04. Start of my misery

I was terrified to go to school today but I still did. I've just gotta bear with it till graduation. But I'll graduate after three years... Anyways, just bear it for mum.

I sat in my seat trying to concentrate on the lecture but my mind kept drifting to yesterday's incident. Soon the bell rang and as soon as the teacher left the class I felt someone throw pencil shavings and bits of paper at my head. I bit my bottom lip and lowered my head. I decided to do as Jisung said this time. Which is to not provoke them any further.

I heard Daejung laugh as Cheng 'apologized', "Oh, I'm so sorry. I thought you were a trash can."

I was removing the trash from my hair when Daejung suddenly held my jaw and forced me to face him. It "Did you forget your guts at home? Where did all your bravery from yesterday go?"

Even though his lips were smiling his eyes looked like he was ready to kill. Just then the door opened and the teacher entered the class. Daejung roughly moved back as he whispered, "This isn't over yet."

~~

It was lunch break and I could feel the anxiety growing inside me. Calm down Junseo... It will be fine. I knew I was only feeding myself empty words. Jungwon, Jisung, and Hanbin didn't even look in my direction. It was I was invisible to the whole class.

Maybe I should stay at the library for recess then-

My thoughts were cut short when Cheng threw his arm on my shoulder as he snickered, "Where are you going, lil bitch? Why don't you come with us? I'm so happy that you didn't skip school today." Saying that he dragged me to the rooftop.

He opened the door and I saw Daejung, Minseok, Baekhyun, and Jaesung along with Hyunwoo. "Oh if it isn't our new hero of justice!", cheered Baekhyun. "What took you so long? Were you protecting someone else this time?"

"Quit kidding, Baek. He can't even protect himself", said Jaesung.

"Hyunwoo, dear, let's see how loyal you are to your 'hero'", joked Minseok.

I don't know what they are planning but I don't have a good feeling about it...

Daejung said holding up two fingers, "So Hyunwoo, you have two options here. First; you share your 'position' with Junseo. And second; let Junseo replace you."

Considering that I tried to help him yesterday I hope he can stand up.

"Se-second! I choose the second option." Hyunwoo shuttered without wasting a minute.

Jaesung scoffed while the rest of them laughed. "You're free to go then", Cheng said to Hyunwoo. I had forgotten that he was standing behind me. I felt like I had lost my voice as Hyunwoo dashed downstairs.

"Looks like he wasn't loyal to you, Seonie", I could see the smirk in Minseok's voice.

"Then let's start with the orientation ceremony!", Cheng cheered.

"Why don't you do the honor, Jaesung hyung?" asked Daejung.

"It would be my pleasure."

Jaesung held a bottle with some brown liquid in it and said, "Drink up. It won't kill you."

I shook my head and took a step back. My eyes widened as I felt Cheng hold me tight by my arm. I could feel my palms getting sweaty and I'm pretty sure the desperation to escape was written on my face.

"Geez... I don't know why you all refuse. It's not that hard to finish this. Don't blame me for what I'm about to do", Jaesung said as he brought the bottle to my mouth.

I could smell the disgusting scent that came from the thick brown liquid. It made me gag. Jaesung forcefully threw some of it in my mouth. The moment it touched my tongue I had a feeling that I would throw up. What the fuck is that thing?! I spit the liquid and coughed. But I accidentally spitted it in Jaesung's face.

I looked up and felt a hard punch on my left cheek making me stumble. I saw Jaesung's face and he was red with anger. He cracked his knuckles saying, "Now you've done it, boy..."

He threw another punch at me but this time I ducked and dodged it. It seemed to make him even angrier. Someone kicked my back and I fell on the ground face-first. Another kick was thrown at my stomach knocking the air out of me. I coughed and pulled my knees to my chest and used my arms as a shield to cover my head. I lay still as the four boys continued kicking me.

"That's what you get you, bastard! Just because you're a student in this school doesn't mean that you're the same as everyone here! Don't forget the sewer you fucking rat came from!", someone said but I could not define who.

I just want it to stop...

My ears were ringing as my vision got blurry because of tears and dizziness.

It's difficult to breathe... Please... Someone, please help-

I stopped thinking as I coughed again and blood dripped from my nose. I knew my lip was busted and my back was probably badly bruised. I could feel myself losing consciousness when I felt them finally stop.

"That's enough", said Daejung. He didn't join in hitting me but was clearly entertained by the show. "Let's go. Recess is almost over. We don't want him to be badly injured on his first day now."

With that, they finally left. After collecting my thoughts for good ten minutes I eventually gathered the strength to stand up and go to the infirmary with an excuse that I fell down the stairs.