HOLY NIGHT SEBASTIAN
I didn't bring my bike today because I rode with Aunt Penny on her motorcycle since she was passing by Destine University on her way to a friend's house. She said she'd pick me up later after school. She stopped at a gas station near Destine University, so I decided to just walk the rest of the way to campus.
When I was getting close to the main gate, I saw a group of students in chaos in front of it. Many of them were shouting, which made me worried, so I quickly ran towards them. But as I got closer, the students suddenly scattered and ran into the gate as if in a panic. My eyes widened as I caught sight of a male student sprawled on the ground, together with the security guard stationed at the main gate.
That student had a nosebleed and was struggling when he tried to stand up. But he was lifted up by another male student using his collar. This student is also wearing the Senior High school uniform like him, while having messy dark brown hair. I think he was the one who punched the guy he is currently holding by the collar, and also the security guard. Even though his facial expression was serious, anger could still be seen in his eyes.
I don't know, but I felt like I was seeing Rhyme in him. He punched the guy again, hard, sending him sprawling to the ground. He still wasn't satisfied. He went over to the guy, got on top of him, and kept punching him in the face. Everyone was yelling and there was a lot of commotion. I think the other students were too scared to
get close.
I was getting worried, so even though it was dangerous, I was about to try to stop them, but then I heard a whistle and saw people running toward us. A few security guards came to help, but the guy was so strong and tall that they were having trouble pulling him off.
"Everiano!" The entire surrounding fell silent as the PE teacher, Sir Rodrigo Sarmiento, one of the coaches for the athletes, called out in a booming voice. His expression was a mask of fury, every line on his face practically shouting his anger. The student who had just been caught in the act of beating someone froze on the spot. With a sharp, angry gesture, he yanked his arm free from the guard restraining him, his movements deliberate and unyielding. Without a word, he picked up his black bag from the ground, slung it over one shoulder, and walked through the gates as if nothing had happened. We stood like statues, mouths agape, fearfully watching him walk away.
The guy's presence was so intimidating and heavy that it made me wonder if anyone dared to approach him. Even after arriving in my room, I couldn't shake the image of that guy from my mind.
"Good morning, Night!" Moryn's cheerful voice pulled me back to reality. She turned her head to flash me a bright smile from her seat in front of mine. I gave her a small nod but stayed silent. Crossing my arms, I leaned back in my chair, my thoughts still restless. I'd never seen that guy before. Maybe he's a transferee.
Moryn turned back to me.
"You look really cute in that uniform," she said, her voice a soft purr. Moryn's words completely erased the image of the strange student from my mind. It had been three months since I started wearing the girls' uniform, and I still get compliments every single day. I remember the first time I wore it. Almost every student in the school was staring at me.
Most of them look like they can't believe it, while others are blushing with excitement. I felt incredibly embarrassed and awkward that day. I could barely look at any of the students, not even Moryn, and especially not Rhyme. Besides Charbelle, Rhyme is one of the people I blame for being in this situation. Honestly, I still struggle to forgive him for it. I remember many students from different grades and sections peeking into the classroom just to see me. Then, they'd scatter as soon as our professor approached. And most of them asked for pictures, taking photos from near and far. I was incredibly uncomfortable during those days. It felt like punishment, while Rhyme just laughed at me.
My hair has grown quite a bit longer now. Moryn gave me some shampoo that helps hair grow, but she only told me what it was for after I'd been using it for a month. That explains why my hair started growing faster. I'm not really good at styling my hair, I'm not even used to combing it. So when I get to school, Moryn's the one who styles my hair. I wish I could ask Auntie Penny for help with styling my hair, but she usually leaves for work before I wake up.
Not only did people on campus notice me, but so did Aunt Penny, our neighbors, and the "taho" vendor who often passes by Aunt's house. They seemed delighted, thinking I might be sprucing up because I started to have a crush on someone. I just ignored them and gave them a subtle smile. If they only knew what I've been through to avoid becoming like this, but it's a long story, and I don't have the energy to explain it all.
I glanced back at Rhyme, who was sitting in front of me, talking to Moryn next to her. Every time I recall the reasons behind having to wear this uniform and grow my hair long, I can't help but feel a surge of annoyance towards him. And whenever I see him first thing in the morning, I want to greet him with an uppercut or just want to give him a good whack on the back of the head. Maybe if I did that, it would make it easier to forgive him and forget everything. One day, I'll surpass him. I'll beat him in a bet, and when that happens, I'll make him pay even more for everything. Let's see who gets the last laugh.
The class fell silent when our professor walked in, accompanied by a tall guy with messy hair wearing the Senior High School uniform. I froze in my seat, my mouth slightly agape as I recognized the student who had entered with the professor. His poker face and disheveled hair, partially obscuring his eyes, were unmistakable. The look in his eyes still sends chills down my spine. I could never forget how he brutally beat up another student earlier.
"Good morning, everybody. I hope you all had a great weekend. Today, I have an exciting announcement to make. We have a new student joining our class. Please give a big welcome to Everiano Sarmiento." I immediately noticed his last name. He has the same last name as Coach Rodrigo Sarmiento, our PE teacher. Now it makes sense why only Coach Rodrigo was able to stop him from beating up the student earlier. I don't know if they're related, but I strongly suspect they are.
I'm pretty sure he's a new transfer student. I've been at this school long enough to know I've never seen him before. Sure, I don't know every single student here, but there's no way I'd forget someone like Everiano Sarmiento if we'd crossed paths. He'd definitely stand out.
"Everiano, would you like to introduce yourself?" our professor asked, trying to get him to talk. But he didn't say anything. We all just sat here, staring at him, waiting for him to speak.
"Since you've already mentioned my name, there's no need for me to repeat it." He said. We were all shocked by his response, our mouths hanging open, speechless in the presence of his deep and commanding voice that sent shivers down my spine. This whole situation felt awkward and uncomfortable. I noticed our professor seemed to feel the awkwardness too. He cleared his throat before continuing.
"Alright, please take a seat now." He told Everiano. The guy walked towards his seat, and we all watched him every step of the way. We were looking up at him because he was pretty tall. I think he's just a little taller than Rhyme.
My heart pounded as he strolled toward my side of the classroom. My eyes darted to the empty seat next to mine, it had to be where he was headed. Sure enough, he slid into the chair without a word. I froze, my throat tightening. I couldn't bring myself to look at him or even at least say hello.
I wanted to tell him someone was supposed to be sitting there, but that student was just absent today. The words stayed stuck in my head, tangled up with my nerves. I mean, who would want to talk to someone with such a commanding presence like that? I wonder how am I supposed to survive an entire school year like this? Sitting next to someone who seems both scary and weird.
Lunch break arrived, and before the professor dismissed class, I saw Rhyme lean in close to Moryn and whisper something in her ear. The moment the teacher dismissed the class, Moryn shot out of her seat and hurried out the door, not so much as glancing back. I was confused. This wasn't like her. We always left the classroom together. If she had to rush off for some reason, she'd usually let me know. But today? Nothing. No word, no explanation. I froze for a moment, my mind spinning with all the possible reasons why she acted that way. What just happened? Did I do something wrong? Was she upset? I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that something wasn't right.
I was gathering my things when Rhyme suddenly snatched my bag and grabbed my hand.
"Let's go," he said firmly, his tone clipped and serious. I blinked, startled and confused by his behavior. He strode out of the classroom, pulling me behind him so quickly I had to jog to keep up. Even after we were well past the door, he still hadn't let go of my hand. I glanced back at the classroom, my thoughts lingering on our intimidating new classmate.
"Rhyme?" I asked softly, studying his broad back. No response. His grip was firm but careful, as if he was making sure not to hurt me.
"That new guy… Doyou know him?"
"Just stay away from him," he said without looking back.
"He's dangerous." I didn't press further. His clipped tone made it clear he didn't want to talk about it. Besides, he wasn't wrong. Everiano gave off a menacing vibe, and I couldn't stop replaying about how he mercilessly beating up a student this morning.
Later, while we sat at the food court, the mood was no better. Moryn pushed her food around her plate, barely eating. Even when I asked if she was okay, she just gave me weak nods. Rhyme was also quiet and serious while he ate, not saying a word. It was as if the din and clatter of the entire food court was the only thing we could hear. I was really confused about why they were acting like this.
When lunch ended, Moryn told us she wasn't coming back to class.
"I'm not feeling well," she mumbled, her voice barely audible. Her words only added to my worry. Rhyme wasn't any help either. Every time I tried to ask about Moryn, he shut me down.
Back in the classroom, I noticed Everiano already seated. I was about to sit next to the guy, but Rhyme suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me over to sit in Moryn's chair, right beside him. I frowned and inched my chair a bit closer to Rhyme.
"Hey! What's going on with you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice low. I was so confused by what was happening that I couldn't help but ask. Moryn and Rhyme had been acting strangely since earlier, and I think I had enough of it.
"Can you stop being so nosy?" he muttered back. His vague response only made me more restless. My frustration bubbled as I turned toward Everiano, watching him quietly listen to the teacher's lecture.
"Stop staring at him," Rhyme said sharply. I faced forward again, but the words on the board didn't make any sense. My mind was too distracted, spinning with unanswered questions.
Class ended, but my confusion didn't. Rhyme insisted on driving me home, brushing off every protest I made. Reluctantly, I called Aunt Penny to let her know she didn't need to pick me up. The car ride was tense and silent. Neither Rhyme nor I spoke, and even the driver seemed to sense the mood, keeping quiet as he steered us through the city. I gave up asking questions. It was clear Rhyme wasn't going to tell me anything.