“Sorry for the commotion,” I say with a bow as I will myself to stand. “I’m ok. I just felt... a bit dizzy.”

“Are you sure? Maybe you should rest in the nurse’s office,” someone in the crowd replies.

“No, no, it’s ok. I’m ok. It’s just lack of sleep.”

Without waiting for any more response, I make my way out of the circle of students around me. Fortunately, they give me enough space, enough that there is no need to be anxious about skin contact. I walk past the students who are probably still looking at me. I don’t bother giving them a glance. It may not be the most graceful exit, but it can’t be helped. I have never had this much attention before. Blending in the background has always been easier. Hopefully, this event will be forgotten within the day.

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

To be honest, I am relieved knowing that the school doesn’t know about me yet. The uncertainty as to why JaeHoon is being tight-lipped is still making me anxious, but at least, I'm not in the worst-case scenario.

It’s even more relief that as the day goes on, I am getting less and less stares. Earlier at lunchtime—probably the best time for gossip—I have only noted a handful of eyes directed my way. By tomorrow or the following day, I expect this morning’s display will be forgotten.

However, someone remains fixated on me. Seo JaeHoon is seated on the frontmost row of the classroom, at the center lane, while I am stationed at the far back row on the side of the windows. It’s the seat farthest from the doors where accidental contact may occur. Yet, even with our position, I have caught him turning his head towards me, plenty of times throughout the day.

The final bell rings, snapping everyone awake. Our teacher gives out some last-minute reminders and exits the room. All the students hurriedly pack their bags and also make their way out. But JaeHoon remains in his seat.

“JaeHoon, aren’t you going yet?” Yoon SuBin, our class president and JaeHoon’s best friend, approaches him.

“Uh… I just have something to take care of,” he replies. “Go on ahead.”

Something to take care of. Somehow, those words seem like they’re about my secret. What does he plan to do? JaeHoon doesn’t seem like a bad person, but I can only think of one thing anyone can do with such information. Blackmail.

SuBin waves JaeHoon goodbye, leaving only the two of us alone in the classroom. Dread courses through my body. JaeHoon stands up, grabs his bag, and slings it to his shoulder. Slowly, he turns toward me, and panic rises to my throat. I avert my gaze to the russet-colored floor. Whatever he intends, it’s happening.

The sound of his footsteps echoes in the empty room. Rhythmic. Heavy. Like the sound of a countdown timer, signaling an impending doom. My impending doom. The steps then quiet, and the squeaking sound takes over. Wait. Is that the door?

I twist my head up in time for the wooden door to make a loud thud as JaeHoon closes it on the other side. Through its glass panel, I catch a glimpse of his backside as he marches away. I am alone in the room. He has left.

Without a word.