The Truth

Mia sat alone on the bleachers, watching the pep rally unfold before her. The cheer squad, energized and vibrant, performed their routines with practiced precision. Their cheers and chants filled the air, a symphony of enthusiasm that echoed through the gymnasium. Mia's gaze drifted towards the backup squad, her expression blank and unreadable. Hee Young, the center of attention, radiated confidence, her every move perfectly choreographed. She was the picture of what she had always strived to be – popular, confident, and admired. The crowd roared its approval, their energy infectious. The basketball game began, the energy in the gym reaching a fever pitch. The K University team, despite their valiant efforts, were trailing by three points, their frustration palpable. The tension in the air was thick, a silent battle for victory waged on the court.

The tension in the gym was thick, a palpable energy fueled by the fervent chants and shouts from K University's supporters. The stands were packed to capacity, a sea of faces united in their passion for the game. After several minutes of intense play, the first half came to an end. As the M University cheer squad launched into their routine, a wave of shock rippled through the crowd. A cascade of notifications flooded everyone's phones, their screens buzzing with the news. Murmurs and whispers filled the air as students glanced at each other, their faces a mix of confusion and disbelief. Mia, too, checked her phone, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her face. 

Just as the M University cheer squad finished their routine, Hee Young stood poised and ready, her face radiating confidence. The K University cheer squad, energized and primed for their performance, were about to begin their routine when their movements abruptly halted. Their smiles faded, replaced by expressions of shock and dismay. Hee Young's carefully constructed facade crumbled, replaced by a look of confusion and growing panic.

The video, a recording of Hee Young's confession to her despicable plot, had gone viral. It was the original version of what had happened in the cafe, capturing her callous words and the gleeful malice of her minions. But who had leaked it? And why now? 

Hee Young's gaze landed on Mia, who was now sitting amongst the cheer squad, a serene smile playing on her lips. It was a smile that seemed to mock Hee Young's shattered composure, and it fueled her rage. The whispers in the gym were growing louder, everyone pointing fingers and exchanging bewildered glances. 

     "Hee Young," the head cheerleader, her voice tight with authority and a hint of disgust interrupted the brewing chaos. 

"I'm sorry, but you have to sit this one out." 

Hee Young's expression was frozen in a mixture of disbelief and anger. She stared at the head cheerleader, then at Mia, who was now walking past her with a triumphant swagger. The weight of her actions, exposed and amplified, crashed down on her, leaving her reeling in the harsh light of public scrutiny.

Mia bent over, hands on her knees, her face slick with sweat. The adrenaline rush from the performance was fading, leaving behind a wave of exhaustion. She breathed heavily, trying to regulate her racing heart, her muscles aching from the exertion. The routine had taken everything she had, but the cheers and applause that followed were worth it. Suddenly, a smile broke out on her face, her weariness momentarily forgotten. She stood up, raising her hands in the air. Her gaze swept across the crowd, landing on her friends who were cheering wildly. Bai was live-streaming the moment, capturing Mia's triumphant return to the spotlight. Her fans, energized by the performance, were showering her with virtual gifts and positive comments. 

The final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game. The K University team, fueled by a last-minute surge, had emerged victorious, winning by a single point. The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as they celebrated the hard-fought win. 

The jubilant crowd began to disperse, their energy slowly draining from the gym, leaving behind a lingering echo of the victory celebration. Mia skipped towards her friends, her steps light and carefree. The events of the day, the drama, the tension, and the triumph, felt like a surreal dream. 

They walked out of the gym, their happy smiles reflecting the shared joy of the victory. A comfortable silence settled between them as they strolled down the hallway, each lost in their own thoughts, savoring the afterglow of the game. 

After a few moments, Chin-sun broke the silence, her voice laced with curiosity. 

 "How did you manage to prove your innocence?" She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "It happened so suddenly, so unexpectedly, that it took the entire school by shock." 

Bai, her voice tinged with amusement, chimed in.  

  "Ha! Finally, Miss High and Mighty was knocked down from her high horse." She handed Mia her phone, a mischievous grin on her face. Their eyes were fixed on Mia, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

 She wasn't entirely sure herself how it had happened, but it had unfolded like this. The night before, hiding in the shadows, she had overheard Hee Young's conversation with her minions.

     "It was easy," Hee Young had said, her voice dripping with smugness. "Park Si-Hyun is good at editing and all that stuff..."

     "Oh, I get it," one of the minions had said, her voice laced with amusement. "That fat, lovesick puppy has been chasing after Hee Young ever since we were freshmen."  Another minion chimed in, 

    "You mean that ugly, fat guy in theater arts?"  

A wave of snickers followed, before Hee Young interrupted, 

  "All I had to do was make my location known, and he definitely won't stand to see his idol humiliated."

    "So, that's where I come in," Kim Min-hi said, her voice laced with a smug satisfaction. 

     "Just a little coaxing with Hee Young's name, and Park Si-Hyun was willing to do anything." She smirked, her eyes glinting with malice. Mia's expression was  a mixture of shock and burning rage.  Another asked "But the video came within minutes of our argument. When did he get the time to..."

  "Shoot," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. Of all times when she recorded the truth , why did her phone choose to die now? 

In her frustration, she forgot she was hiding and stomped her foot, the sound echoing in the empty corridor. The girls were instantly alerted, their heads snapping towards the door. Mia, realizing her mistake, panicked and took off running, her heart pounding in her chest.

Snapping out of her reverie, Mia shrugged and shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. The three friends fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. But the question that lingered in Mia's mind was who had posted the confession video, who had uploaded the original, and why? 

Outside the campus, the group walked towards a cosmetic store, Mia excitedly ordering a variety of makeup products for tomorrow's fashion competition. They rushed back to campus, setting everything up for the big day. It was a tiring task, but they managed to finish before five in the evening. They stared at their collection of props and costumes, admiration shining in their eyes. 

   "Tomorrow is going to be your big day, Aecha!" Mia declared, her voice brimming with excitement.

 "Yes, it's super exciting," Bai agreed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What's wrong?" Chin asked, noticing Aecha's anxious expression.

      "I'm just nervous," Aecha confessed, her voice a bit shaky. "What if the judges aren't impressed by my designs? What if they look similar to someone else's?" 

   "Hey girl," Mia said, placing a hand on Aecha's shoulder, her voice soothing. 

"Breathe...one, two...see, there you go." Aecha exhaled, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "You got this, you can do this. We believe in you." They shared a warm group hug, their shared confidence radiating through the space.

  "And Chin," Mia added, her voice laced with playful teasing, "don't forget to practice the catwalk Bai and I taught you."

The sleek, black Mercedes Benz AMG G 63 glided effortlessly through the city streets, its headlights slicing through the cool night air. Inside, Sun Woo relaxed in the passenger seat, his laughter mingling with the boisterous chatter coming from the back. His close friends, Lee Tae-jun, Choi Woo-Hyun, and Jung Dae-hyun, were all slightly tipsy, their voices animated as they reminisced about their evening. Han Seung-yeon, was behind the wheels, remained clear-headed and focused, his hands expertly navigating the wheel.  

The group had spent the evening at a swanky lounge, indulging in drinks and catching up on life. Now, their night of revelry was winding down, and they were heading home, the echoes of their laughter trailing behind them like a comforting melody.

"Hey Sunwoo, I didn't know you had it in you," Lee Tae-jun commented, his voice thick with amusement. "You know, with your married life and all." 

"Yes," Choi Woo-Hyun chimed in, his words slurring slightly, "We single people had the guts, but you Sunwoo, you were like the caged animal finally released." 

Sunwoo chuckled, shaking his head in good-natured disbelief. He leaned out on window, enjoying it's cool surface . The car came to a halt at the traffic lights, the red glow illuminating the street ahead. As Sunwoo glanced out, his gaze fell upon a figure.

She moved with somewhat graceful fluidity, almost like a cat, her figure slender and seemingly delicate despite the generous curve of her bosom. Her clothes were simple, unassuming, and her long, messy hair cascaded down her back, obscuring her features. She walked close to the edge of the sidewalk, her head lowered, as if lost in thought. 

Abruptly, she lifted her head, facing forward with a straight, almost rigid posture. It was as if she was trying to model, to project an image of confidence, but her steps were uneven, occasionally veering off the sidewalk, or missing a step altogether, threatening to send her tumbling. Sunwoo could make out the faint outline of glasses perched on her face. Despite the comical nature of her movements, he couldn't help but smile. There was something about her, something intriguing, that drew his attention. A warmth, unexpected and unfamiliar, spread through him.