For Yonna

The breaktime chatter in the cafeteria ceased as Jiwon stormed in, her eyes blazing with fury and grief. Her face was red, and her usually neat hair was disheveled. The cafeteria fell silent, students' eyes fixed on the unfolding drama.

Jiwon marched toward Yuri, her steps deliberate. "You're disgusting, Yuri!" she shouted, her voice echoing. "You think you can replace Yonna?"

With a swift motion, Jiwon splashed water from her bottle onto Yuri's face, the liquid dripping down her cheeks. The students in the cafeteria gasped.

Minhwan stepped forward shielding Yuri, his voice calm but firm, contrasting Jiwon's hysteria. "That's enough Jiwon, I pursued Yuri. If you should come for anybody it should be me."

Jiwon's voice escalated. " You're defending her?"

Minhwan's tone turned icy. "Yuri didn't do anything wrong, leave her alone."

Jiwon's face reddened further. "Liar!" she spat. "You're just covering for her. You're heartless!"

Yuri maintained a serene expression, her eyes locked on Jiwon's, despite the shock and embarrassment. She suppressed a smile, her lips trembling slightly. "I'm sorry, Jiwon." she said softly.

Jiwon's anger boiled over, her voice cracking. "You're both heartless! You're despicable!" She spun around, storming out of the cafeteria, leaving an awkward silence.

The whispers spread like wildfire, students exchanging curious glances. Yuri's eyes met Minhwan's, a hint of gratitude and relief in her gaze. The cafeteria slowly returned to normal, the tension lingering. 

Minhwan's eyes locked onto Yuri's, concern etched on his face. "Yuri, are you okay?" he asked softly.

Yuri nodded wiping the water on her face, her expression serene. "I'm fine, Minhwan. Jiwon will get over it. She's just grieving."

She deserves a f*cking award.

Minhwan's gaze lingered, ensuring Yuri's composure wasn't a facade. Satisfied, he nodded.

The tension in the cafeteria soon dissipated, replaced by an unspoken understanding between them. Students resumed their conversations, casting curious glances.

~~~~~

The bus rumbled down the bustling street, Yuri gazing out the window at the fading daylight. The day's events still lingered in her mind. Suddenly, Jiwon slid into the adjacent seat, munching on chocolate, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"How was my acting?" Jiwon asked, her voice low and playful. "Did I convincingly portray the enraged best friend?"

The night before Yuri had messaged Jiwon informing her of the completion of phase one.

"What's phase two?" Jiwon inquired.

"We figure out more about the victims and how they got involved with the Sorority club." Yuri had swiftly texted back.

" Now that you're dating that jerk, I can't remain calm about it or your jerk of a boyfriend will sense something's fishy."

" How about you cause a commotion at the cafeteria tomorrow?"

Jiwon sent Yuri a grinning fox sticker in reply.

She chuckled. That cunning fox. She is enjoying this more than I am.

***

Yuri raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Convincing. But was the water necessary?"

Jiwon snorted, chocolate crumbs spilling from her mouth. "Dramatic effect, darling. No lasting impact without it. I learned that from Korean dramas."

Jiwon's demeanor shifted, her expression turning serious. She handed Yuri a large, sealed envelope. "Victim intel's inside. Names, dates, locations everything I could get my hands on."

Yuri's eyes narrowed, her grip on the envelope tightened. She tucked the envelope into her bag, eyes locked on Jiwon. "Want to come over? We can discuss this further."

Jiwon shook her head hastily. "Can't. I have an urgent meeting. Rain check?"

Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

Jiwon nodded briskly. "There's a family gathering. Our extended members are going to be there. My dad insists I be there. It's the only time he gets to show me off."

Yuri nodded.

Jiwon looked at her. " We'll talk at school?"

Yuri's voice dropped to a whisper. "We can't be seen together soon. The students at school will find it suspicious."

Jiwon's eyes glinted. "Who says we will? " She stood, exiting the bus at the next stop.

~~~~~~

Yuri stepped into her room, shedding her school clothes for soft, comfortable attire. Her mind still reeled from Jiwon's findings. She rummaged through her bag, retrieving the envelope.

Emptying the envelope onto her bed, Yuri's eyes widened as she gazed at the haunting faces. Sixteen photos stared back: eight missing students and eight suicide victims. All from Pristin High School, different classes, ages and backgrounds. Jiwon's meticulous note caught her attention:

"Interviewed acquaintances, friends and family. No apparent ties to the Sorority club or each other. Only commonality: Pristin High. No shared classes, clubs, or social circles."

Determined, Yuri crafted a makeshift investigation board, pinning up photos on a large piece of cardboard. Strings crisscrossed, seeking connections. She labeled each photo with victim names, dates and circumstances. Her gaze scanned the faces, searching for patterns.

Yuri examined each photo, noting: Age, grade and school activities, Friend circles, Interests, Last seen locations...

Her eyes narrowed, focusing on subtle similarities. What tied these victims together? The picture of the student sent to her was missing. Was it coincidence or sinister design?

"Dinner, Yuri!" her mother called from downstairs, breaking the concentration.

Yuri hastily hid the board in her closet, ensuring her room seemed untouched. She rushed downstairs, closing the door behind her, her mind still racing.

Over dinner, Yuri's mother inquired about her day. Yuri's responses were vague, her thoughts preoccupied.

Yuri's parents exchanged concerned glances, noticing her detachment. "Yuri, is everything okay? Talk to us if something's bothering you," her mother urged, her voice laced with warmth.

Yuri forced a cheerful smile, attempting to reassure them. "Thanks, Mom. Dinner was delicious." She pushed her chair back, gathering her dishes.

Later, Yuri descended to the dimly lit living room, finding her parents on the worn couch, TV flickering. "Mom, Dad...I need help with school," she began, her voice hesitant.

Her parents turned, attentive, setting aside their tea cups. "What is it, sweetie?" they asked in unison, their expressions supportive.

Yuri hesitated, knowing her parents still grappled with Yonna's demise. "The new teacher assigned us a project. We have to find a common link among students who...ended their lives." Yuri's gaze met her parents', witnessing the pain underneath their facade.

The room fell silent, with heavy unspoken grief.

"Same class or friends?" her father inquired, brow furrowed.

Yuri shook her head. "No connection besides attending the same school." Her voice barely above a whisper. She was aware of how difficult it was for her parents to be having that conversation with her.

Her mother spoke up, her voice steady even though her eyes were welling up. "Maybe family issues? Similar struggles at home? Financial stress or—"

Yuri's eyes widened. Pretending not to notice anything. "That's it! Thanks, Mom, Dad. You're the best!" She hugged them, then hurried upstairs, her mind racing.

Pausing at her door, Yuri listened to the quiet conversation of her parents, her heart sinking. Her mother's voice cracked. "Do you think Yonna left us because we struggled? To ease our burden?"

Her father comforted her. "No, Honey. Yonna wouldn't do that. We loved her, and she knew it." His soothing tone failed to calm Yuri.

Yuri stepped inside her room, closing the door behind her. Her gaze fell upon the hidden investigation board. Determination re-ignited within her.

Yuri picked up her phone texting Jiwon.

Yuri: Hey Jiwon, just talked to my parents. They think financial struggles might be a common link among the victims.

Jiwon: That's a solid lead. I'll dig into the victims' family finances. Any specific aspects to focus on?

Yuri: Check for debt, job losses, unusual expenses, bankruptcies or foreclosures. Also, see if any families received financial aid, assistance or government support after the victim's death or disappearance.

Jiwon: Got it. I'll access public records, social media and school documents. Will update you soon.

Yuri leaned back, eyes fixed on her investigation board. Financial struggles could be a motive, but something still felt off. She pondered what could it be?

Yuri's phone buzzed, snapping her back to reality. Jiwon's message flashed on the screen:

"Breaking news: Queen bee Ji Na's back from vacation. Her obsession with Minhwan's no secret. What's your move? Be careful, Yuri."

Yuri's mind flooded with memories of Yonna's struggles. Ji Na's taunts echoed:

"Minhwan's too good for you. You're just a temporary distraction."

Yonna's tears, her broken smile, and her whispered confidences haunted Yuri:

"Ji Na won't stop, Yuri. She hates me."

Yuri's fingers flew across the keyboard:

"Ji Na's an obnoxious bitch. Time to put her in her place. For Yonna's sake."

Jiwon responded, concern etched in her words:

"Be cautious, Yuri. Ji Na's influence runs deep. Don't underestimate her connections."

Back then, I wasn't able to do anything but now...

Yuri replied, resolve firm:

"Don't worry, I've got this. For Yonna."