When Friendship Breaks Apart

This morning, for the first time, I felt extremely reluctant to go to school. There were so many things that needed to be settled, especially with exams just around the corner.

I walked sluggishly through the school gates. There were no longer footsteps matching my rhythm, no more cheerful greetings that I used to hear every morning. This vast school felt emptier, even though in reality, it was packed with students.

Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder made me flinch.

"Good morning, Miss Gloomy!" That voice… was too familiar.

I turned around, and there stood Do Hwan with his annoyingly signature smile. His eyes gleamed with warmth, as if the sun revolved only around him.

I blinked. After disappearing since yesterday, now this guy decided to show up and add to my problems?

"Why do you look like that? Did you miss me?" he teased, chuckling as he nudged my arm.

I took a deep breath. His presence alone was already enough to attract attention, and now everyone was staring at me again. The whispers returned, stabbing my ears with speculations coming from who knows where.

I didn’t respond, only continued walking. I wanted to stay away from him, to avoid more trouble. But as usual, Do Hwan just couldn't keep quiet. Why couldn't he treat me like he treated others? Just stay silent and stop bothering me.

"Ah, are you mad because I didn’t come yesterday? I just had some business to take care of," he said, as if he could read my thoughts. "Don't worry, I’m still healthy. You can stop worrying now."

I stopped walking and shot him a sharp glare.

"Worry?" I let out a cold laugh. "Who’s worried about you?"

"Then why do you look like someone who just got dumped?" he teased again.

I let out an irritated huff. He had no idea what had happened yesterday. And I didn’t care. It wasn’t his business.

There was only one thing I wanted—to fix everything with Hana. But, as always, this guy never knew when to stop.

***

I stepped into the classroom without glancing at Do Hwan even once. I could feel his eyes still watching my back, but I chose to ignore him. I didn't have the energy to argue with him right now.

As soon as I sat down, the atmosphere in the class felt different. There were no whispers like yesterday, but still, I could feel the curious stares from a few people. I tried to ignore them and opened my notebook, pretending to be busy reading.

Hana sat not far from me, but she didn’t look my way at all. Since yesterday, she had completely distanced herself, as if I was no longer someone who once shared stories with her. My chest felt tight, but I held it in. I couldn’t force her to listen to me if she didn’t want to.

Not long after, the teacher entered and announced that we would have a group assignment today. I didn’t care much until suddenly, the teacher started listing the names of my group members.

“Narin, Hana, and Do Hwan. You three will be in the same group.”

My heart instantly pounded faster. I glanced at Hana, but she remained silent, showing no expression at all.

Meanwhile, Do Hwan, who had just entered the class after me, smirked slightly. “Looks like fate really enjoys playing with us, huh?” he said casually as he pulled out a chair and sat behind me.

I chose not to respond. Before I could think further, Hana suddenly raised her hand.

“Ma’am, I want to change groups.”

The class immediately fell silent. Some students started whispering, looking at us with curiosity.

I held my breath, feeling an uncomfortable sensation creeping into my chest.

The teacher frowned. “Why? The groups were assigned based on the list.”

“I just… want to switch,” Hana’s tone was flat but firm enough to show that she didn’t want to argue.

I gripped the edge of the desk tightly. Did she really want to avoid me this much?

The teacher sighed. “Sorry, Hana. The groups can't be changed just like that. You have to work together on this assignment.”

Hana remained silent, then gave a small nod. However, without saying anything, she leaned back in her chair, staring straight ahead.

I felt Do Hwan lean slightly toward me. “Did you two fight?” he whispered softly.

I didn’t answer. Even I still didn’t know how to deal with all this.

“For today’s assignment, each group will write an analytical report on a given topic,” the teacher continued. “You must divide the work fairly because the report is due tomorrow.”

The teacher then wrote a few topics on the board:

1. The Impact of Technology on Social Life

2. Consumption Patterns of Modern Society

3. Teenage Psychology in the Digital Era

“You may choose one topic and divide the work fairly. I don’t want any members slacking off,” the teacher added before leaving the classroom.

We finally gathered and sat together. I took a deep breath and spoke up. “So, which one should we choose?”

Hana remained silent, while Do Hwan, who was lounging comfortably, looked at me as if he was waiting for something.

“Teenage psychology in the digital era?” I suggested.

“Agreed,” Do Hwan replied quickly.

I turned to Hana, waiting for her response. She didn’t say anything, only gave a small nod without looking at me.

“Alright,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Then let’s divide the work. I can do the introduction and background.”

“I’ll take the main discussion,” Do Hwan said, as relaxed as ever.

I turned to Hana again. “Hana, can you do the conclusion and references?”

Hana still didn’t speak. But after a few seconds, she finally nodded once.

I felt a little relieved, even though the atmosphere remained tense. At least we had divided the work. But just as I started writing down the main points, Do Hwan spoke again, this time with a more serious tone.

“Alright, the task is set,” he said, looking at me directly. “Now, can you explain what’s going on?”

I stopped writing. My fingers tightened around the pen. “Do Hwan, I already told you, this isn’t your business,” I whispered, trying to keep our conversation from drawing attention.

“You think we can work like this? At least don’t drag me into whatever is happening between you two.”

I rolled my eyes. “You don’t even know anything.”

“I’m going to the restroom,” Hana suddenly said before leaving the classroom without waiting for a response.

Fine. Let her be alone for now.

I then continued my work, pretending to be busy writing down the assignment points, even though my mind had been a mess from the start. Hana was gone, and now it was just me and Do Hwan.

“I really don’t understand,” Do Hwan muttered, crossing his arms. “Narin, what exactly happened?”

“There’s nothing to discuss.”

At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached, slow yet full of arrogance. I didn’t even need to look up to know who it was.

“Well, well, look who’s enjoying some alone time together,” Hye Mi’s voice rang out mockingly.

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to calm myself. I knew she wasn’t here just to say hello.

Do Hwan turned to her. “Ugh, this woman again.”

Hye Mi smirked, then glanced at me with a satisfied look. “I’m just curious. After everything that happened, you still have the guts to sit here, Narin?”

Do Hwan looked confused. “What do you mean?”

Hye Mi let out a small laugh, then glanced at him with fake sympathy. “Oh? You don’t know? How unfortunate. Turns out, Narin didn’t tell you that she’s now the main star of the school’s bulletin board.”

I clenched my fists under the desk, my jaw tightening. Meanwhile, Do Hwan looked even more puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

Hye Mi shrugged. “Oh, nothing much. Just that someone seems to have spread some interesting photos of Narin. You know, photos that could make people think all sorts of things.”

Do Hwan turned to me with a sharp look, clearly searching for an explanation. I remained silent, refusing to give Hye Mi the satisfaction of seeing my reaction.

Hye Mi leaned in slightly, her voice lower but sharper. “I wonder, don’t you feel embarrassed after all that?”

I finally looked up, meeting her gaze with defiance. “You’re wasting your time, Hye Mi.”

Hye Mi smiled smugly. “Maybe. But at least, I’m having fun.”

With that, she walked away, leaving a heavy silence between me and Do Hwan.

Do Hwan was still staring at me, his once-confused expression now turning more serious. His gaze was sharp, as if trying to break through the walls I had built around myself.

“Narin,” he called firmly yet softly. “What really happened?”

I remained silent, choosing to gather my books and papers instead. I didn’t want to talk about this, especially not with Do Hwan.

“What did Hye Mi mean just now? What photos was she talking about?” he pressed, his voice now more demanding.

I swallowed hard, still refusing to answer. If I said anything, I knew he wouldn’t let it go.

Do Hwan let out a frustrated sigh, leaning back in his chair, still watching me intently. “So, you’re not going to say anything?”

I stayed quiet.

His face hardened. “Alright then, I’ll find out myself.”

I immediately looked up, my eyes wary. “Stay out of this, Do Hwan.”

He smirked slightly, but there was no amusement in his eyes. “Too late. I don’t usually meddle in other people’s business, but you’re forcing me to.”

I bit my lip, feeling trapped in a situation that was spiraling out of control. I wanted Do Hwan to stay away from this, but I knew he wasn’t the type to let things slide.

“I’ll find out, whether you like it or not,” he said before standing up and walking away without waiting for my response.

***