The morning seemed unusually quiet as I got dressed for school. After the shower, I felt more awake, but my thoughts kept drifting back to everything Diana said last night. How did Billy know I was home? I tried to push the uneasy feelings to the back of my mind.
As I made my way downstairs, fully dressed, I saw Blake and Bassam lounging on the couch, still in their pajamas.
"Aren't you guys getting ready for school?" I asked.
"We'll get there," Blake said lazily, not moving an inch.
"I swear, you guys are impossible," I muttered under my breath.
"We'll leave when you leave," Bassam chimed in, flashing me a grin.
"You guys are the worst," I replied, rolling my eyes.
I walked to the fridge and grabbed some jam for my bread. I hate having bread with tea—it feels disgusting.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"I'm sure that's Ryan," I said as I walked to open the door.
As soon as I opened it, I was greeted by Ryan's sharp tone.
"Guys, are you not going to school today? Can you see the time?" Ryan asked, walking into the house.
I just walked to the dining table to continue my breakfast without answering him because I knew he and Blake would soon start arguing, and I didn't want to get caught in the crossfire.
"You'd better calm down and stop rushing us because of your date," Blake teased, pointing at Ryan.
Diana, already dressed for school, sat down with me at the dining table and watched Blake and Ryan.
Ryan froze for a few seconds and sighed. "Ethan, please let's go to school. I don't have time for this guy this morning."
"What's so good about today? Why is Ryan so composed?" Bassam asked as he walked to his room, and we all burst out laughing.
"Okay, let's get going," Diana said, and Blake finally got up from the couch to get dressed.
A few minutes later, we could see the school a few meters ahead as we walked closer to it.
"So, are you going to use the spot I recommended?" Blake asked.
"What spot are you talking about?" Ryan feigned ignorance.
"The one where we bought ice cream and burgers last night," Blake reminded him.
"Well, I guess I have no choice since my guy is the one recommending it," Ryan said, placing his hand across Blake's shoulder.
"That's nice to hear," I said as we walked onto the school premises, quickly dispersing to our classes.
I haven't opened the system today, I thought to myself as I sat down, already used to the background noise of my classmates. My heightened senses allowed me to distinguish everything they were saying.
(Daily Task: 3)
Run thirty kilometers 2x = 30 EXP
Do sixty pushups = 20 EXP
Meditate for ten minutes = 20 EXP
(NOTIFICATION: FOUR DAYS UNTIL THE NEXT FULL MOON)
I sighed when I saw the notification, as I always did.
Well, it's time to work my brain a little, I thought, hearing the approaching footsteps of Mr. White.
"Good morning, class," Mr. White greeted us, placing his textbooks on the table at the front of the room.
"Good morning, sir," we all replied.
"Well, before we begin the English class, I want to ask a few questions based on what you've been taught. Is that clear?" Mr. White asked.
"YES, SIR!" we chorused.
Mr. White:"What is the process by which plants make their food?"
Ethan: "Photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen."
Mr. White: "CORRECT!" he said with a smile.
I'm really feeling the effects of IQ. I should improve it a bit more, I thought, not realizing the second question had been asked as I got lost in my thoughts.
Mr. White: "What is the pH level of pure water?"
Diana:"The pH of pure water is 7, which is neutral."
Mr. White:"CORRECT! That's nice, Diana," he said.
Diana looked at me with a smug smile, and I rolled my eyes at her.
Mr. White: "What is the formula for the area of a circle?"
Wally:"The area of a circle is π times the radius squared, or A = πr²."
Mr. White: "CORRECT! A round of applause!" he said as he continued asking questions until the bell for lunch rang, and we all moved to the cafeteria.
"Well, I guess Layla skipped school today," Ryan said, looking a bit gloomy as he brought his food to our table.
"Have you tried calling her?" I asked.
"Yes, that's what I was doing in the bathroom before coming here," Ryan explained, frowning.
"I don't know what to tell you," I said, raising both hands in a helpless gesture.
Blake and Bassam focused on their food as if they were trying to avoid saying anything.
"Don't lose hope; she might still show up," Diana said with a smile.
When the bell rang again, signaling the end of lunch, we returned to our classes. Shortly after, the final bell of the day rang.
As we were walking out of school, Ryan, who was still feeling down, received a phone call.
We kept walking forward, leaving Ryan behind.
"YES!!" Ryan shouted as he ran toward us, hugging Bassam, who was closest to him.
"Did you win a lottery, or what's making you so happy?" Blake asked.
"Layla sent me her house address, and she said I should come over so we can go out together," Ryan explained excitedly.
"Well, that's good to hear," Blake said with relief on his face
"Guys, I have to go. I'll see you later!" Ryan said, running off.
"be a good boy there" , Blake shouted as we waved goodbye and continued walking home.
Meanwhile...
Three boys could be seen walking home from school together, chatting as they walked. A figure in a hoodie approached them, the hood covering his face completely, making it difficult to identify him.
The boys became alert as the figure stopped in front of them.
"Who are you?" one of the boys asked in a strong voice, trying to sound intimidating.
"Jack, Phillip, and Desmond, it's been a long time," the figure said.
Shock was written on the boys' faces as they heard the familiar voice.