Once they were finished dancing, Yoona and Minhyun walked back to the tables with linked arms. Although dancing was entertaining, much better than what Yoona thought, her legs wore out. Since she was wearing high heels for the first time, they were not helping her case either.When they sat down, Yoona noticed Ji-ho walking through the crowd with a wine gla.s.s in his hand. A red-purple liquid swirled in his cup as he took a few sips.
"Uh, you aren"t supposed to be drinking alcohol mister. It"s illegal."
Ji-ho let out a happy smile. "It"s not wine. The waiters rejected giving me some when I asked anyways."
She c.o.c.ked her head. "Then what is that?"
"Tea."
"Tea?"
Ji-ho nodded. "Some rich person"s tea with all kinds of berries and roots. In all honesty, it doesn"t taste that good."
"Then why are you drinking it?"
A mischievous smile entered his lips before he let out a giggle. "You"ll see."
"By the way," Ji-ho began. He scrunched his nose in disgust. "You shouldn"t be telling me what is against the rules or not anyways. The two of you were literally making love where everyone could see! My virgin eyes!"
A blush entered her cheeks. "Don"t over-exaggerate. We just kissed!"
Ji-ho made quotation marks with her fingers. "Just a kiss. More like a full on make out session."
Minhyun joined the conversation. "Why is that a problem?"
"Of course!" Ji-ho exclaimed. "Yoona"s partner was not me! It"s a very tragic event. I was heartbroken upon seeing the scene. I was about to fall and die of shock. To see my wonderful Yoona tainted by such a man."
Minhyun cracked his fingers.
Ji-ho let out a nervous smile. "A yes. This wonderful quote is what Moon Jaemin would"ve said if he saw the scene. Not my words at all. Just my predictions. I do not agree one bit cause wow! You guys are so perfect!"
Yoona giggled. Ji-ho really knew how to get away from Minhyun"s wrath in these types of situations.
---
While the trio was "happily" talking, the air changed for the rest of the room. Tension began to rise up. Everyone whispered and stared at their phones in disbelief. In the corner of their eyes, they watched the Moon group for any movements.
Jaeun, not having a single clue on what was going on, continuously sipped her drink and talked to some men. After dancing with Woobin, many others wanted to ask her to dance due to her talents. She was having the time of her life. Every single terrible thing that happened to her disappeared.
Suddenly, one of the Moon group members grabbed her arm and began to lead her out. After finding out about the sudden news that spread like wildfire all across the internet, staying at the gala was a terrible move to make. She needed to leave. Now. It would be fatal if she freaked out in the ballroom upon hearing the tragic news that happened, ruining her image further.
Jaeun, oblivious and emotionally charged from the previous events, wiggled her way out of his clutches. What was he doing? How dare he touch her! She was talking to some of the best men in the room, yet he was making her waste that opportunity.
She shot him a glare. "Let go of me!"
However, once her senses came straight, she noticed the change in atmosphere. All eyes were on her. Normally she loved the attention, but the look they were giving her was not admiration.
Pity. Disbelief. Mockery.
Something terrible was brewing up. Horror filled her eyes as she stared at her companion. What was going on? The ominous deep feeling in her chest was making her feel uneasy.
Everything made sense once her ears latched onto a conversation. Two women were whispering to each other with their arms crossed.
"Did you see the news article? I couldn"t believe my eyes. To think that the Moon Group Princess Jaeun was actually a despicable snake. The extent of the bullying was too far!"
"Exactly. And to think the prince Jaemin was coursing girls along with his sister as a game. It"s sickening."
Jaeun"s blood froze.
Holy f.u.c.k.
When it came to bullying Yoona, the attention among the student forums were fine. The bet was only shared among the university sphere and symbolized how much power she had. Her face was also hidden from the videos and only Yoona could be seen.
Everything shared was kept hushed from the public eye.
However, high school was a time of trial and error, figuring out stealthier ways to destroy her opponents. More physical damage done than mental. Therefore, it would be detrimental for it to be released.
But the bullying incidents at school should"ve been covered up and paid for by the Moon group. They made sure that the victims and bystanders would keep their mouths shut for she was more powerful than them in all aspects. Opening their tongues would only result in death.
To think that the information would spread to the news outlets… This couldn"t be real. How could this have happened? Everything was a figment of her imagination right? Every single evidence should"ve been deleted. However, by the amount of negative attention, all her fears came to life. The mockery made her feel overwhelmed. When she said she wanted attention, she didn"t mean in this way!
Without realizing, a scream escaped her mouth.
The giggly girls ridiculing her felt so degrading. All the stares held discontent and all the admiration they once had disappeared in an instant. The realization hit her. The image that she built up throughout the years collapsed.
Her tendrils curled in terror.
Her heart raced rapidly and her body temperature dropped. With shaky hands, she sent an alarmed expression to her companion.
"We must leave. Now." He said.
She understood before quickly leaving the doors.
However, she did not miss the taunting gazes of the high society. Although many of them had also engaged in bullying or other activities as it was not uncommon in this sphere, the fact that her actions were publicized, brought disappointment. Now, her image in front of the public was ruined.
Besides, she was a girl. Women were not allowed to act out of order. They were supposed to be sweet and refined.
Jaemin would survive. Jaeun would fail. This was the ultimate truth of the world they lived in.
Once Jaeun exited the building, the sound of shattering gla.s.s echoed through the building. Yoona almost jumped in her seat.
Ji-ho had dropped his tea, spilling it all over the floor.
Minhyun glanced over and shook his head. "How careless."
"I did it on purpose actually," Ji-ho said while sticking out his tongue.
Yoona c.o.c.ked her head. "Purposely?"
"Of course!" Ji-ho exclaimed. He pointed to the floor. "After all, the tea has been spilled…"
Only silence entered the air.
"I spilled the tea?" Ji-ho drawled on. His eyes moved from Yoona to Minhyun. "Get it."
"Shut up."
Ji-ho let out a giggle. He saluted. "Yes sir."