Footsteps echoed through the deserted campus—no, not even students remained.

Outside the school, hands crossed, some giggling behind their hands, others with faces filled with worry, concern, or pitiful eyes.

All eyes were particularly fixed on one person: Ji-Woo.

She moved silently, her white T-shirt soaked and stained with soda, hanging limply from her frame.

Her blazer dragged behind her on the ground as she walked, emotionless.

Her short black hair clung to her face, damp and disheveled, strands sticking to her forehead.

Her grey eyes, tired and sleepy-looking, darted from one person to another.

She let out a deep sigh, walking slowly and deliberately, each step weighted with exhaustion and resignation.

Suddenly, she bumped into someone. She looked up—her eyes met a girl's. Everyone knew her as Mi-Sook: the girl who acted as if everyone was beneath her.

Maybe they were.

Mi-Sook was strikingly beautiful, with sharp features, clear skin, and a confident stance. Her uniform fit her perfectly—pressed, pristine, and immaculate.

She chewed gum lazily, a sinister smile curling her lips.

"You smell awful," Mi-Sook said low, her voice menacing. "You smell like expired soda."

Ji-Woo's gaze flickered, but she didn't answer.

She tried to walk away, her body tense.

In a flash, Mi-Sook's hand shot out, grabbing a handful of Ji-Woo's hair and pulling her back.

With a rough shove, she threw Ji-Woo to the ground. Gasps erupted from the surrounding students, but no one dared to interfere.

"How dare you walk away when I'm talking to you?" Mi-Sook sneered, towering over the trembling girl on the ground. "Don't you have any manners?"

Ji-Woo's trembling eyes filled with tears.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked up, voice trembling. "Just leave me alone, Mi… Mi-Sook. I… I don't want anything to do with you."

Mi-Sook smirked, tilting her head mockingly. Then, from behind her, two other girls appeared—both tall, with cold, calculating expressions. One had long, straight hair that framed her face sharply; the other had a mischievous glint in her eyes and wore a crooked smile. They began pulling at Ji-Woo's shirt, yanking her back and forth as she struggled.

Some students watched in silence, others quietly slipped away, unwilling to get involved.

"Don't spare her, guys," Mi-Sook whispered into her phone, pulling it out and beginning to record. "Make sure she's exposed."

Ji-Woo's face twisted with fear and humiliation. She fought desperately, trying to pull away, but the girls' grip was firm. Tears blurred her vision, and her trembling hands flailed helplessly.

Suddenly, the crowd dispersed further as a figure approached—an older student with piercing eyes and a commanding presence. She stepped forward, her voice sharp and icy. "Enough, Mi-Sook. Leave her alone."

Mi-Sook hesitated, sneering but slowly lowering her phone. The other girls reluctantly released Ji-Woo, who scrambled to her feet, trembling and crying.

The girl who had intervened looked down at Ji-Woo with a mixture of concern and disdain.

"Get out of here," she said quietly but firmly. "And don't let me see you bothering her again."

Ji-Woo, tears still streaming, nodded weakly and stumbled away, her soaked shirt clinging to her trembling frame.

Ji-Woo finally reached the end of the lavish gate, where a sleek car waited patiently.

The vehicle was a shiny black limousine, its polished surface gleaming under the afternoon sun, with tinted windows that hinted at secrets inside.

The wheels glided silently over the paved driveway, giving an air of quiet authority.

She approached the car, opened the door with a soft click, and tossed her backpack inside without a word.

Slipping into the seat, she closed the door gently and whispered, "Let's go."

The engine roared to life, filling the quiet with a deep, powerful rumble.

The driver in the front seat, a tall man with a calm, friendly smile and sharp eyes, turned slightly to glance at her. He was dressed in a crisp uniform, his hair neatly combed back.

"How's your day, madam?" he asked in a smooth, polite tone.

Ji-Woo's voice was low, almost a bass-like whisper.

"It's fine. Nothing new," she replied quietly, her eyes staring out the window as the car smoothly pulled away from the gate.

She let out a long sigh, running a hand through her damp, tousled hair, trying to settle her racing thoughts.

The world outside blurred past the tinted glass, a quiet hum filling the space.

Suddenly, a notification buzzed on her phone. She reached into her pocket, pulling it out and glancing at the screen.

MOM: Come home quickly now.

Ji-Woo sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging.

She shoved the phone back into her pocket and kept her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, the weight of the day pressing down on her.

---

Soon, she arrived at a grand, lavish house—a towering mansion that exuded wealth and modern elegance.

The façade was sleek and imposing, with large glass windows reflecting the sunlight and a sprawling driveway leading to a massive front door.

The garden was meticulously manicured, with perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers that added a touch of softness to the imposing structure.

She cracked open the gate, ignoring the driver who waved at her from the car. With her head bowed, her backpack slung over her shoulders, and her blazer dragging behind her, she stepped onto the marble floor of the opulent hall.

The interior was stunning—wide, bright, and tastefully decorated with modern art and luxurious furnishings. It shimmered with wealth but felt cold and distant.

She sighed softly, her voice almost a whisper in the grandeur.

"All this, and I'm not happy about it. What's the point?" she murmured to herself, a hint of bitterness in her tone.

Just as she was about to ascend the staircase, a woman appeared from the shadows—a tall, elegant figure with striking features.

She had flawless skin, sharp eyes, and hair styled perfectly into a sleek updo. Dressed in a designer dress that accentuated her graceful figure, she radiated wealth and authority.

"Ji-Woo," the woman called out, her voice smooth and commanding.

Ji-Woo paused, then stepped down from her place by the stairs. "Yes, Mother," she responded softly.

Her mother's expression was serious but composed.

"I need you to get ready. The tycoon and renowned businessman has invited us to his son's birthday party. I need you to look impeccable." She paused, her tone emphasizing the importance. "You need to make a good impression. Go—there's a maid waiting with your clothes."

Without waiting for a response, she simply turned and walked away, leaving Ji-Woo standing there.

Ji-Woo blinked, her mind racing. She hadn't even noticed her own appearance—her rumpled shirt, the way she looked, or how sad she felt.

Was this life how everyone just carried on, unnoticed and unappreciated? she wondered silently.

But she shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. Resigned, she slowly turned and made her way upstairs.

"Let's go," her mother said simply, with a composed but firm tone. Ji-Woo nodded silently and they walked out of the house together.

The driver quickly started the car, and soon they were on their way.

As they drove, her mother's voice softened, almost like a gentle reminder.

"Smile always brightly. Don't let it look forced, and don't make it look fake. I want to make a good impression, and I don't want you ruining that for me with your dull face. Do you understand?"

Ji-Woo nodded again, her expression serious. When they arrived, the scene was bustling with luxury and elegance.

The large mansion was decorated with shimmering lights, and elegant golden balloons floated in the air.

Long tables were covered with pristine white cloths, adorned with exquisite floral arrangements and crystal glasses.

Guests dressed in designer suits and glamorous dresses mingled, laughter and cheerful chatter filling the air.

There was a sense of opulence—luxurious food stations with fine delicacies, a grand cake decorated with intricate icing, and a dance floor shimmering under colorful lights.

They moved further into the party, where they soon encountered Mr. Choi—the father of the birthday boy.

He was dressed in a tailored, textured suit that looked expensive and refined, in a deep navy blue with subtle patterns woven into the fabric.

His shirt was crisp, and a silk tie added a touch of sophistication.

His hair was neatly combed, and he carried himself with confidence and warmth, greeting guests with a polite smile.

"Mrs. Kim—the rigorous embodiment of beauty and success," Mr. Choi cheered, raising a glass of wine in one hand as he side-hugged Mrs. Kim.

She smiled gracefully, her fingers fidgeting lightly with her hair as if to adjust it.

"Thank you, Mr. Choi. I appreciate the invitation," she said softly, her voice sweet and soothing—unlike the tone Ji-Woo had ever heard her mother use before.

"Is this…?" Mr. Choi began, glancing toward Ji-Woo.

"Yes, this is Ji-Woo… my daughter," Mrs. Kim said, gently patting Ji-Woo's back. Ji-Woo managed a forced smile and bowed slightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I am Kim Ji-Woo," she said, her voice low, steady, and carrying a deep bass that contrasted with her delicate appearance.

Mr. Choi smiled warmly and turned to Mrs. Kim. "Shall we?" he asked.

She nodded gracefully, and they walked away, leaving Ji-Woo standing amidst the crowd of rich and elegant-looking guests.

Her body tensed as she overheard whispers drifting through the air.

"She's that rich, arrogant woman's daughter," someone sneered, their voice laced with disdain.

Another chuckled and added, "Does she even look like her? She's not that fierce. She looks fragile, like a leaf."

Ji-Woo offered a soft, polite smile in response, then turned and moved to sit a little apart from the chatter—close enough to hear but far enough to escape their gossip.

She reached up and gently pushed her bangs aside, revealing the small brown birthmark on her forehead.

With practiced ease, she carefully combed her bangs back over her forehead, covering the mark completely.

Using her fingers, she adjusted the soft fringe, making sure it lay perfectly flat and discreetly concealed her birthmark from prying eyes.

Her movements were precise and calm, a silent act of shielding her vulnerability from the judgmental gazes around her.

A fierce gaze caught Ji-Woo's movement with ease. The person smirked, speaking behind her in a tone that was mocking and unkind.

"Oh, so you were invited? How awful," she sneered.

Ji-Woo instantly recognized that voice—sharp, cutting, filled with condescension. When she turned around, her eyes met Mi-Sook's.

The girl was dressed in a stunning red high-knee silk dress, perfectly styled, her makeup impeccable, radiating confidence and arrogance.

She smirked, her lips curling with mockery.

"Surprised to see me, Ji-Woo? I knew you'd be," Mi-Sook said, raising one perfectly arched eyebrow.

Her tone was laced with superiority, as if she owned the moment.

Ji-Woo blinked, stunned for a moment. Then she gulped, voice trembling slightly. "Mi-Sook… what… what are you doing here?"

Mi-Sook crossed her arms, her expression smug. "Can't I be invited to a party? My father is successful too," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

She took a deliberate step forward, her eyes narrowing with contempt. "You do know they only invited your mom because of how she is—arrogant and prideful," she sneered. "They only want her to keep up appearances."

Ji-Woo looked down, feeling the sting of her words. She knew very well that her mother was feared and admired for her success, but also for her icy pride.

"Yes… maybe I knew, and maybe I didn't. I haven't decided yet," Ji-Woo replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart pounded, but she refused to show her weakness.

Without warning, Mi-Sook stepped forward again. She snatched a bottle of wine from a nearby table, uncorked it, and poured the dark liquid all over her own elegant dress. The wine spilled in a messy arc, soaking the fabric and leaving a stain.

Then, she shoved the glass into Ji-Woo's hand. Confused and taken aback, Ji-Woo looked at the spilled wine and the glass in her hand.

Before she could react, Mi-Sook let out a scream, a loud, mocking cry that echoed through the luxurious room.

Everyone turned to them, gasping and whispering amongst themselves. The room buzzed with murmurs of shock and judgment.

"Not only her mother, she's also disrespectful," someone whispered harshly.

"She's too full of herself—pouring her drink on the poor girl," another added, eyes narrowing with disdain.

Ji-Woo shook her head rapidly, her voice trembling as she denied what had just happened.

"No… no… I didn't do anything… she poured it by herself," she insisted, stepping back in shock and disbelief, her hands trembling as she clutched the glass.

From afar, Mrs. Kim's gaze flicked toward her daughter.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment—Mrs. Kim's expression unreadable, a flicker of concern hidden beneath her composed exterior.

Without a word, she turned and walked away, leaving Ji-Woo standing there.

"Get her out of there," someone shouted urgently.

"She's mad—just like her mother," another voice muttered with derision.

"Call security," someone else commanded.

The crowd's whispers grew louder, a mixture of scorn and curiosity.

Ji-Woo's heart hammered in her chest as she looked at Mi-Sook, who stood smirking confidently, her eyes gleaming with triumphant malice.

Ji-Woo's mind raced, overwhelmed by the stares and whispers.

Her body still trembled, caught between humiliation and anger, as she clutched the glass tighter, feeling the weight of their judgment pressing down on her.

Overwhelmed by the chaos and the harsh whispers around her, Ji-Woo's legs moved instinctively.

She turned sharply and sprinted toward the exit, her heart pounding in her chest.

The luxurious chandelier lights blurred as she hurried past the stunned guests, her mind racing and her cheeks burning with shame.