CHAPTER VII: Feel the Shame

The following day was somehow eventful.

There’s this aura of impending doom.

There were glances of curiosity rather than the usual odd and disgusted glances.

There’s something wrong.

“So, what about later? Should we eat the limited-edition chocolate pie?”

“That sounds good! We should also try the newly endorsed cookies n’ cream shake with extra cookies as toppings.”

“Umm…I-I heard that they are also re-selling the lava cake from before.”

There’s really something wrong.

“Yeah! I heard that too! What do you think, Dia?”

“Me too. I heard the rumor that it’ll be in everyone’s lunch plans. Right?”

“I think so too, um…maybe Dia would like that…”

I rubbed my temples and sighed, “How did this happen?”

“Well, according to them the cake was highly demanded…”

“Oh? That’s why? I thought the saleslady was just feeling like it.”

“Actually, it-it’s because they had extra ingredients.”

This time, I actually slapped my forehead.

I found myself among their group, unknowingly.

As far as I remember, I was silently walking along the hall when all of a sudden, I was disturbed with unexpected noises.

The noise continued to increase as time went by. Before I noticed it, I was surrounded by these guys.

No wonder people were shocked.

“Why are you guys following me?” I frustratingly inquired.

I turned to them with my arms crossed.

They all stopped at the same time and stared at me with a dumb look on their faces.

It’s like I asked the most obvious question and was just too stupid to realize it.

“Because we’re friends!”

“Because we’re going the same way.”

“B-because R-Ross is h-here?”

I begrudgingly watched all of them.

“First of all, how are we friends?” I looked at Solar.

“Second, even if we’re going the same way that doesn't mean you're going to ignore your exact designated classroom.” I said to Ross, directly pointing to the room we passed 3 minutes ago.

I then shifted my view to Haru, “Lastly…”

He eyed me with concern.

“Good dog? I guess.” I shrugged, unable to make a comeback with his comment earlier.

They all looked at one another and laughed.

“No matter what you say, we’re friends now Dia!” Solar clanged on my arm.

“This is rather forceful, don’t you think?” I replied while trying to pry my arm away.

When I was released, I looked at two men in this group.

“Again, why are both of you here? Your classroom is over there.”

Nevertheless, Ross only looked at the direction I pointed and shrugged.

“I never said I was going to class.” He even had the audacity to smirk.

I smirked back, “Oh yeah? I don’t think your pal over there agrees.”

Ross looked at Haru who was turning pale beside him.

“I’m kidding! Breath, Haru! You look like you’re about to faint!” Ross began to shake the motionless Haru. Good thing he was immediately awoken from his mindless slumber.

As I was watching their antics, a slightly old and feminine voice from behind me suddenly drew my attention.

“Miss Alluren, may I talk to you?”

When I looked back, I saw one of my professors standing with one hand on her hip.

She was the instructor for my previously ruined class.

I totally forgot about that.

The people that were hanging around me watched us as we converse quietly.

Quietly was definitely an understatement.

“I did not see your plate among the gathered outcomes from yesterday.” She pointed out.

“I apologize.”

“An apology won’t get your grades anywhere. Do you plan to disregard my subject?”

Somehow, this was becoming embarrassing.

I mean, why can’t she talk to me privately? It’s uncomfortable being observed and reprimanded at the same time.

“Well, Miss Alluren?”

“I sincerely apologize for my lack of response. However, there was a reas-”

“I don’t need your excuses Miss Alluren. I need an explanation. I won’t know until when I will be able to continue tolerating such acts if you relentlessly give me unnecessary reasons!”

“I wasn-”

“Oh, silence. I also heard the trouble you caused that very same day.”

“What?” I looked at her appalled by what she just uttered.

Oh, how typical, she came here to accuse me. Humiliating me was just an added bonus.

“Unable to complete the tasks I gave yet you were able to quarrel with your peers. What astonishing behavior you have, my dear.” She said sarcastically.

She spoke those words loudly, as if she was purposely trying to get everyone’s attention.

The murmurs circling around me were becoming louder by the minute.

I remained silent. I clenched my fist behind my back as the frustration slowly rose to my head.

Why can’t I seem to have a decent break from all these pointless encounters?

This is literally so tiring…

She looked at me with an eyebrow raised, she was clearly challenging me.

I wanted to refute. I desperately want to.

But that would only make me a fool.

Plus, she would be getting the reaction she was targeting from the very beginning.

So, I remained silent and looked at the floor instead.

I can see the reflections of the people around me. Although it’s quite blurry, I can totally guess what they’re thinking.

War freak.

Troublemaker.

Pitiful.

Anything comprehensible for those idiotic minds.

“Since you don’t plan to answer me, I guess I have no choice but to fail you.”

Still, I remained silent.

“Tsk. Get ready to drop out of my class. I hope to never see your face again. Take your attitude elsewhere. Somewhere more befitting for…”

She looked at me from head to foot.

“…the likes of you.”

After that, she stomped her way out.

I breathed in.

So much for having a peaceful day.

The only class I like for this year and it was quickly snatched away from me. Great.

“Um, Dia-”

“Spectacle’s over! Hope you enjoyed the show.”

I immediately cut Solar with what she was about to say. I clapped my hands and tilted my head towards the onlookers.

Some of them looked away while the others looked at me with contempt.

Nothing new there.

I started walking away without looking at any of the people in the hallway.

The people dispersed like they were afraid to catch a disease or something.

Now, that’s rude.

I wanted to feel more like a goddess passing by her underlings, but it seems that I can’t even do that with how angry I’m feeling.

“You heard her! Move along gossipers!”

A shout rang in the buzzing hallway.

I was shocked. I abruptly stopped and turned towards the origin of the shout.

“Show your annoying selves out of here! Shoo! shoo!”

I don’t know if I should be surprised or not.

It was Ross.

He was standing there with his hands buried within his pockets. He was like some gangster that wanted to beat up someone.

When he caught my eye, I expected worrying or criticizing eyes.

But that’s Ross, of course nothing’s normal for him.

Because he winked at me.

He freakin’ winked at me.

I can’t help but shake my head.

I maintained eye contact with him.

Those black orbs with dancing specks of gold were truly mesmerizing.

After a few seconds, I smirked and mouthed the words that would surely surprise him.

‘Flirt…’

His eyes widened slightly, and his lips began to tremble.

He was obviously restraining himself from smiling or laughing. Whichever.

I turned away from him and didn’t bother to wait for his recovery.

Again, what was I doing?

I bit my bottom lip and stared straight ahead.

I sped up my steps towards my awaiting classroom.

That boy didn’t even do anything extraordinary, nor did he say anything heroic.

And yet…

At that time, I didn’t even notice the heat creeping up my cheeks.

What was wrong with me?

This isn’t the first time I was winked at!

Dia! Stop acting like a fucking teenager!

Argh!

I covered my face with the papers I brought along with me.

Shame on you girl!