About

Did you know? People with darkness inside them disguise themselves with a brighter exterior to hide it. Just like me. To others, I look like someone who has it all—brains, looks, friends, a popular boyfriend, and money. But my inner reality is the exact opposite. A damp, smelly semi-basement apartment, a mother struggling for money, a grandmother with dementia, loan sharks who visit at any moment, and a home where the lights never turn on because the electricity bill hasn't been paid. If people saw this side of me, would anyone still think I'm someone to be envied? I had my inner reality exposed once. In middle school, some kids saw me entering that semi-basement by chance, and they started bullying me. I was always 'dirty' to them. A desk covered in graffiti, the fishy smell of milk dripping down my face, kids looking down at me with sneers, and those who just stood by and watched. To make sure that never happened again, I had to do whatever it took. After graduating middle school, I begged my mom to let me go to a high school in a distant area. Before starting, I styled my hair and dressed up for the first time. The way people looked at me changed. It wasn't the disgusted, mocking glares anymore, but looks of admiration directed at my appearance. That day, I felt a sense of euphoria for the first time. But I had to go higher. I'll make sure no one can look down on me; I'll be the one ruling over them. A few months later, I had a popular boyfriend, dressed up, studied hard, and even wore luxury brands—I became the absolute top. I stole the money for the luxury goods from my mom, but I don't care. There are plenty of kids who like my exterior, not my inner self. Every day is fun. Seeing kids try so hard to get on my good side makes me want to laugh. No one can touch me anymore. Anyone who tries is just an impurity attempting to ruin my life. Bottom-feeders coveting my spot. At least, that was the case until you confessed to me.