Whispers filled the hallway like poison.
"I heard she was dating both."
"Jeju changed her."
"Poor Hyun… he was so sweet."
Han Nari walked faster, heart pounding.
The message had spread.
Someone leaked that both boys confessed—and made it sound like she played them.
In the Classroom
Park Hyun sat silent at his desk.
But his hands… were clenched into fists.
Then—
He stood. Loud. Sudden.
"You think this is fun?" he said, voice shaking.
Everyone turned.
"Was I just a backup to you, Nari? A second option when he hurt you?"
Gasps.
Joon shot up. "Hyun, stop."
"No. She's been playing both of us, and you're too blind to see it!"
Nari's lips trembled.
"I never lied to you."
"No?" Hyun snapped.
"Then why didn't you say no when I said I liked you?"
Silence.
Joon's voice cut through the room like a knife:
"Because she didn't want to hurt you, idiot."
The teacher slammed a book.
"Everyone, out. Now."
After School – Courtyard
Nari sat alone, knees pulled in.
Joon sat beside her.
Quiet.
Then softly:
"You okay?"
She looked at him, tears brimming.
"I didn't do anything wrong."
He gently reached for her hand.
"I know. But from now on… you won't face it alone."