Tao’s words had been all she’d thought about for the whole remaining weekend, and she couldn’t even stop thinking of it as she headed for school Monday morning. But he’d been drunk and Eunbi didn’t know whether she could trust what he blurted out. That Yixing sort of avoided her Saturday night hadn’t exactly helped Tao and his claims. Hopefully he’d drank so much he wasn’t going to remember any of it. More important, Eunbi hoped Ahbin would be back. She’d missed her friend and was looking forward to tell the other girl all about the swim competition. Before that though, did she have a run-in with Luhan, who didn’t even bother to make sure no one else saw or heard their conversation. “Keep quiet tonight and don’t tell our parents anything.” his demand baffled her. He had absolutely no right to tell her what she could and couldn’t do. Eunbi however, was no letting him decide, “you wish.” she stood her ground even though feeling uneasy. “I’m serious. You tell them anything and I’ll personally make sure it’ll get worse.” another threat, and the all too familiar feeling of fear made itself known within. But Eunbi made sure to push it away, she wouldn’t let herself bow down to him anymore.

“I’m not afraid of you.” they both knew she was lying, something Luhan took advantage of right away as he stepped closer, “oh really.” students gave the two looks as they passed them by, more part of them whispering obscene things about Eunbi. “How’s your bruises by the way?” Luhan smirked and watched as the younger girl stared at him, a frown visible on her face. She didn’t seem too surprised about it though. “You’re a ing .” she wanted to punch him in the face, but restrained herself in order to not get another hour of detention. Maybe she shouldn’t have cared so much about that. Maybe it would’ve been better if she shoved her fist into his face. Maybe that would have made him realise she wasn’t a pushover anymore. “You are so cute when you’re angry.” Eunbi’s irritation was only fueled by his act, one that caused the frustration to bubble. “Shut up.” Luhan laughed, extended his hand, and was right about to grab onto her chin when someone suddenly swatted it away.

“Haven’t you done enough?” shocked, Eunbi glanced at the person who’d made himself known, relief and curiosity washing over her like a wave. Luhan, too, his heel, his annoyance showing quite well as he saw Sehun, “get lost.” the latter paid no attention to his older brother though, and instead grabbed a hold of Eunbi’s hand and pulled her with. She followed without restraints, too overwhelmed to do anything. “Stay away from him.” why was that so important? Eunbi wanted to question him, wanted to know why Sehun acted like that all of a sudden. Then again, he would probably not answer. That people all around stared as Sehun dragged her along up the stairs and down the hallways made her a bit uneasy, especially since they didn’t seem to like the sight. The female students were obviously over represented in the statics. “Don’t listen to anything he says either.” okay, he was really starting to worry her now. “Understood?” it took Eunbi a second or two to reply, “why should I listen to you?” really, he was no better than Luhan in many senses. Plus, she’d ended up in detention last time she listened to him. Sehun spun around to face her, his face set in a scowl, “you know what. Just forget I said anything,” the tone of his voice sent shivers down her spine, “and do what you want.” Eunbi was left rooted to the spot when he strode off, completely flabbergasted by the turn of events. His attitude bothered her more than it should’ve and she found herself frown.

“Eunbi.” Ahbin’s loud voice overshadowed every thought running through her head, and before she knew it, the other girl slung her arms around Eunbi. “I’ve missed you.” and just like that the previous incident between Luhan, Sehun and her, was forgotten. All she cared about that moment was Ahbin and the fact that her friend was finally back in school. “I missed you too.” Ahbin whirled around and thereby came face to face with Eunbi, who couldn’t hide her smile, “it’s been really boring without you.” a laugh slipped from Ahbin’s lips, “I don’t know about that. Tao said you were having the time of your life Saturday.” Tao and his fat mouth. “It was different.” Eunbi remembered it so well, everything from Yoori to the price ceremony where Kai almost slipped of the podium, and then lastly, Tao’s drunken self. “But nice since I didn’t have to be home alone with Luhan and Sehun.” Eunbi was immensely thankful for that, seeing how none of their parents were home. She was even more grateful for the opportunity to spend a day together with the three males, not only because she could let go of her obligations that normally craved all her energy. But also as it gave her a chance to get to know them better. “What? Why aren’t your parents home? Ahbin shouted the sentence so loudly that people turned to stare, some of them glaring at the two. Ahbin paid no attention to the other students, and instead continued on, “how can they leave when… You know. After everything that’ve happened?” work and Japan mattered more than the family problems, at least that’s what it seemed like. And Eunbi could do nothing about it. Her words were of no meaning or importance to either Luhan or Sehun, for the two still did whatever they wanted. “They’re coming home today. So there’s going to be some kind of family meeting later.” Ahbin nodded at the same time as the bell rang, and the two headed for their homeroom.

First period went well, and so did second and third. In fact, it wasn’t until around lunch that things started to go downhills. Not even Ahbin was able to save her from the horrors as she disappeared into the restroom and thereby left Eunbi alone and vulnerable. Several female students were up and crowded around her in no time. “What a you are. First Luhan and now Sehun.” she cowered away, not wanting to be beaten up again. To try and explain herself wasn’t going to work, it’d never worked before and would most certainly not work this time either. “Why don’t you seduce someone else huh?” Eunbi’s eyes flew open in disbelief and without thinking, she opened and lashed out, “seduce? Are you out of your ing mind?” the tone of her voice was far from friendly, and the effects of her outburst was immediate for she received quite the punch to her stomach. The blow struck her right over the bruises and it took all her willpower to not double over in pain. “See, you can never win.” all the girls around nodded, agreeing to the statement. “Exactly, so stay away from them.” it was all so bizarre and Eunbi weren’t sure whether to laugh or cry at the situation. She knew Luhan had some part in it though, seeing how he always managed to order people to do stuff for him. And this was no different. “I live with them you asshats.” Eunbi received yet another beating, this one so hard it knocked the air out of her. It hurt like hell, but she refused to let it show. She refused to let them win, “and I’ll do whatever I want.” a low cry slipped from Eunbi’s lips after she received a third blow. The pain was immense and she found it hard to breath properly. That her statement hadn’t been too appreciated seemed rather obvious, which was kind of understandable since most of the girls had a soft spot for the two brothers.

“What’s going on over there?” the voice must’ve belonged to a teacher, for all girls hurried away, none of them checking or making sure that Eunbi was okay before leaving. Not that it really mattered for she didn’t need their help. “Eunbi what happened?” the teacher now stood before her, looking at her with an expression so unreadable Eunbi didn’t know what to believe. He didn’t seem too interested in what’d taken place. In fact, the old man seemed more eager to get going than to face Eunbi and her possible problems. “Nothing. I fell.” she lied, it wouldn’t be any good if he knew the truth. She couldn’t let the teachers and the principal know of the bullying. Not after last time. Plus, Eunbi wanted to fix this herself. “Okay.” just like she thought, he didn’t care. None of the teacher did and there were obviously no changing that. She let out a sigh of relief when the old male left, for she needed a few seconds to herself before Ahbin returned. Eunbi needed to get her act together so her friend wouldn’t notice that she was hurt. It was an ordeal easier said than done because the pain pulsated with such intensity that she found it hard to stand straight, something Ahbin noticed right away when they met up again. “Why are you bending your back like that?” Eunbi shrugged like she didn’t know what Ahbin were talking about before straightening her back, “oh, I just bent down to pick up something I dropped.” Ahbin nodded, not completely convinced but somewhat satisfied for she beamed and latched onto Eunbi’s hand, “let’s go eat then.”  

Yixing, Kai, and Tao ended up being their lunch companions. The three males were all smiles, talk and laugh as they ate. Eunbi on the other hand, had troubles eating. She simply stared at the food on the tray. It wasn’t because she weren’t hungry though, but due to the pain. Every movement of hers were bothersome and she swallowed several cries. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like the food?” Eunbi tried to smile, tried to mask the anguish filled pain rushing through her system. “Actually I don’t feel too well.” she wished for some time alone. At least until the worst pain were gone. Where that time alone would come from, Eunbi didn’t know. There were no places she could hide at, not at home or at school. The school nurse would’ve been a great hideout if it wasn’t for the fact that the woman, with most certainty, would report the new bruises to the school board. “Yeah you don’t look too well.” Ahbin stated whilst she extended her hand and put it against Eunbi’s forehead, “you’re not warm though. But maybe you should see the school nurse either way?” Eunbi shook her head quite instantly, she couldn’t go there, “I’ll be fine. I’m just going to get some fresh air.” said and done, she grabbed her tray, said a quick goodbye to the boys, and then headed for the schoolyard.

The cold November air met her in the door as she stepped outside. It wasn’t anything she paid too much attention to however, as she moved over to a more secluded area. “Ouch, ouch, ouch.” every step caused Eunbi to let out a cry. She already knew more bruises were forming. But she could do nothing about it for the time being. Not until she got home. And to make matters worse, she ran straight into Sehun when she turned the corner to her hideout. He looked more surprised than she did though, because his cigarette slipped from his now parted lips. “Why the are you here?” really, he always showed up in the same places as her. “Sorry? I was here before you.” he stated with a frown and Eunbi watched as he bent down to pick up the cigarette, one he then placed between his lips again. “I thought you’d quit.” he rolled his eyes and took a whiff of his cigarette. The smoke rolled from his lips and she felt some of it sting her eyes. “Give me that.” having completely forgotten about the pain, she reached out to take a hold of the cancer stick. It didn’t work too well. Not only because it suddenly hurt, but also since Sehun moved about, something that made it impossible for her to get a hold of the cigarette. “I won’t let you destroy these too.” she stared at him. He should know better than to smoke.