The sharp, metallic clanging of the bell jerked me from my thoughts. The chatter died as students scrambled to pack their stuff. The room descended into chaos as they dashed off for recess. The sound of creaking furniture being shoved aside gnawed at my nerves.

I scanned the room as it emptied, silently taking a piece of bread from my desk. I could still hear the muffled chatter in the distance, while I sat alone with the ticking of the clock.

I nibbled on the dry texture that was far from satisfying. If anything, it tasted like paper, but it was still better than starving.

I forced it down before they found me. After all, let’s face it.

I can’t catch a break.

My ears pricked as the thumping of footsteps echoed through the hallway.

The sound getting closer and closer until I caught sight of the source. No, please. Not yet.

I felt my stomach sinking, and my chest felt heavy. My heart raced as a lump formed in my throat. My eyes darted as I scanned the room for a place to hide but the only escape was jumping out the window. My hands trembled as I took a deep breath to mentally prepare myself. I was ready to take action but it was too late.

Shit. I made eye contact.

I had only gotten halfway through the damn bread when this piece of shit came waltzing in to ruin my peace.

He called to me in an annoying tone, filling me with dread. ‘Min-Jun-ie~ There you are! I’ve been looking for you.’

Seong Daekyu, the all-rounder perfect handsome little shit, loved by all. The teacher probably ran out of words to praise him. But little do they know, he’s nothing but trash. A bully, to say it simply. Who loves to prey on easy targets.

In this case, me. The orphaned loner.

Daekyu tilted his head, extending a hand as he curled a finger slowly. His lips curled, eyes glinting dangerously. My eyes widened, my heart pounding as cold sweat dripped down my face. I tried to bring the corners of my lips up, my eyes narrowing as I forced a smile.

What will I do now, you ask? Well isn’t it obvious? Run.

I frantically stood up, flung my lunch at him, and leaped out the window beside my seat.

This is gonna hurt.

My knees buckled the moment I hit the ground. I gasped as a sharp pain shot through my ankle as it twisted under my weight., I stumbled forward, limping into a nearby alley hoping to hide. I leaned on the rough brick wall for support as I continued moving forward. A foul stench filled my nose. I looked ahead to see a dumpster, deciding to hide behind it till the end of recess.

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That’s when I felt someone grab my shoulder. I was pulled and shoved as my back collided against the wall. A sharp pain radiated through my spine. I felt my breath stuck in my throat as I gasped, struggling to breathe. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth as I accidentally bit my lip. My vision momentarily turned black, as the world around me spun. My eyes watered, as a dull throbbing ache in my back.

I’m screwed.

I heard a low chuckle to my side, but I couldn’t turn to look because of the pain.

But then, I heard his voice. ‘How rude~ you ran away as soon as you saw me and refused to look at my face.’ A hand grabbed me by the hair and pulled my head back. I felt a sharp sting run through my scalp, almost like it was being torn off. The force of the jerk, strained my neck aggravating my throbbing spine. I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to scream out.

Daekyu’s voice dropped. ‘I’m hurt’.

I struggled to look at him through my blurred vision.

Suddenly, a deep, crushing pain spread out from my gut as I doubled over in pain. I gasped, feeling nauseous. It felt as if my insides twisted, the pain throbbing and radiating through my midsection. I lost strength in my legs. The hand pulling my hair loosened and I fell to the ground clutching my sides.

It hurts.

All sorts of thoughts raced through my mind at that moment.

It’s unfair. Why me? Why is it always me? Did I do something wrong? What, just what did I do… to deserve this?

It was an overwhelming feeling. A feeling I was already familiar with as I struggled to get back up. My hand pushed at the ground, my muscles straining as I tried to get up still clutching my stomach.

I don’t know why I did that. I knew if I just stayed down they would’ve beat me up and left when they got bored. All I had to do was…nothing. Nothing, just as usual. But for some reason, I felt so much rage, so much…hatred. The dream from earlier flashed across my mind, the smiling faces of those I’ve lost forever. If they were still here, they would’ve protected me. I wouldn’t have to experience any of this.

I clenched my fist. But they’re gone. There’s no one who can help me. I’m alone. I’ll always be.

I tremblingly got on one knee, my vision clearing as I looked up and saw Daekyu and his lackeys. They were smiling.

They’re enjoying this.

I snapped.

I knew the consequences I’d face, but I felt like I had no control over my body.

I don’t know where I got the strength but swung my fist at the lackey next to me. He easily caught it, clutching my fist before throwing it aside as I felt a prick. I had a glance at it. He had strands of hair hanging from his fingers. I shoved him back with my all, a scream piercing through my throat.

I lost it.

I wildly swung, uppercut after uppercut, missing my mark. My fist moved clumsily through the air, unable to meet its target even once. They laughed. I must’ve looked like an idiot since I was always the one getting hit. I’d never fought back, not even once. ‘W-why?!’ I choked out.

Daekyu smirked. ‘Hm~ Why, you ask?’ He chuckled. ‘Because I can.’

It felt like a weight pressed down on my chest. I felt suffocated. I don’t know if it was the pain or helplessness.

I cried out, ‘FUCK! FUCK YOU! WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!

I raised my fist again, jolting as I heard a familiar man’s voice. ‘What’s going on here?!’ he shouted. The questioning voice had pulled me out of my frenzy. I turned my head and froze, my arm still raised.

Crap. It’s the gym teacher.

Everything paused for a moment. From the corner of my eye, I saw Daekyu narrowing his eyes as he smirked at me.

Shit.

To be continued…

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