Giselle Uchinaga, the school's fashion icon, Winter's best friend - apologized to me and even gave me a brand new set of school uniform and a bag filled with skincare products?
I stared at the neatly folded fabric in my hands then to my worn-out, hand-me-down uniform that I'm usually wearing.
"I... I know it's not much, for all the things that I did back then. But I wanted to make things right. Or at least, I'll try to. " She said, looking down at the ground. Her usual confidence was gone, replaced by something that looked almost like shame.
There should be a catch to this.
"Did... did Winter ask you to do this?"
She shook her head, her eyes flicking up to meet mine for a brief seconds before darting away again.
"No... I really wanted to make things right for us."
I glanced over at Winter, who was standing a few feet away, talking to Ryujin. She caught my eye and gave me a small, hesitant smile.
Giselle finally look up.
"You don't have to say anything. Just... just think about it. And if you're uncomfortable with the uniform, that's fine. I understand. Or the creams... maybe they're not your thing. I just... I wanted to do something."
She started to turn away, but I stopped her. "Wait, why? Why now? Why do you suddenly care?"
Giselle hesitated for a moment, then turned back to face me, her expression serious. "Because... because I realized I was being a terrible friend to Winter. To everyone. And I want to be better."
If this is a dream, don't wake me up.
"Okay... thank you. For... confronting me like this. It's much more normal than what your best friend did." We both shared a low chuckle.
"You know her, always wanted things extra. Plus, we don't want those friends of yours to kill us, literally. Look at them."
I glanced back to where Yeji and Hyujin where standing. Arms crossed over their chest while glaring on Giselle's direction. They looked like they were ready for a fight.
"Sorry about that. They're pretty overprotective." I said, shyly.
"Jimin, " I look up to her. "Thank you for trusting us, despite all those ugly things we did to you. You'll never regret this, I promise."
"I... I hope so." I said softly, clutching the uniform tighter.
Giselle smiled, a genuine, warm smile that reached her eyes. "We'll make sure of it. Now, go try on the uniform. I want to see how it looks on you."
"Okay. I'll... I'll see you later."
"See ya, Jimin." she said, and then turned and walked away.
"So? What did she tell you?" I gave the both of them a pat on each other's shoulder.
"We're sorting things out." The two exchange a look.
"Jimin-"
"Yes, Yeji, I know, I'll be careful." I already knew what she's about to say. "Let's go, Hyun stay there for a while." I dragged Yeji towards the lady's comfort room.
As we walked, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Winter. She was still talking to Ryujin, but her eyes kept darting in my direction. It was almost like she was waiting for something.
"Wow... she did really gave you those." Yeji says while eyeing the things on my hand.
"I'll be quick."
I entered one of the cubicles and locked the door behind me. I took a deep breath and then carefully unfolded the uniform.
The fabric was soft and smooth, and it fit perfectly.
It was like it was made just for me.
I stepped out, then stared at myself in the mirror.
"Heol... it really suits you Jimin-ah. Wait, I just realized that you accepted Giselle's gift yet you declined mine. Meanie!"
"It's not the same Yeji-ah. Yours... was just... well, you know..."
She gasped dramatically.
"Just what? Just a thoughtful token of my undying affection for my best friend?"
"Just a ridiculously expensive designer bag that I would never use," I retorted, grinning. "Besides, I can't accept gifts like that. It's too much."
"But you accepted the uniform and those creams!" She protested, pointing at the clothes I'm wearing.
"That's different." I insisted.
"Okay, okay, I get it. But just so you know, I'm still hurt. Deeply wounded. I may never recover from this betrayal."
"Oh, stop being so dramatic you two! I'm already hungry!" That's Hyujin's whiny voice.
I took a one last glance at the mirror before following Yeji out.
We're heading to the school's cafeteria.
"So, what do you think of Giselle's apology?" Yeji asked, her motherly tone came in surface again.
"I think she's being genuine. I can see it in her eyes. And Winter too. They've both changed."
"But if they mess with you again, just say the word, and we'll take care of them. We're not afraid of a little fashion icon and a military commander." Hyunjin acted like he was in a warzone pointing a hand gun on someone.
I laughed, shaking my head. "I know. You guys are the best."
~•~
Later that evening, back in the comfort of my small room, the events of these past few days replayed in my mind.
It was so confusing!
Giselle and Winter had always had the upper hand, but now, everything suddenly changed.
I glanced over at the uniform hanging in my closet, then to the small bag filled with skincare products - a gentle cleanser, a hydrating toner, and a soothing moisturizer, all from a brand known for its sensitivity. It was a thoughtful touch, considering my pale, dry skin.
I picked up the moisturizer, turning the small tube over in my hands. It was a brand I'd only ever seen in magazines, the kind of thing I could never afford.
I remembered how, before, Giselle would always ask me if I ever used anything for my skin, and when I said no, she'd hand me this small business card for a dermatologist.
I rummaged through my desk until I found one of those cards. Dr. Uchinaga's clinic... and underneath, the brand name 'Luminous Beauty.'
Wait a minute... that was the same name as the skincare line Giselle had just given me.
"Heol... so... even before, she cared about me?"
Now that I think about it... maybe... it was Giselle's way of saying she knew I felt insecure about my skin?
I sighed and pushed my books aside. I needed to clear my head. I got up and walked over to the window, gazing out at the city lights twinkling in the distance.
Those questions were swirling inside. What did I really want? Did I want to forgive them? Did I want to move on?
But I couldn't keep living in the past. I had to find a way to move forward, even if it meant taking a risk, and even if it meant trusting people who had hurt me before.
It was time to make a decision. It was time for a change.
~•~
This was not a big deal, I was just making myself presetable.
But.
The person I'm seeing in the mirror wasn't me at all.
The uniform, neat, clean and new. The skincare products Giselle had given me were already working wonders, my skin feeling smoother and more hydrated than it had in years.
Did I forgot to take care of myself that much?
That I had been so focused on surviving, on getting through each day, that I had completely neglected myself. I had forgotten what it felt like to take pride in my appearance, to care about how I looked.
And now, as I stared at my reflection... I reached up and smoothed down the collar of the uniform, feeling the soft fabric against my skin. It feels like I finally belong, I finally deserved a chance to live a normal life again.
~•~
Oh shit!
I got so immersed on myself I forgot to check the time. I'm so late!
I parked my bike on my usual spot, running towards the school gate.
"Whoa... look who's late." Lucky me, it was the student council president himself. "Jimin? Is that you?" Xi tilted his head, while squinting his eyes.
"Yes it's me Xi, can give me a pass? Please? I'll just do the cleaning duties today, I have a history pop quiz, please?" I pleaded.
"Wow, you look different, like, gorgeous different today Jimin-ah." His eyes widening slightly.
I blushed, suddenly self-conscious. "It's just... a new uniform," I mumbled, tugging at the collar.
"A new uniform? Or a new Jimin? Whatever it is, it's working. You look... refreshed."
He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on me a little longer than usual. "Alright, alright, enough with the compliments. I'll give you a pass, but only because you look like you're about to have a heart attack."
"Thank you so much, I owe you one."
"Don't mention it." He winked, while opening the gates wider for me.
I bolted to our building, clutching my bag tightly but then realized that I forgot something on my locker.
Groaning, I skidded to a halt and changed direction, jogging towards the locker area. Of all the days to forget my notes, it had to be today.
God... five minutes left!
I fumbled with the lock, my hands shaking.
Finally, it clicked open, and I grabbed my notebook, shoving it into my bag.
As I turned to leave, I bumped into someone, sending my notebook flying.
"Oh, sorry!" I exclaimed, bending down to pick it up.
"对不起!我弄疼你了吗?"
[Translate: Sorry! Did I hurt you?]
And that's when I saw an unfamiliar face... she looked like a foreigner. She have this long, dark hair, and her eyes were wide and apologetic. She's also wearing the school's uniform but she looked like she was ready for a runway or something.
I blinked, surprised. "Uh, what? " I replied, a little flustered.
"I'm so sorry. I'm new here." Her accent was definitely noticeable. " I was looking for... Class 3-A."
"Wait, 3-A? That's my class. We can go together if - if you want."
She seems kind, so... I offered a little help.
"Really? Oh, that's great! I was so worried I was going to get lost."
We started walking, but while she seemed relaxed, I was internally panicking .
I'm so, so late.
"I'm Ningning Yizhuo. And you are?" she asked, her eyes bright and friendly.
"Jimin. Yu Jimin." I replied, trying to focus on her, and not the idea of what to tell Mr. Jang about being late.
We stopped in front of our homeroom door. But then before I could even knock, the door suddenly slammed open with a loud bang.
Our eyes widened in shock.
Felix was sprawled on the floor just outside the doorway, clutching his face. His lips was bleeding.
"Ms. Kim! Stop!"
What the hell? What happened to peace and order?