[Jow Ylliard Hayle]
I stifled a yawn as I climbed the stairs of the senior high school building, heading to the floor where the Grade 12 HUMSS strand held classes.
My eyelids drooped. I kept forcing them open.
Sweat clung to my skin even though it was still early. I’d been perspiring nonstop since the moment I started walking to the University.
> Is it already this hot? It’s not even noon... But more importantly... I think I’m safe. I think... I’m safe.<
I let out a sigh of relief.
The students around me didn’t seem to notice anything unusual.
Not even the ones I passed earlier on the way in. None of them recognized me as the guy who was with Clay in that photo taken at the market.
> But how’s Clay going to get through this? She's popular... especially with the boys...<
I swallowed—not because I was afraid of her fanboys coming after me, but because I was worried about her.
This could affect her reputation. Her standing on campus.
On the surface, she’s playful and shamelessly outspoken. She says things most girls wouldn’t dare. Heck, if she ever truly got pissed, I wouldn’t be surprised if she blurted out a full-blown "f*** you" right in someone’s face.
As I stepped onto our floor, a chill trickled up from my feet to my chest.
“Nature calls.”
I headed straight for the restroom.
Just as I arrived, a girl stepped out of the women’s room, clutching her stomach and letting out a tired sigh. She rubbed her belly as she walked.
I stared at her blankly, not moving. I didn’t say a word.
She noticed me and grinned.
“Mister Mystery,” she said, lightly elbowing me in the chest.
I stepped back from her.
> She’s not even the least bit shaken by that scandal? She was literally in that viral photo, and she’s just... this calm?<
She rolled her eyes and reached for my ID. “Eyeden Ylliard Hayle, huh. So it really is your name.”
I moved farther away from her.
“It’s not good if someone sees us talking,” I told her calmly. “You have a reputation. A lot of people admire you. If you end up being bullied because of this, how are you going to deal with it?”
She laughed, then raised a clenched fist to her temple and rotated it like a drill. “I’ll kill them!” she said with a straight face, then chuckled again.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead.
> She’s so direct...<
“Okay, fine. You can protect yourself. Just—don’t actually kill anyone. Anyway, I really need to pee. See you at the clubroom.”
I started walking toward the men’s room.
“Don’t let the haters get to you, alien boy!” she called out.
“You dummy,” I muttered, glancing back at her. “You’re the one who should be more careful.”
“I’m not worried,” she said with a neutral tone, as if she were commenting on the weather. “It’s true I was with you that day. Anyone who doesn’t know us would assume we’re dating.”
> That’s not the issue! You’re cousins with my ex! Cousins!<
“No one has the right to interfere in my life. I own it,” she said, turning to leave. “Well then, if you’ll excuse me, Eyeden~!”
> She called me Eyeden again... Stop calling me that!<
I waited until she was several meters away before entering the restroom.
It didn’t take long to take care of business.
After washing my hands, I made my way to the classroom.
Rain was already there, sitting in her armchair.
I approached her with a smile.
Her response? A wrinkled, suspicious expression.
“Kuya Plastic,” she muttered, raising an eyebrow. “Why are you smiling this early in the morning?”
I grinned smugly. “No reason. I just feel like it.”
She tossed me two packs of Muncher chips.
“Really now?” she said, glancing toward the front of the room. “You probably didn’t notice when you walked in... but our classmate who’s been doing modules at home? She’s back.”
I was about to tear open the plastic packaging when I froze.
> Wait, what?<
“There’s still eleven days before the second quarter exam, right?” I muttered, unable to hide the disbelief in my voice.
I looked toward the second row. There she was—sitting quietly, listening to her friends chatter.
The rest of the class was buzzing with noise, sharing gossip and stories.
> That’s Lean May Ronica Adolfo? Her hair looks so smooth... I wonder if her personality is the same?<
“By the way, Kuya,” Rain said, leaning closer. “Did you hear the latest gossip?”
My breath hitched. A sharp pang hit my chest. My palms began to sweat—I wiped them furiously on my slacks.
“W-what latest gossip?”
“You know Clayrin, right? One of the most well-known students in the university?” Rain’s eyes gleamed. “Wait, didn't you say you joined a club organization?”
> Oh no... She remembers everything...<
“Y-yeah. The Supernatural Club.”
“I knew it!” she said, almost shouting. “Well, the president of your club was seen at the market with a guy. And get this—Clayrin always says she’s aromantic. She’s never felt anything intimate for anyone. A lot of people supported that, even some of her past suitors. But now? They’re all confused.”
My heart pounded harder and harder.
“I... I didn’t know that,” I stammered. My voice cracked.
Rain narrowed her eyes. Her lips pressed into a thin line.
“Kuya... Are you hiding something?”
“No. I—I just forgot the name of our club president.”
She smacked her desk. “Are you serious?! How bad is your memory?”
Her eyes squinted in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable!”
> Shut up, you simpleton!<
She kept talking, but I stopped replying. I just nodded at whatever she said, hoping she’d buy my excuse.
---
Morning classes ended, and I didn’t even get to enjoy recess.
Nova and Rain had cornered me, forcing me to help review our research in preparation for the upcoming defense.
While they read and exchanged ideas, I couldn’t stop scratching my head. I couldn’t even meet their eyes.
They weren’t the only members of the group, but they zeroed in on me.
They clearly thought I’d be the weak link in our preparation.
My shoulders aching, I slowly stood. My knees cracked loudly as I rose, and I had to use Rain’s shoulder for support.
“You okay?” she asked gently, her brows furrowed in concern.
I nodded.
We were soon packed together in the narrow aisle of the classroom, jostling each other in a rush to leave.
My stomach growled.
> I’m starving... And so unmotivated...<
I slowly stretched my arms, deliberately letting the others go ahead.
But even with that caution, luck wasn’t on my side.
A rushing, inconsiderate female classmate bumped into me hard.
My knees folded, and I crashed to the rough floor. Pain shot through every part of me that hit the ground.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“He fell—someone help him!”
I heard their voices like distant echoes. A loud beeping noise pulsed in my ears, drowning out everything else.
I tried shaking my head, then carefully moved my arms and legs. I managed to sit up.
A smooth hand appeared in front of me—offering help. Behind it, a girl stood with uneven, sharply cut bangs covering her forehead.
“You okay?” she asked softly, her voice calm but uncertain. Her lips were pressed into a faint frown. Her narrowed eyes and furrowed brows showed quiet worry.
To be continued.