HER RECKONING

CHAPTER 6

Ryan and Pavitra had a huge argument after the assault accusations. Pavitra cried until morning, unable to believe that Ryan could not only cheat on her but also be capable of assaulting someone. He tried everything to defend himself, but Pavitra refused to listen until she had proof.

By the next morning, whispers spread across campus: Rachel had admitted she lied about Ryan. A wave of h#atred flooded the school’s social media, soon turning into real-life h#arassment. Not just against Rachel—but against all the scholarship students. Comments grew more and more vicious:

“See why we shouldn’t have those sheep on campus?”

“She looked so innocent. I actually trusted her. Turns out all poor people are the same.”

“Poor Ryan. Imagine the scandal.”

“I saw Rachel crying this morning. She’s so manipulative—OMG.”

“We need to do something. #TheSheepMustGo.”

Rachel was devastated. But what could she do? Even other scholarship students turned against her. Meanwhile, in the Diamond Room, tension crackled like static.

“See? That girl was lying. Those poor br@ts are all the same,” Cornelia said sharply.

“I told you I was innocent,” Ryan snapped. “But you never trusted me.”

“I think Ryan deserves an apology,” Cornelia added.

“Me? Apologize?” Suhee scoffed, crossing her arms. “Huh. Looks like you forgot who you’re talking to.”

“I think that means she’s sorry,” Alejandro said, trying to lighten the mood. “So… now that everything’s back to normal and everyone’s happy—shall we… party, party, yeah?”

Everyone stared at him. Then, one by one, they got up and left.

“Uh… okay,” he muttered, scratching his neck, embarrassed.

In the quiet corridors, Suhee noticed Rachel sitting alone in an empty classroom, wiping her tears.

“You,” she said, stepping inside.

Rachel looked up, startled. Her sadness quickly shifted into fear.

“I want to hear it from your mouth,” Suhee said, approaching her. “Are the rumors that you lied true?”

“If you’ve heard them,” Rachel replied flatly, “then maybe they’re not false.”

“No. That’s not what I want to hear.”

Suhee placed both hands on the desk and leaned forward, her eyes locking with Rachel’s.

“That public apology was bullshit. I want to know what Ryan did to you.”

“Nothing,” Rachel said quietly. “I lied from the beginning. Now leave me alone.”

She stood abruptly and rushed out, her shoulders trembling. Suhee watched her go, and was very suspicious. Something was stopping Rachel from telling the truth—but what?

From the window, Suhee spotted Angelique talking to Trunks in the corridor.

“For someone who’s supposedly never on campus, I find you quite regular these days,” Angelique teased.

Trunks didn’t answer. He tried to step away, but Angelique caught his hand and pulled him closer.

“Last time you disappeared without giving me your number,” she murmured, her tone playful. “How did you expect us to plan our date?”

“H–Here we are,” he stammered, flustered.

“I thought about you the whole time,” she continued. “I missed you. Did you miss me?”

She leaned in slightly, fixing his lips, her hands resting on his shoulders. Trunks turned red as a tomato and smiled faintly.

“Someone might see us,” he whispered.

“So what? It’s not a crime to be seen near a beautiful girl, huh?” she said with a mischievous smirk.

“Pick me up on Saturday at two p.m. I live in the Emerald section, apartment six. I’ll be waiting.”

Trunks nodded shyly.

Angelique took his phone from his hand. “Unlock it,” she said. He obeyed, and she saved her number before calling herself.

“There. Now we have each other’s numbers.” She smiled and walked away.

As soon as Angelique left, Suhee stepped out of the classroom.

“Su? Were you here this whole time?” he asked.

“Yeah, I was inside,” she said casually.

“I… it’s not what you think,” he blurted nervously.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, pretending not to understand.

“You… you didn’t see anything?”

“Uh, no,” she lied smoothly. “I was busy reading. Why? Is there something I should’ve seen?”

Trunks exhaled in relief.

“No, it’s nothing,” Trunks said, forcing a gentle smile. “See you.” He turned and walked away.

When he left, Suhee’s smile vanished. She started searching for Angelique and soon spotted her stepping into the restroom. Without hesitation, she followed. Angelique, reapplying lipstick, caught her reflection in the mirror.

“Are you that fascinated by me that you can’t help but stare?” she asked coolly.

Suhee stepped closer, standing beside her in front of the mirror. “I don’t have time to waste, so I’ll be quick,” she said. “Stay away from Trunks.”

Angelique met her gaze through the mirror and burst into laughter.

“And why, if I may know? Trunks is exactly my type.”

Meanwhile, in the Diamond Room, Trunks joined Alejandro and Ryan.

“What’s up with you? You’re all red,” Ryan said.

“I… think I need your help,” Trunks muttered, staring at the floor.

“What’s the issue?” Alejandro asked.

“I have a date… and I don’t know what to do.”

Alejandro and Ryan exchanged looks—then burst into laughter.

“You? You asked Angelique out on a date?” Ryan asked, astonished.

“Actually… she’s the one who asked me out,” Trunks admitted shyly.

The two laughed even harder.

“Bro, you’re so awkward,” Alejandro said between laughs.

“Pathetic,” Ryan added with a grin.

“Sorry if I bothered you,” Trunks said quietly. “I just thought I could get some tips. I’ve… never been on a date before.”

Their laughter softened. Alejandro clapped him on the shoulder.

“Alright, we’ll help you. First—buy her flowers.”

Trunks immediately pulled out his notebook.
 Buy her flowers, he wrote.

“If she asks for something, buy it for her,” Ryan added.
 Buy what she asks me, Trunks noted down.

“Never split the bill. Pay for everything, even if she insists on sharing,” Alejandro said.
 Never split the bill or let her pay, he wrote carefully.

“After the date, take her home. Make sure she goes inside before you leave,” Ryan said.
 Trunks nodded, writing again.

“Compliment her—her dress, her hair, tell her she’s beautiful,” Alejandro continued. “And if she ever asks if she looks fat, never say yes. Just say, ‘You’re perfect.’”

“Also,” Ryan added, “make jokes. Keep the conversation going. Don’t kiss her unless she wants it. Always open the doors And remember—women are always right.”

Trunks finished writing, looking proud. “This will help me revise,” he said sincerely. “Thank you, guys.”

“One last thing,” Alejandro said. “Does Suhee know you’re going on a date with Angelique?”

“I haven’t told her yet,” Trunks admitted. “I want to see if I vibe with Angelique first. If we get along, I’ll tell Suhee. I don’t want her to think I’m a flirt or some kind of player.”

Alejandro frowned slightly. “You and Suhee aren’t even dating. Why are you so worried about what she’ll think?”

“Because… I don’t want her to be disappointed in me,” Trunks said softly.

Alejandro sighed, rolling his eyes. Before he could reply, Cornelia walked in carrying a box of chicken wings.

“I bought snacks. Who wants some?” she said cheerfully.

Meanwhile, in the restroom—

“I know girls like you,” Suhee said coldly. “Your intentions are never genuine. If you try to hurt Trunks, I swear—”

“Swear what?” Angelique interrupted, turning sharply toward her. “What will you do? Do you think you’re his mother or something? Trunks is an adult. He can choose whoever he wants, and it’s none of your business.”

“Oh, no—you’re wrong. Everything concerning Trunks is my business,” Suhee shot back.

Angelique sighed dramatically. “So the rumors were true,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “Pathetic.”

Suhee’s brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“That you’re just Trunks’ little puppy,” Angelique said with a mocking smile. “Begging for his attention in vain—because he’s never seen you as a woman.”

“Shut up, you b*tch!” Suhee yelled, unable to control her anger.

Angelique smirked. “You see? That’s why he’ll never like you. You’re too vulgar. I don’t take what isn’t offered. I just make refusing impossible. Trunks is mine.”

That was the last straw. Suhee grabbed Angelique by the hair, and the two fell into a furious fight.

Within minutes, the commotion spread across campus. Students flooded the restroom, cheering, and shouting. University staff rushed in to break the fight apart, dragging the two girls away.

When Suhee returned to the Diamond Room, everyone turned to stare at her.

“What?” she barked. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”

Cornelia silently handed her a phone. Suhee froze. The video of the fight was already online—posted by an anonymous account—and it was spreading like wildfire.

“What the hell!” Suhee gasped, her face pale. She turned and stormed out of the room.

“Wait for me!” Cornelia shouted, running after her.

“This week is definitely dedicated to S-Class scandals,” Alejandro muttered.

Later that evening, Trunks sent Angelique a message.

Trunks: I’m really sorry for what happened between you and Suhee earlier. I don’t know what caused it, but I promise—she’s not a bad person.

Angelique: It’s okay, don’t worry. I don’t hold a grudge.

Trunks: I hope you two can settle your differences.

Angelique: Sure. I’m ready for a fresh start. I know she’s your best friend—and if I love you, I must learn to love her too. We just had a misunderstanding. It’ll be fine.

Trunks: That’s really kind of you. I appreciate it.

He tucked his phone into his pocket and left his penthouse. At the same time, Angelique sat in her room, laughing to herself as she replayed the earlier scene in her mind.

“Suhee must be devastated after the video I posted. I thought she was a threat,” she said, smiling wickedly. “But she turned out to be even less dangerous than I imagined. Turning Trunks against her won’t be difficult. And when she’s out of the way…” — she smirked, — “I’ll end him.”

Meanwhile, Ryan was lounging in the parlor with Pavitra.

“See? I told you I was innocent. Do you believe me now?” he asked.

“Yes,” Pavitra whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry I didn’t trust you, baby. I love you so much. I couldn’t bear it if you’d done something like that.”

Ryan’s tone softened. “I’ll never, ever disappoint you.”

He leaned in and kissed her, sealing their fragile reconciliation.

Across campus, Suhee sat alone in the private garden, her phone pressed tightly in her hand. The call had just ended, but her mother’s furious voice still echoed in her ears.

“What is the meaning of that video? I am so disappointed! Have you thought about the family’s image? You are the heiress of everything your father and I have built! You’ve always been weak—how could you let your emotions control you like that? This shame and embarrassment, Suhee—let it be the last time I hear of such barbaric behavior!”

Now, she sat in silence, her eyes on the sunset spilling orange and gold over the campus gardens. The glow bathed the flowers in a melancholy light. It was true — her relationship with her mother had always been complicated. Mrs. Baek demanded perfection, expecting her daughter to embody grace and control at all times, forgetting she was human with feelings and flaws.

But this time, Suhee couldn’t deny her mother was right. The fight had been shameful. And she was ashamed. She sighed deeply, brushing a strand of hair from her face, when she sensed someone sit beside her.

“Did you come to judge me too?” she asked without looking up.

“No,” a familiar voice said softly. “I figured you’d fought with your mother… so I came to see if you’re okay.”

She turned slightly — Trunks was sitting next to her.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing Angelique?” she asked, her tone calm but fragile.

“I wasn’t sure of anything yet,” Trunks admitted, staring at the ground. “Not what I feel for her… not if we actually vibe. I wanted to be sure before telling you. I didn’t want you to see me as a flirt. Or a player.”

Suhee smiled faintly. “I never have and never will see you that way.”

“Please,” he said gently, “don’t fight Angelique again.”

“I won’t. Don’t worry,” she replied quietly.

A soft silence lingered between them, filled only by the rustling of the leaves and the hum of evening cicadas.

“If things ever become official between you and Angelique,” Suhee finally said, “will you tell me?”

“Yes,” Trunks answered. “I know you’ll be happy for me if I find someone.”

Suhee nodded, forcing a small smile even as an indescribable ache tightened in her chest.

“Oh—and about the video,” Trunks added, “it’s gone. Deleted everywhere. No one can see it now.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Trunks smiled and gently rested his head on her lap. For a long moment, neither spoke. They simply sat there, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of gold and crimson.