What do you believe labels are for?

     Well, I'll tell you one thing, in society, you need classifications.  Distinct, clear lines between one group set and another.  And it all starts in high school, the pit of hell.  The jungle, where the social structure is unforgiving, and homework comes in tons.  The social recluses of the school complain how hard it is for them to be made fun of or ignored day by day, hiding behind frames or last years velour sweats from Payless.  Guess what? That's the reason why some of them can't make it to the top.  Hate the game, don't hate the player.  

    Woollim High was 100% in check when it came to who was popular and who wasn't.  

    Sure, popularity was a superficial thing.  I'll admit it.  Vying for the number one spot is greedy, and talking about the girls that don't try is mean.  Despicable, almost.  But it sure is a scary thing to be alone, isn't it? To wish you were the one sitting with a group of gal pals, giggling, gossiping, making plans to meet up at Sugar Daddy's for a vegan cupcake that weekend.  To wish you didn't have to walk the hallways with your head down.  

    For me, I didn't even have to think twice.  

~

"Why do you do that?" 

     I let the silence hang in the air after his question, shifting uncomfortably under his gaze.  "I don't know what you're-" 

    "Naeun.  Seriously."  Myungsoo put his hands on both of my shoulders, making me jump a little.  "You know exactly what I'm talking about." 

     With a sigh, I wriggled free from his grasp.  For the first time in my life, I felt vulnerable.  Like the first time Myungsoo came and practically took over campus on his first week at school without even trying.  Like the first time he had one-up me.  I fidgeted with the hem of my pleated skirt, anxious.  "I guess... I'm just scared." 

     Myungsoo's eyes softened, ranging from cold to warm.  For a second, I felt sick, thinking he was pitying me.  I hated that feeling.  "Of what?" He chuckled a little, surprising me.  "What could Son Naeun possibly be so afraid of?" 

     "Being hurt," I uttered in a low voice.  

     It took me a while to process what happened next.  All of a sudden, my cheek is against Myungsoo's chest, his arms wrapped around my shoulders.  Then, I realized.  He didn't pity me.  

    He understood me.  

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(A/N) 

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