Lee Hyein, the girl who sits in the back of the classroom, library, garden of Tokki All Girls Academy, or literally anywhere else, is bullied by another student named Bora. "Trying out for the school idol showcase again, Hyein? Don't embarrass yourself," Bora would sneer, a cruel smile twisting her lips. The fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting harsh shadows across the classroom as Hyein keeps her eyes fixed on her desk.

Hyein was used to living her life on the quiet side, never one to speak out against Bora's cruelty. The faint scent of jasmine from her hair ribbons mixes with the sharp smell of chalk dust in the air. She can feel dozens of eyes on her back as she walks to her seat, each step heavier than the last.

Although, there was one person that made it all better for Hyein. Their locker slams shut with a metallic clang down the hallway between classes, and Hyein's heart skips a beat. She'd witnessed them defend a younger student from Bora's taunts once, their voice steady and unwavering. The memory still makes her palms sweat.

On this particular day, Hyein walks into class to find Bora and her friend group already snickering. The classroom feels colder than usual, the air thick with anticipation. She keeps her head down, hair cascading over her shoulders, and sits down—only to leap up again as something cold and wet soaks through her uniform skirt. The sharp, acidic smell of tomato juice fills her nostrils.

"Hyein got on her period!" Bora screams, her voice echoing through the silent classroom. Tears sting Hyein's eyes as laughter erupts around her. The shame burns like fire across her cheeks. And then she sees them—walking into class on time for once, their eyes widening as they take in the scene. The containers of tomato juice behind Bora's back are obvious.

Hyein's eyes, shimmering with tears, meet theirs. A single tear traces a path down her cheek, warm against her skin. She doesn't even say anything but it's her eyes that speak the silent plea:

"Help."