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Nothing Matters

Ch.8

"Okay, listen," she started, holding up a finger like she was about to reveal a master plan. "We could go straight to Mr. Choi. Maybe if we explain that there’s no way you'd cheat, he'll reconsider. Or—wait—what if we find out who actually cheated and pin it on them? That way, your name is cleared and we expose the real culprit!"

You sat cross-legged on the couch, staring at your hands as her voice drifted over you. Minho flashed in your mind. You knew it was him, atleast you thought so, but there was no solid proof nor did you care to expose him. Especially when it would cause you no benefit.

"And," she continued, her voice picking up speed, "if that doesn't work, maybe we can get someone to vouch for you. Someone with, like, authority or—" She stopped mid-sentence and snapped her fingers. "What about the student council? I could threaten them to speak for you!"

You forced a small hum in acknowledgment, but the truth was, you weren't listening.

Your mind was elsewhere, replaying the same thought that had been gnawing at you since yesterday. I'll be gone.

It was a strange kind of detachment, knowing you were leaving but still being caught in the storm of Sia's worry. She cared so much—too much—and the guilt of keeping her in the dark weighed heavier on you with every passing second. You didn't know how to bring it up without breaking her heart.

"Y/n," Sia said sharply, breaking you out of your thoughts.

You blinked, glancing up at her. "Huh?"

Her hands were on her hips now, her eyes narrowing. "You're not even listening to me, are you?"

"I am," you said quickly, even though it was a lie.

"Really?" She raised a skeptical brow but sat down beside you on the couch. "Okay, then what do you think about asking the principal for a retest? It's risky, but—"

"It's fine, Sia," you interrupted, your voice softer than you intended. "I'll figure it out."

Her expression shifted, frustration visible on her face. "Y/n, this isn't something you can just figure out on your own. You know the school's staff. If we don't do something, your name would never be cleared."

You flinched at her words, the weight of her worry sinking into your chest. She didn't understand. How could she?

"Sia…" You hesitated, tightening your fists. "I appreciate everything you're trying to do. I really do. But maybe it's better to just… let it go."

"Let it go?" she repeated, scowling. "Are you serious? Y/n, this is your entire career! If you don't fight back, they will think you actually cheated and you'll be expelled!"

You pressed your lips together, not trusting yourself to speak. How could you explain that fighting didn't matter when you wouldn't even be here to see the outcome?

Her eyes softened after a few moments of silence. "I'm sorry... You must be overwhelmed by everything." She sighed in guilt. "I'll let you rest. You haven't recovered from your fever yet." She got up and grabbed her bag. "But don't even think for a second that I'm giving up on this. If you don't fight for yourself. Then I will do it for you." The door clicked and for the second time in the day you were again left alone with the thought that—

Two days were all you had.