"I don't know," I shrugged. "Maybe I'll use it to start a conversation... or maybe it's just creepy stalker behavior."
IM chuckled. "Yeah, definitely creepy."
Kring! The school bell rang.
"Let's go see Mr. Hartawan," I said, standing up. "He's our homeroom teacher, and he can introduce you to the class."
We made our way to the teacher's room, hoping to catch Mr. Hartawan before he headed to class. The room was abuzz with the usual chatter and laughter of the faculty, their voices a comforting reminder of normalcy in the midst of my extraordinary life.
As we entered, Mr. Hartawan looked up from his desk, a surprised expression on his face. "Xian Ying? And... who is this?" he asked, his gaze settling on IM.
"This is Eem," I introduced him, feeling a sense of déjà vu. "He's a new student who just transferred here."
Mr. Hartawan rose from his chair, his eyes widening slightly as he took in IM's appearance. He extended his hand, a welcoming smile on his face. "Welcome to our school, Eem," he said warmly. "It's a pleasure to have you join us."
IM shook his hand, his grip firm and confident. "Thank you, Mr. Hartawan," he replied. "I'm looking forward to being a part of this community."
Mr. Hartawan turned back to me, his brow furrowed slightly. "Xian Ying, were you aware of this transfer student?" he asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
I nodded. "Yes, sir," I replied. "I met him over the weekend, and he expressed interest in attending our school."
Mr. Hartawan's expression softened. "Well, then," he said, "I'll make sure he gets settled in. In the meantime, why don't you both head to class? I'm sure your classmates are eager to meet Eem."
We nodded and thanked Mr. Hartawan, then made our way towards the classroom.
We reached the familiar door of classroom 11-4. It was surprisingly quiet, the usual chatter of students replaced by a hushed anticipation. I could feel the curious gazes of my classmates on my back as I entered the room, IM trailing closely behind.
Mr. Hartawan was standing at the front of the class, a welcoming smile on his face. "Good morning, everyone. We have a new transfer student joining us today."
All eyes turned towards the door, eager to see who it was.
I walked in beside Mr. Hartawan, a slight smirk playing on my lips.
"Huh? Xian Ying is the new student?" Marcel blurted out, his eyes wide with surprise. "But he's been here for two years already!"
I chuckled. "Not me, Marcel. I'm just introducing the new student."
A chorus of "Oh"s filled the room as the students realized their mistake.
"Come in, IM," I said, stepping aside to reveal my companion.
IM strolled into the room, his every move oozing confidence and charisma. He was dressed impeccably, not in the usual school uniform, but in a stylish ensemble consisting of a crisp white shirt, a loose-fitting sweater, slightly baggy pants, and a silver ring that gleamed in the fluorescent light.
The students stared at him, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and curiosity. IM had an undeniable presence, a magnetic aura that drew people in.
"I am IM, or you can call me Eem," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "I'm 17 years old and I live in the city. I enjoy challenges and things that are difficult to achieve." He glanced at me with a playful smirk. "And Xian Ying here has been my friend since childhood."
The class erupted in whispers, their curiosity piqued by this mysterious new student. Some girls giggled and whispered amongst themselves, while the boys eyed IM with a mix of envy and admiration.
Nadine's voice cut through the whispers, her words laced with a playful tease. "Looks like our class has another handsome guy besides Xian Ying, doesn't it?"
Everyone turned to look at her, a few snickers erupting from the back of the room.
"What?" Nadine asked, feigning innocence.
Mr. Hartawan shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Take a seat, Eem," he instructed, gesturing towards an empty desk.
IM and I nodded and made our way towards the back of the classroom, a few pairs of eyes following our every move.
We found two empty seats at the back of the classroom, where I usually sit. With his natural charm and easygoing demeanor, IM quickly struck up conversations with our classmates, blending seamlessly into the social fabric of the class.
I, however, found it difficult to focus. My mind kept wandering back to the task at hand – uncovering the truth about Asmar and ensuring he faced justice for his crimes. The weight of Hana's death and the knowledge of Asmar's corruption gnawed at me, fueling a growing sense of urgency.
Mr. Hartawan began his lesson, but my attention drifted in and out. I found myself doodling in my notebook, the sketches taking on a darker, more abstract form as my thoughts turned to the supernatural world.
Beside me, IM seemed completely at ease, his laughter filling the classroom as he joked and chatted with our classmates. His charismatic personality and air of mystery drew people in, and he effortlessly integrated himself into the social circle.
I watched him with a mix of envy and admiration. IM was everything I wasn't – outgoing, confident, and seemingly fearless. I, on the other hand, felt like a fraud, a pretender struggling to navigate this new world of powers and secrets.
Kring! The school bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.
"Hey, Xian," IM said, turning to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Want to grab some food at the cafeteria? I'm curious to try some human cuisine."
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "Sure, why not?"
We strolled down the hallway, a palpable buzz of excitement following in our wake. Students whispered and pointed, their eyes wide with curiosity.
"Doesn't it feel cool to be two popular guys walking together?" IM chuckled, his voice barely audible over the din of the hallway.
"Hmm, I guess so," I replied, trying to ignore the stares and whispers.
"Come on, you should enjoy it more, You're incredibly popular here. If you weren't so quiet and introverted, everyone would love you!"
"Introverted or not, I don't need everyone's love, It's all superficial anyway. Once they find out who you really are, it all fades away."
Silence hung between us as we continued our walk towards the cafeteria. The truth of my words resonated with a bitter sting. I knew that the attention I was receiving was largely due to my fame as the "model student". But what would happen when the truth about me, about my powers and my family's secrets, was revealed?
We entered the bustling cafeteria, the aroma of various dishes filling the air. The noise level was high, with students laughing and chatting as they enjoyed their meals.
< Chapter 083 > Fin.