HOLY NIGHT SEBASTIAN
I was walking down the hallway while talking to my dad on the phone. He was checking up on me. He had just found out that I was rushed to the hospital because I had an accident while riding my bicycle. When I put my phone back in my bag, I let out a sigh. I'm glad that my dad didn't scold me. However, he doesn't want me to leave aunt's place at night anymore. It seems that aunt didn't tell my dad about me staying overnight at Leah's apartment.
"Night!" I heard Moryn's cheerful voice. When I looked at her, she was waving at me. She was with Rhyme, who was also looking at me. I ran to join them, and we all headed to the classroom together while Moryn was telling all sorts of stories. I stopped walking when I saw Leah with the vice president of the student council, Ms. Charbelle Serriano. Moryn also looked ahead when he noticed that I had stopped.
"I already told you about this, Night! You have to wear proper uniforms!" Even though Leah and Ms. Charbelle weren't too close to us yet, she already started scolding me. "Guys, I think I forgot something in my locker," I said as I began to back away and then ran off.
"Hey, come back!" I heard Leah shout, but it only made me more scared, so I had no plans of going back to them. When I totally got away, I continued to look around to make sure Leah and the VP were nowhere in sight.
I leaned against the wall, panting. "That's too much! Me, wearing female uniforms? Disgusting!" I winced as I talked to myself.
"What am I, gay?" I added.
Ever since my mom left, I haven't worn skirts, and just the thought of myself wearing those uniforms makes my hair stand on end. No! I don't want to wear female uniforms. I feel more comfortable wearing the boys' uniform.
After a few minutes, when I assessed that Leah was no longer around, I finally decided to enter the classroom. I peeked inside and saw that the professor had just started the discussion. When the professor turned around and wrote something on the whiteboard, I quietly made my way to my seat. I only breathed a sigh of relief when I was finally seated. Moryn, who was sitting in front beside Rhyme, looked back at me and smiled. I think even if any problem in the world arises, I'm ready to face it as long as I see Moryn's smile.
"Until now, the debate about nature and nurture continues," the professor said as he walked back and forth at the front of the class. "It explores the extent to which our genetics and our environment and experiences shape who we are as individuals." He added. "What are your opinions on this?" the professor asked, scanning the class and waiting for someone to speak up.
I raised my right hand and the professor looked at me. "Yes, Ms. Sebastian?" I stood up and cleared my throat before I speak. "Our genes and the traits we're born with play a big part in shaping who we are and what we're good at. Think about those natural abilities some people show from when they're really young. Whether it's being good at drawing, playing sports, or solving complex problems, these qualities often come from the genes we inherit." So, in my opinion, nature offers a more, bigger foundation for humanity."
After I said that, the professor asked me to sit down. "Very well said, Ms. Sebastian. Thank you so much for your input." Everything seemed to be going well, until someone else raised their hand. "And you, Mr. Dizon? Do you have something to say as well?" Rhyme stood up, and his movements showed a heightened sense of confidence. "I strongly believe that nurture plays a more vital role in shaping our identity," Rhyme began, emphasizing the word, more. "The environment we grow up in, the way we're raised, and what we go through in life really shape us. Take a kid who grows up in a loving and encouraging home, for instance. They're more likely to turn out empathetic, kind, and tough when things get hard. So, nurture provides us with the tools and opportunities to grow and thrive."
I know that he's just expressing his opinion and he does have a point. Okay, there's nothing wrong with that. But I felt my blood boiling with what he was saying. It's obvious that he's intentionally contradicting my statement. This guy really seeks conflict. Well, I won't back down. In my frustration, I stood up even though I didn't raise my hand. "Of course, Mr. Dizon, I understand the significance of nurture, but we must not underestimate the role of nature."
"Here we go again," one of my female classmates said. I couldn't determine exactly who among them spoke, but I knew that everyone noticed the tension starting to build between me and Rhyme. "Without good genes to start with, the role of upbringing isn't as strong. So, really, it's our natural-born qualities that lay the groundwork for our growth and are the main force. As I continued, it seemed like they were starting to pick up on the frustration in my voice.
I heard Rhyme chuckle before saying anything else. "Pardon me, Ms. Sebastian, but those talents and skills you mentioned a while ago, you can't hone them without experience," he said with a smirk. Honestly, I felt the urge to attack him, choke him, and push him out the window. It's frustrating! I started having negative thoughts. I noticed the professor rubbing his neck, seemingly under pressure and unsure how to handle the situation now.
"Excuse me, may I add something?" Moryn suddenly spoke up. "Oh sure, Ms. Lodeza. Go ahead," the professor said, stuttering a bit. The professor forced a smile as he watched Moryn speak, occasionally nodding in agreement. "I think both nature and nurture are essential in shaping who we are," Moryn said. "They're connected and work together. The traits we're born with are just the beginning and, it's our surroundings and what we go through that really develop and build on those natural traits. It's the interaction between nature and nurture that truly shapes us as unique individuals."
"Very good, Ms. Lodeza. You're right about what you said," the professor agreed, swallowing hard. "Okay class, I think we should proceed now to our next topic." I just stayed silent and sat down with a frown on my face. I was so annoyed with Rhyme that I didn't join them for lunch. I didn't want to see his face for now, fearing that I might do something bad. Every time I remember his smirk earlier, it's like he's taunting me, making me feel the urge to punch someone.
As I walked, I suddenly stopped in front of a bulletin board. There was a poster from the theater club announcing that auditions for the roles of Romeo and Juliet for the upcoming school festival are now open. After reading what was written, it's like my bad mood vanished from my body. I want to audition for the role of Romeo. I've been dreaming of participating in a roleplay for a long time, but I never had the time, and they usually only choose members of the theater club to play the roles. Now that they're holding auditions, this is my chance to try out my acting skills.
Also, it's a way for me to participate in the upcoming school festival. Rhyme and I are forbidden from joining any games and competitions during a festival because of what happened before. Well, except maybe for participating in theater club productions. So annoying! It's Rhyme's fault that I can't fully enjoy the festival. So, it's probably better if I don't tell him about this.
"Night!" I turned to the right when I heard Moryn's voice. As I expected, Rhyme was with her. I quickly glanced back at the poster and swiftly grabbed it from the bulletin board. I crumpled it up and put it in my pocket. I didn't want Rhyme to find out that I was auditioning for the role of Romeo, as he might do something foolish again. He can't just take away all the happiness in my life. "The student council president is calling for you," Rhyme said when they were in front of me. My mouth dropped open after hearing what Rhyme said. I suddenly felt nervous. I think I know why.
"Why?" I asked, still curious. "I don't know," Moryn replied with a shrug. "You know what, guys, I still have a project to work on that I need to submit. Because I was absent for five days, remember? So, bye for now." As I turned around to run away, someone grabbed my hand to stop me. I was even more surprised when he lifted me up and placed me on his shoulder like a sack of rice. "Rhyme! What the heck! Put me down!" I shouted while struggling. I kept kicking my legs rapidly to try and escape, but he just smacked my butt. "Ouch!" I groaned. "Stop squirming! Do you wanna fall?" he said irritably. He tightened his grip on my legs in front of him so I couldn't move it anymore.
"Put me down! I don't wanna go there!" I continued to complain while lightly hitting his back. "Moryn, help me!" I said to Moryn, who was following us and laughing. "It's okay, Night. Everything's gonna be fine," she replied, trying to calm me down. "No! I don't want to!" In the end, I couldn't do anything as they finally managed to bring me inside the office of the student council.