"He kissed you?"
Jinx looked at the wall, avoiding Kaiya's eyes.
     "Yes."
     "Like, there's nothing wrong with him kissing you...well...there is because you both hate each other...but...but he didn't even ask?" Kaiya whispered.
Jinx swallowed. She didn't know why it had scared her so much. Only once before had she been so upset and shocked. And that was when her mother passed away. Jinx hated that her first was with someone she despised. She hated the way he smirked at her, as if he knew she couldn't do anything to fight him. She hated the way he spoke to her...how could he speak about respect and manners when he had none?
     "I'm too young to get married...and I'm scared I'll get hurt. I hate being so scared...I'm so weak!"
Kaiya let out a frustrated scream.
     "I hate it when you say that, Jinx! Just because you have feelings doesn't make you weak. It makes you stronger! Stop being so stubborn and just trust your mother's instincts. If she said she has her reasons...she has. You don't have to trust him, not really, but please, at least treat him with some respect!"
Jinx stared at her friend, surprised. 
     "My mother said he could protect me...but I don't trust him to."
Kaiya sighed.
     "I hate to admit it, Jinx, but Hansol seems strong enough to be able to catch you if you fall. He hates it as much as you do. Wait...have you told May?"
Jinx frowned, tilting her head.
     "No, why?"
     "Hansol was yelling at B-Joo for trying to get back with May. He was saying that he was sick to death of the drama, and if B-Joo even dared try to hurt May again, he'd slice his throat and beat the crap out of him." Kaiya shrugged. "May was crying after B-Joo shouted at her, saying they'd never get back together,  and May was saying it was your fault."
Jinx stood up sharply as suddenly the classroom door opened and, speaking of the devil, in walked May and B-Joo and Hansol. Jinx folded her arms and Kaiya coughed.
     "I'm not saying don't do anything, because I'm pretty angry as well, but don't do anything you'll regret."
     "W-What?" May whispered.
Jinx rolled her head back, sighing in irritation.
     "So, it's my fault, is it? It's my fault you're ex-boyfriend is a manipulative jerk, it's my fault you've got no guts to let him go, and it's my fault Kim Hansol has sense? Oh yeah, totally."
Hansol met Jinx's eyes, and tilted his head, looking confused. May whimpered.
     "Jinx..."
     "No. I'm sick of dealing with your crap, May! You think you've got it so hard, but it's your own fault you're in this situation! I'm sick of seeing B-Joo walk all over you. And I'm sick of all the crap I get of him and his friends! Leave me alone, May...and get out of our classroom. Now." Jinx snarled.
May burst into tears.
     "K-Kaiya..."
Kaiya sighed, shrugging.
     "I'm sick of it too, Jinx."
Hansol rolled his eyes.
     "I thought friendship was important to you."
Jinx stared at him.
      "It is. But why should I care when my so-called friend isn't a proper friend to me?"
Hansol shrugged.
       "How long have you known May?"
       "8 years." Jinx said coldly.
       "Wow. That's...long. You've...put up with this for 8 years?" Hansol asked.
Jinx bowed her head.
        "May never used to be like this. It wasn't until she met B-Joo..." She broke off, sighing, her eyes stinging. She'd lose one of her best friends because of B-Joo...Hansol stepped forward and took Jinx's hand, softly.
        "Trust me, Jinx." He whispered. "I know you struggle with trust, I'm not stupid, but look into my eyes, would your mother choose me as the man to hold you, if she didn't trust me? I'm not asking you to like me, or even to trust me ever again, but right now, let me deal with this situation. Let me take it from your hands. Let me help you."
Jinx stared at his hands, her mouth slightly open at his gentle touch.
       "I don't trust anybody..."
Kaiya nudged her friend slightly while May and B-Joo stared, their eyes wide, their mouth open. Jinx took a deep breath.
       "But...I'll let you sort this whole thing out...just...just because I don't want to do it anyway." She whispered, avoiding Hansol's sparkling eyes.
Hansol chuckled.
       "Good girl. Leave the big problems for the big boys."
Jinx immediately stamped heavily on his foot, making him yelp pain.
       "Don't you dare patronize me!"
Hansol suddenly grabbed Jinx's throat and slammed her up against the wall.
       "We've been through this already..."
       "M-Mianhae! Mianhae! Please don't hurt me!" Jinx gasped, desperate.
Hansol pulled away, looking horrified.
       "Get...Get out of here...now. Before I do something else...something...something worse."
Jinx swallowed, shocked by his sudden angry outburst, but she turned and hurried out, pulling Kaiya with her.

      "Why did he do that?" Kaiya sighed as the pair walked home.
Jinx lowered her eyes.
      "People think I'm so tough...but I have feelings too...I hurt too, just like anybody else. Everyone thinks it's okay to hurt me. That it's okay to make me angry. Hansol...when I look into his eyes...I feel a fear I've never felt before. It's...it's weird...he makes me feel so...so..."
Kaiya smiled slightly.
     "Does he makes you feel so funny inside? And make you melt every time you look into his eyes? His power makes you weak, and knowing he can hurt you so easily makes you want him. You want to feel his love...not his wrath..."
Jinx swallowed, nodding.
      "I don't understand what I'm feeling..."
      "You're attracted to him, but I have a feeling you'd like him more if he treated you with more respect and with a softer, more loving tone." Kaiya giggled.
       "Aish! Why is this funny?" Jinx exclaimed.
       "You're cute when you're confused." Kaiya chuckled.
Jinx sighed.
       "Unnie, I'm scared..."
       "Yah, don't be scared! I'm here for you, and I promise you can trust Hansol. Just...get to know him...and for God's sake, respect him!"