|| The Next Day – At College ||
"Are you sure you'll be okay alone, Cherry?" Steven asked, concern softening his voice.
Cherry offered a small, forced smile. "Yes. You told me yesterday that I'm strong. So from now on, I'll face every problem myself."
Steven sighed, studying her carefully. "If you ever need help—"
"I know, Dad," she cut in gently. "But this is my battle. And I have to fight it."
With that, she stepped out of the car and walked toward the college gates.
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|| At the College Gate ||
The moment Cherry stepped inside, all eyes turned toward her. Whispers followed her like shadows. Some sneered. Others muttered cruel things just loud enough for her to hear.
"Hey, Egg," Luna called with a smirk, arms crossed smugly.
Cherry didn't respond. She kept walking, her eyes forward, jaw clenched.
"What an attitude!" Robert sneered, suddenly stepping in front of her and shoving her roughly to the ground.
Cherry stumbled, falling hard onto her hands and knees.
"You ignored us, huh?" Olivia chimed in, grinning. "It's okay. We've got a little gift for you. One you'll never forget."
"I don't want any gifts, thanks for your concern," Cherry said calmly, rising to her feet and brushing off her skirt.
But Juliet grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her back. "Where do you get so much attitude, b***h?"
Cherry tried to resist, tears beginning to blur her vision. "Let go of me!"
"Stop struggling!" Lily snapped.
No one moved to help her. The students watched silently, some even laughing. No one stepped forward.
"Bring the container," Robert called out.
Three boys appeared, dragging a large, heavy container.
"No, wait—!" Cherry's voice cracked in fear.
Before she could move, they shoved her to the ground again. The container tilted, pouring over her head. The stench of eggs, spoiled food, and garbage enveloped her. Gasping, Cherry trembled as the waste soaked through her clothes, her hair, her skin.
"So… did you like your gift?" Juliet grinned mockingly.
"Oh no, you smell worse than hell!" Lily howled with laughter.
"This gift," Luna added proudly, wrapping an arm around Robert, "was specially prepared by my man."
"Bye bye, Cherry," Olivia said sweetly. "Next time, we'll bring something even more exciting for you."
Their laughter echoed around her as they walked away. Cherry slowly stood up, her body shaking, tears streaming down her face.
The crowd didn't help. They just watched, some plugging their noses, others recording.
Cherry couldn't take it anymore. She ran.
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|| In the Literature Department ||
"Cherry's really late today…" Martha said, eyes flicking toward the classroom door.
Suddenly, phones buzzed around the room.
"Hey! Check the college website! A new video just dropped—it's hilarious!" a girl shouted.
Students began pulling out their phones, faces lighting up with cruel amusement.
"Isn't that the new girl? Cherry?" a boy chuckled. "This always happens. Anyone who dares approach Jim… Alice makes sure they disappear."
Martha frowned. Her gut twisted as she pulled out her phone and opened the site.
There, in high resolution, was Cherry—on the ground, soaked in filth, crying, humiliated. Laughter and comments scrolled across the screen.
"No… Cherry," Martha whispered.
Without a second thought, she jumped from her seat and sprinted out of the room.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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