Minutes passed as I sat by the window, watching the leaves playing in the wind outside. But no matter how hard I tried to relax, the weight in my chest wouldn't go away. Especially whenever I caught a glimpse of Dexter and his two companions. It felt like there was an invisible wall standing between us—I didn't know if it was just me who felt it, or if he was really like that with everyone.
The class ended and we walked out of the room. Telly approached me, smiling slightly.
"Jeth, are you game to eat at the canteen afterward? So we can talk more comfortably."
I nodded, even though I was a bit nervous. "Sure, Telly."
When we arrived at the canteen, we saw Shaun who had arrived earlier and was looking for a spot. "Are you guys ready?" he asked, holding a tray of food. Telly and I just nodded because we were almost drowned out by the noise of the crowd of students around us.
Before long, the three guys entered—Justine Melvez, Dexter Tan, and Miles Dela Cruz. Almost everyone immediately noticed them; they had a different vibe, like they were very used to being the center of attention.
As we ate, I felt that some groups of students were subtly glancing at our table. And before I could stop my nervousness, Dexter and his friends approached us.
Dexter spoke, casually smiling. "Have you guys been friends with Telly and Shaun for a long time?"
I laughed in my head because my cousin was so over-the-top, acting like we didn't know each other at all. Telly and Shaun looked at each other, then nodded, obviously used to Dexter's lines. Then he turned to me, as if nothing had happened.
I paused, but Telly quickly answered. "Yeah, since high school."
Shaun nodded, unconcerned about the tension.
Dexter smiled, then looked directly at me. "Oh, is that so? I'm Dexter, by the way. And this is Miles, and that's Justine."
The two introduced themselves, and even though it was brief, I felt like the surroundings stopped for a moment. I don't know if it was just me, but Justine's presence—cold, but strong—seemed to be drawing my attention even though he wasn't saying anything.
From another table, whispers reached my ears.
"Shakira, Justine and his friends approached Telly and Shaun's companion... the transfer student who looks like a girl."
"Wow, he's brand new here, and he's already trying to get the attention of the three of them."
I just sighed. I ignored the whispers. But as I looked down at my tray of food, I couldn't help but notice Justine's eyes. He was quiet, but it seemed like he was focused on me.
And that's when I thought...
Why is he looking at me like that?