Chapter Text
“To your seat now, Miss Hwang,” Ms. Jung commanded, her index finger firmly pointed to one of the empty desks in the second row. However, Yeji was never one to listen and seeing Jimin next to where she was assigned, there was no way she’d do as told, so she sauntered toward the ones next to Minjeong. She was about to claim her spot when—
“Miss Hwang!” Ms. Jung scolded, hitting the table with her palm, startling almost everyone in the room except for Yeji and Jimin.
Ms. Jung had either been pushing students to the ground or inspiring them at Ridgecrest for two years, around the same time that Jimin and Yeji got admitted to the school. As ice cold as she looked, she was everyone’s favorite—an alumna of Ridgecrest, which made her immune to kids like Yeji but also sympathetic to students who needed a listening ear. But, like a reservoir, it’s a life-threatening catastrophe when her temper touches her crest.
Yeji hissed, scratching the end of her eyebrow. This school should’ve known what they’d signed up for when they decided to establish a school for outside-world-rejects.
“What?” She spat, glaring at the teacher. Ms. Jung always made a big deal of seating arrangements.
“I said, go to your seat.” Ms. Jung repeated, emphasizing each word.
“What difference would that make if I can still hear and see you anyway.”
“For everyone’s sake, sit wherever you want—just not next to Miss Kim.”
Yeji’s flagrant displays of her desire for Minjeong had plagued Ms. Jung’s class—putting her arm around Minjeong’s shoulders, smelling her hair or shoulder, holding her hand, and sometimes attempting to kiss her cheek.
“For the sake of everyone but me. I see how this school fucking hates me.” Yeji muttered, kicking the empty desk on her way to the desk she was assigned.
Ms. Jung scanned the room, her gaze coming at a stop in Jimin’s direction. “Miss Yu,” she called. Jimin only hummed in response, not even bothering to look her way. “Would you mind taking the seat next to Miss Kim?” Despite the girl’s reputation, Ms. Jung had always known Jimin to be the quiet one in her class and almost always didn’t talk back.
“You've got to be fucking kidding me.” Yeji scoffed. “You're doing this out of spite at this point.”
Jimin stood up without a word and collected her stuff before striding off to the seat next to Minjeong.
“Don’t even…” Yeji grabbed Jimin by the wrist, stopping her in her tracks, but Jimin only yanked her hand and pushed her off.
“Fuck off,” Jimin spat, looking Yeji straight in the eyes before proceeding.
“Twice now, traitor.” Yeji shot back.
Jimin bristled. The nerve of Yeji, accusing her of betrayal. She flexed her neck, wheeling around to face the girl. Most days, she’d just clench her teeth and swallow away Yeji’s taunts—after all, she used to see her as a sister. But lately, the younger girl seemed to have mastered pushing all the right buttons, that ignoring her had become a challenge.
“You heard me.” Yeji pressed on. “Traitor.”
“Knock it off, you two!” Ms. Jung called out, but no one listened. The students were too focused on the imminent brawl. The tension in the air was so thick that some clutched each other’s arms, tuning in to what was about to happen.
Jimin was the first to move, grabbing Yeji by the collar and yanking her close until their foreheads were butting. “Say that again,” she seethed, her face twitching as she whispered through clenched teeth.
“I said—” Yeji’s words were cut off, just like the scene Minjeong had witnessed on her first day at Ridgecrest. “Fuck!” She screamed instead after Jimin slapped her hard on the cheek and threw her over an empty desk.
Seething, Jimin strode towards Yeji, set on breaking the girl's face, but before she could, four classmates held her arms and legs. Even then, she managed to point a finger at Yeji.
“You don’t get to call me a fucking traitor when you're the one who slept with—” Jimin swallowed, her chest heaving with anger. “—fuck you!” She spat, her voice deep, loud, and graveled, causing some students to rise from their seats back away from the scene.
Outside, students gathered as onlookers, standing on tiptoe by the door, while others climbed onto the bottom rail of the balustrade, clinging to the top rail as they eagerly awaited the fight.
Yeji staggered to her feet, wobbling as she arched her back slightly, cupping the throbbing small of her back. Affliction lined her face as she liberated her pain in a gruff moan. She reached over, trying to grab a hold of Jimin—who had broken free from their classmates’ hold—but her hand got slapped out of the way. The band of her collar chafed against her neck when Jimin gripped both points tightly, nearly choking her. Yet, instead of waving the white flag, Yeji chuckled, albeit struggling, just to spite Jimin.
Yeji’s hollow pink-rimmed eyes stared steadily into Jimin’s murderous ones as she said, “If…you…plan to…” She gasped for air, yet her gaze remained unfaltering. “Kill me…just do it. It won't be…the first time…you did.”
Jimin blinked, perplexed, as if staring at an abstract painting, her grip on Yeji’s collar loosening—one question spinning in her head: What did Yeji mean?
Ms. Jung pulled Jimin away, causing her to stumble back in her daze, her eyes still fixed on Yeji, who was flexing and massaging her neck.
Miss Jung’s gaze flew to Minjeong. “Miss Kim, get between these two and make sure they don’t get any closer,” She ordered before walking back towards the platform and announcing that an activity would be assigned to seatmates, due next week.
“M-Me?” Minjeong’s eyes widened, pointing to herself.
“Who else would it be?” Ms. Jung replied, prompting Minjeong to glance toward Kim Hana and Kim Miyoung.
Minjeong timidly walked towards Yeji and Jimin, standing between them with her shoulder hunched as she fiddled with her fingers.
“Relax. You're safe with me.” Yeji suddenly whispered so close in her ear that she almost yelped.
Jimin scoffed, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. “Yeah, right—can't even fight to save yourself.”
Yeji raised her hand, ignoring Jimin’s taunting. “Can I partner up with Minjeong?” She asked.
“Miss Hwang, you know the answer to that.”
“Come on, Teacher Jung.”
“Well, if you get Miss Yu to switch partners, then I don’t see why not.”
Yeji swiveled her neck to look at Jimin who was already staring at her with dead eyes. “Fuck this,” She huffed, then turned and walked to her assigned seat.
Minjeong huffed, tossing a single leaf into the air as she lay on her back in the grass, facing the endless, clear azure. Miss Jung’s partnered activity was due tomorrow, but Jimin hadn’t approached her. If Jimin’s plan all along was to do all the work and take all the credit, then she should’ve at least informed Minjeong so she could do the same. Minjeong knew she was partly at fault; if she hadn’t waited around expecting anything from Jimin and just tackled the task herself, she’d have finished it in one sitting—after all, she had the brains.
She got to her feet and decided to head to the residence hall. By rule, students were not allowed anywhere near the area during class hours, but Aeri once said if they were lucky—which was almost always the case—and no guards or housemistresses roving, they could slip away and disappear for the whole day.
Yeji was sitting at the dining table when she entered the dorm, too immersed with what she was doing to even look at her.
“Hey, babe,” Yeji greeted, not even glancing up. It struck Minjeong that the Yeji could sense her presence even with her eyes closed. “I’m finishing up this thing for Miss Jung—got partnered with a complete waste of space. How’s yours going?” She finally stopped writing and leaned back, stretching with a sigh.
Maybe Yeji wasn’t so bad. She seemed more focused on her work than trying to bother Minjeong, which, to Minjeong, was a great relief. But with Yeji’s history of shifting the mood to something uncomfortable for her, she wasn’t about to let her guard down yet.
“I-I haven’t started.” Minjeong mumbled, feeling her face heat up with embarrassment for stuttering around Yeji like she always did.
Yeji clicked her tongue and gave her a disapproving head shake. “This—” she said, pointing her pen at Minjeong as she shifted in her seat. “This is why we should’ve been partners.”
Minjeong rolled her eyes and walked over to join Yeji at the table. Despite herself, she felt a little more at ease than the other times, like maybe she could have this interaction with Yeji for a change.
As Minjeong took her seat, Yeji watched her, eyes softer now. “God, you’re beautiful.” Yeji murmured, tracing Minjeong’s face with an intense gaze that made Minjeong a bit flustered.
“H-have you seen Jimin?” Minjeong stammered, steering the conversation anywhere else but Yeji’s compliment. She had to fix that when talking to Yeji or anyone who wasn’t Ning or Aeri. She glanced around for any trace of Jimin.
“Are you blushing?” Yeji teased, grinning proudly, like she’d won something.
“Shut up.” Minjeong muttered, rolling her eyes again. It wasn’t like Yeji had an effect on her, but a compliment, no matter who it came from, was still a compliment.
Yeji chuckled, leaning forward and crossing her arms on the table. “Hopefully, the next time you roll your eyes, it will be for a different reason.” She winked, her grin growing wider.
Minjeong’s lips curled, her facing twisting into a frown. She decided it was time to leave before Yeji could take things to a different route, sensing that familiar air around her, and the glint in her eyes.
“Where are you going?” Yeji asked, her gaze following Minjeong with interest.
“I’ll, uh, try to see if Jimin’s in her room.” Minjeong said, though, even she doubted her decision.
“So, what’s your plan? Gonna knock on her door?” Yeji’s tone was loaded with mockery.
Minjeong stood still and sighed. Yeji was right, and deep down, she knew it was a terrible idea. She’d rather fail her first assignment for Miss Jung, get an earful or even face public humiliation than go anywhere near Jimin.
“Baby, you’re really choosing death without a guaranteed ticket to heaven?” Yeji teased when Minjeong didn’t respond, her voice tinted with amusement. “Come on. We’ll go on trips to heaven everyday if you like.”
Minjeong stared at Yeji, completely thrown off. What is she even talking about? She thought, shaking her head in disbelief.
Yeji put her hands up. “I’m kidding.” She said, the trail of amusement still lingered in her tone. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that, Yeji turned to her unfinished work.
Minjeong knew she should leave, but her curiosity pulled her back to the seat across from Yeji. The moment she sat down, she immediately felt stupid. She couldn’t even get a single word out, despite how many times she opened and closed her mouth. It wasn’t that her mind had gone blank, more like it was full—full of questions that weren’t even any of her business.
“What is it?” Yeji asked, quickly glancing up at Minjeong and then back to her work.
“Why do you hate each other?—you and Jimin.” Minjeong asked finally.
“Who says I hate her?” Yeji frowned, her voice sharp. “She fucking hates me, yeah. We’re always at each other’s throats, fine. But I don’t hate her,” She spat, her voice laced with bitterness. “But what the hell am I supposed to do? Let her push me around just because—” Her words cut off as frustration choked her, her chest heaving.
“We should fuck,” Yeji said out of nowhere.
Minjeong didn’t answer, her face just twisted in repulsion toward something foul, but she knew it was Yeji’s attempt to stir the conversation.
“I’m not kidding, in case you change your mind.” Yeji said, her tone neutral now. “Anyway, you can do the class presentation with me tomorrow if Jimin still doesn't say anything tonight.”
Maybe it was because Yeji was absorbed in her homework. Maybe to Yeji, her studies came before her lust. But as Minjeong watched her, she couldn't help but think Yeji wasn't so bad. Despite her bad reputation, despite her behavior towards her, there was something about the way Yeji worked, that Minjeong felt a strange sense of respect, even if she didn't fully understand.
The strong smell of damp earth waltzed under Minjeong’s nose as her eyes wandered around the dense forest. Trees—taller than Ridgecrest’s wall—towered over them, their branches interlaced as if they were one, rustling as a breeze drifted past. Dappled speckles of sunlight seeping through the gaps in the leaves danced everywhere. In some areas, streams of light broke through, casting gold patches on the ground. The air was cold despite the aggressive midday sun overhead. It was always like that at Ridgecrest’s eco-park, a fenced forest sitting right behind the residence hall.
“Aeri, you’d better hurry!” Ning hissed, her back to Aeri as she played watchdog with Minjeong, who was too captivated by the mystical forest to do her part of keeping watch.
“Relax. It’s noon on a Saturday, which means—” Aeri grunted through gritted teeth as she tried to pull one red brick but failed. “—there’s only one roving guard, and he’s probably enjoying his lunch under a shade somewhere.” She said, not tearing her eyes off the wall she was studying.
It was trippy. There were a few fine breaches on the wall, giving Aeri a hard time to tell which one to pull. The bricks were identical on the surface, but Aeri and Ning knew that a group of them were only faces and movable with minimal strength.
The trio were in a blind spot from the eco-park’s entrance, tucked behind enormous trees and boulders. But Ningning was set on being cautious, or they’d get stoned to death by the others who knew about this spot if Madam Clanscar found out and did something about it.
“Yeah, but we’re also very absent during roll-call.” Ning whispered, her annoyance, due to nerves, made itself known.
“Not me—I was there,” Minjeong had to clarify that she wasn’t one of Ning’s “we” as if it mattered. She had a habit of using up her absences, which she usually reserved for the last two months of school. It hadn’t been a week since her late arrival at Ridgecrest, so she constantly felt the need to prove to herself that she was doing well.
“I think I've found it,” Aeri announced, tracing a very thin vertical slit with her fingers. “Man, we've done this so many times, but it's still so hard to find this thing.” she grumbled, tracing the edge of the rectangular slit before forcefully pulling the block. “Ta-da!”
Minjeong leaned forward, squinting her eyes as she studied the wall. Each face of the wall was covered with thin layers of red bricks, sandwiching a hollow wood. She tapped the wall lightly, which thudded with a hollow resonance, and said, “You could’ve just knocked on it, you know?”
Aeri tipped her head to the side, hearing the sound, “Hmm…you're right. Why didn’t I think that?”
“What are you all waiting for?” Ningning said, pushing Aeri gently toward the opening.
Ningning and Aeri grinned at the sight of Minjeong, whose eyes and mouth gaped at the scene displayed in front of her—the outside world. For the first time since arriving at Ridgecrest, Minjeong felt electricity coursing through her veins.
“Jimin and Yeji discovered this when we were freshmen,” Ningning informed, ducking her head as she passed through the open wall where Minjeong and Aeri waited.
“Ah…” Minjeong stretched, inhaling the liberating scent of moss in the air as soon as she stepped outside.
“Come,” Ningning said, tapping Minjeong by the elbow and began marching through the wild, uneven forest floor. Crisp leaves breaking with a crunch under the soles of their shoes with every step.
“It sucks that we can only leave school on Saturdays if a parent comes with us. What about students whose parents don’t even care? Like me.” Aeri huffed.
“Or me.” Chimed Ningning.
“Where are we going?” Minjeong asked.
“The town center,” Aeri said, picking up a thin branch from the ground and waving it in the air as if she were envisioning herself fencing. “It’s not that far.”
After fifteen minutes of chatter and banter, they could finally see the town center. Minjeong marveled at the scene she thought she’d only see in movies set in small towns. The main street was lined with shops of different kinds, local diners, and offices. Freshly brewed coffee sailed in the air, inviting them as they walked on the sidewalks. Locals milled about the area—running errands, chatting, sitting on the benches. At the heart of it all was a monument.
“We should come here in the evening next time. You'll love it!” Aeri said with a bright smile that reached her eyes, Minjeong couldn't help mirror her excitement.
Ning grabbed both their hands and dashed toward a bakeshop, evidently pumped. “Let's hurry!”
“Wait,” Minjeong pulled her hand back, resisting Ning’s pull, her feet planted firmly on the concrete. “I don’t have cash,” She stated matter of factly. At Ridgecrest, cash was not needed—any purchase students made were charged directly to the monthly bill sent to their parents.
Ning groaned, rolling her eyes. “We’re bastards. We get monthly hush money. Don’t worry about paying—we got you.”
The shop just might be the cutest thing Minjeong had ever seen. Outside, a peach awning shaded the large glass window, where the shop’s name was painted across in vintage-style script. Plastic flowers lined on top of the window, adding to its soft touch. Beside it hung a round signage with softly curved, petal-like edges that radiated outward, giving it a floral appearance. Inside, warmlight seeped through the large glass window, filling the shop with a soft and warm glow. The walls, lined with pastel peach-painted wooden planks, were adorned with frames showcasing motivational one-liners. The air was rich with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread, with a hint of sweetness from the cakes. The counter sat at the far corner of the shop with a glass case beside it displaying an array of cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats.
They sat at a round wooden table set for four.
“We’ll get you everything we love here!” Ning enthused.
“Chill, Ning.” Aeri chuckled. “Minjeong might get sick from eating too much.”
“We can share.” Minjeong suggested.
“I’ll go ahead and order.” Aeri volunteered, standing up to walk towards the counter with Minjeong’s gaze following her.
The wind chime hanging by the door tinkled softly, drawing Minjeong and Ningning’s attention. Jimin walked in with the same girl Minjeong had seen in the cafeteria and on the rooftop last time.
Minjeong met Jimin’s eyes for a split second before looking away as a wave of intimidation washed over her. Even though she’d managed to survive Ridgecrest an upwards of a week without blood oozing out of her nose or falling into Yeji’s sinful trap, there was no ignoring the tension suspended in their dorm, just hanging, swinging in the air, waiting to fall and shatter the fragile bubble that kept her safe, for now. It always felt like Jimin was holding her by the neck and Yeji was pinning her against a wall.
Minjeong shuddered, remembering what happened at Miss Jung’s class. She ended up doing the presentation with Yeji instead of Jimin. As soon as Minjeong stepped up to the platform with Yeji, Jimin’s disappointment was unmistakable. Her eyes narrowed, lips pressing into a thin line, making no attempt to hide her displeasure. Minjeong could feel the weight of it—Jimin’s silent judgment, hanging between them. It made Minjeong’s stomach twist. The air between her and Jimin now felt thicker with unspoken tension. But what was Minjeong supposed to do? Jimin never approached her. If anyone should be disappointed, it was Minjeong.
“Jimin, Somi,” Ning beamed, waving at the newcomers—Jimin, who only acknowledged her with a single nod, and Somi who waved back and came over to their table.
“Hey, girls.” Somi beamed, eyeing Minjeong in particular. “You’re the new girl—Minjeong?” she said, holding a hand out which Minjeong didn't take a while to shake. “Somi.”
“Nice meeting you, Somi,” Minjeong said, a gummy smile spreading across her face.
“Gosh! You’re pretty!” Somi enthused, turning her head to Jimin who had been staring at Minjeong with that calculating look Minjeong guessed as just Jimin sizing her up, as if, again, she was supposed to be the threat. “Isn’t she, Jimin?”
Jimin hummed. “Let’s hurry. It’s past 12.”
Somi playfully rolled her eyes. “Well, I gotta go. See you around!” She waved before they left to take a seat.
Somi was an afternoon shaft of sunlight streaming gently and quietly through the window of a small cottage-style house—warm, pleasant, bright but not burning. Her aura was glowing, sparking wonder in Minjeong’s mind—why was Somi here? If one didn’t know what kind of school Ridgecrest was, it would be impossible to guess that students there could, for all they knew, kill. Most students she’d talked to had such an affable air she would often forget what Ridgecrest actually was.
“If you guys don't mind,” Minjeong hesitated. “How did you guys end up here?” she asked as soon as Aeri got back from the counter.
“Nothing special. We pretty much just got abandoned.” Ning casually stated.
Minjoeng scanned Ning’s face for any hint of humor but was only met with a questioning look.
“What? I wasn't joking.” Ning laughed.
“It's true,” Aeri supported. “Dos Bastardos—we're two bastards.”
“Are you two siblings?” Minjeong’s eyes widened, her gaze bouncing between the two, who laughed at the state of her.
“No! No, we're not.” Aeri waved a dismissive hand. “But we might as well be. We’re basically in the same boat—kids from outside our dads’ marriages.” She clarified.
“Oh,” Minjeong’s eyebrows pulled in, unsure of what to say. “So, none of you have any kind of criminal record or anything like that outside, right?”
“Pffft,” Ning snorted. “I wish I did. It’d mean I spent some real time outside. But nope—I’ve been stuck in boarding schools for as long as I can remember.”
“Not everyone here is a criminal,” Aeri said just before she whipped her head toward Minjeong. If Minjeong thought everyone in Ridgecrest was a criminal of some sort, did that mean she was one too? “Wait, are you—?”
“No!” Minjeong jerked her head back and shook her head. “Well, if being such an attention whore is considered a crime, then…”
“So, what then?” Aeri asked, leaning forward and propping her elbows on the table.
“Didn’t I tell you?” Ning tilted her head, facing Aeri.
“Tell me what?” Aeri’s eyes narrowed at Ning.
“It’s DUI,” Minjeong shrugged. “It was just one time, really, but somehow I ended up boring a hole in the back of the principal’s office.”
Aeri almost laughed, but held it in, a soft chuckle slipping out instead.
“What about Yeji.” Minjeong had no regard whatsoever for the source of her misery, but she couldn’t help her curiosity. Sister Maria always told her that no one was born despicable, and Minjeong herself should know better—after all she wasn’t always a thorn in Sister Maria’s pretty ass.
“Attem—” Aeri cut herself off mid-sentence to acknowledge the server. “Thanks, Jaemin.”
The three smiled politely at the handsome male server who looked intrigued as his gaze remained on Minjeong despite finishing his business.
“This is Minjeong—she’s new here.” Ning said, answering the wordless question in Jaemin’s face.
“Jaemin—nice to see a new face around here,” Jaemin beamed, clutching the tray with both hands. “Well, if there’s anything else I can help, I’ll be right at the counter.” He said before leaving.
Jaemin had already disappeared behind the counter, but Minjeong’s attention was still fixed on the spot where she last saw him.
“He’s cute isn’t he?” Ning said, breaking Minjeong’s gaze from the counter.
“He’s alright,” Minjeong shrugged. Jaemin sure was handsome; he might even be dreamy, but Minjeong was too gay to even think that.
“He’s bad news,” Aeri said, picking up a fork, ready to dig in. “I swear there’s something between him and Yeji.”
“You mean, like, they’re boning?” Ning asked, licking icing from the corner of her lips.
“No!” Aeri whispered sharply. “Are you crazy?”
Ning drew her head back, her eyes wide. “I mean, for all we know, Yeji could be bisexual.”
In the middle of talking about Yeji, Minjeong began to think that mentioning Yeji’s name could really summon the girl. She saw her outside, reaching for the door, but Yeji abruptly stopped when their eyes met, as if she’d just gotten caught. What surprised Minjeong was when Yeji turned around and left. If it were any other day, the girl would happily enter the shop to intrude her space.
They had finished their food when Jaemin confidently sauntered over to their table, only briefly pausing to subtly slip a tiny piece of paper, torn at the edges, next to Minjeong’s hand, then headed for the door where Minjeong saw only his side as he seemingly conversed with someone.
She turned her attention back to the paper, lifted her hand to reach for it, but someone had taken it before she could—Jimin. Minjeong looked up, expecting Jimin to at least give her an explanation of some sort, a wordless warning perhaps, but there was none. Jimin only walked past her table with Somi without a single word. What an ass, she thought only because she couldn’t say it out loud—not to someone like Jimin at least. Turning to Aeri and Ning, she sighed, seeing as the two were occupied with something else.
Minjeong’s eyes stalked the couple until they stepped out of the shop where Jimin threw the paper into the trash bin. She shook her head dismissively.
“We should go,” Aeri suggested. “Let’s stroll around before it gets dark.”
Outside the shop, Minjeong spotted Jaemin, his back turned to her. In front of him, facing in their direction, stood Yeji, who didn’t seem to notice them as she held her hand out, impatience clear on her face.
“This is all I can give you.” Minjeong heard Jaemin say.
“I didn’t pay you to give me this shit,” There was fire on Yeji’s face as she charged at Jaemin who instinctively stepped back.
“This is all I have—you know I don’t sell anything more than this.”
Yeji leaned into Jaemin’s ear, glancing around before speaking in a low, angry whisper. “I paid you to get me—” She paused, her gaze locking with Minjeong’s. Without a word, she shoved Jaemin aside, snatched a small plastic bag from his hand, and turned around, walking the opposite direction.
Jaemin scratched the back of his head and spun around, but froze mid-stride when he noticed Minjeong. He smiled, though it looked as if someone had forced it out of him. He made a phone gesture with his hand, wordlessly telling her to give him a call. That was when Minjeong realized it was his number he’d written on the paper. Cell Phones weren’t even allowed at Ridgecrest. Students could only use them once a week, but only in the presence of the officer in charge—and only if it was a matter of life and death. What they did have access to at any time, were the three telephones in the common room, which no one was allowed to monopolize.
“Did you have fun?” Aeri asked when they got back inside the campus.
“Super!” Minjeong smiled, the most genuine smile she had made since her parents’ separation. “Thank you, Aeri and Ning.”
“Let’s go again next time,” Ningning said. “There’s a lot you haven’t seen yet.”
“Shit. Minjeong,” Yeji moaned through the kiss, pulling the girl closer. Her hand trailed up the Minjeong’s bareback, fumbling for the hook of her bra—only to get shoved off.
“Yeji…”
Yeji opened her eyes, dismay washing away the lust in her gaze. She instantly wished she’d just kept her eyes closed and let herself roll about in her delusion, her fantasy, even if it wasn’t real.
Xiaoting…
“What the fuck?” Xiaoting’s lips twitched, baring her teeth as she hissed. Her frown deepened as she pushed Yeji off harder, leaving a wider space between them.
Yeji rubbed her face.
Xiaoting huffed, picking up the shirt strewn on the floor and putting it back on. “If you want to fuck the new girl, then why don't you?” She gathered her hair, tugged it back, and then pulled the trim of her shirt. “Don't waste my fucking time.”
“I will.” Yeji said as she sat on her bed, elbows propped on her knees as she followed Xiaoting’s every move.
“She's been here for days, what's holding you up?”
“Her.” Yeji spat bitterly. When Xiaoting only gave her a questioning look, she continued. “She's been dodging my advances.” she hissed.
“That’s a first.” Xiaoting sneered.
Yeji groaned out her frustration as she lay on her bed, rubbing her face. She thought she would go crazy if she couldn’t have Minjeong even once in this lifetime.
Minjeong.
Kim Minjeong.
The girl who kept her awake at night.
The object of her frustration.
She regarded Minjeong as just another girl in that dimly lit room where Xiaoting and her walked in that evening. But under the well-lit living room, she felt as though she was enlightened—her desire was set on the girl.
She was the first.
Yeji had never wanted someone as badly. So badly that releasing her frustration with other girls became a task. And yet the subject of her gnawing sexual appetite just happened to be the first to turn her down.
Yeji huffed, shaking her head when unwanted thoughts came flooding into her mind.
No!
She shouldn't.
She wouldn't.
She couldn’t be that person she detested.
“Here.” Xiaoting said, holding out a blunt.
“Who said you can go through my stuff?” Yeji frowned at the blunt in Xiaoting’s hand but took it anyway.
“You have to relax.” Xiaoting’s voice was sultry as she knelt on the bed, behind Yeji, her hands moving slow and gentle on Yeji’s shoulder, giving her a sensual shoulder massage. Yeji tried to brush her off with little effort. “If you want the new girl, you know I can help you.”
Yeji tensed, Xiaoting’s words leaving a sting that pulsed like tinnitus—a ringing that only grew louder. She didn’t need a mirror to know her face was burning red; she could feel the heat flooding through her body. If anyone dared touch her, they would have to dispose of themselves to ashes. Every beat her heart made pounded in her ears like the distant thrum of a bass drum, struck mercilessly. In a swift movement, she sprang to her feet, catching Xiaoting off guard with the unpleasant twist on her face. “I’m not about to fall into your fucking trap ever again,” She snapped, jabbing a finger into Xiaoting’s chest.
Xiaoting tilted her head sideways, lips jutting out in a mock-pout. “Aww,” Xiaoiting interjected, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’re really hurting my feelings.” She flashed that sly smile Yeji hated. “But you will. I know you. You can’t say no.”
Yeji closed her eyes, taking a slow puff from the blunt between her fingers. “Get out.” She whispered, her voice low and sharp.
“I’ll be in my room if you need me.” Xiaoting said before leaving.
Memories of the past flashed quickly, yet with a vividness that struck deep. Everything she’d buried resurrecting—haunting her, mocking. You really thought you could forget it all? No. Not when every part of who she had become was a reflection of everything she wanted to forget—or at least everything she longed to stop feeling. Betrayal. A single act of betrayal, from the one soul she would have taken a bullet for, dredged up a torrent of memories far more than it should have, summoning the frightened ghost of the girl she’d so desperately tried to kill, and pushing her back to that night, bringing her to her knees once again.
“You sure you don’t wanna hang out at Aeri’s? Ning asked just as Minjeong was about to enter their dorm.
“Maybe next time. I’m too tired, I just wanna take a nap.” Minjeong let herself collapse against the doorframe, her eyes half closed, exaggerating just how tired she felt.
“Well, if you change your mind,” Aeri said with a grin. “502.”
The moment she entered the dorm, Minjeong’s breath suddenly hitched, stuck in her chest, her steps coming to an abrupt stop. There was Yeji—sitting on the couch, eyes shamelessly exploring every inch of her, bloodshot and unblinking. Her stomach dropped, a sickening twist running cold through her core, making her legs feel weak and numb. Is she on drugs or something? She closed her eyes and breathed, telling herself she was overthinking it. If Yeji had planned on doing something to her, she would have done it already; they’d already spent time alone a few times, Yeji always kept her distance, just watching her.
Minjeong cleared her throat, holding her ground. She shouldn’t allow anyone to steal her zen; they were just kids trying to survive while working toward getting out of here—or at least she was. She was about to go ahead and leave Yeji alone when another person emerged from behind the wall that separated the bedroom from the common area.
“Hi,” Xiaoting greeted with a smile, but Minjeong noticed the absence of fondness in her eyes.
“Hi,” Minjeong greeted back out of courtesy. She headed towards the bedrooms, silently praying Xiaoting and Yeji wouldn’t barge in on her this time.
She’d been at Ridgecrest for upwards of a week, but Xiaoting had never greeted her before, not even with a smile. The only times Xiaoting acknowledged her presence were to control her or reprimand her for the smallest reasons, like not using an alarm clock or washing her disposable spoon and fork, which she thought was dumb—they’re disposable for a reason.
She was about to change into more comfortable clothes when someone entered. Good thing she had a habit of turning her back against the door when changing. “Fuck,” She cursed under her breath, fixing the hem of her shirt. She’d learned the awkward way and had since always made sure to lock the door whenever she was going to change, so she wondered how in the world did whoever it was open the door?
She turned around, only to find Yeji stumbling into the room as if someone had pushed her. “What the fuck are you—”
“You have thirty fucking minutes. I’ll handle Yizhuo,” Xiaoting said, breaking Yeji’s sentence. With that, she slammed the door shut, leaving an intoxicated Yeji alone with Minjeong.
Yeji turned, but she did not look at Minjeong. Her eyes looked anywhere but, as if she was avoiding her altogether. The small dimly lit room was suffocating as Minjeong stood tensed, her heart pounding behind her chest with each beat louder and stronger than the last. Her eyes darted between the door and Yeji, frantically searching for an escape. It felt like one of those ghost stories—she couldn’t move, terrified that if she did, Yeji would suddenly be right in front of her, too fast, too close.
Yeji’s movements were slow and careful, not wanting to scare Minjeong off though she knew her efforts were futile—she knew how horrifying this must be for Minjeong. She trained her eyes elsewhere, avoiding Minjeong altogether.
Yeji bit her lip as she turned to Minjeong who stumbled back in response to her movement. “Um,” She said, her breath shaky as she rubbed her trembling hands against each other. “Um.” She tried again, but she couldn’t seem to find the words. She shook her head, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. She sniffed. The haze was clouding her judgment, her desires heightened, but she knew one thing—she couldn’t cross this line. Not like this. She wanted to escape just as much as Minjeong.
Yeji took a step closer, bloodshot eyes trained on the floor. Minjeong’s stomach twisted in a tight knot, her legs started to wobble. Her breaths were coming quicker, shallow, her chest rising and falling fast.
Tears welled up in Minjeong’s eyes. Say something! Why won’t you say something? Minjeong screamed in her thoughts, not quite sure if she was telling it to herself or hoping Yeji would break the suffocating tension in the room.
Yeji rubbed her face. When her clouded eyes finally met Minjeong’s, the terror in them was unmistakable. She froze as if Minjeong’s gaze stunned her. All she wanted then was to touch her face, wipe her tears, but she took a step back instead.
Yeji took a deep, shaky breath, her voice trembling as she muttered, “G-go.”
Minjeong stood frozen, her legs too weak to carry her as every ounce of energy had been drained. She couldn’t move. But when Yeji’s scream broke through the air—“Go!”—she jolted back into action. She gathered what little strength she had left and bolted for the door, not daring to look back.
The hallway outside was a blur as her chest pounded beyond normal, she could feel it in her throat, feel it in her eyes. Xiaoting appeared, grabbing her wrist with a tight grip. Minjeong stumbled to a halt, her breath hitching as Xiaoting spun her around. “Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” Xiaoting hissed, her sharp eyes pinning Minjeong in place.
Yeji stormed out, her voice raw and furious as she yanked Xiaoting away. “Let her go!” she screamed, her tone reverberating in the space around them.
“Are you out of your—fucking bitch, get back here!” Xiaoting screamed as Minjeong escaped the scene.
With dread and panic guiding her steps, Minjeong bolted in the wrong direction, heading straight down the hallway instead of turning toward the exit. Without a second thought, she grabbed the handle of a random door, yanked it open, and slipped inside. The door slammed shut behind her, louder than she intended, the sound echoing in the confined space. She pressed her forehead against the door, chest heaving, her hands trembling as she struggled to catch her breath.
When she turned around, the room was dimly lit. The curtains were thick and closed on every end, leaving no gap for light to flow inside. Panting, she leaned against the door. She could make out a figure sitting on the bed. She couldn't see the person's face but she could feel it—the weight of an angry stare. She gasped, bringing her trembling cold fingers up to her quivering lips as she jolted back to her senses.
Her heart stopped.
Her stomach dropped.
Jimin.
She was in Jimin’s room.
Ning’s words echoed loud in her head.
“That girl’s Jimin, she hates people so you better be careful not to piss her off. And you can avoid that by not talking to her at all. Just avoid everything that involves her.”
She’d never had a real exchange or conversation with Jimin before. How unfortunate that they had to get acquainted like this. It felt like a prelude to her ending. She gulped hard, her throat tightening. The fear of getting cornered by Yeji paled in comparison to the dread she felt at the moment, standing in the lion's den.
There was a loud banging behind the door, startling Minjeong. “Get out of there!” Xiaoting yelled.
Minjeong’s breath hitched as she watched Jimin’s figure come closer, each step sending a new wave of panic through her. Her chest tightened as she fumbled blindly for the doorknob next to her hip, her trembling fingers struggling to grip and twist it. She had to get out—now.
The figure was inches away from her.
With a desperate twist of the knob, the door behind her finally opened.
Then it slammed shut.
There was Jimin, hand above her head, too close for comfort.
She stiffly tilted her head upward, her gaze locking on Jimin’s hand pressed firmly against the door, keeping it shut. Slowly and hesitantly, she let her eyes trail down, her breath catching as she met Jimin’s cold eyes.
Minjeong gulped, her throat tightening as tears pooled in her eyes, blurring her vision.
“P-please,” Minjeong whispered.
Jimin gripped Minjeong’s shoulder tightly, her teeth clenched hard and loud in the quiet room.
Minjeong was ready to face her fate, but instead Jimin pushed her aside and opened the door slightly.
“Leave the girl alone.” Jimin said, her voice thick with authority and power. She looked at Minjeong who sat on the floor, hugging her knees. She hissed before going back to her bed.
Jimin always made sure to stay out of anyone’s business. She hated having anyone in her room, a place that was meant to be her own safe space. But seeing the desperation in Minjeong’s eyes, the fear in her trembling voice, then there was the memory of that fleeting smile at the library that refused to fade—Jimin knew that she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if she allowed anyone to take Minjeong’s spark away.