“Why not? I’m used to being alone.” I replied, looking down at my hands. Just then, one of Yuna’s friends approached us.
“You know, Olivia, you’re not going to get attention from him,” She nodded towards Taehyung “by dressing nicely. Just stick to-”
“You know what?” I stood up and grabbed my backpack. “You’re right, ok? I get it. I’m just trying too hard to get everyone’s attention. Now just please leave me alone.” I brushed past her and wiped the tears off my face. I briskly walked to the bathroom before class and washed the makeup off my face. One thing I could get rid of here. Yuna walked out of a stall. I rolled my eyes. Is she just following me everywhere?
“Hey, Olivia.” She said while washing her hands. “Finally getting rid of that clown makeup off?” I ignored her. “Are you too weak to think of a comeback?” She scoffed.
“I just don’t want to give you the satisfaction of hurting me.” I responded quietly.
“Ok.” She sighed and walked to get a paper towel. Then she stopped and whispered in my ear. “Back off of Taehyung. He’ll never love someone like you anyway.” Then she proceeded to walk out the door. I leaned against the counter and took a deep breath before exiting the bathroom. I walked to my first class while getting stares from some of the other students. I sighed and sat down. Yuna and her friends were whispering and laughing at me throughout the entire class. Finally my torment was over and I hurriedly exited the classroom.
“Olivia?” Yuna called. I ignored her and kept walking. “Wait.” She ran to catch up with me and I rolled my eyes. “I came to apologize.” I stopped and turned to face her.
“Really?” I ask in disbelief.
“Yes. I’m sorry.” She said, holding out her hand for me to shake it.
“Ummm…ok.” I lifted my hand to hers. Then she grabbed my shoulders and pinned me to the wall.
“This is what happens when you mess with me.” Her friends surrounded me and they began punching me in the face and stomach. They scattered when the bell rang. I don’t even know what I did to her. I brushed myself and acted like nothing happened. Only now I had gym with Taehyung and he for sure would be worried about me and asked me what happened. I just didn’t want to talk about it. I walked into the gym and sat alone towards the back of the room. Taehyung walked in and came towards me. I looked away, trying to hide my face but he still sat beside me. I tried to keep my face turned away from him throughout class but he saw it anyway.
“Are you ok?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
“What happened?” He came closer to me.
“I just got hit in the face with someone's book. They threw it at me and-”
“Olivia, I’m not stupid.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. “What actually happened?”
“It was Yuna, ok?” I replied softly, pulling away from him. “But don’t worry about it.”
“Oh I’m gonna pound her.”
“No. Don’t. It’ll just make her even more mad at me. Please don’t.” I pleaded.
“Ok, fine.” He sighed.
“Thanks.” I avoided talking to him for the rest of class. When class was over I hurried out so he couldn’t ask me any more questions. I walked down the hall towards my next class and saw Yuna and her friends in the hallway. I ducked into the bathroom hoping they wouldn’t see me. I hid in a stall as someone walked in.
“Can you believe Olivia?” One girl scoffed.
“I know. She’s trying too hard to get Taehyung’s attention. He’ll never love a slut like her.” The other one cackled.
“I know right. It’s sad how she thinks she can win him over.”
“Tell me about it. Yuna was right, she’s a total whore.”
“Yeah.” The two girls giggled and exited the bathroom. I sat there for a while longer before bursting into tears. They always bully me, but today, they took it too far. I curled my knees to my chest and sobbed until it was lunchtime. I don’t care if I skipped a class. I couldn’t bear to see Yuna again today. I calmed myself down and came out of the stall. I walked to the sink and washed my face. Then I slowly walked to the cafeteria. I grabbed my lunch and sat at the table. I didn’t feel like eating so I put my head down on the table. A few minutes later, Taehyung placed his tray on the table. I looked up at him. I needed to make the hardest decision I’ve ever made.
“Olivia-”
“Taehyung, I think we should stop being friends.” I said before he could finish his sentence. I didn’t want to, but I had no other choice.
“What?”
“I said I think we should-”
“No, I heard you, but why?”
“Yuna and her friends won’t leave me alone.”
“But you know what they’re saying isn’t true.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.” I replied, trying not to cry again.
“Olivia, she’s just jealous.”
“I know. But she has nothing to be jealous about. We’re just friends. But maybe we shouldn’t even be that.” I whispered the last part. “It’s bad enough that you’re my only friend. You’re the only person who’s been kind to me and what do I get for it? Bullied and picked on and gossiped about all day long.”
“Well, just don’t listen to them. They’re-”
“They called me a slut and a whore, Taehyung.” I interrupted him again.
“Oh.” Is all he said.
“Yeah.”
“You should tell someone then.”
“No Taehyung. I just think that we need to take a break from each other.” I made my decision. I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Is this really what you want?” He looked me in the eye.
“No, it’s not.” A tear slid down my cheek as I spoke.“But I can’t take it anymore, I’m sorry.”
“I understand.” He said quietly.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He stood up and I did too. “If you need anything you know where to find me.” The truth is, I didn’t want him to leave. I hugged him tightly and he wrapped his arms around me. I wanted to tell him that this was a joke. That I never wanted him to leave me. But I knew I couldn't. He pulled away, smiled at me, and went to sit with Jimin.
The rest of the day went by so slow. All my classes felt like they were hours long. When school was finally over I headed to the library to check out some books to help study for the test coming up. I checked out the books and walked home. One of Yuna’s friends approached me.
“Look, I’m not in the mood right now.” I sighed, turning to face her.
“I’m Lia.” She held her hand out and I hesitantly shook it. “I’m sorry about Yuna.” She said.
“Ok.” I started walking away from her.
“She kicked me from the friend group because I was defending you.” She says, making me stop. I turned around and looked at her in disbelief. “I’m tired of her *. She’s just jealous because you’re hanging out with Taehyung now.”
“Well, she doesn’t have to be anymore. We’re not friends anymore.” I reply.
“Really? Why?”
“Look, I know you said she kicked you from the friend group. But I don’t know if I can trust you ok?”
“I understand. I just wanted you to know that I’d like to be friends with you when you’re ready.” She smiles. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She waves and walks away. That’s weird. Is Yuna really trying to spy on me? Would she stoop that low? I’ll find out soon enough I guess. I just can’t tell Lia everything until I know I can trust her.