Caesar was in his room, dressing up for a school program, when he suddenly heard his father calling him from another room.
"Caesar! Caesar! Come here! I have something to show you!" his father shouted excitedly.
With a puzzled expression, Caesar walked toward him. "Oh? What is it?"
His father leaned in, whispering mysteriously, "I'm giving you something." Then, with a grin, he slowly revealed it.
"Ta-da!"
In his father's hand lay a delicate necklace, its pendant a deep shade of blue.
"A... necklace?" Caesar muttered, confusion laced in his voice.
"Why do you sound so surprised?" his father asked, amused.
"I thought it was something big," Caesar admitted, slightly disappointed.
His father chuckled. "But this is amazing! Look at the pendant—it symbolizes calmness and serendipity..." he continued, his voice filled with admiration.
But before Caesar could respond, the scene around him blurred.
---
He jolted awake.
Lying in bed, he let out a long sigh. It was that dream again. The same one, over and over.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment. 'I'm too lazy to get up...'
But reality reminded him of one important thing—he was the top student in his class. If he didn't get up, his precious A++ scores could suffer.
Reluctantly, he forced himself out of bed, dressed quickly, and rushed out.
---
Caesar sat in his usual spot—the farthest corner of the bus. It was quiet, just the way he liked it.
He glanced out the window. 'The weather today is calm yet gloomy… just like the color blue.'
Before he could fully lose himself in thought, a loud voice broke the silence.
"Hey, you pervert!"
Caesar's attention snapped toward the commotion.
"Eh? What did you just say?" a male student responded, his tone defensive.
It was the usual argument between Blythe, the popular girl, and a known arrogant student.
"I said you're a pervert!" Blythe repeated, her voice sharp.
"Playing innocent? You really think I didn't see you peeking at the girls' legs?"
The boy smirked. "Come on, Blythe! I was just checking if her legs were hurt. They looked really pink!" He burst into laughter, joined by a few students who found his response amusing.
The argument dragged on until they reached school, just like always.
As soon as the bus stopped, Caesar waited for everyone to step out before following suit.
But as he was walking, Blythe suddenly stopped in front of him.
"Wh-what?" Caesar stammered, startled and confused.
Blythe folded her arms. "I'm curious. Why are you always so quiet… yet also so smart?"
"Smart?" Caesar blinked, caught off guard.
His mind raced. Was that a compliment? Why would someone popular say that to me? No… it must be a prank. Or maybe an insult.
Before he could respond, Blythe smirked.
"Low-key cute too."
His entire brain short-circuited for a moment.
"Nonsense," he muttered, shaking his head before walking away.
But no matter how much he tried to dismiss it, his focus was completely shattered.
---
"Mr. Caesar Tiu, are you listening?"
Caesar snapped out of his daze.
"Do you understand anything I'm teaching or discussing? Why are you so unfocused today? Can you solve this problem for me?" the professor asked, clearly unimpressed.
"Y-yes, sir, professor" Caesar replied hastily, standing up.
He approached the board and answered all the question—half-correctly. He hesitated,his smart head missing.
Math was his strength, but last night, he had forgotten to review ahead like he usually did.
The professor sighed. "Okay,you can now sit down."
As the lesson continued, Caesar rubbed his temples. Damn it Caesar. Focus.
The bell rang, and as expected, the students rushed out of the classroom, chaotic.
Just as Caesar was about to stand and leave, a familiar voice chimed in.
"Hi!"
He turned, already expecting the culprit.
"What is it that you want?" he asked, exasperation evident in his tone.
Blythe smiled innocently. ".o."
"Huh?" Caesar frowned, confused.
"Nothing. Can you help me with my homework?" she asked.
"What subject?"
"Mathematics," she said casually.
Caesar blinked. 'That's obvious… why even specify?'
"No," he answered plainly.
But Blythe wasn't the type to give up. She followed him down the hallway, persistently begging for his help.
"Please! Come on, you're the best in class!"
"Okay,Fine!" Caesar finally snapped.
"Yay! So, what's the condition?" she asked,while grinning.
"Buy me five math books from the bookstore afterward."
Blythe's eyes widened. "Five?! One math book costs like… $20 each!"
Caesar smirked. "So, do you want the deal or not?"
Blythe paused, dramatically contemplating her decision.
Then, with unexpected confidence, she grinned. "Of course—deal!"
'Caesar raised an eyebrow.What's this girl's problem?'
---
To Be Continued...