like a breath of fresh air. "What's going on here?"

Yumi turned to see Floryn striding down the hall, her tall frame radiating confidence. With her striking purple and model-like presence, she turned heads effortlessly, Everyone fawned over her. Dressed in casual yet stylish clothes, she exuded an air of charisma that drew everyone's attention, including Eunchae's.

"Oh, just a little game of 'let's see who can be the biggest loser'." Eunchae replied, her tone dripping with disdain as she gestured toward Yumi.

Floryn's brow furrowed in confusion as she looked between Eunchae and Yumi. "Is that really necessary? Come on, it's high school, not a circus."

Eunchae smirked, clearly unfazed. "And who are you to lecture me? Just because you're the new model in town doesn't mean you can waltz in here and act like a saint."

Floryn stood her ground, her blue eyes narrowing. "You know what? Everyone deserves respect, even if you don't like them. If you want to be a bully, that says more about you than it does about Yumi."

Yumi felt a rush of gratitude toward Floryn, who was standing up for her in a way she never expected. But the moment was short-lived as Eunchae's expression twisted into a scowl.

"Mind your business, Floryn. You don't know anything about her." Eunchae snapped, crossing her arms defiantly. "Why don't you stick to modeling and leave the rest of us to our real lives?"

Floryn opened her mouth to respond, but Yumi interjected, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's okay, Floryn. You don't have to-"

"No, it's not okay." Floryn insisted, her gaze steady. "No one should be treated like this. Yumi deserves better."

Yumi felt a mix of embarrassment and relief wash over her as Floryn continued to challenge Eunchae. For the first time, she felt seen, and it was both terrifying and exhilarating.

Eunchae's expression hardened, and with a final glare at Yumi, she turned on her heel, her friends trailing behind her. "This isn't over, Yumi. You'll regret this."

As the group walked away, Yumi let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Floryn turned to her, a smile breaking through her initial concern. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to jump in like that."

Yumi nodded, still processing what had just happened. "Yeah, I... I'm okay. Thank you for standing up for me."

"Of course!" Floryn beamed, her energy infectious. "I hate bullies. Everyone deserves to feel safe at school."

As they stood there, an unexpected connection began to form between them. Yumi had always felt alone in her struggles, but Floryn's presence brought a flicker of hope to her otherwise bleak high school experience.

"Do you want to grab lunch together?" Floryn asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'd love to get to know you better."

Yumi hesitated, her heart racing. A part of her wanted to retreat into her shell, but another part yearned for connection. "Sure, I'd like that."

As they walked toward the cafeteria, Yumi couldn't shake the feeling that this unexpected encounter could change everything. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new-a friendship that would help her rise above the shadows cast by her past.

Sorryyyy it was too shortt, I had to use my whole braincell to process all this words🙃