collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•two• before

Somi and I are walking through the empty hallways on our way to the cafeteria. We both stayed behind in our English class to get a little extra help. Since Jimin's birthday, things have been a little strange. Jimin has distanced himself from me, although he and Somi seem to be getting closer. I spend alot of time with Jeongguk, and I feel myself falling deeper for him every day.

"Hey... What are you thinking Hae?"

"How is Jimin? I haven't really had alot of interaction with him recently. Is he mad at me Somi?"

"What? No! He's been busy getting ready for his audition, you know that."

"Aah... That's right... Jeongguk's going to some auditions as well..."

"You're really into him aren't you?"

"Of course... Why are you asking?"

Somi stops and grabs my arm to halt my steps as well. Seeing her face looking so upset confuses me.

"What is it Somi-ah? Do you not like Jeongguk?"

"I just miss you Haerin... Jimin does too. You're always with him now, and you never spend time with us."

My heart falters hearing this from my best friend. I thought she was happy for me that Jeongguk and I are dating. I thought she and Jimin were happy also...

"I'm sorry Somi-ah... I... I don't know what to say... He's my boyfriend. I thought you and Jimin were getting closer... Maybe we can double date."

I see a tear leave Somi's eye and I rush to hug her. Guilt swims through me that I haven't noticed she was feeling this way. She abruptly pulls away and harshly wipes her face, trying to cover her feelings.

"Go ahead without me Hae... I'm just gonna run to the bathroom real quick."

Her retreating figure is all I see while I stand frozen. Have I neglected my friendship so much that she can't tolerate a hug from me? My own tears prick at my eyes, while I try to figure out how things got this messed up.

Heading towards the cafeteria again, I keep my head down, lost in my thoughts. The hallways are silent, the only sounds are my footsteps echoing off walls and lockers. Approaching a corner I pause when I hear some voices, and my name.

"I can't believe Haerin is so stupid. She really thinks that Jeongguk Oppa likes her."

"I know! It's just like Jimin... All her friends are only using her for the money and gifts."

"An average looking girl with money can get anyone I guess."

Wait! That last voice... Somi? She is talking about me? I peek around the corner to see my best friend with 2 other junior girls. My heart rate peaks when I hear the words my best friend says next.

"I hate her so much. She gets everything she wants and even Jimin is in love with her. She pretends she doesn't know, but she plays him so well."

Not wanting to hear more, I step out from my spot, and face down my best friend. Her face is stunned to see me, and she covers her mouth in shock. I don't hide my tears and just stare at the girls who were talking shit about me moments ago. Funny how they have nothing to say to my face... Even Somi.

My whole life, I've only had 2 friends that I thought cared about me as a person, and not a walking bank account... Now... One of them has been shown to not care the way she professed, and my whole world shifted.