CHAPTER 9
I remembered arguing with my father.
We were inside the car.
The windows were rolled up, the road stretching endlessly ahead of us.
His hands were tight around the steering wheel, and my voice was shaking as I spoke—words I could no longer remember clearly.
Then, suddenly, something crashed into us.
The sound was deafening.
The world tilted, spun, and shattered into fragments of glass and fear. The last thing I saw was my father turning toward me. He wasn't angry anymore. He wasn't shouting.
He was smiling.
Then I woke up.
I sat upright in bed, breathing hard, my chest rising and falling as if I had been running.
Sweat clung to my skin, and my head spun with confusion. My heart refused to slow down, pounding violently against my ribs.
It took me a few seconds to realize where I was.
My room.
My bed.
Reality.
My throat felt dry, burning with thirst, so I forced myself to stand and made my way to the kitchen.
The house was silent, wrapped in a stillness that felt heavier than usual.
I grabbed a bottle of water and drank slowly. Strangely, it tasted delicious—cold and grounding, as if it was the only thing anchoring me to the present.
I closed the bottle and stood there for a while, staring at nothing, my mind circling back to the dream.
I tried to remember every detail.
But it slipped away.
All that remained was the image of my father's smile and the weight it left behind.
As I headed back to my room, I passed my mother's door. I froze.
Light spilled from beneath it.
That surprised me. She usually slept early. I hesitated, my hand reaching for the door handle.
For a moment, I wanted to open it, to see her, to say something—anything.
But I stopped myself.
Maybe she needed to be alone.
I withdrew my hand and quietly returned to my room.
Lying back down, I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would come easily this time.
My father used to protect me… protect me… protect—
My alarm rang sharply.
I jolted awake and glanced at the clock.
7:00 a.m.
Groaning softly, I reached for my phone and noticed a message from Heather.
I'm packing to meet you. I'll call you after I reach the airport. Busy right now.
I smiled faintly.
After getting ready for school, I kissed my mother on the cheek and left the house, my mind still heavy with remnants of the dream.
AT SCHOOL
The hallway was crowded, just as I expected. Students rushed past me, laughter and chatter echoing off the walls. I scanned the crowd instinctively.
Zack wasn't there.
A strange uneasiness settled in my chest.
Suddenly, a hand struck my book, sending it tumbling to the floor. I didn't need to look up to know who it was.
Luke.
I bent down to retrieve it and lifted my gaze. Sure enough, he was standing there, wearing that familiar smirk.
"Missed me already?" he asked.
"Why in the world would I miss someone like you?" I replied, staring straight into his eyes.
His smile widened, mocking and unapologetic. Without another word, he walked away.
I watched his retreating figure until the bell rang.
In class, I took my seat and glanced toward Zack's bench.
Empty.
A jolt ran through me, sharp as electricity. I kept telling myself he would come later, but the uneasy feeling refused to leave.
My thoughts drifted back to the dream.
I wanted—no, needed—to tell someone about it. Heather wasn't available, but maybe… maybe Zack would listen.
"Jane."
A sharp voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"I've been calling your name for attendance. What are you thinking about?"
I stood up quickly. "Sorry, sir."
Luke leaned back in his chair and smirked. "Maybe she's thinking about how to get Zack's money… and something else."
The classroom burst into laughter.
The teacher frowned and asked me where Zack was. I shook my head. "I don't know, sir."
Just then, the door opened.
Zack walked in.
The teacher gasped. "Speaking of the devil."
"My apologies, sir. Heavy traffic," Zack said calmly.
"Apology accepted. Don't repeat it," the teacher replied.
"Here comes the hero," Luke muttered, rolling his eyes.
Zack took the seat beside me. I was still glaring at Luke when Zack noticed.
"Hey," he whispered, tapping my arm.
"What's wrong? Why are you staring at him like that?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, looking away.
"Well, if you say so."
I tried to focus on the lesson, but my thoughts wandered again. I wanted to tell someone about the dream.
Heather was busy, and I didn't want to burden her.
Then Zack came to my mind.
I smiled faintly.
But the teacher's voice interrupted my thoughts as Mr. Peterson announced the upcoming election.
"We have received an order from the headmaster. Our class president must be decided within six days."
The classroom erupted into murmurs. Almost everyone turned to look at Zack.
I leaned toward him. "See? I told you."
He rubbed his forehead. "Jane, I already said I don't want that job."
"Please," I said. "Do it for your class."
"I'll do anything for you," he said quietly, "but not for the class."
"…What?" I asked, tilting my head.
"Nothing," he sighed.
The noise in the classroom reached its peak. Mr. Peterson slammed his hand on the desk, silencing everyone, and reminded us about the six-day deadline before leaving.
The next period was Mr. Blue's class.
My stomach churned. "Whenever I hear her name, death bells start ringing."
Zack laughed softly. "She's definitely one of a kind."
She entered the room, scanning us like a machine. Her gaze landed on Luke.
"So, Mr. Luke Chris," she said coolly, "where were you yesterday?"
Luke stood up arrogantly. "I took leave because I can."
The class stared at him in disbelief.
Mr. Blue's face reddened.
She clenched her jaw and ordered him to sit, lecturing us about respect before telling Luke to meet her privately later.
The lesson on Newton's law of gravity began. I listened carefully, trying to keep my mind present.
After class, I gathered my courage.
As we walked together, I turned to Zack.
"Hey… I want to tell you something."
"Go ahead," he said.
"I had a dream about my father—"
"Sorry, Jane," he interrupted. "I don't have time right now. I've got some things to do."
He walked away.
The way he said it shattered something inside me.
I stood there for a moment, holding my keychain so tightly my fingers hurt. Maybe he hadn't meant it the way it sounded—but it still hurt.
Maybe people were tired of me, I thought. Of the tears, of always needing someone to help me breathe again.
The idea sat heavy in my chest. What if I was becoming too much?
I swallowed hard, forcing myself not to cry again.
Then a voice spoke behind me.
"What did I tell you? He left you alone, didn't he?"
Luke.
"Leave me alone," I said, my voice trembling. "I don't have time for your games."
"You never have time for me," he replied quietly before walking away.
I went to the café.
Ray and Zack joined me later, laughing about the mysterious meat again.
"Again?" I asked, forcing a smile.
"You'll never know," they laughed.
I smiled too, hiding everything.
Later, Luke blocked my path.
"Where do you think you're going, Jane?"
"Are you stupid? Where do you think everyone goes?"
"Looks like you've grown arrogant," he said, reaching toward me.
I froze.
Zack grabbed his hand. "That's enough."
Luke sneered. "Here comes the saviour."
"Go away," Zack said firmly.
The bell rang.
Luke stepped back and disappeared into the crowd.
But the tension stayed with me.
Zack turned to me the moment Luke walked away.
"Jane… are you okay?"
I didn't answer.
I didn't even blink.
The hallway noise faded into something distant, like I was underwater. My body felt heavy, unmoving—like time had stopped everywhere except around me.
"Jane?" Zack said again, softer this time.
Nothing.
He raised his hand and clapped once in front of my face.
The sound snapped through me.
Before I could think—before I could stop myself—I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him.
Zack stiffened for half a second, surprised, then his arms came up slowly, uncertain, like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to touch me back.
I pressed my face against his chest.
He smelled familiar. Clean. Warm. His perfume was subtle, steady—something grounding.
For the first time since the argument, my breathing evened out.
I didn't realize how badly I needed that moment until I was in it.
Zack leaned down slightly, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
"Jane…"
I didn't move.
"Hey," he murmured gently, "everyone's staring. This is kind of… awkward."
That did it.
Reality rushed back in all at once.
I pulled away so fast it almost hurt, my face burning as I finally noticed the silence around us, the curious eyes, the whispers already starting.
"I—I'm sorry," I said quickly, my hands curling into the sleeves of my sweater. "I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay," he said immediately. Not awkward. Not annoyed. Just calm.
He gave a small, reassuring smile. "I just wanted to make sure you were here with me."
I nodded, embarrassed but steadier now.
"Yeah," I said quietly. "I am."
And as we walked away together, my heartbeat finally slowed—but the warmth of that moment stayed with me longer than I expected.
Zack glanced at his watch, then back at me. "I should head to class. You sure you're okay?"
I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah. Go ahead. I just… need to use the restroom."
He studied my face for a second, like he wanted to argue, then nodded. "Alright. Don't disappear on me."
"I won't," I said softly.
He walked away, blending back into the noise of the hallway. I watched until I couldn't see him anymore.
Then I didn't move.
I just stood there.
The warmth he'd left behind faded quickly, replaced by a tight, hollow feeling in my chest. My legs felt weak, like if I tried to walk, I might crumble instead.
That's when I noticed the shift in the air.
Whispers.
Soft laughter.
I looked up.
A group of girls stood a few steps away, their expressions sharp, curious, entertained. They circled closer, slow and deliberate, like they already knew I wouldn't run.
Berry stepped forward.
Her smile wasn't friendly this time.
"I can't believe you just did that," she said, folding her arms. "In the middle of the hallway? Seriously?"
Another girl laughed. "Yeah. You looked desperate."
My throat tightened. I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
Berry tilted her head. "You think hugging him like that makes you special?"
She took a step closer. "You don't even match him."
The words landed harder than I expected.
"You're always crying," someone else added. "Always needing someone to save you."
I felt my vision blur. My hands shook at my sides, but I stayed silent. I didn't want to give them the satisfaction.
Berry scoffed. "Honestly? I don't know why he even talks to you."
"Enough."
The voice cut through the hallway like a blade.
Every girl froze.
Principal Henry stood a few feet away, his expression calm but dangerous in the way authority always is. His eyes swept over the group, then settled on Berry.
"Step away. Now."
The girls scattered instantly, murmuring excuses, heads lowered. Berry hesitated for half a second—then backed away too, her confidence cracking.
Principal Henry turned to me. "Jane. Are you alright?"
I nodded, even though my chest still felt tight. "Yes, sir."
He studied my face carefully. "Go to class,"
he said gently. "I'll handle the rest."
I whispered a thank you and walked away, my steps shaky but steady enough.
Behind me, I heard his voice again—firm this time.
"I'll be seeing all of you in my office."
For the first time since everything started, I felt like I could breathe again.
I entered the classroom, my heart hammering. Every pair of eyes seemed to land on me the moment I stepped in. Whispers floated across the room, low and pointed, like a chorus of judgment. But my gaze immediately darted to Zack's usual seat. Empty.
Panic rose in my chest. Where was he?
Ray noticed the worry etched on my face and leaned closer. "Hey, Jane… he had some important function to attend. He left after school," he said gently, trying to calm me.
I nodded, swallowing hard, my chest tight. I had been hoping, praying even, that I'd see him today.
The final bell rang, echoing through the now-empty hallways. I waited, letting the crowd thin, until everyone had gone.
My footsteps were hesitant as I made my way outside.
And then I saw him. Luke. Leaning casually against the lockers, that smirk of his already in place.
"Looks like Zack's become a hero again to you, Jane," he said, his voice low, teasing. "And I heard you hugged him… do you know how much it—"
He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes snapping upward.
I followed his gaze and froze. Standing there was Victor, approaching casually, his expression calm but unreadable.
Luke's smirk faltered, just for a second. I could see it—the flicker of fear in his eyes, subtle but unmistakable. My mind misfired. Henry? No… that couldn't be.
Victor smiled politely at Luke, and without another word, turned and walked past. Luke straightened, muttered something under his breath, and left, still glancing back nervously.
I stood there, frozen, heart still racing.
I could clearly see the fear in Luke's face when he noticed Victor. And for some reason, that sight—his fear—gave me a small, quiet satisfaction.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
well i Guess this chapter will be a valentine's day gift for you guys
If you want to be know what will happen next, then follow me on my Instagram account: alex_kuchiki