The next morning—
Jisoo walked into school quietly.
She tried to act normal.
But nothing felt normal.
Whispers followed her.
"Look, it's her…"
"The café girl…"
"So embarrassing…"
Jisoo lowered her head and walked faster.
Minji held her hand.
"Ignore them."
Jisoo forced a smile.
"I'm trying…"
Just then—
A voice stopped her.
"Well… if it isn't our 'hardworking' student."
Tang Lin.
Jisoo's steps slowed.
Minji frowned.
"Don't start, Tang Lin."
Tang Lin smiled sweetly.
"Oh, I'm not starting anything."
She looked at Jisoo.
"I'm just impressed."
Jisoo stayed silent.
"Studying here… working there…" Tang Lin continued.
"Must be hard living like that."
Minji stepped forward.
"Enough."
Tang Lin ignored her.
"You know," she said softly to Jisoo,
"people like you don't belong here."
Jisoo's fingers tightened.
"I worked to be here," she said quietly.
Tang Lin laughed.
"Work doesn't change status.
That hit deep.
Minji looked angry.
"Say one more word and—"
"And what?" Tang Lin interrupted.
Before things could get worse—
"Stop."
Kevin.
He stood there, eyes cold.
Tang Lin turned.
"You again."
Kevin didn't look at her.
He looked at Jisoo.
"Come."
Jisoo hesitated.
Tang Lin smirked.
"Running away again?"
Jisoo froze.
Minji squeezed her hand.
"Don't listen to her."
Jisoo took a deep breath.
Then—
She looked at Tang Lin.
"I'm not running."
Tang Lin raised an eyebrow.
Jisoo continued, voice shaking but strong—
"You can say whatever you want."
"But I won't leave."
Silence.
Even Kevin looked surprised.
Jisoo turned.
And walked away.
Kevin followed her.
Minji smiled slightly.
"Finally," she whispered.
Tang Lin's smile faded.
"…This isn't over," she said quietly.
Outside—
Jisoo stopped.
Her breathing heavy.
Kevin stood beside her.
"You didn't have to listen to her," he said.
Jisoo shook her head.
"I'm tired of running."
Kevin looked at her.
Something changed in his eyes.
"…Good," he said.
For the first time—
Jisoo didn't feel weak.
👉 Maybe…
She was stronger than she thought.