A Wind Of Change [1] || EXO ✓

049: A Second Chance

***

Skies outside grew darker and the rain blurred the windows. The third period bell rang, blaring in the classroom. Students of both sections of grade ten scurried into the door of their school's huge indoor gymnasium after changing into their respective house uniforms.

"Shall we go to Guillame's after school?" Chanyeol asked, twirling the basketball on his index finger.

"Sure." Hazel responded, opening the cap of the water bottle in her hand. "Who all are tagging along?"

"Our team members and hey, you could invite your friends as well." Chanyeol replied before adding, "Is Chaerin dating anyone at the moment? Woah--easy there!" he abruptly stopped to pat Hazel's head as she choked on the water she was chugging down and spat some out of her mouth, followed by a series of coughs.

She looked at him with a teasing smile and he nervously continued, "I had a childhood friend who looked exactly like her. I was just asking. Don't go on assuming things now."

Rubber shoes squeaked, balls bounced on the polished floor as Soyeon silently made her way to the metallic bleachers, sparing a glance at Hazel who was playing basketball at the far end. If anything, Soyeon wasn't bad at sports. Just that it wasn't her priority at the moment. All she wanted was to find a peaceful corner under this well lit room and open a book to study. Right now, her utmost priority was to guard herself from the balls that were dangerously whooshing past her. The thought that they always managed to land on her- one way or the other- frightened her.

It took a matter of seconds before the nightmare she dreaded came to reality.

Rubbing the spot on her head, Soyeon swivelled around to find the trio of girls.

"Sorry," Jangmi let out a small giggle, instantly covering her mouth as Ahra elbowed her.

"Are you okay?" Chaerin asked, picking up the volleyball that was rolling on the floor.

Soyeon opened her mouth as if to say something but gritted her teeth to prevent the mean words from rolling off her tongue. Life's lessons had taught her that much. It taught her that retorting brought nothing but trouble. That was probably what they wanted. They wanted to cause her troubles, to make her look like the bad guy. She felt awfully pity for her helpless-self more than ever and the emotions that she'd kept bottled, broke out in the form of tears.

Jangmi looked around, exchanging shocked glances at each other. "I'm so sorry," she ran forward and took Soyeon to a corner to console.

Ahra mouthed an "oh-em-gee" at Chaerin as Soyeon sniffled and covered her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Jangmi repeated, her voice high-pitched and face wearing a worried look.

"Yeah, I'm okay" Soyeon said, biting her quivering lower lip.