Hana sat on the backyard steps of the school, her shoulders trembling as she cried.
Her heart ached painfully. Did she really deserve so much hate?
Even for something as simple as dancing.
Nothing hurt her more than people mocking what she loved and then telling her she was bad at it. It felt like a dagger to her soul.
She felt a small nudge beside her and looked up to see Yuna, holding out a pack of tissues.
"No thanks," Hana mumbled through her sobs.
Yuna didn't listen. She tore open the tissue pack, wrapping a few around her hand, and gently wiped Hana's tear-streaked face.
"Don't cry," Yuna said softly. "It makes you look like a loser. You're just proving them right."
She pulled a cigarette from her pocket and lit it, taking a slow drag. "Want some?"
Hana shook her head vehemently, but Yuna smirked, taking the cigarette from her lips and bringing it to Hana's.
"Try it."
Hana hesitated before parting her lips. She instinctively took a drag, only to cough violently as the smoke burned her throat and nose.
"Ugh, no!" she sputtered.
Yuna chuckled, lighting another for herself. "Suit yourself."
Hana stared at her, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "Why are you here?"
Yuna arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "Can't I be here?"
Hana shifted uncomfortably, her fingers gripping the edge of her skirt. "You're Dara's best friend. I don't want to come between you two."
Yuna leaned closer, the faint scent of smoke lingering around her. "So?"
Hana's eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat. "So… it would be best if you stayed away from me. I don't like attracting her attention."
Yuna sighed, leaning back against the steps. "I tried to," she said, her voice tinged with something unreadable. She shrugged, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. "I really tried to stay away from you."
She suddenly shifted, sitting upright and placing her arms on the stair railing, trapping Hana between them.
"But you're too pretty, Hana," she murmured, her gaze piercing. "And your scar? It's so sexy."