Unforgettable Memories

5

 I woke up early, the clock reading 6 AM. With a groan, I shifted to my side and reluctantly got out of bed. After a quick shower, I shuffled into the kitchen for breakfast, sighing at the solitude of my home.

Plugging in my earphones, I listened to music while scrolling through social media. Just as I was getting lost in the rhythm, my alarm interrupted my quiet morning, reminding me it was time to head to college.

As I walked through the bustling halls, I noticed whispers and laughter surrounding me. "Somin..." Jiyeon called out, and I made my way to her, exchanging a warm hug.

"Good morning! How are you?" I asked, hoping to brighten her mood.

"Fine. Did you hear about it?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Hear what?" I replied, my confusion deepening.

"Well, the whole victim thing. Everyone is gossiping about you and Jimin," she said, her brow furrowed.

"Just leave it. I'm fine. I don't care," I insisted as we approached our lockers.

Opening mine, I was met with a chaotic jumble of papers, packets, and trash.

"Omo, what is this?" Jiyeon exclaimed, eyes wide in surprise.

Laughter erupted from the crowd as I sorted through the mess, revealing a collection of scathing notes and foolish remarks.

"See her? How cheap. She deserves to be over there."

"Such a stupid slut. I can't wait for the next drama."

"Jimin will make her suffer."

Their words stung, igniting a flare of anger within me.

"Shut the hell up, or you'll regret it!" I spat, clenching my fists.

Jiyeon caught my arm, silently urging me to walk away. Their laughter faded, and they averted their gazes.

"What if we don't, loser? You deserve it anyway, bitch. Just take the beatings and go die somewhere in a corner, because no one will care about you. You're a lonely bitch," Chanmi sneered, striding toward me with her friends.

Fury coursed through me as I turned to face her. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm as I bent down to pick up the scattered garbage.

"Someone stinks over here," Yeri taunted, and laughter erupted again. In a moment of impulsiveness, I grabbed the trash and threw it right in her face.

Gasps filled the air, and I dusted off my arms, smirking. "Now who's garbage? Why leave trash here when it should be thrown outside?"

"How dare you!" Chanmi shouted, advancing on me.

I caught her arm, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "Listen here, filthy mouth. I'm not the weakling you think I am. Don't mess with me, or you'll wish you hadn't."

With a shove, I pushed her away. The crowd buzzed with whispers, and I glanced to see Jimin and his friends approaching.

"Oppa, see what this girl has done to me," Yeri whined, hugging Jungkook.

"What happened? How dare you do this to Somin?" Jungkook yelled, anger radiating from him.

"I don't owe you any explanations, so get lost," I shot back, turning away.

"You—" he began, charging at me, but Jiyeon stepped in front of him.

"We're sorry. She didn't mean it. Please," she pleaded.

I shot her a confused look. "Your apology means nothing to me. Save it for someone who cares," Jungkook snapped, grabbing Jiyeon by the neck.

"Jungkook, let her go!" I shouted, pushing him away and freeing Jiyeon from his grasp. She gasped for air, struggling to breathe.