Let Them Bleed Together

After the national competition ended, our entire class was given a seven-day break.

Upon returning to school after the vacation's end, I quickly realized something was off. It was as if everyone was deliberately avoiding me. The looks they gave me carried thinly veiled contempt.

Whispers followed me wherever I went.

"That's her. Quinn from Senior Year Class One. Her boyfriend had anemia, and she wouldn't even donate blood herself. Worse, she tried to stop others. Good thing Julian dumped her in time."

"Exactly. The entire class donated blood except her. How can someone be that selfish?"

"You can tell just by looking at her. She doesn't look like a decent woman. Total homewrecker vibes. Who knows how wild she is outside?"

"A tramp like that deserved to be dumped."

Their mocking voices reached my ears clearly.

I forced down my anger and tried to ignore it, but several girls walked straight toward me and shoved my shoulder.

"You are Quinn, right? Just one look, and you scream seductress. You even dared to spread rumors that Luna had HIV. I think you are the filthy one. A shameless tramp."

Others joined in, pointing and whispering.

Only after everyone had finished venting did Luna step out from behind them, looking pitiful.

"Quinn, they couldn't stand seeing me bullied. They didn't mean to scold you on purpose. Don't take it to heart. It is just that… what you did that day was… not very appropriate."

She deliberately dragged out the last few words, stirring even more murmurs from the crowd.

I had no intention of causing trouble. Unfortunately, trouble insisted on finding me.

I lifted my gaze and met the provocation in her eyes. Then I spoke slowly and clearly, "First, I was the one who dumped Julian. He didn't dump me.

"Second, spreading rumors is a crime. If any of you would like to meet in court, I will gladly accompany you."

As soon as I finished speaking, the mockery vanished from their faces. The area fell into complete silence.

Seeing that no one was stepping in to support her, Luna panicked. She hurried forward and grabbed my hand.

"Quinn, we are all classmates. Why do you have to be like this—"

Smack.

A sharp slap cut her off mid-sentence.

I pulled my arm back and spoke coldly, "Who are you calling your classmate? Don't act like we are close."

With that, I turned and walked away.

Furious and flustered, she stood there, tears pooling in her eyes as she stomped her feet. When she looked at me again, her gaze was filled with hatred.

The classmates passing by continued to curse me from behind. Each insult was more vicious than the last.

I curled my lips into a cold smile and did not look back. They still had the energy to pity others. Very soon, it would be their turn.