"Oh, didn't I tell you how great the movie was?" Gilbert exclaimed, only to be met with a slap from Rowan.
"That's not my taste. I just went along with you because I was forced to. Idiot," Rowan retorted.
"What's your taste then?"
"Um, like live performances, something like that."
"But that's for girls!"
"It's not weird. I appreciate movies like that, and you don't even know, my Mom is a producer, and that's her genre."
"So you're saying you're influenced by that?"
"Not really, we're different."
"Why though?"
"Just because. Come on, let's go to the arcade, there are a lot of girls there."
"I've changed, I'm not going anymore," Rowan tapped him. "You've changed a lot, just because you watched a movie," he said teasingly.
"I value women, you know."
"Really? Let's see if you won't give in when a girl strips in front of you," Gilbert said, grabbing a Coke from the vending machine.
"Tsk. If that happens, she's definitely cheap."
"It depends."
"Everyone has a reason, it's better if you find out first before you judge, right?" Rowan tapped his back. "You're so weak in judging, it's like you weren't taught."
"Hey, don't say that, it's still in my mind, you know, it won't disappear," he said with a smile.
"Do you know what it feels like to hug the person you love the most? I'm just curious because I don't have experience," Gilbert added.
"I'm not sure, you'd probably feel a lot of emotions."
"Like?"
"Warmth, comfort, a sense of security, and even trust. Those are significant. What if all of that disappears because of one mistake?"
"That's tough, I guess if I were in that situation, I'd fight for it no matter what."
"You're stupid. Remember, mistakes are opportunities for growth, so learn from them and strive to do better in the future."
"Is that so?"
__
"Where have you been? It's late."
"I was just at Rowan's house. We watched a show."
His father stood up and slapped Gilbert hard on the face, "You idiot! Didn't I tell you to study hard!" he held Gilbert's cheeks tightly, almost crying.
"Don't cry! Hold it in! Men shouldn't cry."
___
"I look so pretty there, let's take more pictures," she said, striking a cute pose.
"Hey girls, did you see the tall guy at the event earlier?"
"Oh, him, Rowan's brother, Millo."
The two were surprised at what they heard.
"They're siblings?! They're really handsome."
"Right? Didn't you hear about Rowan's dad having a child outside marriage, when the child revealed himself, he's so handsome, so it's obvious that the genes of his father are good. Imagine, he has three sons, and they're all so handsome!"
"When I grow up, I hope to marry one of them," she said, running her fingers through her hair and fixing it slowly.
"You're pretty, girl, so you'll find someone."
"Oh no. I won't be the one looking, they'll be the ones looking for me. That's how it should be."
"You girls are so ambitious," someone from behind said, including Xan.
"What's your problem? If you're ugly, just make yourself beautiful, it's that simple. It's not my problem if I have big dreams, what's it to you?" she pointed to Nova's brain.
"As far as I know, even with ABCD letters, it won't enter there, you know why? Because it's small, only ants can live there," Xan laughed a little, and left.
"You're right, sis, let's just chill."
"You're like a dragon. But anyway, let's go to the concert tonight."
"Alright!" they both said.
Everyone stopped what they were doing as their subject teacher suddenly entered the room. Instead of his usual self, Fred looked dismayed and sluggish.
"Good morning, Sir Fred!"
"Okay. Group yourselves into three. We have a warm-up activity to do. Before we start. Make it faster," he flipped the hourglass over.
"And in exactly 5 minutes, you should already have a partner, and don't be chaotic."
"Hey Rowan, look at Sir."
"Why?" Rowan asked, then looked, surprised that Sir looked at him too.
"Sir's vibe seems different. He seems down today," Gilbert said.
"That's normal for those who don't work out. For sure, he doesn't have abs," Rowan replied.
"My body is bigger than his. That's why I always wear fitted shirts. So they can see how delicious Rowan's body is," he winked.
Suddenly, someone grabbed Rowan's hand and placed it on his face.
"I just wanted to prove your lie," he smiled, "Did you feel anything?"
Rowan was very surprised, and he didn't even attempt to speak. After that, he left their spot.
"Time is up!"
"So, today's task is to compose a song. Remember, I'm your Art Teacher, and this still ties into our semester's themes. I expect your songs to be original, not just copied from somewhere else. Got it?"
"But Sir! We don't even know how!" one student protested, echoing the sentiment of others.
"Shh. Quiet down," Kane, their Class President, intervened.
"Don't fret, that's precisely what we're going to delve into now. I'll guide you through it, so you have no option but to listen and start."
__
"It's so demotivating. I just want to be a tree. All I'd have to do is stand," Jhane lamented.
"You want to be a tree? It's no walk in the park, you know. It's scorching out there, and standing for hours isn't as easy as it seems. Think twice about your life choices," Nova retorted, munching on piatos.
"Wow, you polished that off completely. Aren't you feeling a bit sheepish?" she teased.
She chuckled, only then realizing she'd eaten someone else's food.
"Are you guys busy?" Kane inquired.
"Not particularly, why?" Nova replied, flashing a smile.
Meanwhile, Jhane, on the sidelines, was thrilled by their exchange. She even nudged Nova gently.
"Mmm. I need your assistance," He admitted, a touch of shyness coloring her tone.
"Don't be bashful. We're here to lend a hand!" Nova assured her.
"You didn't even bother to ask if I agreed," she muttered to herself, glancing at Kane, who awaited her response.
"Yes, of course haha!" she giggled, then flashed a grin.
"Don't steal him away from me," Nova whispered under her breath.