JIAN
"Happy Monday!" Mira greeted me with infectious cheerfulness as she returned from her trip last night. I'd been planning to treat her today and give her a special gift, so I was excited to see her reaction.
"Happy Birthday, Mira," I said, handing her a beautifully wrapped box. Her face lit up with a radiant smile.
I had gone through quite an ordeal to get this gift. I had to navigate through numerous people just to secure it. Phew, it was a real challenge!
"Is this for me?" Mira asked, her eyes widening with curiosity as she looked at the box. I nodded enthusiastically. As she unwrapped it, her eyes grew even wider. Inside was a piece of exquisite jewelry, sourced from a royal collection. It wasn't an heirloom, so it wasn't impossible to buy, but it was still quite a splurge. I had used my entire allowance to afford it.
"Wow, Jian! I thought this was an heirloom!" Mira exclaimed, astonished.
"No, I bought it specifically for you," I said, my smile growing. Just then, I noticed Nath approaching us. His eyes were just as wide with surprise.
"That's a royal piece. It's worth millions—h-how did you manage that?" Nath stammered, blinking in disbelief. Oh no, did I just reveal the price? I had no idea it was so costly! I only asked someone to help me purchase it, and they never mentioned the price!
"A-Actually… hehehe, since we're friends, I asked for a discount," I explained, watching Nath's puzzled expression turn into one of understanding. Oh no, this is awkward!
"Ahh, okay," Nath replied with a sigh of relief. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as Mira wrapped me in a heartfelt hug.
"Thank you so much, Jian. That's why you're my best friend," Mira said, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Pfftt… your reaction is priceless, cousin. Wait, let me get my phone. This is too good not to capture on video," Nath teased, reaching for his phone.
"Ugh! Just go away! You're just jealous!" Mira retorted, playfully shoving him. Oh, these cousins of mine!
"Enough with the bickering. Remember, you're both in the Special Class Division—your department is quite far from here. Let's eat; I haven't had breakfast yet!" I said, leading them to a nearby table where we could sit and enjoy our meal.
"This cafeteria's food is absolutely delicious," Mira commented, savoring her meal.
"Our cafeteria food is great too!" Nath countered.
"No way. This food is way better!"
"Nope. Our food is definitely better!"
And there they went again, squabbling over which cafeteria had the best food. How long have I been putting up with this? It feels like just yesterday I was showing them around the academy.
"We need to head out. Study hard. Tsk. We'll be busy again tomorrow with the welcome ceremony," Nath said as they prepared to leave, being part of the organizing team for the event.
With everyone occupied and no classes for the day, I decided to head to the club room. Entering the office, regardless of the club, I was always impressed by its sleek design: air-conditioned, with glass walls, and meticulously arranged. It had a sophisticated, classic feel.
I took a seat in a comfortable chair—of course, not on the desk. Just kidding!
Feeling bored and restless, I decided to watch a K-drama. It was my usual escape from the monotony of either being extremely busy or utterly bored.
I pulled out my phone, gazing at the wallpaper with a nostalgic smile. I miss you.
Knock, knock.
"Come in," I called out. The door swung open, and Kathlyn stepped in, her expression tense and worried.
"What's wrong?" I asked, noticing her anxious demeanor.
"T-There's been a problem… we found Sam in his office, shot with a gun," Kathlyn said, causing me to leap to my feet in shock.
"What?!" I exclaimed, rushing out the door. "Where is he now?"
"At the academy's hospital."
I dashed to the parking lot, jumped into my car, and sped towards the hospital. A gunshot?! Upon arriving, I was met by doctors who directed me to the operating room.
As I reached the hospital, I noticed several guards—personal security for the academy. "He's in surgery right now," Nayi said, and I sank into a chair, overwhelmed. "It happened so suddenly…"
"Who could have done this? And why use a gun? This is unprecedented in the academy!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over. How dare they harm my cousin! His parents won't let this go. The royal family will definitely make their presence felt.
"We checked the CCTV footage, but there were no clues. Our system was hacked right after the attack… Thankfully, the student council found him before he lost too much blood," Cal explained.
We waited in tense silence until the doctor finally emerged. "How's Mr. Louis?" we asked in unison.
"His Highness is stable. The surgery was a success. We'll be moving him to his room shortly," the doctor said, bowing slightly before leaving. Thank God!
A few hours later, his family arrived. With nothing more I could do, I decided to head back. It was getting late, and I drove back to the dormitory, feeling a gnawing sense of fear. I didn't want to face another mystery.
As I approached the dormitory, exhausted and emotionally drained, I was about to enter when a song caught my attention.
As I drew nearer, I saw a man sitting by the fountain outside the dormitory, wearing headphones and closing his eyes. How irritating!
As I got closer, trying to get a better look, he suddenly opened his eyes and stared directly at me.
"What are you staring at?" he asked, his voice gruff. I quickly stepped back, avoiding his gaze.
"W-Wait, nothing…" I stammered. He stood up and walked slowly towards me. As he came closer, I recognized his face.
"Your face seems so familiar…" he said, inching even closer. Damn! Of all the people in the academy, why did I have to run into him?
Because, of course, he's the Supreme Ten's 3rd seat!
Nathan Rodriguez...