[C] Time's Running Out || p.jm

7

I slammed the books onto my desk and sat down with a huff, my frustration bubbling over. I frowned in anger, glaring at the pile of homework I had to complete in just one day. "Erghhhh!" I growled, feeling the weight of the impossible task.

"Hahaha. What's wrong, Soeun-ah?" Suga asked, looking at me with amusement and a touch of sympathy. My childish outburst seemed to entertain him.

"It's soooooooooo freaking hard to do all of this in just one day! It's freaking illogical," I complained, laying my head on the pile of books. I glanced at Suga, who sat beside me, his smile never fading.

"That's how school works. You'll get used to it," he said, trying to reassure me.

"But... It's kinda weird. You guys don't even get bothered by it. Look, all of our classmates don't even care," I whined, feeling utterly alone in my struggle.

"Be chill. This is how school functions," Suga said, looking all cool as he leaned back, hands behind his head.

My eyes scanned the classroom and landed on Jimin, sitting at the far back, glaring at me. A chill ran down my spine. Okay, he's not the type to mess with...

"Your father is a doctor, right?" Suga asked suddenly.

"Daebak! How did you know?" I was genuinely surprised. I thought no one knew about my father's work except the principal, not even the teachers.

"I just... Ya know, guessed it," he replied with a sweet smile that could melt anyone's heart. There was something in his eyes, though, a hidden depth, a swarm of secrets.

Without realizing it, I found myself staring at his face, marveling at how handsome he was. I snapped out of my daydream when Zico clicked his fingers in front of my face.

I pinched his nose in retaliation, unable to resist his cuteness, and giggled as he pushed my hand away. "You're so playful," he said through his laughter.

"Well, that's what friends are for. Besides, you're just too cute," I said, ruffling his hair playfully.

Kringgg

The bell rang loudly, signaling the start of the lunch break. My stomach growled right on cue, reminding me it was time to eat. I placed a hand on my stomach, waiting for my classmates to leave the room first.

"Soeun, do you want to eat with me?" Suga asked, breaking into my thoughts. I looked outside the classroom and saw a group of girls waiting for him, holding a banner with his name.

"Why don't you go first? I need to do something before heading to the café," I said, not wanting to intrude on his moments with his fans. Besides, Jimin's intense stare was making me uncomfortable. I didn't want to mess with him.

Awkwardly and trying to stay unnoticed, I slowly walked through the corridors, avoiding everyone's gaze. At the far end, I caught a glimpse of people running.

I was about to escape the oncoming stampede but was too late. The crowd surged toward me, elbowing and pushing. A sharp pain sliced through my arm, and I lost my balance. The chaos didn't stop. Another cut appeared on my face, though not deep. When will this madness end? I thought desperately.

I lay on the cold floor, helpless, trying to protect my bleeding arm. Mr. Rose. He must not find out why I'm here. I gritted my teeth, blocking the pain.

When the stampede finally stopped, I gasped for air and struggled to stand. My bleeding had slowed but still stung. I looked at my blood-covered hand. "Ew..." I muttered, disgusted.

"Soeun!" Someone called from behind. I turned to see Jennie rushing over, worry etched on her face. "What happened?" she asked, noticing my injuries. I wasn't wearing a blazer, so the cuts were obvious. The others joined us, their expressions mirroring Jennie's concern.

"I don't know... A stampede came toward me, and the next thing I knew, my hand and face were bleeding," I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the pain. "It's not that bad, I guess," I added, making a face at the blood on my hand.

They all laughed, easing the tension. "No, it's just... The way you made that face was so... funny," Jennie continued laughing. I joined in, grateful for the moment of levity as they led me to the nurse's office.

We walked out of the nurse's office, my arm bandaged and a plaster on the small cut on my face. "Tell me, what's all that about?" I asked them, curious.

"Ooh! The battle!" Rosé exclaimed before sprinting off, followed by the others, leaving Jennie and me behind.

I raised an eyebrow at Jennie, silently asking for an explanation. She giggled at her friends' antics.

"The stampede was people rushing to see a dance battle between Got7 and Block B," she explained.

"Block what?" I furrowed my eyebrows, unfamiliar with the names.

"Block B and Got7 are other groups in this school. Looks like Block B is challenging Got7 to a friendly fight. They always have epic battles, so everyone looks forward to them. Let's go," Jennie said, excitement in her voice.

"Where is it? But what about classes?" I asked, concerned.

"At the gym. Classes can wait for the battle to end. Besides, the teachers are also thrilled about it," she said happily as we walked toward the gym.

After half an hour of sitting in the gym, I felt my butt going numb. That's why I decided to head to the bathroom to freshen up. I entered and turned on the faucet, letting the water run as I looked at myself in the mirror. I removed the plaster to check my cut but was shocked to see it had healed completely. I quickly unwrapped the bandage on my arm, and as expected, there was no sign of a cut.

Is this one of the perks of having crystal amber eyes? I wondered. Then, I heard a rustling sound behind me. I turned quickly, my heart racing.

"Anyone there?" I called out, but there was no response. I checked each of the stalls, my heart pounding. Please don't let it be a soul trying to scare me, I prayed.

Fortunately, there was no one. Unfortunately, I was now scared to death. I returned to the sink and shut off the faucet, quickly reapplying the plaster and bandage to avoid raising suspicion.

- - - -

Dedicated to @jungkookie2005

EDITED 13/7/2024