Paint Stains
841 Words
The gymnasium was noisier than usual.
Students moved around carrying boxes, colorful papers, ribbons, and banners for the upcoming Spring Festival.
For the first time in days, the whole class seemed busy with something other than gossip.
Seo-yeon stood near one of the tables, carefully arranging some decorations.
“Can you hand me the tape?”
A classmate asked.
“Oh, sure.”
She smiled softly and handed it over.
To be honest, she liked this.
Working quietly.
Keeping herself busy.
For a few hours, she almost forgot about the whispers.
Almost.
“…Look at her acting all nice.”
“…She’s only doing this because Min-jun is in her group.”
“…Seriously, does she think she’s special now?”
The voices weren’t loud.
But they were loud enough.
Seo-yeon’s hands paused for a moment.
Then she continued working.
Pretend you didn’t hear it.
That had always been her way.
A few meters away, Yoo Na-ri watched everything with an unreadable expression.
Her friends stood beside her.
“I still can’t believe she’s in the same group as Min-jun.”
“So annoying.”
Na-ri remained silent.
Truthfully, she was tired of the rumors.
Everywhere she went—
people talked about Han Seo-yeon.
Han Seo-yeon this.
Han Seo-yeon that.
As if she had suddenly become the center of attention.
And she hated it.
Especially because—
the girl didn’t even seem to want the attention.
“…Na-ri?”
One of her friends called softly.
Na-ri finally looked up.
Then—
she smiled.
A smile that made her friends nervous.
“Let’s have some fun.”
⸻
A few minutes later—
Seo-yeon was carrying several paint containers toward another table.
The gymnasium had become crowded.
Students moved around carelessly.
She tried her best not to bump into anyone.
Then—
someone suddenly stepped in front of her.
She stopped.
Yoo Na-ri.
“Oh.”
Na-ri smiled.
“I didn’t see you.”
Seo-yeon lowered her gaze.
“It’s okay.”
She tried to move past her.
But then—
“Ouch!”
A loud voice echoed.
A container tilted.
Blue paint spilled.
Right onto Seo-yeon’s uniform.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Everyone turned.
The bright blue stain spread across her white shirt.
A few drops even landed on her face.
For a moment—
nobody moved.
Then—
someone laughed.
Another person joined.
Then another.
Seo-yeon froze.
“…I-I’m so sorry.”
Na-ri covered her mouth dramatically.
“I didn’t mean to.”
But there was no apology in her eyes.
Only satisfaction.
Seo-yeon’s fingers slowly tightened around the paint container.
The laughter continued.
Her face burned with embarrassment.
She suddenly became aware of everyone looking at her.
Again.
The stares.
The whispers.
The humiliation.
It was too much.
Far too much.
“…Excuse me.”
Her voice came out softer than intended.
Without looking at anyone—
she turned and walked away.
This time—
nobody stopped her.
⸻
The restroom was quiet.
Seo-yeon stood before the mirror.
The blue stains refused to come off.
No matter how much water she used.
She stared at her reflection.
Then lowered her eyes.
Why was it always like this?
Why?
What had she ever done?
A shaky breath escaped her lips.
For the first time since coming to Haneul Academy—
she felt tired.
Very tired.
Maybe she truly didn’t belong here.
Maybe everyone was right.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Then another.
She quickly wiped them away.
No.
She wasn’t going to cry.
She wouldn’t.
After a few minutes, she finally calmed herself.
Taking a deep breath, she washed her face.
Then slowly stepped out of the restroom.
The corridor outside was empty.
The evening sunlight painted everything gold.
She hugged the box of decorations against her chest.
Maybe she should just go home.
She didn’t feel like staying anymore.
Then—
she stopped.
Someone stood at the end of the corridor.
Tall.
Silent.
Kang Min-jun.
For a moment—
neither of them moved.
Seo-yeon’s eyes widened slightly.
“…You haven’t gone home?”
No answer.
Min-jun simply looked at her.
Then—
his brows slowly furrowed.
Her eyes.
They were red.
As if she had been crying.
The paint stains were still visible on her sleeves.
Her expression looked strangely small.
Fragile.
For some reason—
something in his chest tightened.
“…Han Seo-yeon.”
She looked up.
“…Yes?”
Silence.
Then—
he took a small step forward.
“…Who made you cry?”
Seo-yeon froze.
The evening breeze passed softly through the corridor.
For a few seconds—
she simply stared at him.
As if she couldn’t believe what she had just heard.
Even Min-jun himself looked slightly surprised.
Because honestly—
why did he care?
Why had he followed her?
Why did seeing her like this bother him?
He didn’t know.
Neither of them did.
The corridor suddenly felt too quiet.
Too small.
Seo-yeon’s fingers slowly tightened around the box in her hands.
Then—
footsteps echoed from behind.
Someone was approaching.
Neither of them noticed.
- Writer
