Chapter 3: I'm Glad To Be Back.

Perched in front of the hospital's window, Eun-kyung watched the sun rise and the birds fly past while admiring the towering buildings that resembled hers in her own world. Her recent week-long hospital stay had been attributed to a dubious diagnosis that a physician had made, labeling her with a mental health issue.

The physician had told her aunt that Eun-kyung had blocked out her memories due to a traumatic experience and had created a new persona as a mechanism for survival. Eun-kyung knew that the details of Ji-woo's trauma were likely clouded in secrecy from the way everyone acted when informed. She sighed heavily at the thought.

"This is probably the umpteenth sigh today," Ga-ram joked, sneaking up on Eun-kyung. Eun-kyung flinched, and Ga-ram grinned while raising her eyebrows repeatedly.

"What's on your mind?" Ga-ram asked eagerly as she placed her head on Eun-kyung's shoulder.

"I'm trying to understand why I had to spend a week in the hospital," Eun-kyung replied, turning to face her. Ga-ram's expression immediately turned to a frown.

"Your aunt asked for my help with your belongings," Ga-ram said as she started walking away.

"My aunt has already done that. If you don't want to answer, you could tell me directly," Eun-kyung pointed out.

Ga-ram turned back at Eun-kyung. "You'll regret it if I tell you," she said gravely.

"I have my defence mechanism on; I won't be phased by anything," Eun-kyung assured her.

"Ji-woo, it's better if you let it be. Let's go," Ga-ram said, walking away.

"I know I tried to commit suicide," Eun-kyung revealed, stopping Ga-ram in her tracks. Fear was palpable in Ga-ram's eyes.

"Who told you?" Ga-ram demanded.

"Some reporters questioned me when no one else was around," Eun-kyung lied, she knew about it when U-jin mentioned her hurting herself to Ji-woo's aunt on the very first day she transmigrated here.

Ga-ram brushed her hair back in frustration, "They aren't supposed to be allowed to come in here."

"Don't keep the truth from me. I've already heard some of it," Eun-kyung insisted.

"Very well, you were bullied in school," Ga-ram confessed.

"For what reason?" Eun-kyung asked incredulously. She didn't believe that there was a specific reason since girls frequently acted that way out of envy but she wanted to be sure if she was right.

"I'm not sure. I'll tell you next time," Ga-ram said, tugging Eun-kyung's arm and leading her out.

According to her aunt, U-jin and Eun-woo couldn't make it due to an unspecified issue at school. Eun-kyung breathed a silent sigh of relief and hoped that the issue would persist for a while. She didn't like the way U-jin gave her strange stares and didn't want him to have free time.

Additionally, as the school president, U-jin should not have an abundance of free time.

Conversely, the person in the driver's seat was giving Eun-kyung the silent treatment ever since she insisted that Eun-woo was her biological brother. He did not speak to her again, even when her aunt asked her to apologize, he had the audacity to walk out while she was talking.

"Ji-woo, here are the names of the students you requested, and I have also included some additional information about them." Ga-ram handed Eun-kyung the notebook.

"Did you also identify the individuals I should avoid?" Eun-kyung asked, scanning the contents of the notebook.

"Yes, I highlighted them and also your bullies," Ga-ram responded proudly.

"What about this person?" Eun-kyung pointed at the first individual listed in the notebook under the "avoid" category.

"That's Ha-rin," Ga-ram informed her.

"But she doesn't seem like..." Eun-kyung trailed off.

"She is the individual who spread rumours about you and a teacher eloping simply because you were seen eating at a restaurant off-campus. She might not appear to be capable of harm, but she is a snake," Ga-ram said in a frustrated tone while looking at Ha-rin's picture.

"Why?" Eun-kyung questioned, knowing that girls often acted out of jealousy.

"I am unsure. She appears to be an angel, but she has a hidden side," Ga-ram responded.

The car came to a halt in front of a grand mansion. After she stepped out of the car and looked around, she realised that the driveway had fenced gardens on both sides and a tall entrance gate that made it seem as if the mansion had been built by professional builders. Eun-kyung knew that Ji-woo's family was well-off, but she had no idea that they were wealthy to this extent. She protested when she saw Ga-ram bring out a suitcase from the car trunk.

"What is that for?" Eun-kyung asked, blocking Ga-ram's path.

"I am staying here for a week," Ga-ram beamed.

"No, you're not. I cannot share my bed with you," Eun-kyung protested.

Her aunt interrupted, informing Eun-kyung that Ga-ram would be staying in a guest room.

'Oh, I forgot that I am no longer at home where I had limited space,' Eun-kyung thought.

As they walked inside, they were greeted by a group of staff who had gathered on the staircase. The man in front of them who looked like a butler spoke up. "Welcome back, young mistress," he said, bowing down in her direction, and the others followed suit. Eun-kyung was taken aback by their show of respect towards her as Ji-woo.

She felt uneasy and said, "Thanks, I'm so glad to see you all again." They all smiled at her, and she noticed that Ji-woo might have treated them nicely, judging by their expressions.

'Ji-woo seems like a decent person,' Eun-kyung thought to herself. She only knew of Ji-woo as Ga-ram's friend who committed suicide in the novel. Near the end of the novel, Ga-ram tortured someone and accused that person of causing Ji-woo's death.

One of the maids named Min-joo was introduced by her aunt to her as her personal maid. She smiles at the maid who returns the smile then she led her to Ji-woo's room. The walls were painted with a combination of pink and white shades. 'Ji-woo likes bright colours,' she noted to herself.

Other than that, the room lacked overly extravagant items, since it only had a walk-in closet, a queen-sized bed, a desk and chair, and a chest at the end of the bed. She didn't mind the room's bright colours, and she appreciated the fact that Ji-woo didn't let her wealth go to her head.

"Do you need anything else, young miss?" the maid inquired.

"No, thank you. You may leave now," Eun-kyung replied as she lay down on the bed.

"If you need anything, just pull the rope next to your bed," the maid advised. Eun-kyung looked in the direction of the rope and smiled to herself. "Why do I feel like I'm in a palace?" She thanked the maid once more, and the maid took her leave.

Eun-kyung took out the notebook that Ga-ram had given her and began studying her new classmates. She had to be well-prepared for school tomorrow, dealing with Ji-woo's bullies and people like Ha-rin. It was late when Ga-ram came to call her down for dinner.

The dining hall was quite large, and when she remarked on it, Ga-ram informed her that it was also used for parties. The dining table was also large, but they all sat close together, with Ga-ram and her on one side and her aunt and brother seated on the opposite side.

The food was served, and they all began eating. Eager to learn more about Ji-woo's family, Eun-kyung couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer and asked about her parents.

Her aunt dropped her spoon with a loud clang onto the plate. She hesitated for a moment but then explained, "Your father is deceased, and your mother is currently abroad, settling some issues with our company's branch."

After explaining everything, everyone ate in silence and then retired to their respective rooms. After taking her nightly shower, Eun-kyung lay in bed, eagerly anticipating the next day.

In the morning, Min-joo assisted her with getting ready for school. After breakfast, her younger brother chauffeured them to school and dropped Eun-kyung and Ga-ram off at the school entrance. Just as she was got out of the car, her brother called her back and she bent down to look at him from the car's window.

"Ji-woo, please take good care of yourself and....If you need anything, or if anyone troubles you, come and inform me," he said sincerely, looking at her.

"Awwn... my younger brother loves me so much. I'm truly touched," she placed her hand on her chest.

"Whatever, just make sure you go inside quickly and don't attract too much attention," he advised before driving away to park the car.

She really liked Ji-woo's younger brother, despite his mood swings. He was a genuinely nice younger brother, unlike hers. Even though she didn't want to say it, she missed hers.

Entering the school building with Ga-ram, many heads turned their way, whispering among themselves. Some frowned, some laughed, and some glared. She ignored them all, as did Ga-ram, as they walked towards their respective classrooms.

Ga-ram was in 12-A, while Eun-kyung was in 12-C, so they parted ways, with Ga-ram looking at her anxiously. She understood that Ga-ram wanted to stay with her to protect her, but she wasn't Ji-woo and wouldn't need her help.

She stepped into her classroom and walked towards her seat that Ga-ram had explained to her on where it was located. She sat down and pulled out her notebook to study. Ga-ram had helped her catch up on her notes so that she wasn't falling behind.

Suddenly, noises erupted in the classroom, and Eun-kyung noticed a group of girls that were standing at her side.

"Welcome back Ji-woo" the leader of the group said smiling widely at her.

"You must be Ha-rin. I'm glad to be back," Eun-kyung responded, smirking.