once friends, now more

Chapter 6

Jiyoon's pov: 

"But seriously, who started this rumor about me?" I asked, leaning in with genuine curiosity. The earlier tension had eased, replaced by a spark of intrigue.

Jungeun paused, recalling the moment. "I remember the girls were gossiping, and they mentioned that Jiyeon was the one who told them."

"Jiyeon? I've always heard she was rude and constantly caused trouble, but I can't believe I'm seeing it with my own eyes." I shook my head in disbelief.

"I think she's in class 1-03." Jungeun said, her tone thoughtful.

"She's even in the same school as us?" I couldn't hide my shock. 

I subtly nodded my head and was in deep thought. Now I have some business to settle...

The Next Day

I told my friends to go for lunch without me, lying that I had some assignments to complete. But I was actually taking the opportunity to confront Jiyeon.

Spotting Jiyeon standing with a few girls in front of the lockers outside class 1-03, I walked towards her with my jaw clenched, irritated that she was the reason my friendship with Jungeun had crumbled during our last year of middle school.

"Park Jiyeon, come with me." I demanded, trying to keep my tone steady.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "No, why should I?"

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You better come with me before I let the whole school know you dated a PE teacher."

Her eyes widened for a moment before I seized the opportunity, grabbing her by the arm and dragging her toward the rooftop.

Third person pov: 

"What's this about? I don't have time." Jiyeon rolled her eyes.

Jiyoon shot her a glare, feeling the urge to retaliate but managing to maintain her composure. "You're the one who spread the rumor about me sabotaging Jungeun's performance during the singing competition?"

Jiyeon smirked. "Oh that? Yea, I think that was me HAHAHA." She laughed loudly, clearly amused by Jiyoon's serious expression.

Jiyoon grabbed Jiyeon's collar, her voice low but fierce. "You listen here. If I catch you doing any more of this bullshit, or if you even harm Jungeun in any way again, I'm not gonna let it slide. YOU HEAR ME?"

Jiyeon smirked. "Oh please, like this little talk is going to change anything. I'll do whatever I want, so mind your own business, you country side girl." 

Jiyoon's grip on Jiyeon's collar tightened slightly, a surge of anger bubbling beneath her surface. "This isn't just about me. Jungeun worked hard all her life, and she doesn't deserve your nonsense."

"Whatever." Jiyeon said, pushing Jiyoon's hands off her and strutting away with an air of indifference.

Jiyoon stood there for a moment, watching Jiyeon strut away with a dismissive wave, her heart racing with frustration. "Unbelievable." she muttered to herself, clenching her fists at her sides. The thought of her and Jungeun's friendship being toyed with felt infuriating. She took a deep breath, determined not to let Jiyeon's attitude get the best of her.

Jungeun's pov:

After making up with Jiyoon yesterday during our discussion, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over me. The weight of the misunderstanding that had lingered between us finally lifted, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of our friendship being restored. I was grateful that we could talk things through and that Jiyoon had been willing to forgive me for jumping to conclusions.

But even as I savored that relief, a knot formed in my stomach. I couldn't shake the thought of the rumors that had circulated about Jiyoon. The accusation of sabotage had felt like a dagger to my heart, and the fact that Jiyeon had been behind it only fueled my anger. I tried to push those thoughts aside and focused on my day, throwing myself into my studies and conversations with friends, determined to forget about the chaos that had unfolded.