FRAGILE - Hierarchy

• 004 •

As the normal routine resumed, Ellie walked with In Ha into the classroom. She was about to take her seat when she stopped in her tracks, her eyes landing on a photograph surrounded by white flowers on In Ha's desk, a clear indication of condolence.

In Ha stopped in front of her desk, staring at the somber display. The classroom bully, Yunseok, decided to circle them, a smirk playing on his lips. Ellie, hiding her growing anger, balled her fists, her thoughts consumed with rage.

"All of you are worse than I thought," Inha sneered, his words hanging in the air. Ellie couldn't contain herself. She dropped her bag with a loud thud, causing the smirks on the faces of the students around them to falter. With swift determination, she grabbed the framed photograph, raising it as if to strike Yunseok with it.

"Ellie!" In Ha panicked, her voice trembling with fear and concern. Yunseok backed away, his bravado faltering. "What are you doing, you crazy bitch?" he spat out, his voice laced with both anger and fear.

Ellie’s eyes darted around the room, her glare piercing each student who had dared to smirk at the display of condolence. Her gaze finally rested on Jae-i, who watched her with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Without another word, Ellie hurled the picture frame against the wall. The glass shattered upon impact, the noise echoing through the room and causing everyone to flinch in fear. The room fell silent, the air thick with tension and unease.

Ellie continued to glare at them, her eyes burning with fury. She then swiftly sat down, grabbed her book, and began to read, her movements sharp and precise. The students around her, now thoroughly intimidated, scrambled to their desks, too scared to even breathe loudly.

"Quit messing around, you bitches, and let me read in peace," Ellie commanded, her voice cold and unyielding. Her words hung in the air like a threat, ensuring that everyone remained silent and seated.

The room was enveloped in a tense silence, the students too fearful to even look at each other, let alone Ellie. They knew better than to test her patience any further.

Ellie was quietly enjoying herself in the garden when a pair of shoes appeared in front of her. Looking up, she saw Rian, causing her to roll her eyes in annoyance.

She began to gather her things to leave, but Rian stepped in, grabbing her bag. "What in the world are you doing?" she snapped venomously, pulling her bag away from him and starting to walk faster. Yet, Rian matched her pace, walking beside her.

"Look, I'm sorry about what happened. I just want you to help me get her back," Rian pleaded.

Ellie stopped abruptly and scoffed at him. "Well, too bad. I don't want to help you, and just so you know, use Hera, not me," she retorted sharply. Rian sighed and reached out to grab her arm.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Ellie stopped again and met his gaze squarely. "Leave me the fuck alone," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Rian stepped closer, his expression pleading. "Anything but that," he pleaded desperately.

Ellie chuckled, a bitter edge to her laughter. "You know, the only thing I've figured out about you, King, is that you're fucking desperate to win her back," she taunted, glaring at him before turning to leave him standing alone.

"You're right," Rian admitted, his voice heavy with sincerity. "Because she's the only one I have. I can't lose her."

"Well, it suits you," Ellie replied coldly. "Maybe the tables have turned. How does it feel to risk losing the most important person to you?" With that, she walked away, leaving Rian frustrated and conflicted.

He sighed in frustration, watching Ellie disappear into the distance. His thoughts were consumed with the weight of her words and the realization that he might indeed be losing the person who meant the most to him.