Jinhee was taking her routine to her first class when the corridor suddenly turned quiet. An eerie silence replaced the usual rush and its awkwardness pushed her to stride twice her pace.

 It has been a week since they left the camp and a week when a certain rumor dubbed her as the campus . Apparently, she's in a relationship with the campus' youngest teacher, Mr. Oh.

There's no basis in the speculation of course, that's why the school did nothing against to rumor. "It will die eventually," was the only statement made by the principal and Jinhee can only nod. She’s hurt yes but if the one holding the power is doing nothing, what could she do herself?

Either she fight or not, human minds are too complex and malicious. Defending herself will be a waste for energy.

Her walk is long and hurrying when a foot caused her to slip. This made the audience laugh and that moment, Jinhee wanted to finally breakdown. Her friends have been evading her since, too scared to be “caught up” with the rumors. Then old news of her started circulating too, all from being a to a phony who caused her friend injury so she can steal her spot in the cheering squad.

She can feel her inside breaking but she opted to feign a tough exterior.

It will pass. It will pass. In time, everything will pass.

An arm slung over her right arm and then another to her left. Seolhyun's worried smile and Woohyun's irritated face welcomed her. The duo lifted her up. Seolhyun's hands immediately brushed off the dust covering her.

"You okay?" she asked. Jinhee smiled in return. The most horrible week of her life became bearable because of them. They are not openly defending her but they became an instant companion. Lunch and vacant time are spent with the three of them humoring each other about stories and misadventures. Hoya would be there from time to time but being a graduating student, their chances of creating bonds are limited.

She can’t exactly remember how it happened but a week sufficed the friendship she thought was long ago broken. Seolhyun joined her in the cafeteria one afternoon and the rest was a blur. Like a trick, they slowly came back to how they are before- best of friends.

They first dropped off Seolhyun to her class, then she and Woohyun turned to their respective homeroom.

Again, silence slapped Jinhee as she entered. She has spent most of her highschool life with the same classmates but one or two rumors turned them cold. She doesn’t know what truly hurts more: being called names or receiving cold shoulders from those she treated as friends.

Woohyun tapped her shoulders and together they occupied their seats.

 Ms.Park, their adviser, slipped inside and they made their greetings. Her eyes focused on Jinhee.

"Choi Jinhee, the principal wants to talk to you."

A lump formed inside , her body slightly tremored. The barely audible whispers of her classmates suddenly became too loud for her. Jinhee’s senses remembered the stares, the laughter, the words condemning her identity.

"Shut up! Shut up all of you!" Jinhee shouted causing everyone slack-jawed, eyes fixated on her.

Woohyun enclosed her wrist to his palms and pulled her delicately outside.

Shocked comments were made once the class recovered but Jinhee didn't heard any of it. Woohyun lightly pressed his fingertips in her ears while caging her face. "You don't need to worry Jinhee ah, Seolhyun and I, we believe in you."

Her head bobbed and Woohyun released her.

He watched as the white-washed corridor slowly swallow her figure.

"I am very disappointed Ms.Choi," the principal spitted while throwing the truth on her face.

Jinhee's hands shakily reached for the scattered pictures. She and Jiwon- Teacher Oh as best-known in the campus, their faces radiating happiness as they wave their pink cotton candies. It was their first and last date as he suddenly went missing after that fateful day. It was taken 2 years ago, she a first year high school student and him a graduating Education major. Despite their age difference, Jinhee didn't loved him any less. Instead, his maturity kept her glued to him.  She knew he loves her but after his sudden disappearance, she’s not so sure anymore.

2 years after, she was shocked to see him roaming her school lobby. That's when she knew that he was the new-hired teacher. She kept her distance and he didn't bugger her. A silent agreement. It's true that she still wants to know why he left her but that is all.

Bringing back their past is not an option anymore.

Mr.Oh appeared out of nowhere, panting. His vision landed on her, then the picture, disbelief slowly creeping on his face.

"Principal-nim, I'll explain," he uttered with conviction.The principal disrespectfully threw the pictures on his face, making him close his eyes for a moment.

He started giving him the rap of how they met and their relationship

"--Jinhee's parents never wanted me for her. She's too young, too frail. And though, I loved her then I can't help feeling inadequate so I left her hanging and focused myself to finish my degree and find a suitabke job. Then I will find her. I promised myself, I’ll find her."

Jinhee's breath hitched. She looked at the guy standing next to her, his fist curled into a ball, eyes closed and jaws set.

"--but when I came back, she's in love with somebody else." Their eyes met and Jinhee almost melted.

This is the guy she met 2 years ago. The broken young man with dreams and passion which she admired the most. The same person that made her heart feel love for the first time. And the one who broke her into million pieces.

Her vision shifted to the elderly but a certain gaze made her conscious of her movements. The same reaction she garners when he looks at her years ago.

 It was the same but so different at all.

"We broke up sir and the only relationship we have now is what we have as a student and teacher. I walked alone to the woods that afternoon because I want to find new stones for my collection. Unfortunately, I slipped and injured my ankle but that's all. I am very sorry if I busied you with the mess I made."

"Okay, I believe you. Thank you for telling the truth. We have investigated and it all fits with your statements. You two may go."

Jinhee curtsied and made her way to the door when the principal's voice hollered her

"I feel pity with the both of you. You seemed to fit together.”