Upon hearing Jayson mentioned my name, I froze mid-air and could hear the trump of my heartbeat.
How did he know?
He tilted his head, smiling mockily as if I reacted in a way he wanted to.
My heart still kept on pounding yet I whispered in my mind, "Breathe, Aella." My chest slowly rose, up and down until I calmed down.
I mirrored his action, I tilted my head. "Sorry? Who is Aella?" I acted innocently.
Eyes in the cafeteria watch us, taking a bite in food they obviously bought. Is this what they called being chismosa or chismosa?
His eyebrows arched, and let out a dry chuckle. "You."
I locked my eyes on him. "My name is Amore Seraphina."
He once again chuckled, letting out a brittle laugh with sneer and amusement. "Give me a proof that says you are really Amore Seraphina and not Aella."
What? Should I give him my made-up certificate?
"Why do—"
My question got interrupted when Freya suddenly chimed in. "Give me a proof that says you are really Jayson Vermi," she looked at him up and down, as if judging his whole life. "Or, just a dumb and crazy dog barking."
His jaw tightened and looked at her with burning eyes. "Why would I need to prove that I am the mighty Jayson Vermi?"
She tilted her head, slowly blinking her eyes and offering a sweet smile yet no warmth. "Then, why would Sera need to prove that she is Sera?" she stated in a mocking way, acting confused.
Jayson's jaw tightened again, he started to grit his teeth. His silence speaks of his loudest defeat against Freya.
That silence made Freya come closer and slowly lean on him. She wears an unfriendly smile and her eyes remain dead cold. In a sweet voice, she steadily said, "Leave Sera alone… or I will make your life a living hell."
Without any retaliation, Jayson bangs the chair nearby and storms out.
"Omg, Freya. You are so mean talaga but I love it!"
My eyes shimmered, and softly smiled. "Thank you, Freya!"
"No problem! Just tell me if he bothers you again. I will literally destroy his life."
As new in this world, I cannot control my curiosity. "Sorry to ask but how would you do that? He is famous, right?"
"Not to brag but when it comes to fame and influence, pantay lang kami sa kanila and eventually ikaw din magiging famous like us!" Thala said confidently, with unwavering eyes and standing tall.
Well, I don't have time for those things. I'm here for my mission and nothing else matters.
"Pero pagdating sa influence and money, mas lamang si Freya sa aming lahat. Total package na kaya yan. Mayaman, matalino, at ayan alpha woman ang datingan at aurahan," Rizzy explained.
Alpha.... I miss her too.
"Using her money and influence, Freya can easily destroy Yuri's life, especially Vermi Businesses are just under Smith Businesses," Celestia said.
So, Freya is a rich woman.
"Omg, pinagtritripan lang naman yata ako ni Jayson. It's too much kung sisirain ang life and businesses nila," I muttered gently.
I am not here to destroy others' lives.
"Whatever, but if he did something to you. I will do it but yeah sure I will not include their businesses." Freya rolled her eyes but it did not bother me.
"Thank you, Freya. You're the best."
"Guys, can we not talk about them? They are ruining our food," Hanna talked for the first time.
Maybe, she is what they call an introvert.
A silence filled the table for a few minutes. Then, Thala asked, "Where tayo bonding after eating lunch?"
"Ilibot natin si Sera dito sa campus?" Rizzy suggested.
Celestia immediately nodded. "That's a nice idea."
"That's a nice idea." pagsang ayon agad ni Celestia.
After lunch, we really did stroll around the campus. They introduced me and took me to different buildings. They said, I need to memorize the map of this campus. But, I already did that before even stepping my foot in this place.
It took us almost an hour, then they decided to sit on a bench near the soccer field. The wind gently stroked and brushed my hair, enough to let it fly.
Hanna and Freya decided to go to the library, they needed to borrow some books.
People in the soccer field didn't go unnoticed. There are five men playing, Jayson is one of them.
Thala might notice that I am looking at them. "They are the famous 'The King', they branded themselves and 'yan ang tawag sa squad nila whatever. And, yeah... Yuri is part of that."
"Are they part of a soccer team here?"
"Yes. Alright, I'll introduce them to you," she dedicatedly said, posing like an instructor ready to teach their students.
"That boy with messy curls is Blake Felix Serrano, an introvert but he is the most famous sa kanila. Look at him naman, he's so fucking gorgeous. Brainy din." I looked at the boy named Blake, I do not know but he is kinda familiar… my mind keeps on saying that I already saw him.
She turned her point finger to another man. "The boy with a haircut that is faded on both sides is called Troy. Ugh, I hate that boy. He's so annoying as fuck. He is the leader of the dancing troupe." She rolled her eyes and pointed to another boy. "And, 'yung may side swept undercut na boy naman ay si Mike. Ex of Freya, he's a playboy and definitely a fuckboy. We don't know how niya na paikot si Freya." She paused, then her face turned unreadable,
That's why, I now understand what they said earlier.
Thala shoved off her disgusted look, and continued, "Anyway, that is Jake naman yung parang naka curtain hair. I bet siya lang yung pinaka matino sa kanilang lahat. Siya din pinaka matalino… I guess. He is also the main guitarist of PU's band, the Vermon." Then, she quickly turned to the last guy. "Lastly, that pest Yuri naman yung naka side hanging fringe hairstyle. He really likes tripping people and meron talaga siyang crazy side. I wonder kung bakit wala pa siya sa mental hospital." She rolled her eyes again and that made me laugh.
She held my hands and locked her eyes into mine. "Just a piece of reminder, Sera. Wag ka lumapit sa mga 'yan. Omg, maybe gwapo or pogi sila but I swear, their personalities are so bad. Wag ka magkagusto sa isa sa kanila, pain lang aabutin mo."
I smiled and nodded. After all, I don't have time for that. I came here to find Obsidius, not to fall in love with a mortal human being.
After that explanation and introduction of Thala. My eyes remained at the so-called "The Kings" and suddenly Blake caught my gaze. Then....slowly a smile appeared on his face which made me look away. My cheeks felt warm.
We stayed for more than 30 minutes, talking randomly and they asked me some questions. But, I am prepared for those questions and answered them based on my made-up life.
Hanna and Freya came back from the library with their borrowed books. I thought they would borrow an academic book, the books are novels.
Rizzy glanced at her wristwatch. "Anong oras na pala. Tara na baka malate pa tayo sa class."
A loud, energetic voice was heard throughout the campus. "LET'S GOOO!"
I gasped, nearly opened my palm to use my power to any threat nearby. I closed my eyes when I realized it was just Thala screaming.
"So loud, Thala" Hanna said while Freya just rolled her eyes.
We walked for less than 5 minutes. Upon entering the classroom. I immediately noticed the bottled water on my table with a note on it.
I moved forward deliberately, not rushing. With my steady breath and eyes. I picked the bottled water, and saw a note attached to it.
My body felt a chill slowly entering as I read a few words from it. I tried to swallow yet my throat felt dry and tight.
The note came from O…Obsidius??
My face remained unreadable, still acting innocently yet my mind was screaming in many thoughts and questions.
Is this really from him? Water... he gave me water.
My eyes slightly widened, losing my composure and exposing my nervousness.
I breathe in and out, trying to calm myself.
"Sera, are you okay?" Celestia's tone is filled with worry and unease.
I gathered all of my strength and acted like I do not know what is happening. I look at the girls with a confused look.
Rizzy took the note in my slightly trembling hands. Thankfully, I managed to duplicate it and store the original note using my invisible water. I still need that.
"Ano sabi?"
"Stay Hydrated, Thalassa!" -from O <3"