Hana and her friends were gathered in the hallway during break, standing around the corner. Eunbi furrowed her brows and crossed her arms. "Really? I can't believe it! This is too much!" she said, her voice rising a little.
Sera took a deep breath and shook her head. "Yes, I saw it too. But I don't think we should push it, no need to make it a big deal."
Hana listened quietly. She could feel something boiling inside her, but she was trying not to let it show. "Let's just watch for now and see what happens," she mumbled.
When the bell rang for class, they all took a deep breath and headed back to their classrooms.
Minji entered the classroom and immediately fixed her gaze on Hana. "Did you spread this rumor?"
Hana's insides tightened. "No, I didn't do it!"
But Minji crossed her arms as if she didn't believe her. "Everyone's saying you knew about this. People are saying you knew before anyone else said anything."
Hana was confused. She had only heard the rumor just like everyone else. She hadn't told anyone anything. So how did her name get involved?
Just then, Eunwoo leaned in. "There's something strange going on," he whispered. "I think someone is trying to frame you."
Hana shuddered. Was someone deliberately targeting her?
The situation continued for a few days. Hana could feel the eyes of people at school on her, looking at her differently. Especially Aerin's gaze—it was strange—she seemed to be avoiding her but also observing her at the same time.
Then, Hana accidentally overheard a conversation.
"I didn't think this would blow up like this," a voice whispered. "I just wanted to teach Hana a lesson."
Hana's breath caught in her throat. She recognized the voice. Hyejin.
She quickly peeked around the corner and saw Hyejin staring at her phone, looking tense. "I was just angry because of what happened with Aerin. That girl's look alone pissed me off. But now it's gotten out of hand."
Hana took a step back. So, it was Hyejin who had spread the rumor.
At that moment, she realized the person Hyejin was talking to was Aerin. Aerin's eyes widened.
"So, it was really you..." Aerin whispered.
Hyejin panicked.
"Aerin, I... I just said things out of anger, and now it's gone too far. You noticed too, right? She was looking at you differently! I thought she might betray you."
Seeing the disappointment on Aerin's face was enough.
"Did you just let people treat Hana badly for something she didn't even do?!" Aerin shouted.
Hyejin tried to say something, but Aerin had already shaken her head.
"You've really disappointed me, Hyejin."
Without looking back even for a second, Aerin turned and walked away. Hyejin stood there, staring after her.
Hana quickly turned into the side hallway, trying to process everything. Finally, everything had come to light. But now there was one more thing... Would Minji find out the truth?