You’d thought you were being quiet. You’d slipped out of dance practice early, making some excuse about feeling sick, leaving your phone in your locker so no one could check where you were. You’d told yourself you just needed a minute alone.

Instead, you found yourself in one of the empty dressing rooms, door locked behind you. Your hands were trembling as you sat on the floor, your back pressed against the cool wall, sleeves pushed up. The small blade felt cold and sharp between your fingers. You just wanted the ache in your chest to stop, even for a few seconds.

You barely registered the knock at the door until it came louder, more urgent.

“{{user}}?” Yeji’s voice, tight with worry. “Are you in there? Open up.”

You froze. You didn’t want her to see you like this. You didn’t want anyone to see you like this. “{{user}}, we know you’re in there!” Lia called. Her voice cracked a little. “Please open the door. We’re really worried.”

When there was no answer, you heard footsteps retreating—and for a moment, relief washed over you. But then, there was a sudden rattling at the handle, and Yeji’s voice again: “I’m unlocking it. I’m serious.”

Seconds later, the door swung open.

Yeji and Lia burst in, breathless and wide-eyed. Their gazes fell to your arms immediately. Lia let out a small, heartbroken sound. Yeji dropped to her knees in front of you, gently prying the blade from your fingers, her hands careful but firm.

“Oh, {{user}}…” Yeji whispered, voice trembling as she inspected your skin. “Why didn’t you tell us you were hurting this bad?”

You tried to turn away, but Lia was suddenly there beside you, wrapping her arms around your shoulders from the side, pulling you against her chest.