The weather is nice (maybe this year I'd start off on the right foot). — Liam thought as he entered the doors of Westfield Preparatory School.
"Hey man, long time no see. How were your vacation days? I had to visit my grandma in Korea, she's sick, such a pain," said a Korean boy with bright blue hair.
"Don't say it like that, Taemin, she's your grandma," Liam replied. "You're lucky you can visit your grandparents in Korea. I've never even been to see my grandma…" Liam's expression fell.
"Ah, don't be like that, man. That's her drama. Let's start this year on the right foot," Tae said with a smile, his blue hair shining under the August sun.
"Am I having déjà vu? I just thought that," Liam asked.
Tae grinned, playing along:"That's because we're connected. I can read your mind… let me guess… you want a chocolate cupcake."
"No, strawberry. Always strawberry haha," Liam laughed, and they walked into the cafeteria.
Loaded with cupcakes and snacks, the two boys strolled to the small courtyard and sat under a tree. Students were arriving, groups forming, as always.
(Looks like it'll just be me and Tae again this year. Well, at least I've got him…) Liam thought, until Tae interrupted:
"Hey, wake up. Did the cat eat your butt?"
"What does the cat have to do with my butt, you idiot?" Liam snapped.
"I meant, who's going to be in our class this year? I heard a lot of students went on exchange to Europe," Tae explained.
"I don't know. Just hope they're not idiots like last year. I broke my arm and had to quit swimming."
"I know, you were going to be an Olympic swimmer, right? Now it's over," Tae teased.
"Shut up! I loved swimming. I wasn't amazing, but it was the only thing I ever wanted to do that my parents actually let me. I did everything they told me, even moved here and came to this stupid school," Liam said, frustrated.
"Ah… if you hadn't come here, I wouldn't have met you, and I'd be alone. Come here, give me a hug and a little kiss to your favorite bro," Tae moved closer.
Liam didn't notice, lost in thought:(Ah, my butt… you get along with all the girls, yet you're still single?) — he realized Tae was approaching and tried to push him away.
"Get away, you idiot, have you lost your mind?"
"What's wrong? We're so close, you love me, don't you…"
At that moment, a tall, dark-haired boy, probably around 1.80m, passed by with three others. One of them sneered:
"Gross, didn't know this school let f***s in."
The tall boy's gaze said it all: "You should die, you disgusting jerks." They left laughing.
Liam slapped Tae:"I told you, idiot, you only bring me trouble."
"Sorry, Liam, I was just joking," Tae said, looking like a puppy who had been scolded.
"It's fine, just don't do that in public. Tch… hope no weird rumors start, I feel like I'm going to break another arm this year," Liam muttered.
PRRIIIMMMMM TUUIMM — The bell rang. Time for class. They stood up, threw away their trash, and headed to their classroom.
Liam and Tae sat in their usual spots — the last desks near the side door, perfect for a quick escape if anything went wrong. Westfield Preparatory School's sliding doors always came in pairs; their door was farther from the main entrance but close to the second exit — ideal for them.
Two minutes passed. Teachers were in a start-of-year meeting, so students trickled in, forming groups. Amid the commotion, a stunning girl entered. Her black hair shone, paired with discreet heels, a white skirt, a white blouse, and her uniform jacket. Her green eyes seemed to command the room. Two other girls followed her, less noticeable, but all attention was on the girl with striking features.
"She's beautiful…" Liam whispered.
"Ah, forget it," Tae teased.
(What an idiot, he always interprets things his way… but whatever. He doesn't know I'm gay. Whatever this girl likes, I'll chase to the bone…) Liam thought.
"Why should I forget?" Liam said, returning to the subject.
"That's Scarlett Monroe. She…" Tae started.
"Wait, Monroe? Like Marilyn Monroe?" Liam interrupted.
"Yeah, I was going to say before you interrupted me," Tae said, annoyed. "Her family is distantly related to Marilyn, but she's known as the queen bee. She doesn't hang out with anyone unimportant and is super snobby. Think of the classic mean girl from American movies — yeah, she's way out of your league."
"And who said I want her? I just think she's pretty…"
Scarlett sat in a desk in the middle of the classroom, naturally taking center stage.
Suddenly, more commotion. Liam thought:(Looks like no peace this year. What celebrity is it now?)
Girls started squealing and whispering. Liam looked toward the front door — no one. Then behind him, five boys appeared.
One was short, muscular, about 1.50m. Another platinum-haired, medium height, around 1.70m. Twin platinum-haired boys, a dark-skinned handsome one around 1.75m, and the tallest, most intimidating one with piercing dark-blue eyes and jet-black hair, about 1.80m.
The dark-skinned boy said:"Why are these f***s in your spot, Jake?"
Liam's blood boiled, remembering the voice of the guys who had called them names.(What's the use of being attractive if you're an idiot?) he muttered.
Jake grabbed Liam by the collar, lifting him off the ground — the height difference obvious. Tae stood, trembling:"Stop! Let him go! I'll switch seats, sit in front of Liam. You can all sit together then."
"Whatever, you b****. I want to sit here and I will!" Jake shouted, veins bulging.
A teacher appeared:"What's going on here? Jake, release Liam. You don't want more trouble with your pr… principal."
Jake reluctantly let go. Tae moved in front of Liam.
Liam thought:(Damn, luck's on my side today…)
The teacher began class:"Since that's settled, my name is Richard, but call me Mr. Richard. I'm 41 and I'll be teaching…"
Liam's thoughts drifted:(This year definitely didn't start on the right foot…)