Embrace your insecurities, my dear, as nobody out there will ever stop pointing them out. Their arrogance thrives by focusing on our insecurities.

_

"Hey, Y/N." She tensed at the sound of Jungkook's voice. It seemed deeper now, stronger than before. Despite herself, the rich tone sent a chill down her spine.

After a quick glance in his direction, Y/N focused intently on finding her math book. She kept her voice steady and curt. "Hey."

Jungkook leaned casually against the lockers nearby, clutching his textbook and notebook. Y/N struggled to keep her emotions in check, silently willing herself not to break down.

"Are you okay? You're not tutoring the group anymore," Jungkook asked, his voice gentle. It is all an act, right? Or is this your true self?

"I'm fine. Just busy with my own stuff," Y/N replied tersely, avoiding eye contact. She hoped her brusque demeanor would discourage him from lingering.

Finally, he spoke again, his voice tentative. "Listen, I wanted to ask you something." Her heart skipped a beat, a traitor to her resolve. The world around her grew fuzzy, the whispers of passing students fading into the background. 

She knew what was coming. It had been the talk of the school, the rumor that had her stomach in knots for days. Y/N's heart raced. She couldn't bear the thought of what he might ask, afraid it would only deepen her heartache.

Shit. Here it comes. You can do this just like you and Lia practiced.

"Yeah? What?" Y/N replied, her voice sounding more composed than she felt inside. She quickly found her math book, shoved it into her bag, and began organizing her physics and biology books in her locker. Jungkook hesitated, likely puzzled by her distant demeanor.

"Um... I was wondering... uh... would you... um... would you like to go to the Prom dance with me?" Jungkook finally asked, his words hesitant. 

All her hopes and prayers broke in an instant.

It's all lies.

All act.

All lie.

Lie.

Lie.

Acts.

Fake.

Fake smiles.

Fake self.

I hate it.

All of it!

Y/N swallowed hard and bit her lip, her heart sinking. Until he uttered those words, she had hoped it was just a rumor.

 Now, facing reality, she couldn't help but glance around the hallway. What she saw made her stomach churn and her knees weak. While their classmates and some juniors strolled by, oblivious to the unfolding drama, groups of bullies watched with keen interest. Some whispered to each other, while others eagerly anticipated her response.

Several pointed their phones at her and Jungkook, poised to capture what they likely expected to be a humiliating moment for the shy girl. Whatever happened next would undoubtedly become the talk of days, if not weeks.

They were there for him! I was never so jealous or insecure until I saw this—that they were there for him.

How dare he? Doesn't he have a heart? Why me? What would they gain? she thought.Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but summoning the strength Lia had coached her on, she tilted her chin up defiantly. 

Using a deliberately bored tone, she responded, "No, thanks."

She glimpsed his shock before turning away, closing her locker with more force than usual. Hurrying through the crowded hallway toward her next class, she ignored the murmurs and whispers that followed her like a shadow. A lump formed in her throat as she fought back tears after standing up to Jungkook and his friends.

As she walked, she asked herself, "Will a pretty face make it better? Will being like them make my life easier? Why do I feel so small? Why can't I just be happy with who I am?"

Her mind raced with insecure thoughts. She felt like she was always on the outside looking in. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't belong. 

She felt like everyone else had it all figured out while she was left struggling to find her place. She worried that people only saw her as the shy, nerdy girl and nothing more. The fear of never being accepted gnawed at her constantly.

She hurried to her next class, her heart heavy. It had been a rough few weeks, but now she had to face one more challenge: the final exams and then the last day at school. Nobody knew she was moving away, and she had successfully ignored everyone throughout the exams. Today was the last exam, and she wanted to finish strong.

After finishing her test, Y/N packed her things and walked out of the school for the last time. She felt a mix of relief and sadness. She wouldn't miss the bullies or the cruel jokes, but she would miss her cousin Lia and the few good memories she had. 

___________________________

Author's Note: I too had my own insecurities, but here I am growing and learning to be comfortable with myself, regardless of others' opinions. It's okay not to be perfect, not to be intelligent, not to be tall, not to have fair skin, not to have a beautiful smile, not to have clear skin, not to have a strong social presence. You don't have to force yourself to change just because someone points out your flaws. So fuck others.