FRAGILE - Hierarchy

•001•

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you," Ellie said with a giggle. She then pinched Chang-min's cheeks, leaving him dumbfounded, and sat back down to continue reading her book.

As Ellie was about to walk out of the classroom, someone blocked her way. She looked up and found it was Jae-i, the girl she had met at the bakery.

"Hey, I didn't know you studied here too," Jae-i said with a cool, detached tone. Ellie nodded and hummed in acknowledgment, noticing that Jae-i's tie was maroon, indicating her higher status. Ellie was ready to walk away, but Jae-i stopped her.

"Do you want to go to the welcoming party with me? You know, I owe you one," Jae-i said, her voice flat and indifferent. Ellie hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"I think—" Ellie started, but Jae-i cut her off.

"I'm not taking no for an answer," she said firmly, grabbing Ellie’s hand and pulling her along without a hint of warmth.

Ellie followed Jae-i reluctantly. "But I really should be getting home," Ellie protested, trying to pull back.

"It'll be fine," Jae-i insisted, her grip tight and unyielding. "You helped me out when I needed it. Consider this returning the favor."

Ellie sighed, feeling a mix of curiosity and anxiety. "Okay, fine," she agreed reluctantly. "But just for a little while."

"Good," Jae-i said, not bothering to smile. "The welcoming party is a big deal here. It's a chance to meet everyone and get to know the school better."

Jae-i and I walked to the mall before heading to the party. As we strolled through the bustling corridors, she glanced at me and shook her head.

"You can't go to the party in your uniform," she said bluntly.

I looked down at my school uniform, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I didn't have time to go home and change," I explained.

Jae-i sighed. "Then we'll buy you something here. Follow me."

We walked into a trendy clothing store. Jae-i moved with purpose, quickly picking out a few outfits and handing them to me. "Try these on."

I took the clothes and went into the fitting room. As I tried on the casual outfits, I couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. I wasn't used to dressing up, and the clothes Jae-i picked out were a bit more stylish than what I usually wore.

When I stepped out to show her, she inspected me critically. "That one's good," she said, pointing to a simple yet chic outfit. "It suits you."

I looked in the mirror and nodded. It did look nice, and I felt more confident wearing it.

Jae-i went to the register and paid for the clothes without a second thought. "You didn't have to do that," I protested, feeling a bit guilty.

She waved off my concern. "Consider it part of my debt to you. Now, let's get to the party."

After we arrived at the party, I couldn't help but stick close to Jae-i. She didn't seem to mind, understanding that I didn't have much experience with social gatherings like this.

We stood by the pool where Jae-i grabbed herself a drink. I looked around, feeling a bit out of place, when I suddenly heard some shouting.

Turning to see what was happening, I spotted In-ha drinking alcohol. He looked in our direction, making eye contact with Jae-i. She quickly looked away and turned her attention back to me.

"Do you want a drink?" she asked.

I shook my head. "I can't. I'm not used to it," I admitted.

Jae-i nodded, seeming to understand. She led me to a quieter corner where we could sit down. 

Minutes passed, and the party grew louder. Music thumped in the background, and people were laughing and dancing.

Despite the lively atmosphere, I felt more like an observer than a participant. Jae-i remained by my side, occasionally sipping her drink and scanning the crowd with her usual cool demeanor.

Suddenly, Woojin approached us. He leaned in and whispered something to Jae-i. She gave a brief nod and excused herself, leaving me alone with Woojin. He took her seat in front of me, his presence commanding and a bit intimidating.