When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

Chapter 3

We all sat around the table in the library.

I looked around, unsure of what was happening. Jiwoo and the other girl had brought me here, where two guys were already waiting. I didn’t ask any questions since Jiwoo looked kind of pissed.

Awkward.

“I’m sorry about earlier. She’s been getting on my nerves lately, and it’ll kill me if I don’t fight back,” Jiwoo finally spoke.

I nodded. “It’s okay. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Really? Why? Are you okay with being bullied?”

I didn’t answer. I didn’t want to tell her that I’d been bullied before, that I was used to it. So it was okay.

“They’ll forget if we—”

“Being weak isn’t a sin, but not fighting back is.”

I looked at her, meeting her eyes.

“I know.” That’s all I said. It killed me to admit that I wasn’t fighting back. But at the same time, I was trying to lay low, to avoid trouble, to finish my studies without any problems.

The others seemed to sense the tension.

“Aah, so I’m Choi Hui Won, and this is Lee Jiwoo,” the other girl said.

I nodded.

Well—what was I supposed to say?

They exchanged a glance before looking back at me.

“Your name?” Hui Won asked with a light smile.

“Oh, I thought you guys already knew. Sorry, I’m Baek Cheonga.” I leaned forward slightly.

“We do, but this is kind of a personal introduction. I thought it would be nice. But no problem.”

Her smile didn’t fade. She was pretty.

Why is everyone so pretty?

“So, are you guys joining?” One of the two guys, the one wearing glasses, asked.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, Cheonga. This is Yun Ga Min, and this is Kim Se Hyeon. They’re part of the study group. I thought we should join too.”

I looked at her, completely confused. “Study group?” I repeated.

“You haven’t heard about it?” Jiwoo asked.

I shook my head. I’d never heard of it. What is that?

“Well, it’s for studying and helping each other. We study in a group to improve our grades. It helps with focusing on academics more,” Ga Min explained, looking hopeful.

“Ga Min, do you know that she transferred from Daehwa High School? One of the top schools in Korea, where only high-scoring students get in?” Jiwoo said.

Ga Min’s eyes widened as he looked at me. “Are you really a high-scoring student?”

I slowly nodded, unsure of everything.

“Waa! Amazing! Please join our study group!” He beamed.

I mean, I didn’t need a study group to get high marks. I was good on my own. But they seemed nice.

No, I don’t trust everyone.

“What’s the real purpose?” I asked, looking at them, confused.

“We can study together. Oh, and we’ll be with you to protect you from the bullies.”

I let out a breath. “No, you don’t have to help me. I’m okay.”

Rule No. 3:
Never ask for help. It only proves I’m weak.