[Durlene Horsley]

I'm doomed. Daegwang won't give me any more second chances. The more videos Angelina posts on Instagram, the worse. She isn't alone, though. There's also this other user who goes by "Seo Saejeong" backing her. The latter insists I'm not meant for Daegwang and he dislikes me.

Does this Saejeong girl know him, though? And how is she so sure he hates me? I'd like to believe this is all a lie and she's simply trying to get under my skin, but her social media activity suggests she's onto something more intricate and dangerous than "marking her territory." I think she's into Daegwang, but sees me as competition and wants to get rid of me to win him over.

I have to face him and tell him the truth before someone else exposes it to him.

***

Daegwang has already seen the videos. Each of them. "I've found them in my timeline. Tell me you've got a convincing explanation." His voice is ice cold, slow and dark.

"I..." The more intense his glares become, like daggers, the more my composure slips away. I burst into tears. I'm tempted to send him away, tell him to never contact me again and to just forget me. He deserves far better.

My voice is now a pathetic sob. "Those people... They're all performers at The Stranger like me. The girl calling you loser... She's Angelina. She's jealous because I'm used to bagging guys more than she ever has in her life."

Despite my best intentions, Daegwang doesn't believe me. "What makes me believe you aren't bluffing? Durlene, what hurts me isn't simply that you aren't being honest now, but also that you didn't say anything when they called me names then. Why?" He slams his fists on the table, giving me a jumpscare.

"They don't like you. None of them does, I can guarantee you. The problem is, you're my only ticket to safety. Without you, I'm lost." I cry louder than before to the point that Daegwang has to hand me tissues. I blow my nose twice, but it bleeds the second time. He makes me sit down.

"Stop. Take a deep breath. Here, I have more tissues." He takes my left hand. My heart is pounding in my chest at an unsustainable rhythm.

"Daegwang, please, give me another chance. What comes out of those videos... It's what they think, not my idea!" I'm ashamed. I don't know what to do or think anymore. I've disappointed him and fear I'll never get closure with him again.

"I think you should go home for now, Durlene. Clear your mind. You're not ready to make that step further yet. Trust me, it's for the better." While he doesn't seem to be mad at me, he's right. I'm an utter mess. I'd be disgusted at myself if I could see my reflection in a mirror.

"You're right, Daegwang." Against my need to regain my composure, I end up kissing him thrice. First his neck, then his forehead, and, last, his lips. How am I supposed to give up on him for the time being? My heart wants me to jump in bed with him, but my head suggests otherwise.

For the first time in a while, our desire has been reignited. Still, I, not wanting to ruin everything, begrudgingly say goodbye and take my way home.

***

"Angelina, I've had enough of your bullshit. Don't act all friendly now, because your plan has failed miserably." I hiss at Angelina, who, however, still keeps her head up high and stares defiantly into my eyes.

"Durlene... Durlene... That man has brainwashed you." She sighs, but I don't fall for her pathetic excuses. I have true feelings for Daegwang, yet she won't understand.

"That's not true! I thought you'd be a good confidant. A friend. A true one. I should've known better before relying on you!" My eyes are a well of tears. She has betrayed me all this time and I've been too blind, too busy trying to conquer Daegwang's heart that it took me until tonight to realize Angelina is only out for herself.

"Stop whining, okay? You're getting on my nerves." The same can be said the other way around. I've had enough of her walking all over me while I have to tiptoe on eggshells not to piss her and the rest of her stupid gang off. If this is an attempt to set me apart from Daegwang, I have to make sure it busts for good.

"You know what? Fuck off, you and the gang. I can't wait for the day the police bust your asses and throw you all in jail. Sucker!" I flip her the bird and turn to leave, only for her to jump at me and pull my hair.

"Where do you think you're going, Durlene? You're not going back to that loser, are you?" Her obsession at this point is extremely unhealthy. It's clear her main purpose is to ruin lives because hers isn't satisfying enough. Well, that's not my business. Her bullshit has to stop.

I push her away, my hand hitting her face with a violent thud. Still, she won't let go of my hair. I grind my teeth and hiss. "Let me go, or I'll punch your stupid face, bitch!"

Now we're literally butting heads. I can feel her forehead touching mine. Her grip gets tighter as time passes. She uses her free hand to throw a powerful jab straight at my nose. I start bleeding.

She lets go of me at last, but she does so by pushing me to the ground. She smirks. "I knew it... I should've got rid of you the very moment you fucked up our plans. You're good for nothing, Durlene." She leaves me alone. She doesn't even bother medicating me or helping me to get back on my feet.

She isn't a real friend. She's nothing but a calculating backstabber. I find a tissue in the pocket of my denim skirt by mere chance and use it to block my nose from bleeding further. I get up on my own and leave the house.

I have nothing more to lose. If Angelina thinks she can set me apart from Daegwang because she and the gang say so, she's dead wrong. Not only she's a fake friend, she's also dangerous.

***

All alone in my room, I stare at my phone screen. I still can't believe Angelina is the one who's doing everything in her power to keep me away from the first man who has ever made me feel worthy all because of personal gain. I hate her. The worst part is that she cleverly disguised as a friend all this time.

I cry and drool, and my nose turns into a factory producing snot. I'm disgusting. I have to wash up and regain my composure and dignity. If not for myself, at least for Daegwang. To finally get the closure we deserve.

I take a long shower that lasts over a hour and a half. When I'm out, I feel rejuvenated. Almost a different person. I'm ready to face the shit that's left coming in my direction.

I'll make sure no-one else will suffer at the hands of that witch and her mob friends, even if it's the last thing I do before I die.