The Birth of a Rumor

Today was another day for Yvienna. She strolled happily through the university corridors, enjoying the peaceful morning. But as she turned a corner, a crowd of students caught her attention. Their hushed whispers and furtive glances piqued her curiosity. She approached them, and as if sensing her presence, they all turned to look at her.

Her gaze shifted to the bulletin board. The students instinctively made way for her, their murmurs growing louder.

"A whore who stole someone's boyfriend."

The words burned into her vision, scrawled across a picture of her and Kyle beneath the tree, where she had merely been resting. Her breath hitched. Her mood darkened as she scanned the other pictures pinned up beside it.

"Miss Bratty caught flirting with two men."

Another accusation, this time accompanied by an image of her and Nico at the piano, followed by another shot of her walking beside Kyle across the field.

Fury bubbled within her.

"Who the hell posted these ridiculous rumors?!" she demanded, her sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd. No one met her eyes; they shrank away, intimidated by her presence.

Without hesitation, she tore the pictures down, ripping them to shreds.

"Do you want me to take all of your eyes?!" she snapped.

The crowd dispersed instantly, fear evident in their hurried steps. With a frustrated sigh, she turned and stormed toward her classroom. Her once bright mood was now replaced with seething anger. Who had the audacity to spread such lies?

"Are you okay, Yvienna?" Tiffany asked gently, sliding into the seat beside her.

"You knew about it too?"

"Y-yeah… I just saw it now. Some students were even handing out flyers," Tiffany admitted hesitantly.

Yvienna clenched her jaw. The nerve of these people. Her eyes flickered toward the empty seat she always looked forward to seeing occupied.

"He's still not here?" she murmured under her breath.

Their professor entered, his gaze lingering on her with concern. He had obviously heard the rumors, too. Of course, he had.

"Class, let me remind you—spreading baseless gossip only tarnishes the university's reputation. If anyone knows the source of these rumors, report it immediately."

"So, he only cares about the university's reputation?" Tiffany muttered.

"That's life, Tiff," Yvienna replied, exhaustion lacing her voice.

After class, the two headed to the cafeteria. The moment they stepped inside, all eyes were on Yvienna. She ignored the stares, rolling her eyes, but a familiar face caught her attention.

"Tiff, I think Andrew wants you to go with him. He keeps waving."

Tiffany glanced over at Andrew, who was standing not too far away. She reached out to pull Yvienna along with her, but Yvienna quickly stepped back.

"Just go alone. I need some air."

Tiffany hesitated but ultimately let her go. Yvienna carried her tray and walked toward the field, seeking solace in the quiet. She sat down, savoring the peace, but her thoughts drifted to her phone. Since yesterday, he hasn't replied.

"I hope he's fine," she whispered.

"Who?"

The sudden voice made her jump.

"Sorry for startling you," Nico chuckled, settling beside her.

Yvienna sighed. "Are you sure you should be here with me? What if someone sees us?"

He merely laughed. "Rumors are just rumors. They shouldn't make you anxious or scared. You know who you are, and there are people who believe in you. That's what matters."

He handed her a banana milk. She took it, a genuine smile touching her lips.

"Thanks, Nico."

"I already talked to the student council and the dean. They're taking action, so don't worry. Everything will be fine, Yvi."

She let out a small sigh of relief, but he wasn't done teasing her.

"But tell me, why do they call you Miss Bratty?"

"Because I'm really a brat," she answered between bites of food.

"I don't believe that. You look like an angel."

She choked on her food, making him laugh. "I'm sorry! Here, drink some water."

She took the bottle he offered, gulping it down before shooting him a glare. "Thanks. Do you want some food?"

"Nope, I already ate. I just saw you here alone, so I came to check on you."

"Don't you have class?"

He shook his head. "Nope."

She nodded, finishing her meal while he took her tray back to the cafeteria. As she made her way to her next class, a familiar face caught her attention. A woman stood nearby, glaring at her with unmistakable hostility. But the moment their eyes met, the woman turned away, disappearing into the crowd.

"Where have I seen her before?" Yvienna murmured to herself.

Shrugging it off, she headed to her locker. Since her next class was Physical Education, she needed to change. As she grabbed her PE uniform, a small note fluttered to the ground.

Curious, she picked it up and unfolded it.

"You're just lucky today, Brat."

She scoffed, unimpressed. "How ridiculous."

Without another thought, she tore the note in half and tossed it into the trash. Whoever was behind this nonsense was clearly jealous.

She was about to head to the gym when a familiar figure caught her eye.

Kyle.

She gasped as she saw him gripping Cassandra's arm tightly. His expression was a storm of anger. Cassandra struggled to break free, but his grip remained firm.

Yvienna quickly stepped back, pressing herself against the wall as Kyle's gaze swept toward where she had just been standing.