Beneath the Moonlit Sky. | R - 18+

Part 2 - Unexpected connections?

Chapter 2:

The cafeteria was louder than usual, a sea of students bustling about as Yumi and Floryn made their way to an empty table by the large windows. The sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow on the linoleum floors. Yumi kept her head down, feeling small to the crowd. This wasn't her usual spot, she usually ate alone in the far corner, hidden from sight-but Floryn's vibrant energy made her feel braver, even if just a little.

Floryn placed her tray down and gestured for Yumi to sit across from her. "Perfect spot, don't you think?"

Yumi gave a small nod, trying not to look too nervous. She slid into the seat and glanced around the room, her anxiety creeping up as she scanned the faces of her peers. She could already hear the whispers from the students who had noticed them-who had noticed her sitting with the new girl everyone had been talking about. The model, they called her, as if Floryn were some kind of celebrity. And in a way, she was.

"I'm surprised you're not sitting with the other popular girls," Yumi said softly, her fingers nervously picking at her sandwich. "I'm sure they've all been trying to hang out with you."

Floryn raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "You mean Eunchae's crew? No thanks. They're nice to my face, but I can tell they're just sizing me up. Besides, I'd rather sit with someone who's not trying to impress anyone."

Yumi's heart fluttered slightly at the compliment, though she wasn't sure why. No one ever chose her. She wasn't anyone special-just a quiet girl who sketched in the back of class and did her best to stay unnoticed. "I'm not exactly the most interesting person," Yumi mumbled, her eyes lowering to the table.

Floryn leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "I think you're more interesting than you give yourself credit for. Just because you're quiet doesn't mean you don't have something to offer."

Yumi's cheeks flushed a faint pink. She wasn't used to people being kind to her, especially not someone like Floryn, who seemed to exude confidence with every word she spoke. It was strange, having someone genuinely interested in getting to know her. It made Yumi feel... exposed, but in a way that wasn't entirely bad.

They ate in a companionable silence for a while, the noise of the cafeteria becoming a distant hum as they shared small smiles and the occasional laugh. Yumi could feel herself starting to relax, the tight coil of tension in her chest loosening just a little. She hadn't realized how lonely she'd been until now-until someone made an effort to sit with her, to talk to her like she was worth knowing.

"So, what's your thing?" Floryn asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "Everyone's got a thing, right? Something they're passionate about."

Yumi hesitated, unsure of how to answer. She wasn't used to talking about herself. "I, uh, I like to draw," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Floryn's eyes lit up. "No way! That's awesome. I bet you're really good."

Yumi shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I'm okay, I guess. I don't really show my drawings to anyone."

"Why not?" Floryn leaned in, genuinely curious.

Yumi bit her lip, unsure of how to explain the knot of fear that always came with the idea of sharing her art. "I don't know. I guess I'm just... afraid people won't like them."

Floryn's expression softened, her gaze warm and encouraging. "You should never hide your talent because of fear. Art's meant to be shared, even if not everyone gets it. I'd love to see your drawings sometime."

Yumi blinked, a mix of surprise and gratitude flooding her chest. No one had ever asked to see her art before. "Maybe... maybe I can show you sometime," she said quietly, feeling a strange sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time.

Before Floryn could respond, the cafeteria doors swung open, and Yumi's heart sank as she spotted a familiar figure walking in-Eunchae.

Eunchae strolled into the cafeteria like she owned the place, her long hair swaying behind her as her group of friends followed closely in her wake. She was the type of girl who commanded attention effortlessly, her sharp features and perfect smile masking the cruelty that lay beneath. Yumi could feel her pulse quicken, a wave of dread washing over her as Eunchae's eyes scanned the room. It didn't take long for her to spot Yumi sitting with Floryn.

"Great..." Yumi muttered under her breath, her hands tightening around the edge of the table.

Floryn noticed the shift in Yumi's demeanor and followed her gaze, her expression darkening when she saw Eunchae approaching. "Is that her?"

Yumi nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yeah. That's Eunchae."

Floryn's jaw tightened, but before she could say anything, Eunchae sauntered over to their table, her smug grin widening as she took in the sight of Yumi sitting with the new girl.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Eunchae's voice dripped with mockery as she stood over them, her friends giggling behind her. "Yumi, I didn't know you had it in you to sit with someone like her. You're really stepping up in the world."

Yumi's heart pounded in her chest, but before she could respond, Floryn stood up, her expression cold and unwavering.

"Is there a reason you're here, or do you just get off on bothering people?" Floryn asked, her tone sharp.

Eunchae's eyes narrowed, clearly not used to being challenged. "And who are you, the bodyguard? Just because you're new doesn't mean you can talk to me like that."

Floryn crossed her arms, her blue eyes locked on Eunchae's. "I talk to people how they deserve to be talked to. And from what I can see, you're just a bully with nothing better to do."

Yumi could hardly believe what she was seeing. Floryn wasn't backing down-if anything, she was standing her ground in a way that Yumi had never been able to. It was both terrifying and thrilling to watch.

Eunchae's smirk faltered, her gaze flickering between Floryn and Yumi. "You don't know anything about me," she snapped, her voice laced with irritation. "Just because you've got a pretty face doesn't mean you can waltz in here and act like you own the place."

Floryn didn't flinch. "I don't need to know anything about you to see that you're insecure. People only bully others when they're unhappy with themselves."

Yumi held her breath, her stomach twisting in knots as the tension between the two girls thickened. For a moment, it seemed like Eunchae might lash out, but instead, she scoffed and stepped back.

"Whatever. You'll regret this," Eunchae muttered before turning on her heel and stalking off, her friends trailing behind her like lost puppies.

As soon as Eunchae was out of sight, Yumi exhaled, her body trembling slightly from the adrenaline. She looked up at Floryn, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "I don't know how to thank you. No one's ever stood up to her like that before."

Floryn shrugged, her usual playful smile returning. "No need to thank me. I hate bullies. People like her think they can get away with anything, but not while I'm around."

Yumi's heart swelled with a mixture of admiration and something she couldn't quite put into words. Floryn was different from anyone she had ever met-brave, confident, and kind. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to change.

As they sat back down, Yumi couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel so alone.

But as she glanced over her shoulder, she saw Eunchae watching them from across the room, her eyes narrowed in a way that sent a shiver down Yumi's spine.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.