After eating at the canteen, I said goodbye to Shaun and Telly. I didn't have any more classes for the whole afternoon, so I thought I'd hang out in the library to read.
"We can keep you company, Jeth," Shaun offered.
I shook my head, ready to refuse, but Telly beat me to it.
"Are you sure? They might mess with you later." There was a joke in his tone, but I could feel the worry.
I smiled to ease their anxiety. "I'm okay. Besides, you guys have something to do, right? The thing about the party. I'll just be at the library for a bit, I'll follow you guys soon."
They looked at each other before Shaun nodded. "Okay, but promise you'll follow us right away."
I nodded and smiled again. "Promise."
When I arrived at the library, I grabbed three books and immediately had them listed by the librarian. I won't read them yet; I plan to just take them home.
When I came out, I went straight to the locker to put the books and things. I was almost there when suddenly three girls blocked my way.
I stopped. "Who are you? And why are you blocking my way?" I asked innocently.
One smirked and immediately introduced herself.
"I'm Shakira Lim. These are Dhess Mortil and Leigh Kim."
It was easy to remember their looks—Shakira, with red hair and sharp eyes; Dhess, with bangs that suited her serious face; and Leigh, with ash gray curly hair.
I thought I was going to meet new friends, so I immediately smiled and held out my hand.
"I'm Jeth Ramos, nice to meet you!"
But instead of shaking my hand, Shakira slapped my hand hard.
"Don't act like you're close to us. We're here to say... stay away from them."
I frowned. "Them? You mean—"
Dhess interrupted, her tone cold.
"Justine, Dexter, and Miles. Avoid them. You're just a transferee here, don't try to get too much attention. And don't use that face of yours that looks like a girl to get close to them."
It felt like something pierced my chest. I'm used to being teased about my looks, but this was different. It hurt. It was insulting.
I hadn't even answered when I was suddenly splashed with cold water. I stopped, shivering. It was Shakira, holding the empty cup, the three of them laughing as they walked away.
I was left stunned. I wanted to cry, but I forced myself to move. I slowly opened the locker, put the books in, and wiped myself off as best as I could.
I immediately looked for Shaun and Telly. A student I asked said they were at the covered court. So I hurried there.
When I arrived, I immediately saw my cousin Dexter playing basketball with his friends. I wanted to approach him, complain, pour out all the weight in my chest to him... but I stopped myself. I just stared at them for a moment, until Justine noticed me.
He stopped and looked directly at me—for a long time, like he was reading my soul. I immediately looked away and walked away, straight to Shaun and Telly.
They were surprised to see me.
"Jeth, what happened to you?" Telly asked quickly.
"Why are you soaking wet?!" Shaun added, obviously worried.
I was worried that Dexter would hear, so I immediately scolded them. "Don't be so loud..."
But it was too late. Dexter approached, looking serious. "Who did this?"
I took a deep breath. I couldn't hide it anymore. I told them everything—how Shakira and her friends blocked me, what they said, and how they splashed me.
Telly's face flushed, furious. "What?! No, this can't be, I'm going to confront them!"
Shaun stopped him, and I did too. "Just let it go... I'm okay."
Dexter turned around as if he was about to leave, obviously holding himself back. But before he could get far, I couldn't help but grab his arm. Our eyes met for a moment.
"Dex..." I whispered softly, shaking my head, pleading with him not to cause any trouble.
I immediately let go and released him, feeling the question in Miles' and Justine's eyes. But no one spoke.
I paused for a moment, holding my bag, thinking about what had happened. And there, on the side of the covered court, I noticed Justine.
He quietly approached, not saying anything. Just looking at me, his eyes dim, as if saying something in silence. Despite his cold aura, there was a strange tenderness in his gaze—as if he was inspecting my condition, making sure I was okay.
But before I could speak or move, he slowly turned around and walked away, leaving me frozen and staring at where he had gone.
In an instant, I felt a strange tension—not just from what had happened earlier, but from the mystery behind his cold and careful gaze. It was like he was keeping a soft spot for me... but it was clear he wouldn't show it to anyone.