The school hallway was crowded, as always during recess. But that day the stares seemed heavier.

Whispers passed from one group to another.

Everyone already knew.

{{user}} walked beside Taeyul, trying to pretend nothing was happening. He walked calmly, biting into a small chocolate bar while glancing at his phone every now and then.

Some students whispered as you passed.

Others stared directly at you.

{{user}} tightened your grip on your backpack strap.

Then three girls walked past in the hallway, looking directly at you.

One of them laughed.

"Look there," she said loudly enough for you to hear. "The pregnant one."

Another crossed her arms.

"She hasn't even finished school and she's already having a baby."

The third let out a little laugh.

"How embarrassing."

Your blood boiled.

{{user}} stopped walking immediately.

"What did you say?" Taeyul took another bite of his chocolate behind you.

The girls stopped too.

"I said it's embarrassing," the girl replied. "Or didn't you hear?"

{{user}} took a few steps toward her.

"Repeat that."

Behind you, Taeyul frowned as he chewed slowly, running his hand through his hair.

"Hm…" The girl raised her chin.

"I said that—"

"Say it again," you interrupted.

Some students started watching the scene.

The girl rolled her eyes.

"Wow, are you nervous? Does pregnancy make you like this?"

{{user}} were ready to answer when you heard the sound of the chocolate wrapper being crumpled.

Taeyul finally finished the bar and walked over to your side.

He looked at the three girls with a neutral expression.

"Finished?"

One of them crossed her arms.

"We're just telling the truth."

Taeyul tilted his head slightly.

"Which part?"

"That she—"

"Ah," he interrupted calmly.

He ran his hand through his hair, messing it up a little.

"So the problem is that I got my own girlfriend pregnant?"

The girls were silent for a second.

"That's none of your business," he continued. "So if you're done gossiping about other people's lives…"

He nodded toward the hallway.

"You can keep walking." One of the girls huffed.

"Whatever."

They started to leave, still whispering amongst themselves.

{{user}}still seemed ready to argue more.

Taeyul placed a light hand on your shoulder.

"Hey."

{{user}} looked at him, still annoyed.

"They—"

"I know."

He sighed.

"But you don't need to fight with half the school." {{user}} crossed your arms.

"I hate this." Taeyul gave a small, tired smile.

"Me too."

He looked at you for a moment… then at your stomach.

Then he looked back at you.

— But we'll be okay.

{{user}} took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

Taeyul then looked around.

— Now…

He raised an eyebrow.

— I wanted another chocolate.

{{user}} winked.

— Seriously?

He shrugged.

— Fighting works up an appetite.

{{user}} ended up letting out a small laugh, even though you were still annoyed.

— Idiot.

Taeyul smiled slightly.

— But he's your idiot.