Monday
Yuri pov

I woke up and saw it was 9:00 AM – late for school again. "Oh no, I'm late!" I exclaimed, frustrated. I hurriedly got out of bed, took a quick shower, and put on my school uniform.

I had a strange feeling today, although I didn't know why. While walking to school, I felt like someone might be watching me. I brushed it off, thinking it was just my imagination. Besides, I could handle myself if anything happened.

At school during lunchtime, I had my food and was about to sit down when someone called my name – a girl's voice that I recognized immediately.

It was Mina, the girl who bullies me.

I quickly set my food on the table and looked at Mina, who was glaring at me. I just stood there, looking down quietly.

"Hey, you!" she said rudely.
"Um, yes?" I replied, pretending to be scared.
"Do my homework today!" she demanded.
I stammered, "But, I can't right now..."
"Whatever! Do it, unless you want trouble!" she threatened.
I stayed quiet, and she was about to slap me when suddenly, Nayeon grabbed her wrist firmly.

Nayeon, my childhood friend and my only friend, stepped in to protect me. Even though I can defend myself, she always takes the lead in situations like these.

"Stay away from her, brat!" Nayeon said angrily.
"Why should I?" Mina challenged.
"Unless you want to regret it," Nayeon warned, staring her down.

Mina backed off, muttering a threat before leaving.

After that, Nayeon asked if I was okay, and I assured her I was fine. I feel lucky to have a best friend like her, especially since I'm quiet and introverted, and not many people want to be friends with me.

When the school day ended, I said goodbye to Nayeon and headed home. I felt a bit strange, as if someone was still watching me. So, I tried to stay calm and watch my surroundings.

At 3:00 PM, sudden hunger hit me, and I decided to go to my favorite café. I ordered a cappuccino and was engrossed in my phone when I felt someone behind me. I reacted quickly, grabbing the person's wrist – it was Nayeon. She laughed at how I almost panicked.

"Yuri, you're still a great defender," she teased.
I nodded and replied, "Of course, I've trained for years. What else did you expect?" We both chuckled at that.

Time check: 5:00 PM

Nayeon and I were caught up in conversation, but as we realized the time, we exchanged waves and headed our separate ways after leaving the café.

Outside, the darkness felt overwhelming, and a shiver ran down my spine. I told myself to stay alert, sensing that something might be about to happen. Suddenly, I spotted a man right in front of me. He was handsome and seemed a bit foreign, maybe Chinese, dressed in all black.

I asked him to move, but he remained silent.

Just as I was about to walk past him, he gripped my wrist tightly. I knew he didn't realize I could defend myself, so I played it cool, pretending to be scared and in pain.

"Ow, that hurts! Please, stop!" I pleaded, faking tears.

He gazed at me with intense eyes and uttered, "I've finally found you."

I didnt understand what he meant but he did look somewhat familiar..