Tangled Strings

Chapter 23: Silent Guilt

Ahyeon had never been one to regret her decisions.

She was careful, calculated. Every choice she made was backed by logic, by reason. She didn't allow herself the luxury of doubt.

But now, as she sat in the quiet of the student council office, pen frozen over a half-signed document, regret clung to her like a suffocating shadow.

Her mind refused to focus.

Because she had seen it.

Again.

Chiquita, pressed against someone else. Lips tangled, bodies close.

Ahyeon clenched her jaw, gripping the pen so tightly her knuckles ached.

It wasn't the first time.

Lately, it was a pattern.

Chiquita kissing different people, laughing with them, letting them touch her in ways Ahyeon never had.

It had started as a whisper in the hallways, gossip drifting between students like wildfire.

"Did you see her at the party?"

"She was all over someone again."

"Guess she's moved on."

Moved on.

The words made Ahyeon's stomach twist painfully.

She had told herself she didn't care.

Had forced herself to believe it.

But that night-watching Chiquita in someone else's arms-something inside her cracked.

She had left before she could think. Before the tightness in her chest could consume her completely.

And now she was here.

Drowning in a guilt she didn't understand.

A sharp knock on the door made her flinch.

"Come in," she said, forcing her voice to remain even.

The door swung open, and Rami stepped inside, her eyes sharp as always.

"You've been distracted," the student council president said bluntly, crossing her arms.

Ahyeon tensed. "I'm fine."

Rami arched an eyebrow. "Are you?"

Ahyeon didn't respond.

Because what was she supposed to say?

That she had been thinking about Chiquita? That the sight of her with someone else made her stomach churn? That she hated how effortless it all seemed for her?

No.

She couldn't say any of that.

Rami sighed. "Look, I don't know what's going on between you two, but whatever it is, it's eating you alive."

Ahyeon's fingers curled into fists. "It's nothing."

"It's not nothing." Rami's voice was softer now, more knowing. "You should talk to her."

Ahyeon's throat tightened. "It's too late for that."

Rami studied her for a long moment before shaking her head. "If you say so."

And with that, she left, leaving Ahyeon alone with her thoughts once more.

---

That evening, Ahyeon found herself walking without a destination.

Her feet carried her through the school courtyard, past the empty classrooms, until she ended up near the practice room.

The faint strum of a guitar stopped her in her tracks.