"Taepung! What are you doing with my laptop?!" My voice climbed so high it felt as though it might crack.

"Nothing much," he replied with a shrug, "just checking on my project. I hope you've already started it."

"I haven't!" I snapped. "You only told me about it yesterday. I need time to think!"

"How much time?" he huffed. "Wednesday is just three days away! When are you planning to start?"

I couldn't believe the nerve of him. "It's only a twenty-page assignment! I can finish typing it in two hours! I'm trying to help you, and instead of being grateful, you're yelling at me? You brat!"

My patience, already worn thin from the disastrous bicycle ride, was now hanging by a thread. He blinked at me, visibly startled, then took a hesitant step back. His wide, watery eyes told me I might've overdone it. Any moment now, those tears would spill.

I sighed and knelt before him. "Mianhae," I said softly. "I lost my temper. I promise I'll finish your project by Tuesday, okay? Don't worry. You can count on me." I gave him a reassuring smile and patted his back gently.

"Pinky promise?" he sniffled, holding up his little finger.

I locked mine with his and nodded. "Pinky promise."

A shy smile returned to his face, and he wiped away his tears. "Okay. I'll leave it to you then. See you!" He scampered out of the room.

I turned to the still-open laptop, its screen glowing on the home page. The little pink-purple camera icon caught my eye, and I couldn't resist clicking on it. My follower count had swelled to 1.32M. Not bad. Before I realized it, I was scrolling through the page, completely lost in my feed.

---

The next day, I was back at work. Walking through the corridor toward the elevator, I felt an unusual amount of attention directed my way. Pairs of eyes followed my every move.

Why the sudden interest? I wondered. Do I look especially good today?

Curious, I ducked into the restroom to check my reflection. The mirror confirmed that I looked perfectly fine, polished as always.

Then why? I mused, stepping back out into the hallway.

I didn't have to wonder for long.

As soon as I exited, Sandara appeared out of nowhere, her dramatic appearance impossible to ignore. Her pitch-black lipstick, smoky eyeshadow, and maroon dress gave her a strikingly wolfish vibe. She could've passed for a gothic queen if she had a tiara of black gemstones.

"Bagsanim Min!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with faux enthusiasm. "What a surprise you gave us last night!"

I blinked. "What surprise?"

"Don't play dumb," she sneered. "The secret behind your pretty face. Though, if I'm being honest, it doesn't quite meet my standards."

"Excuse me?" I shot back, bristling. "What secret are you even talking about?"

She pulled out her phone with a flourish, scrolling until she found what she was looking for. "This," she said, shoving the screen in my face.

I squinted at the headline: 'Plastic Surgery at 17: The Hidden Story Behind Influencer Raehee Min's Beauty.'

What?! My chest tightened. My appearance was natural, a gift from God, yet someone had fabricated this absurd story. My lips trembled as I read those austere lines whose author was unknown...

"This is nonsense!" I snapped. "It's a rumor. I've never had surgery in my life!"

"Oh really?" Sandara said, raising an eyebrow. "How do I know that's true?"

I could feel my frustration bubbling over. "I don't owe you an explanation. But maybe you should worry about your own 'youthful glow.'"

"What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded, narrowing her eyes.

I smirked. "I happened to see the documents at reception about your laser skin treatments. Quite the effort to keep that 'forever young' look, isn't it?"

Her jaw dropped, words caught in her throat. The revelation had clearly shaken her. Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed off, her stilettos clicking furiously against the floor.

I watched her retreat, satisfied but uneasy. Who had started this false rumor about me? And why?

---

Needing a moment to collect myself, I hurried to my favorite spot-the one place where I felt safe from prying eyes. The quiet corner of the infirmary was my sanctuary, my personal oasis in the chaos.

But when I opened the door to my ward, my breath caught in my throat.

=========

[UNEDITED]
Here's the next part. I'm back after a long time I guess. Anyways here you go. Hope you are liking it.^^

And a special thanks to writter_in_purple for this amajin cover. Love you.