Traitor

Chapter 2

That you talked to her, or maybe did even worse

I kept quiet so I could keep you...

She stared, teary-eyed, into the vastness of the night sky, the stars blurring in her vision. Her heart ached, the silent waves of her sobs growing heavier with every passing second. I'm a big fool. Why, Hyunjin? Why are you doing this to me? The thought repeated like a mantra, clawing at her mind as she hugged her knees to her chest.

Hani reflected on how their once-perfect relationship had slowly begun to unravel before her very eyes. She had tried so hard to hold on, playing the understanding girlfriend in hopes of keeping him close. But how much longer could she endure for a guy who seemed to want her less and less each day?

~~~~

"Hani-ah, you don’t look too good. Are you sure everything’s okay?" Soyeon’s worried voice pierced through Hani’s daze. She had been watching her best friend sink deeper into herself, and it was breaking her heart. This wasn’t the first time Hani had dealt with depression, but there was something different this time—something heavier.

Hani blinked and shook her head lightly. "I’m fine," she mumbled, her voice a ghost of its usual self.

Soyeon frowned, unconvinced. "Should I call Hyunjin? He always has a way of making you smile."

If only she knew… He’s the reason I feel this way.

Hani barely managed a nod before Soyeon dashed off, determined to help her. She returned a few minutes later, her face scrunched in visible annoyance. "Oh my god, who does she think she is? Hovering around Hyunjin like that?!"

Hani froze, her heart sinking further into her chest. "What do you mean?" she asked quietly.

"He’s with that new girl again," Soyeon spat, crossing her arms. Her eyes softened as she saw the hurt flash across Hani’s face. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder. "Hani… Are you sure everything’s okay between you two?"

Hani’s lips quivered as she forced a faint smile. "It’s fine, Soyeon. She’s just… nervous about being new here." The lie tasted bitter in her mouth, but she couldn’t bring herself to admit the truth—not yet.

~~~~

The bell for recess rang, and the students flooded out of their classrooms, their excited chatter filling the hallways. Hani closed her locker door and turned to see Felix and Han Jisung waving at her from across the hall.

"Annyeong, Hani-ah!" Jisung called, flashing his signature gummy smile. His energy was infectious, and despite herself, Hani felt a small smile tug at her lips. Felix, ever the affectionate one, wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they approached.

"Hey, Hani," Felix greeted warmly. "How’s it going?"

"I’m good," she replied softly.

"Let’s go to the cafeteria," Jisung suggested, already leading the way.

They settled into their usual booth, with Felix recounting an embarrassing moment from a party he had hosted last weekend. Jisung, as always, teased him mercilessly, while Hani listened quietly, her laugh occasionally breaking through.

The cafeteria’s lively buzz suddenly hushed, and whispers rippled through the room. Hani didn’t need to turn to know what—or rather, who—had caused the commotion.

Hyunjin entered, flanked by Chan and Minho. The trio made their way to the table, their presence commanding the room. Felix greeted Chan with a hearty handshake, and Jisung’s eyes lit up as Minho smiled in his direction.

Hyunjin slid into the seat next to Hani, wrapping his arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her temple. "Hey, Hani," he murmured, his voice warm and familiar.

She smiled weakly. "Hi."

Their friends chatted around them, but Hani barely registered the conversation. She was hyper-aware of Hyunjin’s hand holding hers, the way his thumb gently stroked her knuckles. For a moment, she felt reassured—safe in his presence.

"Like, get a room, you two," a sarcastic voice cut through the moment.

Everyone turned to see Seungmin standing there, the brunette girl from Hyunjin’s class by his side. Her presence made Hani’s stomach twist into knots.

"Hi, guys," the girl cooed, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

The group responded with a half-hearted chorus of greetings, their discomfort evident.

She slid into the seat next to Hyunjin, placing her hand casually over his on the table. Hani’s breath hitched as she watched the interaction, her chest tightening.

Hyunjin didn’t seem to notice—or maybe he did, and he didn’t care. He was too engrossed in his conversation with Chan and Felix to pay attention to the way Hani shifted uncomfortably beside him.

Jisung frowned, his gaze darting between Hani and the brunette. Felix nudged him subtly, as if to say, not now.

Hani bit her lip, forcing herself to look away. She focused on her food, but the lump in her throat made it hard to swallow. Maybe it’s nothing, she tried to convince herself. Maybe I’m overthinking again.

But the nagging doubt in her mind refused to be silenced.

~~~~

Later that day, Hani found herself sitting alone in the courtyard, her head resting against the cool stone of the school building. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the campus.

She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. Hyunjin’s words from weeks ago echoed in her mind: "I love you, Hani. Don’t overthink so much, okay?"

But how could she not? Every time she saw him with that girl, her chest tightened, and the doubt crept back in. She wanted to trust him, but the cracks in their relationship were growing too big to ignore.

"Hey."

Hani looked up to see Soyeon standing over her, holding two cups of iced coffee. She handed one to Hani before sitting down beside her.

"You’ve been quiet today," Soyeon said, her voice gentle.

Hani shrugged, her fingers tracing patterns on the cup. "Just tired, I guess."

Soyeon wasn’t buying it. "Hani… You can talk to me, you know. About anything."

Hani’s eyes welled up with tears, and she quickly looked away, afraid to let them spill. "I don’t know, Soyeon. I feel like… like I’m losing him."

Soyeon placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "If he’s making you feel like this, maybe he’s not worth it."

Hani shook her head, her voice breaking. "But I love him."

"And you deserve someone who loves you back just as much," Soyeon said firmly.

Hani leaned into her friend’s shoulder, letting the tears fall. Deep down, she knew Soyeon was right. But admitting it to herself was another matter entirely.