[Jeong Byeonghee]

I don't know what Lira's problem with Sara is. What I know is that I have one more reason not to tolerate her. How dare that witch talk to Sara like that and, most importantly, spread false rumors about Saeyi? If anything bad happens to the latter, I'll hold Lira accountable.

Only her. Just her. No matter if she has any accomplices. Unless she admits fault over her lies, she can't expect sympathy, especially from me. Yet, this won't deter her from keeping bitching around, especially when Sara and I pass by her. She hopes we also get our own Saeyi treatment. She's dead wrong.

At least, today she isn't at school. Without her, her followers aren't as powerful. They spew some mild bullshit that quickly gets rebutted. There's a reason why serial instigators and bullies always gang up in large groups against one or two people. Pack mentality is really strong here.

I take advantage of the situation to share my thoughts with Sara, who's thankful it hasn't evolved into a full blown fight yet. "I don't know if I would've come alive if you hadn't passed by," she says indeed. "Thank you, Byeonghee."

"No, Sara, I should be the one thanking you. I'd have never known Lira is so dangerous if it weren't for you." I shouldn't mince my words anymore. That girl is a twisted minded liar with no regards for anyone but herself.

"At least now you know and are prepared enough in case she tries to target you." I understand Sara's concern, but I don't think Lira can intimidate me. I've faced a lot worse in my tenure as an idol so far. To me, that girl isn't someone I can trust. I'll keep her away at all costs.

***

Thanks to Sara, I've also discovered another place where to hang out without being exposed to prying eyes. It's a small bar that's located by an alley in a residential area, close to Sara's house, on basement level. Quaint and reserved—perfect when it comes to sharing thoughts without being judged.

Today, we're here to spend a few hours after a week packed with tiresome classes and long study sessions. Joining us are Saehyeon and Saeyi. It's safe to say the four of us are getting closer by the day.

Sara brings back the past fight with Lira at that other bar. The thought of that entitled brat still angers her. "I hate how she always wants the last word and the upper hand in general. Just because I caught her in her lies."

Saeyi sighs. "The worst part is, she won't take responsibility for that. She has an agenda against you, Sara. She targeted me because she somehow got to know you have my back and the other way around." This is as bad as I thought if not worse. Oh Lira isn't a random bully who occasionally picks on people.

She's exactly like most kinds of netizens. She'll put on a pretty face and act nice if she likes something. However, when she comes across anything or anyone she despises, she'll take off her polite mask and unleash a barrage of snarky remarks and insults disguised as criticism.

The worst part is, she'll try to pass it off as constructive or claim she successfully expose someone else's "true character," as if she were a good person instead. I'm shocked such a toxic girl can decide the fate of other students.

She's so influential that the punitive expeditions she has carried on so far led to three students being forced to move schools or have to take their GEDs to finish their education, and then disappear completely. One of them has even quietly passed away due illness, according to Saeyi.

"I only found out through social media," she explains indeed. "He had locked himself at home and never come out after the string of false allegations. As of today, his name hasn't been cleared yet."

"Oh, shit!" I exclaim in shock. "What kind of allegations? They must've been terrible. Had he faced trial for them?"

Saeyi's voice turns darker. "He'd been acquitted by court, but it wasn't enough for Little Miss Justice Protector and her family. That would've forced them all to face legal responsibilty for their lies."

"What the fuck! This is sick. They should've been held accountable for what happened to him. He died alone with barely any support." My face turns blood red. If there's anything I won't stand by, it's injustice, especially over accusations that were proven false. "I swear, I can't let that bitch keep-"

Saehyeon interrupts me before things escalate in a dramatic way. "Take a breath, Byeonghee. If you let her get under your skin, it'll be worse for you, trust me."

I follow his advice and let out three deep breaths. I feel lighter, even though the burden still looms on my back. Sara suggest we take a few orders to ease the tension. "Their tea is amazing—you'll love it." I can't wait to try it if this is the case.

I reprise the speech I started, but with a more nuanced tone. "Things have to change. How long have Lira's delusion of punishing 'bullies' gone on? And does she realize she only targeted innocent people?"

"Making it even harder for actual bullies to face consequences of their actions," adds Saehyeon. "Plus, it's not like Duckyoung High has bullying issues besides Lira's absurd ramblings. She sees problems when there are barely any."

It's Saeyi's turn to talk again. "About that guy, Park Yunhyeok... I originally planned to set up a memorial, or sort of, to remember him from he truly was, and not some unrepenting sexual assaulter or bully." Oh, God. Sexual violence, too? This is pure libel and should've granted Lira at least a permanent ban from social media, if not juvie.

I ask, "But then, the shistorm against you came, right? Are you still going to try?"

"I'm not sure, but..."

Sara encourages her, "Try. Don't be afraid. You have nothing more to lose. We can help you if you need."

For the first time since we tackled this topic, Saeyi smiles. "You know what? I'll try to contact his family when I can and discuss the topic again. I personally know his sister because she's a follower of mine... Well, I have to check if she still is."

"Do you plan to start over on social media when Lira's bullshit is debunked?" Saehyeon's question gives the rest of us hope on how to deal with that clout chaser.

"I don't know yet. For now, all I need is some stability. Remember that I barely show up at school because of what she did, and I've been kicked out of home, as well." I could never imagine my family ousting me from their lives so brutally. They'd never forgive themselves if they did. So, why did Saeyi's ditch her instead of trying to listen to her?

What the others said... That's a lot of process. Questions that are in need of an answer, doubts that arise at every single discovery, disturbing secrets that every revelation unveils. But am I ready to uncover mine? Am I ready to tell them what I actually do for a living?

The more time passes, the more I feel like I have to come clean to them. But how? I can't put X-FILE's reputation in danger just because I can't keep my mouth shut. I have to tell the other group members and Taeshin what I feel if I want to get out of the rut before it swallows me.