As Mike, Stefan, and Christina stepped outside, they were met with a sea of curious faces. Most of the students were staring, their expressions ranging from shock to fascination. It's obvious they can't believe the trio has finally become friends.
"Guess it's truly a miracle," Christina observed, her gaze drifting between Mike and Stefan, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Not even I would've thought we'd become friends."
"I always knew something like this would happen," Stefan said,his eyes sparkling with insight. "Just didn't expect it to be so soon. And...We're not friends yet, so don't jump into conclusion, you haven't even won Rachael over."
Mike's expression remained neutral, but Christina's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Did something happen between you guys yesterday?" Stefan asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"That's none of your concern!" Mike and Christina responded simultaneously, their voices firm.
Stefan's grin turned mischievous. "I'll definitely find out soon," he said, his eyes glinting with determination.
As Stefan continued toward the cafeteria, Christina's gaze darted toward the rooftop. She noticed a strange movement out of the corner of her eye and froze, her eyes locked onto the rooftop.
Mike followed her gaze. "Is something over there?" he asked, curioused.
Christina hesitated before turning back to Mike. "I thought I saw someone over there, but it's nothing. Let's go," she replied, her voice measured.
The duo closed the gap between themselves and Stefan, who was already ahead of them. They entered the cafeteria, chose their lunch, and sat down at an empty table.
Mike and Stefan sat side by side, while Christina took the chair opposite Mike, leaving an empty seat beside her.
The atmosphere was tense, with Stefan's unanswered question hanging in the air. Christina's gaze occasionally drifted toward the rooftop, her expression unreadable.
Christina's gaze locked onto Mike's, her eyes shining with sincerity. "Thanks for yesterday, sorry it took me so long," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mike's smile was warm and reassuring. "Oh… There's no need for that, okay?" He waved his hand dismissively. "And...you're always welcome. Anytime."
Stefan's curiosity was piqued, his eyes darting between Mike and Christina's faces. "What happened between you guys?" he asked, his tone probing.
"It's none of your concern!" Mike and Christina responded in unison, their eyes locked on Stefan. Their voices were firm, leaving no room for discussion.
Stefan's expression turned wry. "Alright then, I'll just silently eat my pasta," he said relentingly, shrugging.
However, his curiosity never dissipate. "But..." he began.
Christina's voice turned querulous. "But what? What do you want now, Stefan?" Her eyes narrowed.
Stefan's grin was mischievous. "Are you two dating?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Hell no, don't be ridiculous!" Mike and Christina responded almost simultaneously, their voices laced with exasperation.
Stefan's expression turned knowing. "So, you guys are...that's great," he implied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He gulped down his Caffe latte, his eyes glinting with teasing.
Christina's regret was palpable. "I shouldn't have invited him to join us," she muttered.
Mike's chuckle was low. "I wanted to warn you earlier, that inviting him was a bad idea. You should be expecting something like this," he said, munching on his toast.
Stefan glared at Mike for a moment, waiting to swallow his food before responding. He was about to speak when a familiar voice interrupted.
"Here you are, guys!" Rachael's voice echoed through the cafeteria.
Mike and Stefan raised their heads, their eyes locking onto Rachael's approaching figure.
Rachael's steady pace didn't falter as she approached the table. "I've looked for you in class, then I decided you two must be here," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Can I join you?"
"I'm sure you wouldn't want to join us," Mike said, his reply was laced with caution.
"That's right, you might want to grab another table," Stefan chimed in, his tone playful.
Rachael's eyes sparkled with humor as she began to retort, "Why would I want to, when I'm staring at an empty chair right in front of..." Her gaze landed on Christina, and her words trailed off.
For a moment, Rachael froze, her eyes locked onto Christina's face. Then, she turned to leave, but Christina's words halted her.
"Come on, Rachy," Christina said, her voice tinged with sincerity.
Rachael spun around, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I know I was a bitch for a long time," Christina continued. "I'm sorry for being rude to you."
Rachael's expression turned guarded, her eyes searching Christina's face for genuine remorse. "So, you're not a bitch anymore?" she asked, her tone measured.
Christina hesitated, her eyes darting between Rachael and Mike before responding. "I'm sorry, but I can't decide that yet. I guess I'm addicted to being a bitch."
The table fell silent, awaiting Rachael's response. After a full minute of observation, Rachael spoke.
"You know what?" Her voice was calm, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I guess you're not the only bitch sitting at this table."
The tension dissipated as everyone erupted into fresh laughter. Mike chuckled, Stefan guffawed, and even Christina cracked a smile.
Rachael's eyes locked onto Christina's, a glimmer of understanding passing between them.
*****
After school hours, Christina made her way to the rooftop, determined to uncover the source of the strange movement she had noticed earlier. The wind howled around her, its ferocious gusts whipping her hair into a frenzy as she walked along the rooftop's edge.
Below, she spotted Mike and Stefan engrossed in conversation. "Mike!" she called out, her voice carrying on the wind.
Mike's head jerked up, his eyes scanning the rooftop until they locked onto Christina's waving figure. A smile spread across his face as he waved back. "What are you doing over there? Aren't you going home?" heshouted above the wind.
Christina leaned over the edge, her voice carrying down to Mike. "I am, wait for me! I'll join you in a jiffy."
As she turned to leave, she collided with a massive figure looming in front of her. "I'm sorry," she exclaimed, her heart racing.
Raising her head, Christina's eyes met the terrifying visage of a gigantic creature. Its bald head gleamed in the fading light, while long, pointed ears framed its face. Enormous wings stretched out from its back, their dark membranes rippling in the wind.
Despite its eyes being shut, the creature seemed to sense Christina's presence, its head cocked slightly to one side. Christina froze, paralyzed by fear.
The creature's massive frame towered over her, casting a long, ominous shadow across the rooftop. The wind died down, and an unsettling silence fell, punctuated only by the creaking of the creature's wings.
Christina's breath caught in her throat as the creature's eyelids began to flicker, its eyes slowly opening to reveal an unknown, otherworldly gaze.
Christina's scream pierced the air, a deafening cry that echoed off the rooftop. She stumbled backward, her eyes fixed on the creature in terror.
"I mean you no harm, Christina," the creature said in a low, calm voice, raising its hands in a peaceful gesture. "I just need your help."
Christina's voice trembled as she squealed, "What the hell are you?" She retreated to the rooftop's edge, her feet inches from the precipice.
"Calm down, Christina Idris," the creature urged, its tone soothing. "I'm not here to harm you, I promise. Please, help me."
Christina's warning came out in a shaky voice, "Don't you dare move closer to me!" Her eyes darted wildly, searching for an escape.
"What kind of...costume is that?" Christina stammered, attempting to rationalize the creature's appearance.
"What's happening over there, Christina? Why are you screaming?" Mike's concerned shout carried from downstairs.
"Help me! There's a monster here!" Christina's panicked voice responded, her words conveyed her sheer fright.
"I'll be right there, wait for me!" Mike yelled, dropping his bag to rush toward the rooftop.
But before Mike could take more than two steps, Christina's scream pierced the air once more. She lost her footing and tumbled off the rooftop.
Time seemed to slow as Christina's body fell toward the ground. Mike's heart sank, his eyes fixed on the horror unfolding before him, his legs pumping faster to reach her.
Christina's arms flailed wildly, her eyes fixed on the ground below, her fall slowing for just a moment.
Stefan and the other onlookers averted their faces, bracing for the impact. The sound of Christina's fall seemed to echo through the air, a sickening thud that made Mike's stomach twist with dread.
And then, everything froze, awaiting Christina's fate.