Episode 55

**"Her Story (part 2)"** is the fifty-fifth released episode of My Deepest Secret by Hanza Art. In a continuing flashback, the story delves into Sophie's experiences as a university student. With her perspective skewed as a result from her high school struggles, Sophie begins to take actions against target students who she believes possess undeserved fortune.

## Synopsis

In a flashback, Sophie continued to experience the same pattern of incidents as she entered H. University. Beautiful girls appeared to lead easy lives, effortlessly receiving compliments and romantic gestures with ease. In class, Sophie overheard a boy expressing interest towards a pretty female classmate. Sophie bitterly told herself that had she worn the same clothes and makeup as that girl, she would only achieve an "average" level of beauty despite her efforts. It was irritating to Sophie how pretty girls hid their cruel personalities behind kind facades to deceive and manipulate others. Deciding that their lives were too blessed and fortunate, Sophie decided to harass the pretty girls by slipping threatening notes into their lockers.

One day, Sophie accidentally spilled coffee on Hanamika's assignment. Frantically apologizing for her clumsiness, Sophie offered to re-print another copy to replace the ruined assignment. In a cool, monotonous voice, Hanamika declined and warned Sophie to be more careful. Taken aback by the standoffish attitude, Sophie misinterpreted Hanamika's stoic expression as one of hostility. Offended, Sophie decided that she was mistreated for being too ugly by another pretty girl in class. To retaliate, she decided to send Hanamika threatening notes as well.

Some time later, Sophie witnessed Emma bumping into Jamie in the university hallways. Seeing the honey-blond hair and bright eyes, Sophie momentarily mistook Emma as Camie, her former friend from high school. Despite realizing that Emma was clearly a different person, Sophie was aggravated by their similar appearances. Apprehensive about whether or not Emma shared Camie's alleged manipulative and fake personality, Sophie decided to befriend her to investigate. During their first lunch together, Sophie strategically mentioned her insecurities about being ugly. As she expected, Emma kindly stated that Sophie was pretty. This response confirmed Sophie's suspicions that Emma and Camie were cut from the same cloth, as both pretty girls spouted harmful lies that misled unfortunate victims.

Several weeks later, Sophie encountered Yohan, who cheerfully asked for Emma's whereabouts. To her surprise, Yohan treated Sophie with kindness and respect despite her self-determined ugly appearance. As he ran off to find Emma, Sophie marveled over how Yohan, unlike the boys she faced in the past, was the first boy to be so nice to her. Charmed by his handsome smile and amiable nature, Sophie decided to dash after him. She spotted him and Emma conversing with each other. Too far to hear what they were talking about, Sophie pulled out her phone and video-recorded their conversation. Without warning, Emma aggressively grabbed Yohan by the front of his shirt before running off. Sophie watched as Yohan slowly picked up his fallen cap and bury his face in his hand in shame. Recalling her own experience of being harshly rejected by Jeremy, Sophie misinterpreted the confrontation as Emma breaking Yohan's heart. Filled with rage, Sophie decided to send the video to the rest of their classmates to expose Emma's true nature.

On the school field trip, Sophie participated in the search for Emma, who went missing on the nature hike. She came across Emma lying at the edge of a cliff, unconscious. Irritated by the sight of how pretty Emma was despite the bruisings and scrapes, Sophie considered abandoning Emma. She then quickly reminded herself that she was not that cruel. Noticing how fair Emma's skin was, Sophie leaned in and gently poked Emma's face. As Emma began to regain consciousness, Sophie instinctively pushed Emma away from her in panic. Emma tumbled over the edge of the cliff and fell into the river below. Horrified, Sophie attempted to reassure herself that Emma survived the fall and could swim. She quickly sprinted away from the scene, worried about any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident.

In the present, Sophie anxiously leans against the wall, immersed in her own panicked thoughts. With the lack of news of regarding Emma's whereabouts, she wonders if Emma is dead. Though she hates Emma, Sophie never wished for her death. As she worriedly ponders over the possible consequences of her unintentional actions, a committee member announces that the missing student has been found. Sophie sighs in relief, glad that Emma is still alive. With her concerns about Emma's wellbeing vanishing on the spot, Sophie is now plagued with newfound anxiety. During the brief moment when Emma regained consciousness, it is possible that she caught a glimpse of Sophie's face. Sophie wonders if Emma plans on informing the rest of the school about what happened. Later that night, Sophie sits alone on a bench as the rest of the students engage in activities. Emma, properly cleaned and dressed in her spare change of clothes, approaches Sophie. Knowing that she investigate whether or not Emma is aware of the truth, Sophie rearranges her face into a friendly expression. Hesitantly, Emma asks Sophie to have a conversation with her.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance. Character first appearances are **bolded**.*

* Sophie McCarthy
* Camie (mentioned; flashback)
* Hanamika (flashback)
* Emma Wilson
* Jamie (flashback)
* Jeremy (flashback)
* Yohan Lee (flashback)