𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | ⁿⁱˢʰⁱᵐᵘʳᵃ ʳⁱᵏⁱ

12

012 : rumors

—

THE BELL rang loudly, echoing through the corridors like a clarion call, signaling that it was finally time for lunch. I stood up, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety, before gathering my belongings and stepping out of the classroom. Today was one of those rare periods when I found myself completely alone, aside from one familiar face in the class: Kim Cho-won.

As I entered the bustling hallway, I let out a soft sigh and plugged in my AirPods, letting the comforting sound of music wash over me. I began to walk, not really paying attention to where I was headed, just following the flow of students around me. However, as I navigated through the throngs of my peers, an unsettling feeling gripped me. I could sense their eyes on me—everywhere I turned, I felt their stares drilling into my back. Each time I glanced over my shoulder, I caught a few of them quickly looking away, whispering among themselves. My brow furrowed in confusion, but I decided to brush it off, convincing myself that maybe I was just being overly sensitive.

Once we arrived at the cafeteria, the sensation of being watched intensified. As I made my way through the crowded space, it felt as though everyone's eyes were fixated on me. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as my curiosity began to swirl. Was it simply because I was the new student? I wondered, but this level of attention felt excessive, almost suffocating.

Then, amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, I spotted Minji sitting at a table all by herself. A wave of relief washed over me at the sight of a friendly face, and I smiled as I approached her. "Minji," I called out, my voice hopeful and brightening at the thought of talking to someone. She glanced up from her phone, a flicker of hesitation crossing her features before she offered a small wave in return. I tilted my head, puzzled by her demeanor, but continued to walk toward her, my heart pounding slightly in my chest.

"Hey Minji," I greeted her, trying to keep my tone light and cheerful despite the nervousness swirling around me.

"Hi, Nari..." she replied, her voice laced with an unmistakable nervousness that made my heart sink. The unease in the air was palpable as I looked down at the floor, then back into her eyes, searching for answers.

"Minji, do you have any idea why everyone is staring at me? You seem a bit off too," I asked, frustration creeping into my voice. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more going on, something I wasn't aware of.

She pursed her lips, a serious expression settling on her face as she took my wrists gently, guiding me to sit down. The warmth of her touch was comforting, and I felt a small flutter of reassurance as she reached up to fix my wispy bangs, a gesture that felt strangely intimate.

"Nari, rumors are spreading," Minji sighed, her gaze serious yet filled with kindness.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. I searched her eyes for answers, but my gaze drifted to her hand, which was holding her phone. She turned the screen toward me, revealing a picture that sent a jolt of shock through me. It was a photo of me wearing Niki's uniform, looking completely out of context, followed by another image of me gently brushing his hair out of his face while he slept.