UNNOTICED: True Beauty Fanfiction

CHAPTER 8

Hana started attending school later than she would usually arrive. And throughout the afternoon for the whole week, she's been aloof with her friends and sometimes stares at nothing.

Eunji tried talking to Hana about it but the way she responded had Eunji thinking there must be a reason for her actions. And all she could think of was it all started since the day Suho and the other guy almost got into a fight. Sua informed her how Hana was strange and how pale she was after it happened.

"Hana," Jugyeong appeared beside Hana who is staring right out her window, "we'll have to hang out after class and you can't say no to this."

Jugyeong flashed her sweetest smile. No matter what, she has to succeed. The three of them have been bugging her all morning to be the one to ask Hana.

"Okay," Hana said in a low, soft voice, "but I shouldn't stay long."

Jugyeong slammed both of her palms on Hana's desk which startled everyone present in the classroom.

"What the--" Kibum, one of their classmates said.

"Hana, if we hang out and you go home first, that's a total bum!"

"Well," Hana avoided Jugyeong's gaze, "I have stuff I need to do."

"Like what, staring at nothing?" Chaerin chimed in.

"Chaerin!" Sua said.

Hana stood up and let out a sigh, "she's right though."

The three, Jugyeong, Sua, and Chaerin froze when Hana walked away. They were stunned when Hana walked pass by them and made her way out of the classroom.

Eunji witnessed everything and by this time, she realizes Hana is back to what she's been trying to break free. 'What made you go back to this?'

Inside the karaoke place, Sua, Jugyeong, and Chaerin's disappointment were written all over their faces.

"Hey, Sua, you said this place is packed with HOT guys?" Chaerin shakes her friend.

"I'm as surprised as you, okay?"

"Whatever, let's just enjoy." Jugyeong shrugged.

The four of them followed Jugyeong, the three were excited but Eunji's mind has been with Hana since lunch break. And Hana's mind is drifted to her past guilt.

Sua and Chaerin had a blast and wouldn't put the microphone down unless they need to drink or pee. Since Eunji couldn't sing well, she refused to choose a song. Not wanting to ruin their hearing. Jugyeong, on the other hand, doesn't know any of today's songs as she's into bands and she's afraid that her friends wouldn't appreciate it if she started singing something they don't like.

Sua moaned, "I'm so tired."

"Shh!" Chaerin made a silence sign.

Everyone in the room kept quiet and tried to listen to what Chaerin heard. And when they did, they were surprised by how well the person next door is and pushed Jugyeong outside to check who it is.

But Hana recognized the voice and the technique. She hurried out after Jugyeong left and ran towards the bus stop, not bothering looking back.

Her mind is overwhelmed with the scenarios from the past, voices are trying to control her senses and she knew if she couldn't keep calm, she won't make it home safely.

"Come on, Hana. Come on."

Hana stopped running in the middle of the pavement. She tried to breathe in and out to calm down and clear her mind.

"Sh*t!" she cursed herself, her hands are still trembling and her legs are shaking.

Hana squatted down, clasping her hands together unto her chest.

"Come on!" she said loudly, and a tear fell down her cheeks.

"Excuse me?" the person tapped Hana's shoulder, and she froze. "Are you okay? You're crying."

The person's voice was softer than Seojun's so Hana took the courage to wipe her tears and face the person who spoke to her. But to her surprise, it was Suho.

Suho raised a brow when he saw Hana.

"You're Jugyeong and Sua's friend."

Hana just nodded and tried to not stumble as she gets up but Suho voluntarily helped her get on her feet.

"What are you doing here, crying?" Suho's expression hasn't changed. His cold demeanor hasn't left but the way he's spoken his words are softer than his usual tone.

Hana remained silent.

"I'll get you a cab."

Before Suho could, Hana grabbed his sleeves and looked away.

"What?" the tone changed back to his usual tone and she shivered.

"I-I'll take the bus. Thank you." Her voice is too soft and too low for Suho to hear but understood that she's going to take a bus home.

"Okay."

Hana heaved a sigh before walking towards the bus stop, but she felt Suho followed behind her; she stopped her tracks and turned to face him.

"Hm?" Hana hummed a question but Suho just plainly stared at her with his cold stare confusing her furthermore.

"Why are you following me still?"

"Just walking you since we have the same destination."

Hana sighed and started walking again, this time, she remained silent until they got to the bus stop.

Although it is hard for her to admit, bumping into Suho somehow made her at ease but there is something in him that intrigues her. And her curiosity increases when he heard Suho was about to fight Seojun and how he was too pissed to see him. 'Are we alike?'

Hana looked at Suho when she saw her bus arrived, but his eyes were also fixated to the incoming bus.

"Your bus?" she asked, but Suho just took a glance at her.

After a couple of seconds, he spoke. "We live in the same neighborhood, I often see you."

"Oh," Hana unwittingly bit her lower lip in embarrassment. Her ears turned pink.

When the bus stopped in front of the waiting area, Suho slightly pushed Hana towards it and moved behind her to guard her against the aggressive commuters. As soon as they got on board, Hana thanked Suho.

The bus was packed, they have to stand until they arrive.