//Normal POV//

“Hi there, nice to meet you Yongsun, we’re in the same class, you know”. Krystal approach Yongsun and give her a warm smile. Yongsun smiled back and they walk to school together. They talk about Yongsun's old school and Krystal also introduced her friends to Yongsun, they get along quite well actually. Yongsun couldn’t help but remembered yesterday event, she wondered why Krystal bullied Byul. The talk continues until they reach the classroom. Upon entering the classroom, Yongsun heads to her seat and prepares her books for the class. Krystal also did the same thing and she went over to Yongsun's desk. They talk and talk, a lot of things, like favorite movies, pets, and other casual things. Yongsun couldn’t help but smile at this, she enjoys talking to her, she seems like a nice person in her eyes.

“You’re very pretty Yong, boys would be head over heels for you”. Yongsun eyes widened, surprised at her statement and smile.

“Thank you, but you’re exaggerating”.

“Anyway, the class is starting, so I’ll see you at lunch?”

“Sure thing” Yong wave her hand at Krystal and started to read her notes before class, reviewing yesterday lecture.

The door opened, Irene enters the class and put her books on her desk.

“Students, today we are going to learn exponents. Please open your book to page-” The door opened, revealing a small figure behind it. “Miss Moon, I’m sure the whole class wants to know why you’re late”. She said with a stern voice. The class atmosphere becomes tense, Irene is known as one of the killer teachers after all. She’s a very strict teacher, and Byul choose to arrive late at HER lecture.

“Teacher, I, I couldn’t find my indoor shoes. It-”

“Miss Moon, please stand in the hall and reflect on your action. Also, both hands up as usual”. Byul stand on the hall, hands straight up, she just stares at the ground. Reflecting? No, of course not. She knew it wasn’t her fault, probably Krystal and her friends hide it inside the storage room since she found it there. She just stayed there, lowering her hands once in a while.

//Moonbyul POV//

Damn it, I wasn’t late on purpose, why she didn’t understand? I lowered my hands, it started to hurt a lot. After the pain left, I lift them again. What am I suppose to reflect on if I didn’t even do anything? this , I hate school. I didn’t know how many minutes have passed, but she comes out of the classroom and approach me.

“Byul, I know you’re a good girl, I hate to punish you like this, but I must set up an example for everyone, and I do believe that you’re not late on purpose. I’m sorry I have to punish you, and please come to my office later, I want to talk with you”. She smiled gently and ask me to enter the classroom. I followed her into the class and sit on my desk. Irene started her lecture again and the class went on.

[Lunch break]

I head to Irene's office and have a small talk with her regarding the event this morning. She wants me to tell the truth, but I’m not lying! Seriously!

“Byulyi, you need to be honest, I don’t want to keep you here all day”.

“I’m telling the truth, Miss Irene. I’m sure someone hides it, I remember I put my indoor shoes back in my locker”

“Okay, I believe you Byul. What about your health? Heeyeon said you were sick last week”. I am sick, but maybe I’m not. Aargh, I don’t know dammit. I just want to go home. “Byul? You’re okay?”

“Sorry…my head…hurts…” A sharp pain hit my head suddenly, I couldn’t keep my balance and fall, everything went dark. Irene’s voice was the last thing I heard before I lost consciousness.

I heard a faint noise and open my eyes slowly. It was dark, I look around and stretch out my hand. I was surprised when I feel a flat, cold object, then I realize I’m trapped in an enclosed room. I tried to search for anything but couldn’t find a thing, only walls around me. Strength is escaping my body, I’m really scared. I couldn’t find a way out, I can only wait, just like back then…I shut my eyes and lean back, sliding down the wall. I sit and hug my knees, hoping time would pass immediately. A tear escapes my eyes, I was afraid.

 Suddenly the door in front of me opened and a masked man showed up. “I finally found you,” he said, smiling widely. I couldn’t escape, that man wraps his hands around my neck and strangle me.

I jolted up from my bed, head covered in sweat and my whole body is shaking. I started to curse as I pant for air. That was…a dream? It felt very real. I calm myself down and control my breathing. I put a hand on my chest, feeling my heart beating very fast.

“Feeling better?”

I was shocked by the voice and look at the source. It’s just Heeyeon. She’s the only teacher who knew about my past, being my homeroom teacher and all. The principal also knows about it but I don’t think he cares.

“Yeah, thanks Miss, um, and, what time is it?”

“It’s already 3.30 pm Byul. If you’re feeling better, you can go home. Don’t worry, I’ll drive you home”

“I see, everyone’s already left huh?”

“Yeah. I’ll go and grab a sandwich for you. Wait here, okay?”

She left and I look around the room, trying to find my bag. I search for my phone and I couldn’t find it in my bag. Then I remember I didn’t even bring it to school. Facepalm for being stupid. Heeyeon returns with a tuna mayo sandwich and a bottle of pineapple juice. I gladly accept it and thank her. I eat up and finish them quickly, I’m really hungry because I didn’t eat anything during lunch break.

“So, nightmares again?” I nod slowly, trying not to remember what it is about. I was surprised by the sudden hug, Heeyeon hugs me and whispers ‘its fine Byul, you’re safe, don’t worry’. I return her hug and I feel safe in her arms. We stay for a minute or two, then she let go. “Let’s go, I’ll drive you home”. She holds my hand we head home. She drops me in front of my house and send her regards to my parents. I nod and wave at her as she left.

I enter my house and see my mom on the couch, she’s watching TV. Well, she’s playing her phone, but whatever. “Byul!” She got up and immediately run to me, hugging me. “Miss Heeyeon said you faint, what happened?”

“Don’t worry mom, it’s just a slight headache. She drove me home and left already though”

“Oh okay, but is it just a headache Byul? You know I don’t like secrets.”

“I’m not lying, well, long story short, when Miss Irene was asking me about something, about my sickness last week. The headache just kicks in again.”

“I see, Byul, if there’s anything, anything at all, bothering you, please tell me, okay?” How could I say no? I nod at her words and hug her.

“Junghwa! Help me out a bit here!”

“Oops. Coming! You should take a bath first, then we’ll eat, okay?” She immediately heads to the kitchen and I heard some ruckus from the kitchen. Probably mommy Tzuyu learning how to cook again. I know, I have two moms, it’s weird since not so many people support same- marriage, but hey, I support them, being their daughter and all. After taking a bath, we had dinner. They were talking about a new café and saying things like visiting. I am listening to their conversation, just giving a silent reply.

 “Byulyi, how was your day?”

“Great mom, I had a headache though, but I’m a lot better now.

“She faints in the school” Junghwa added.

“WHAT! Byulyi, what happened?”

“Um, nothing. Just a slight headache”

“Byul, you can’t lie to us, we’ve known you since little after all”

“I…uh…well, it’s just…Miss Irene was asking some questions, then I had a sharp pain in my head and faint. That’s all”

“Is it about…? Did you have nightmares again?” Mommy Tzuyu sounds nervous, but I know I can’t dodge this question.

“…Yeah, when I faint, I dreamt about that night. I…I just…it’s not that bad, you know.”

“I know it’s not bad, but it’s better to prevent it you know. I think we need to see your therapist Byul” I nod slightly, I know it’s for the best, but I’m just anxious meeting him again.

“Okay, I’ll make an appointment with him later. What about Saturday?” I nod slightly and we have another small talk afterward. We clean up and I head to my room. I started doing my homework and read a few books. It’s already 8.30 PM. I should be getting ready to sleep. Suddenly I heard my phone rang and I check it. It’s a text from Hyejin

To: Byul

Unnie, where are you? 2.37 PM

Unnie, please reply to my message. 3.12 PM

Unnie, are you okay? 5.52 PM

Unnie, please text me back, okay? I’m a bit worried. 6.07 PM

. She’s gonna kill me for this. I decided to call on Hyejin. As I dialed her number, I got a call. It’s from Wheein. I pick it up, saying hello, and immediately put my phone away from my ear. It’s just a feeling, but I think she’s gonna shout right onto my ear.

“UNNIE WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!”

Yup, I was right. It’s a good thing I didn’t put it on loudspeaker or putting it right on my ear.

“Sorry Wheepup, I wasn’t feeling very well, and I left my phone at home, so, you know-”

“UNNIE WHY ARE YOU IGNORING MY MESSAGES!” I’m sure that’s Hyejin's voice. She has this unique voice after all.

“Sorry Hyejinie, I left my phone at home”

Silence came, neither side decided to say a thing. It feels kinda awkward. I decided to break the silence. “So, Hyejinie, I’m sorry-”

“Unnie, are you…you know…um…how should I put this…maybe, tomorrow we could talk?”

“Oh, um, okay. Sure thing. Lunch break as always?”

“Yup. See you tomorrow unnie!”

As we hung up, I realize that they probably want to ask about it, but prefer to talk about it face-to-face. I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Suddenly Yongsun pops up in my head. I just notice that I haven’t seen her today. As the thoughts pass, I slowly drifted myself to sleep.