At South Korea's most prestigious high school, a scandal is brewing - but its privileged students will do anything to silence the truth. When a scholarship student enters the fold, he's determined to crack the school's impenetrable façade and reveal...
Hera's face darkened, a flash of anger crossing her features. She stood up abruptly, looming over Ellie with an intimidating presence. "And who are you to talk to me like that?" she spat out, her voice trembling with suppressed fury.
Ellie rose to her feet, her own anger bubbling beneath the surface but her demeanor calm and composed. "I'm someone who sees through your facade, Hera. You're Jae-i's best friend. Act like it. Rian is not yours to claim," Ellie countered firmly, her voice unwavering as she met Hera's fiery gaze head-on. She casually pinned her hair back behind her ear, a small gesture of defiance.
"But you know," Ellie continued, her voice dropping slightly, a hint of challenge in her tone, "Do you honestly think anyone believes we're pretending? I'm not just moaning his name," she added pointedly, her words hitting Hera with undeniable truth.
Hera's jealousy flared visibly as she clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. She struggled to maintain her composure, her usual poise slipping in the face of Ellie's unwavering confidence.
Ellie chuckled softly to herself, sitting back down comfortably and opening her book once more, as if dismissing Hera and the tension between them.
Hera stood there, seething with suppressed anger, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She shot one last glare at Ellie before storming out of the classroom without another word, her footsteps echoing down the empty corridor.
Ellie watched her go with a sense of satisfaction, knowing she had struck a nerve. As the classroom settled into quiet once more, Ellie returned her focus to her book, determined not to let Hera's insecurities disturb her day any further.
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While in class, everyone seemed busy with their phones, and Ellie was diligently completing the tasks left for them. Suddenly, Jae-i stood up abruptly, causing all heads to turn in her direction.
She stormed out of the room, followed closely by In Ha and then Rian. Ellie observed them discreetly, slipping out unnoticed herself. As she approached them, she witnessed Rian and his friends cornering In Ha.
"You guys are terrifying. Will I find myself in hot water too, like the scholarship student you bullied?" In Ha challenged them, a smirk playing on his lips that silenced the group. He chuckled softly, provoking Rian with his audacity.
"What's wrong? Is it taboo to talk about him, especially in front of Rian?" In Ha continued, his smile widening when he noticed Ellie looking at them.
Rian met In Ha's gaze squarely. "Kang In Ha, who are you?" Rian demanded, his voice firm and authoritative. In Ha's smile broadened, but it faltered when he caught Ellie's eye.
Rian's attention shifted as someone bumped into him. He turned to find Ellie standing there, flicking In Ha's forehead lightly. "Stop it, all of you. Acting like children makes me want to punch each of you," she admonished, her gaze sweeping over the group with a mix of exasperation and determination. Rian sighed quietly and took a step back.
