Earl
Guess what happened last night? Guess it, guess it? Yeah, you probably guessed right—I got scolded a lot by my Nay ( In short for Nanay or Mom in English). My mum, with her ever-present worry and overprotectiveness, had given me a thorough lecture last night which gave me a headache.
It's really annoying when she keeps nagging about all her sacrifices for our family just so I can study. She keeps going on about how if I ever got into an accident, all her hard work would be for nothing and she'd never benefit from it. My mum is always like that, overthinking everything and jumping to the worst conclusions as if the world were about to end.
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As I made my way to school, everything felt peaceful until I reached Maine Avenue, where my school is located. Oh, I forgot to mention—I'm currently studying at Wincelsor International Academy, often nicknamed the school of gifted children. How ironic, right? The nickname is the total opposite of what's really going on inside this damned school.
Nepotism, bribery, you name it—it's all happening in this school. Talentless students still manage to walk these halls, get the highest quality of teaching, and do minimal effort because their parents can just bribe teachers to get their desired grades. If someone comes from an influential family, like politics? They're automatically accepted into this school, which is unfair if you ask me.
I may come from a rich background, but I never step over anybody. Well, at least, not anymore. There was a time before when I could say I did, but that's a story for another day. Well, that's all I can say about our school, it's not the land of talents, its the land of crimes.
Well about how our school look like, the buildings have that magnificent structure that resembles old European architecture I guess? It features a red-brick front, tall arched windows, and intricate stone carvings. The grand entrance boasts large, fancy looking wooden doors with brass handles, opening into a hallway with a high ceiling and a sparkling chandelier. Marble floors that shines, reflecting the luxurious surroundings. Classrooms are spacious and well-equipped, with the latest technology and resources. Large windows allow natural light to go in, illuminating polished wooden desks and high-tech smartboards. The hallways are wide, lined with lockers, and adorned with framed photographs of notable alumni and various academic and extracurricular achievements.
It's a prestigious school, after all, so what can you expect? They can't just offer the minimum when so many influential families are funding it. This school excels in nearly everything—sports, art, music, you name it. Wincelsor International Academy is always at the top.
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Walking from my home to school is normal for me now since it's so close. I don't have to waste money on taxis or buses. I could drive my car, but I prefer not to spend money on maintenance and gas. Walking is the best option because it saves me money and gives me a chance to exercise too.
Everything was peaceful as I walked down Maine Avenue, which was full of students, until someone smacked my back so hard it produced a loud sound. I spun around, ready to give a glaring look to the culprit, but then I saw it was Yoru. I calmed myself and pretended it didn't hurt, even though it did. She was smiling, teasing me to fight back.
"Good morning, Snitch," she said with a playful glint in her eyes.
Snitch? Was she referring to last night when I told her maid about everything? It was a good thing I did because her maid had been worried sick.
"A snitch, huh? I should've told her everything," I said with a smirk, making side glances at Yoru.
"Ehh... Still, you told her what happened yesterday! You got me in trouble" she exclaimed, punching my shoulder playfully.
"Don't you understand it's for your own good?" I rebutted, causing her to pout at me.
Ah...
I just noticed it but all eyes were on me again. I could hear whispering, see darting glances, and feel the glares. If stares could only kill, I would be butchered right here and now. The stares made me feel like a criminal who had done something hideous. I'm framed, and none of it is my fault—how many times do I have to say this?
"Hey, you see that, isn't that Earl?"
"Earl Stan Gonzaga? The one that you know?"
"Eh... the one that r--"
"Shhh, he might hear you. He might target you next."
"Is he targeting those who bad mouth hi? He's scary"
"Who is that girl with him?"
"Is that Yoru Maeda? Why is she hanging around with that guy?"
"The top 1 beauty in our school?"
"Oh god, please help Yoru. Anyone? Help her keep her away from that guy."
Yoru noticed the hostile attention too and looked straight at my face. She must have seen my annoyance in my looks. I was caught off guard when she suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward a convenience store near our school. I got to thank her for that.
"You saved me there. I thought I was about to get killed," I said, grateful for the escape.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Yoru asked, looking at my face directly. "I just pay you back for what you did to me back in that rooftop." she added.
"Y-Yeah, I'm used to it. Don't worry," I assured her, grabbing my wallet from my bag. " Shall we go in? My treat for saving my ass back there"
She looked straight at my with the most widest smile as if she won the lottery. "Okay, time to grab all snacks that I've been craving for last night."
We walked into the convenience store, and the cool air was a welcome relief from the tension outside. Yoru wandered off to grab some snacks, and I headed to the drink section. As I reached for a bottle of iced tea and went to the counter, I was surprised to see Yoru in front of me with an armful of snacks. My money man... I didn't expect her to grab so many snacks. If I'd known she was going to get this much, I would've brought my card.
After I paid for all the snacks, which ended up costing a whopping 50 pounds, we headed to a vacant table in the corner of the store. The table had a nice view of the students strolling along the sidewalks, and I hoped the change of scenery would ease the tension I felt earlier.
Just as when I was about to start a conversation with Yoru, a girl with striking blue hair styled in a long ponytail approached. Her presence was terrifying, and she shot me a glare that could cut through steel heck even diamond. The intensity of her stare was too much for me to handle, and it immediately made me feel uneasy. It was clear she wasn't pleased to see me here with Yoru.
"Stop giving me that look, Lucia. I didn't do anything to Yoru," I said, looking down and staring at the ground.
"L-Lucia? What are you doing here?" Yoru said anxiously. " Want some snack? It's Earling's treat." she added.
"You! UGH! Come now, Yoru. Don't go around hanging out with that guy, that guy is a rap*st! You know that already since the victim is your sister! He might target you next" Lucia snapped. I can imagine her gritting her teeth when she said that first word.
Lucia Emberwood—if there were a hierarchy of popularity at our school, she would be second. She used to be my buddy and partner-in-crime during junior high. We hung out every day in this convenience store, played games at the arcade, and talked about everything. I was happy with her, and she was my crush at the time. But after that incident, everything changed.
"Lucia! I don't appreciate you badmouthing him like that. He's a good guy!" Yoru protested. I couldn't see her actions since my eyes were still fixated on the ground.
"A good guy? A GOOD GUY?! YORU, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT HE DID TO YOUR SISTER?!" Lucia's voice rose, drawing the attention of everyone in the store.
I looked up at her, my patience wearing thin. "I can't believe you were fooled by them, Lucia. How many times do I have to tell you I'm framed? The evidence is there, but it's literally planted."
"I believe him," Yoru said, standing up and meeting Lucia's eyes. "I don't get why a guy like him would r**e my sister. It makes no sense."
I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "Why am I even defending myself here? There's no point in defending myself to you, Lucia," I said, grabbing my bag and heading for the door. It's better for me to leave before she loses control and fights Yoru, just like before when she nearly killed me over this same matter.
As I reached for the door, I heard Lucia's voice, tinged with frustration and disappointment. "You look even more miserable now, yet you still claim it's not your fault."
Ignoring her, I stepped outside, feeling the weight of their stares and the tension hanging in the air. It was a relief to be out of the store, but the accusations and mistrust followed me like a shadow, refusing to let go.
Just as I was about to open the door of the convenience store, I heard Lucia say with a hint of disappointment, "You look even more miserable now, yet you still claim it's not your fault. Why can't you just admit it"
Her words stung, but I kept moving. The weight of her disappointment and the cold stares from everyone around me made me feel more isolated than ever.
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Lunch—a time for me to relax and forget what happened earlier in the morning. I opened my packed lunch and went for a bite. It was adobo with some fried sausage on the side, accompanied by rice. I relished the moment, finding the inner peace I had been craving since the last time I visited this rooftop. In this corner of the school, I owned my world.
My peace crumbled into pieces when a girl with short hair sat beside me and opened her packed lunch. She took out her chopsticks, said "Itadakimasu," and then looked at me with her bright smile.
"It's no fun to eat alone, you know?" she said before taking a piece of chicken from my adobo and mixing it with her rice. I watched her take another piece and flash a cheeky smile at me.
I couldn't believe it—I was hanging around with the "most famous person in our school" while I was the most hated and unlikable guy. We were total opposites, yet she kept coming close to me, almost as if she wanted to be friends.
But my gut feeling told me she had another intention. It may not look like it, but I could tell she wanted to ask me something or learn more about that incident. I couldn't just come out and say, "Yo, drop this dilly-dally act and ask me what you want to know about the incident." She wasn't the type to make friends with someone like me, so I knew she had hidden motives.
Just as I was about to take my fourth bite, she finished eating her lunch and started teasing me for how slowly I ate. And then, her demeanor shifted.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Yoru said as she packed her empty lunchbox and put it in her bag.
"Uh, sure..."
Her expression suddenly changed, becoming dead serious. Her cheerful mood vanished in an instant, replaced by an intense, piercing gaze that could kill me in an instant. She leaned slightly closer, her eyes locking onto mine with a look that could cut through anything in front of it. The air between us grew thick and tension grew, man... I could feel my heart pounding so fast in my chest.
The smile that once brightened her face was gone, replaced by a serious, unbending look that made my blood run cold. Her voice, usually so light and carefree, dropped to a low, commanding tone like that of a drill sergeant. She gave me the scariest look I had ever seen in my life, far more intimidating than anything I'd ever faced, even from my parents.
"Answer me honestly," she said, in a serious tone. "Like your life depends on it."
I gulped as I brace whatever comes my way, my mouth suddenly dry. Intimidated and caught off guard, I felt a chill run down my spine. This was no casual question, no friendly inquiry—this was a demand, a plea for the truth, and I knew I couldn't hide behind half-truths or any ways of evasions to get myself out in trouble.
"J-just fire away," I managed to stammer, my voice barely above a whisper, bracing myself for whatever was coming next.
Her voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Did you plot the incident to get revenge on my sister?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and accusing, as her piercing gaze reach into me.