I feel overwhelmed about the rumours

Since I broke up with my ex a few days ago because of the toxic relationship I didn’t want to continue, his friends have started talking behind my back and even hating me. I don’t know why—I feel helpless and wronged because I haven’t done anything bad.

There are also rumors that my friends persuaded me to break up with him and that I disappointed him. The people spreading these rumors are making things worse, and even some bystanders think I’m the one in the wrong. I don’t know how to deal with this.

I’m under a lot of pressure, and in a few days, I’ll have to go back to school and face these people—something I really don’t want to do. I’m afraid they’ll confront me directly, even though I pretend not to care…