[Han Sara]

School has gradually turned into a battlefield over the weeks. Saeyi hasn't showed up for a while, fearing retaliation. Lira keeps claiming she has dirt on Byeonghee, and most of the other students are eager to know what it is.

I, on the other hand, care about him as a person and not about any rumors potentially surrounding him. If anything, Lira has to shut up. Her witchhunt has caused a victim and she has never repented for lying on him.

I'm so nervous about the possible outcomes of the upcoming "exposé" that I can't even focus on classes or study sessions properly. Byeonghee notices and warns me about risking burning out. "If you need to take a break, just take it," he says indeed.

I admit. "I wish I could. Suneung is close, though. I can't afford to let down my guard. If I study hard, I'll get a good score and have a better chance of entering a good college. So-"

He interrupts me. "You'll also get burnt out. So, please, take my advice and let yourself go. Even for just one day." I sigh. He has a point. I need some time to unwind and forget about the problems that have piled up in the past few months.

"You know what? I'm all for a breaker. No studying after classes, but just for one day. We must focus on the bigger picture." Byeonghee smiles at me as I accept his suggestion of unwinding for a bit. It'll help more than hurt in his opinion, so I should try listening to his advice.

***

Leaving books behind for a day turned out to be a good idea as Byeonghee correctly predicted. I feel more relaxed, but at the same time more determined to carry on with my study program for the final exam. I used to find it grueling and would occasionally sleep with my head on books.

But now, knowing that I still have a solid support system and that my mind is void of negativity, I'm confident I can do well in the coming weeks. After all, the Suneung isn't far away... A good score can land me at a better college. However, if that's not the case, I'll build myself a backup plan. I won't wallow into self-pity.

I go through classes without the heavy burden that has weighed on my chest for a while. I like the idea of not having to worry over anything serious, only taking care of the important stuff and letting good vibes in. I really need to thank Byeonghee for helping me with this mindset switch.

Speaking of him, there's something weird about him. How is it possible that he's an idol? That has to be a mistake or a way for Lira to psyche us out and try to tear us apart. I'm so used to that brat's tricks that I could write book filled with the poison she spews on a daily basis.

To find out, I have to ask Byeonghee for a confirmation. I need reassurance. What if this is just a distraction for the real "exposé" awaiting us? Does it even involve him? Wow. So much for getting rid of a burden—now I have to deal with an even heavier one.

I get the chance to discuss the matter with him during the break between the last afternoon class and the hours allotted for individual studying and tutoring. "Byeonghee, we need to talk." I throw a stern glare at him, puzzling him.

He gulps. "Sara, what's wrong?"

I let out a loud sigh. "Byeonghee, it's about what Lira blurted out at her aunt's bar. You know, the one where we had that spat."

"Oh, that one... It was terrible. She really has no restraint."

I shake her head. "It's not about her. It's about you."

"Me? What have I done?"

I tell him off. "I should be the one asking this question. Why haven't you told me before? I thought I could trust you!" I try hard not to yell at him or cry. It'd be a sign of weakness. I must be strong. I need the truth, but I can't afford to crumble before it.

"I know, Sara... The point is, I had no other choice."

Believing he's only making excuses, I press him. "What do you mean?"

He groans, knowing that any answer can land him in serious trouble. "I was told not to."

I shake my head. I don't know if I should believe him or not. I don't think I can see him the same way I used to anymore. It's now a matter of whether I can get used to this shift in the relationship between us. I need some actual support from someone who has no damning secrets.

Like Saehyeon. He's just passing by, along with Saeyi. The latter maintains a demure approach, sticking around him to avoid being picked on. I brief them on what I learnt about Byeonghee. "He isn't an ordinary student—he's a celebrity." I say in a dry tone.

For some reason I have a hard time grasping, Saeyi is starstruck. "What do you mean with 'celebrity?' Oh, Sara, please tell me you're not joking! It's, like, the news of the century!" Except it's only out because I found out from Lira! Couldn't Byeonghee just tell me himself? I would've kept his secret if he truly trusted me.

Now, how can I be sure I trust him? What else has he hidden from us? Is he some secret agent double dealing for some organization? Or does he have a criminal past? I need reassurance now, or else I'm not sure how I can navigate this mess.

Saehyeon tries to lift the mood. "Hey, if he's famous, this means he can sign autographs for us! Well, if he wants to..." It doesn't work, unfortunately. Byeonghee looks so out of place here that he's already on the verge of leaving.

"Why don't we kill two birds with a stone?" Saeyi's suggestion scares me. "Byeonghee can come clean and reveal his celebrity status in front of the rest of the school, and, at the same time, have who ratted him out come clean."

Of course, the person concerned doesn't seem to respond well to this idea. "Oh, yeah, because it's totally a good thing for me to throw my career to the wolves for the sake of honesty!" Byeonghee's face is so red that a bottle of ketchup pales in comparison.

I retort. "Honesty? For real, Byeonghee? Where was yours when you hid the truth from us all? Have you forgotten?"

"Fine. Who told you?"

I snap at him. "Does it matter now?"

Saehyeon intervenes. "Hey, hey, let's not argue, please. Byeonghee, this is a delicate matter, so you could've discussed it with us. Sara... it kind of matters."

"Yeah, it could've been a set up," adds Saeyi. "What if Byeonghee didn't tell us about his career to protect himself?"

Both Saehyeon and Sara have made valid points. While I had my good reasons to be upset at Byeonghee, I should've taken the full picture into consideration. Therefore, I reveal who let out this damning secret. "It was Lira. I overheard her when-"

Byeonghee interrupts me. "Really? Am I even surprised? I bet she paid some sasaengs to dig up dirt on me! You know what?" He clenches his feet as he barely hides his anger and disappointment. "Yes, she told the truth. But for you to pay her attention, Sara, that's-"

"That's not the point, Byeonghee. Hadn't I learnt that by chance, you would've kept it hidden forever. What I'm trying to tell you is-"

Another interruption. "I know. You think I'm a liar. Don't worry, I'm out." He storms out, blatantly turning his back at the rest of us. I throw up my hands over my stupidity. I fell straight in Lira's trap. She sought to divide me and Byeonghee—I think she's on the way to succeed in her malicious intent.

I have to counter Lira's bullshit exposé and make sure everybody knows she's nothing but a fake justice protector and an unreliable person.