"Do you see what I'm seeing?"
"Is this real? Why are two handsome guys tailing Alice?"
"Haha, ridiculous. Maybe those two are just together, and it just so happens Alice is walking in front of them."
"Wish I had that!"
"Alice, how did you hook two oppas?"
"Love potion, reveal!"
The surroundings were filled with all sorts of whispers. I could feel the sticky gazes of the students because of the two men behind me. From the moment I arrived until I walked into the school hallway, Bryle and Oliver wouldn't leave me alone. I was consumed by intense embarrassment; I didn't know how to remove their angry glares from me.
I just kept walking straight while looking down, covering my entire face with my hair.
Fortunately, I immediately saw Kianna standing in front of the corridor of our building, so I ran and hurried over. I felt the two of them run too, and they kept following me.
"Good morning, Bess," Kianna greeted, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
"Bess, help me. These two won't leave me alone," I whispered. Kianna looked behind me and saw Bryle and Oliver—two handsome and tall men.
"I can handle this, Bess. I got you. Go inside," Kianna whispered back. So, I slowly entered the room, leaving Kianna with those two fools. I could see Kianna blocking the two who wanted to enter. Hyst, what is their problem? They weren't like this before.
"You're so pretty," a voice suddenly popped up beside me.
"Two handsome men are fighting over you. What's the secret? Did you bring a love potion?" said Zandra, one of my bullies. She was behind me, resting her chin on my shoulder.
"I-I didn't use any l-love potion. T-they're just my friends," I stuttered in explanation. I was scared of this girl. If she wasn't mocking me, she would suddenly grab my hair. I don't know why, but they seem so happy whenever I am embarrassed and hurt.
"I don't believe you. Maybe... you aren't just a nerd," she said, walking in front of me and brushing aside the hair that was covering my whole face.
"You're a Witch!" she yelled and moved as if to slap me, so I decided to block her with my arms in case she followed through.
"What do you think you are doing!?" Kianna asked sharply. I looked and noticed Kianna was already holding Zandra's arm, which was about to swing at me. Good thing she arrived.
"What's your problem? Let go of me! It's not you who has a grudge against me, tsk!" Zandra said angrily. Kianna looked at me seriously.
"Bess, what is your grudge against her?" she asked wonderingly.
"N-none," I answered. She turned her gaze back to Zandra, who was clearly writhing in pain from her arm.
"You're a liar! You're a witch! You just used a love potion on them, that's why they went crazy for you! Nerd! Weirdo!" Zandra said angrily, her saliva flying towards me.
I just looked down because I couldn't do anything else but be scared and hide. Yes, I am weak.
I just heard something snap in front of me, so I looked up again. The students around us began to fall silent. I noticed one of Zandra's hands was already holding her right cheek, while Kianna was looking at her seriously, still holding our classmate's hand.
Students were crowding, and some looking from outside the window of our classroom. I noticed a drop of tear fall from Zandra's eye, who was now holding back her tears.
"Bess, that's enough," I stopped her while holding the hem of her skirt.
"No, Bess. This girl is going too far," Kianna answered.
"Grrr! You're making me furious!" she added, pretending to punch her.
Students:
: Wow, badass!
: You have nothing against her, Zandra! You're washed up!
: You're nothing, after all!
: Tough girl, huh??
(Students laugh)
"Students, go back to your own classroom! You gossips! What is happening here?!" We turned to Mrs. Concepcion, who was now approaching us.
"Ma'am, they are ganging up on me," Zandra complained, acting as if she were the victim.
"Ma'am, that's not true. She started it!" Kianna countered.
"Lower your voice, it's embarrassing. Do you not know who you are facing?!" Mrs. Concepcion said with blazing eyes.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am," Kianna answered softly, bowing her head. This is my fault.
"Fix your manners, Miss Sandoval! I didn't expect you to be like this. I want to see your parents in the guidance office!" the teacher said angrily.
"M-ma'am," Zandra suddenly complained. Apparently, Kianna was still holding her arm until now.
"Miss Sandoval, let go of her hand. Now!" Kianna let go of Zandra's hand, and now she remained bowing her head, silent.
"M-ma'am, It's my fault, not Kianna. She was just defending me because Zandra wanted to hurt me," I explained when I was able to stand. Zandra looked at me intensely, her anger obvious.
"I was just sitting here quietly, then Zandra suddenly popped up behind me and said all sorts of things to me. She started the trouble, Ma'am. Kianna has nothing to do with it; she was just defending me," I explained further. I was extremely nervous, but if I get scolded, it's okay. Kianna shouldn't be receiving those harsh words from the teacher.
"That's not true, Ma'am. She is lying," Zandra defended.
"I'm the one who's telling the truth. Am I right, classmate?" she added, looking around.
Hyst, we are doomed. Surely they will side with her even if they know the truth... Sorry, Kianna.
"What she said is true," said one of my classmates. Zandra's smile was tightening, showing her victory.
We really have no defense left.
"It's true that Zandra started the trouble," she added, which shocked me.
Students:
: Yes, it's Zandra's fault!
: Zandra should be punished!
: That's your fault, Zandra! You meddle too much in other people's lives!
: Straight to the office!
My classmates shouted. I felt hope again; this has only happened once in my whole life. I didn't expect to be believed for the first time.
Kianna raised her gaze, so I approached her to fix the hair blocking her face.
"Miss Perdernal, bring your parents to the office!" Mrs. Concepcion said.
"No, Ma'am! This can't be. No, no, no! You are really a liar, Alice! A witch!" Zandra said frantically, turning to me in anger.
"Understand?!" Ma'am asked loudly.
"Y-yes, Ma'am," Zandra answered.
I hugged Kianna because I felt like we were inside a courtroom fighting for our rights.
Finally, We won.
"Thank you so much, Kianna."