"Ouch, can you wait here for a sec? My stomach hurts!"
Out of nowhere, Reena threw her backpack at me while I was still walking ahead of her.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today, or else you'd be dead by now!" I grumbled, reluctantly picking up her bag and placing it beside me while watching her hurriedly run up to the girls' restroom on the upper floor.
"So troublesome!!"
I leaned against the wall next to the assembly hall, waiting.
"Being late once in a while isn't too bad… at least I don't have to listen to the principal nagging until he loses his voice," I muttered, rubbing my eyes as I watched a few female students playing basketball on the field. Reaching for the bottle tucked beside my bag, I grabbed it and took a big gulp.
"What are you looking at, darling?"
I choked on my drink the moment I heard that deep, unfamiliar voice.
"Hoi, if you're so brave, come out, you coward!" I shouted, my eyes darting around to find whoever dared to mess with me.
"I miss you…"
The same deep voice whispered into my ear. I clutched my ears tightly, spinning around to look for the source.
"Damn it, show yourself!!" My blood boiled with rage as only his voice echoed around me.
I kicked the nearby vending machine, releasing my frustration.
Bang!!!
Bang!!
"Oi! Who the hell is trying to destroy school property?!"
I turned to see the principal marching toward me, arms crossed in anger.
"Perfect. You'll be my meal for today…"
I let out a sinister chuckle, pulling out a folding knife from my bag, ready to attack.
"This school will become famous because of me, hahahahaha!"
Hiding behind a pillar, I prepared to strike.
Suddenly, a strong hand clamped over my mouth, yanking me away. I struggled hard against the grip until, finally, I was released.
"Oi! What the hell is your problem? Do you have a death wish?!"
My furious yell made the guy who had covered my mouth frown for a moment.
I looked around—the boys' restroom.
"You should be thanking me. If I hadn't pulled you away, you would've killed that old man, right? Do you even realize there are CCTV cameras everywhere here? Are you that eager to go to prison?" He taunted with a smirk.
"Even if I go to prison, that's none of your damn business, is it? Now get lost before I make you replace that old man!"
I shoved him back forcefully.
"Wild… but interesting."
I heard him murmur close to my ear.
"Psycho!!"
Without wasting time, I stormed out of the restroom.
"Remember this, Fariz… Once you catch my attention, I won't ever let you go."
His words made my temper flare even more.
Smack!!!
"You idiot. Do you realize we're the same? So wake up before I tell Nara about this!"
I walked out of there, my chest still burning with anger.
When I returned to our waiting spot, I saw Reena pacing anxiously, her face full of worry.
"Where did you go? Flirting with junior girls?" She grabbed her bag and then pulled me along with her.
"I'm not a kid you can just drag around!" I yanked my hand away roughly.
"Please, we're almost at class… at least let my classmates see us together. That way, they'll stop bothering me!"
She tightened her grip on my hand.
Finally, we arrived at our classrooms, which were right next to each other.
"Thanks for keeping me company!" Reena said loudly, throwing a playful glance at her classmates, some of whom were now glaring with jealousy.
"Hmm…"
Without another word, I lazily walked into my class.
•••
"Today, we have a new student joining this class… at his own request."
I, who was almost dozing off, snapped back to reality.
"Wait, that's possible?" I mumbled as I tucked my book under the desk.
"Of course, if you're the child of the school's biggest donor!" Remy said, resting his chin on his palm as he gazed forward.
"Huh, typical. As long as you have money, anything is possible."
"Alright, come in and introduce yourself."
A male student, dressed in a black jacket, walked into the class with slow, confident steps.
The moment I saw who it was, my entire body stiffened.
"N-no way…"
I stared at him in disbelief.
"Hi, my name is Amir. I hope you all can accept me here. I came with a purpose, so I hope we can get along…"
I caught the way his eyes flickered toward me for a split second.
"Oh my god, he's so handsome… The number of good-looking guys in this class keeps increasing! If it stays like this, I'll be excited to come to school every day!"
A girl's excited remark made the whole group of female students giggle flirtatiously. I scoffed in annoyance.
"Amir, you can sit next to Izhar."
Teacher Lin pointed to the empty seat.
"Uh, teacher, can I sit next to Fariz instead? We already know each other."
My eyes widened at his words.
"Oh, so you two already know each other?" Teacher Lin's comment was met with cheers from some of the girls.
"Er, teacher, I don't know him!" I protested loudly. I'd go insane if I had to sit next to him!
"Hmm, it's alright, Fariz. You'll get to know him soon. Remy, can you switch seats with Izhar?"
Remy moved without protest.
"Thank you, teacher." Amir nodded slightly before walking to his new seat.
"Anything else, Amir?"
Amir simply shook his head.
"Good. Now, let's start our lesson."
I grumbled in frustration before turning away, opening my textbook.
---
The sound of the recess bell brought a wave of relief over me.
Even though it had only been a day sitting beside Amir, it felt like a hundred years.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
I looked up when I heard knocking on the classroom door.
I glanced around. It was just me and Amir left in the class.
What was his problem? Why was he still here?
"Baby…"
Reena appeared, her voice so sweet it made me want to gag.
I noticed Amir glaring at her, his jaw clenched in irritation.
"Hmm…"
Reluctantly, I walked over to her.
Anything to avoid staying alone with Amir.
"Let's go to the canteen, I'm starving."
I grabbed Reena's hand on purpose, pulling her along.
"Eh, wait! Let's wait for Amir!"
I was shocked.
"Why should we wait for him? I'm not even friends with him!" I grumbled.
"Yeah, but Nara asked us to go to the canteen with Amir. My friends are waiting."
I slammed the classroom door in frustration.
"What, are you jealous?"
Reena raised an eyebrow at me.
"Jealous? Please."
I glanced at Amir, who was still tidying up his things inside the classroom.
"Oi, Amir, hurry up! We're growing old waiting for you!"
Reena knocked on the window repeatedly.
"Be patient…"
A moment later, Amir rushed out, carrying a small book.
"Come on, Nara's been waiting too long… She might faint from missing you too much!"
I let out a small laugh at Reena's ridiculous joke, using it to cover my mixed emotions.
"She always misses me…"
His voice trailed off as he glanced at me.
"But I only ever miss you."
Amir's whisper in my ear nearly made me punch him.
Smack!
A loud slap against the wall.
"What's going on?"
Reena grabbed my hand, pulling me along.
"Nothing."
I forced myself to go with her.
If Amir didn't get the hint about my status with Reena, I'd make sure he did.
---
"Finally, you're here! Nara was about to go on a hunger strike because her sweetheart wasn't here yet!"
Lina chuckled, nudging Fina, who was busy munching on a curry puff.
"Ugh, so dramatic."
Reena pulled me to sit beside her.
"Yeah, I heard a lot of girls from his class are obsessed with Amir and Fariz!"
Nara teased, dragging Amir closer.
"Seriously? That makes me mad!"
Reena's expression soured as she stuffed a spoonful of fried noodles into her mouth.
"Even if ten girls come for me, you're still the only one who can steal my heart."
Out of nowhere, I came up with a crazy idea to sweet-talk Reena.
She suddenly choked and coughed, staring at me in disbelief.
"Huh? What's with you? Fariz has never said something this sweet before?"
Fina laughed at Reena's reaction.
"Eh, no, he's always like this! If you guys weren't here, he'd be even sweeter with me!"
Reena playfully nudged my shoulder.
"Did you accidentally take the wrong medicine today?"
She whispered in my ear.
"Shush, just be grateful I'm willing to be your fake boyfriend."
Reena choked again.
I handed her a drink.
"Huh, Reena, you're lucky… Having a boyfriend as smooth-talking as Fariz. Unlike Amir—he's always so stiff. Not sweet at all!"
Nara pouted, glancing at Amir, who had been silent the whole time.
"Wait, does Amir actually like Nara?"
Reena suddenly asked, her gaze serious as she stared at Nara.
Amir's expression instantly changed.
"Why are you asking that?" Nara questioned, looking at Reena. Amir remained silent, occasionally casting sharp glances in my direction. I didn't want to get involved, so I ignored it.
Reena simply shrugged.
"Of course, Amir likes me. Otherwise, why would we be dating?" Nara suddenly responded.
"Is that true, Amir?" Now, all eyes were on Amir, who suddenly looked uneasy.
Slowly, he nodded and forced a wide smile.
"Wait, why are you all being so serious? I was just joking!" Reena suddenly slapped the table, laughing loudly.
Fina and Lina burst out laughing as well.
"I thought it was weird that Reena suddenly asked that!" Nara nodded and chuckled.
Only Amir and I remained silent, not laughing. To me, it wasn't funny at all.
"Alright, enough of that. There are only three minutes left before the break ends. Let's go back to class!" Nara grabbed my hand, pulling me along as she ran up the stairs to class. She also took Amir's hand, dragging him along with her.
Meanwhile, Fina and Lina strolled leisurely toward their own classroom.
"Phew, made it just in time!" Reena let go of my hand and quickly entered her class next door.
"Bye, love! Wait for me at the school gate later!" Reena flashed a wide smile and waved at me.
Reluctantly, I nodded and forced a sweet smile at Reena, knowing Amir was watching us.
"Enough of the sweet talk. The teacher's on the way!" Amir suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me down into my seat.
"Ugh, let go! Do you think I'm a kid?!" I was annoyed and yanked my hand away roughly before looking away.
"You're not a kid, but you sure act like one… so immature!" He sneered at me.
"Huh, crazy!"
Luckily, Mr. Darin entered the class, looking stern.
"Sit!" he commanded after greeting us.
"Those who didn't complete their homework, stand up!" He slammed his cane on the table.
I stood up lazily, scanning the room.
I was the only one standing.
Then, suddenly, Amir stood up too, staring at me intently.
I shot him a sharp look.
"Alright, Amir and Fariz, come to the front!" the teacher ordered firmly.
I walked forward, Amir following behind.
"So, what's your excuse for not completing your work?" The cane swished through the air multiple times.
"I forgot," I replied curtly.
"Forgot? That's your excuse? Or were you just lazy?!" Mr. Darin's anger flared.
"I don't know, maybe both!" I replied sarcastically.
"Are you crazy?" Amir whispered in my ear.
"Wow, it seems you're very bold to be disrespectful to me. Don't think that just because you're supposedly 'hot' in this class, you can do whatever you want!" Mr. Darin's voice rose in fury.
"Hmmmm, I never said I was hot. But thanks, sir, for calling me that!" I said mockingly, chuckling.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
He struck my hand with the cane multiple times. I stared at him, expressionless.
"Helmi!" he shouted.
"Y-yes, sir?" Helmi responded nervously.
"Take this insolent student to the discipline office now! Let him get the punishment he deserves!" His face turned red with rage.
"O-okay, sir!" Helmi quickly got up and grabbed my arm to lead me out of the class.
"Let go!" I pushed him off.
"I don't care if you want to act out, but not now. I don't want to get in trouble with the teacher!"
"I can walk by myself. Move aside!" I walked off quickly, leaving him behind.
"You don't have to escort me. I'll go on my own… Don't worry, I won't trouble you!" Helmi nodded rapidly before running away.
I walked swiftly toward the discipline office, but suddenly, I felt nauseous.
"Ugh… where's the restroom?" My eyes darted around, searching for the nearest toilet.
It felt like my stomach was forcing everything out.
I rushed into the restroom and vomited into the sink.
Scrape… Scrape…
I heard scratching noises against the mirror again.
I looked up at the mirror, but nothing was there.
I quickly washed my hands.
Scrape… Scrape…
"I still want you… and I'm still watching you," a deep, eerie whisper filled my ears.
I scanned the room. As expected… No one was there.
Those voices had been haunting me for a long time, but I could never tell if they were real.
Thinking about it was a waste of time. I had more important things to worry about than nonsense like this.
If I responded to the voices, people would think I was crazy.
Then again, I had always done crazy things. Maybe 'crazy' was just a part of me.
I chuckled at the thought.
Running my fingers through my damp hair, I tried to fix the mess.
I had just cut it, but it grew fast. Maybe I needed an even shorter cut next time.
I straightened my school uniform and stared at my reflection in the mirror.
"I'm watching you… hehehehe…"
The voice echoed again.
"Huh… huh!"
Sweat dripped down my face. My eyes darted around, searching for 'him'—whoever it was.
"Oi, come out, coward!" I kicked open all the toilet stalls in frustration.
"Come out!!" I yelled, my anger growing as everything suddenly returned to normal. The eerie voices disappeared as if nothing had happened.
Damn it!
The atmosphere returned to normal. I let out a frustrated sigh before stepping out of the restroom.
"So, you want to play hide and seek with me? Fine… let's play a deadly game!"
My eyes scanned my surroundings as I walked toward the school field. I ignored the order to go to the discipline office.
Whatever happens, happens.
Suddenly, my body ached, and I felt weak.
I forced myself to continue walking, sweat dripping from my face. My hands trembled.
---
"Hey, you guys go to class first. I'll catch up later!"
Reena pushed her friend's shoulder before running toward the field.
She spotted Fariz sitting there, lost in thought, his face looking pale.
"Err, hi Fariz!"
She sat beside him.
Fariz looked up at her before shifting away slightly.
"You came all the way here just to say hi?" His sarcastic tone made Reena chuckle.
"You know, you look like you have a lot on your mind… You've been staring into space, and you don't look well." Reena looked at him with concern.
"So?"
"So, why don't you tell me what's wrong? Maybe I can help?" Reena asked sincerely.
"My problems are mine to solve. They have nothing to do with you, so you don't need to act concerned. I'm not going to tell you anything!"
"Huh, you and your stubbornness are inseparable. Fine, if you don't want to talk about it, let's go!" She grabbed Fariz's hand and pulled him up.
Fariz struggled to free himself. "Why are you pulling me like this?!"
Reena held onto his hand tightly. "I'm taking you to the clinic! You don't look well!"
"Whether you take me there or not, I'll still feel this pain…" Fariz muttered weakly. His body felt drained as Reena continued dragging him forward.
"Why are you saying that? Once the doctor gives you medicine, you'll be fine!" Reena frowned, looking at his pale face.
Fariz shook his head weakly, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"I—I'm not like other people. I have two different personalities… A cruel side and the normal side you see now." He forced himself to explain. He had no choice but to tell Reena the truth.
"I already know that, Fariz. Since the day you saved me, I knew you were different from everyone else." Reena gave a faint smile.
"That's exactly why I feel drawn to you… I want to understand you more."
"You're not afraid of me?" Fariz asked, sitting cross-legged on the ground.
Reena quickly shook her head.
"Then tell me, what can I do to help you?" she asked, crouching down to meet his gaze.
Smack!
Fariz suddenly hit Reena's head.
"Ouch! What was that for?! I was just asking nicely!" Reena rubbed the spot where he struck her.
"If you already knew about me, then why were you so stubborn about taking me to the clinic?" Fariz scoffed.
"I did it on purpose! I wanted you to explain everything to me." Reena crossed her arms proudly. Her plan had worked.
"Huh…" Fariz massaged his temples. The pain in his body was getting worse.
"Reena…" His body collapsed onto the ground, his lips trembling.
"Fariz, tell me now—what can I do?!" Reena shook him desperately as tears welled up in her eyes.
Fariz weakly shook his head.
"Please, Fariz! Tell me!" Tears streamed down her face as she saw him growing weaker.
"B-blood…" he whispered.
Reena immediately got up and sprinted away, leaving Fariz behind.
"Don't close your eyes! Wait for me!" she shouted before disappearing into the field's bushes.
---
With trembling hands, Reena put on a pair of gloves behind her back.
"I have to do this… for Fariz."
She took a deep breath and slowly approached the school gardener, who was busy watering the herb plants.
"Sir!"
The gardener turned to look at her.
"Why are you wandering around here? Are you skipping class?" He put his hands on his hips.
"N-no, actually, I was running away from being bullied by the seniors," Reena said, putting on a pitiful expression.
"You're being bullied? Come with me to the discipline office!"
"I will, but could you hold these scissors for me? I need to tie my shoelaces…" she said hurriedly, pretending to bend down.
The gardener nodded slightly.
Reena took a shaky breath before slowly reaching for the hoe hanging nearby.
Crack!!!
Crack!!
From behind, she swung the hoe with all her strength, her hands trembling in fear.
The gardener collapsed, blood spurting from his head.
"I—I have to stay strong… Fariz's life is more important than this…"
She ran as fast as she could back to where Fariz lay weakly.
"Fariz, come with me!" She lifted his body and helped him walk toward the crime scene. She sat him down in front of the fresh corpse.
Fariz's instincts took over. His eyes glowed red, wide and wild. Without hesitation, he licked and drank the blood greedily, consuming every drop until the body was completely drained.
"Ahh…" He clutched his head as a sharp pain shot through his skull before he collapsed unconscious.
"Fariz!!"