I can't take this

I looked up, my teary gaze fell directly not just at one but two guys, the twins Owen and Ethan. Unlike his usual look, Owen's dark hair was in a messy appearance just like Ethan's blonde hair. While Owen had his hands in his pockets, Ethan gently brushed his hair with one hand and held his phone with the other.

"Why don't you watch where you're going," Ethan said with his usual smirk which I ignored. While Owen still had his cold, quiet demeanor, but I could feel his eyes soften for a few seconds as he stared at me.

Ethan caught up to me, his eyes examining my face then his hand brushed his hair, now holding my cheek, and he leaned in to get a closer look at my face. "You know, you look like you just escaped from a circus," he teased, and I realized I was crying seconds ago, with my face probably swollen. "What, did the clown throw you out?" Owen suddenly grabbed onto Ethan's hand which was still held to my face. He shoved it off and pushed him backwards, away from me. Ethan's eyes widened by this act but he quickly shrugged it off and regained his composure.

Without hesitation, I quickly shoved the phone package into Owen's hand. "I can't take this," I said hurriedly, watching him as he examined the package while Ethan swiftly took it from him.

"What is this?" Ethan's curiosity got the best of him as he attempted to open the package. Owen, again, elbowed him, prompting a groan from Ethan. His hand went to his stomach, and he shot Owen an annoyed look. A groan escaped his lips. He placed his right hand on his stomach where he had been hit, and he quickly turned his gaze to Owen. "What the heck was that for!" he yelled but Owen completely ignored his complaint. He tucked the package away from Ethan's reach. With the package now in his possession, holding it firmly, he extended his hand towards me.

"I don't want it," I replied to his gesture, shaking my head repeatedly and turning to leave without waiting for his response. I tried to walk past him, but his strong grip pulled me back.

"You can return it if you don't want it," he suggested. Few students passed us, but they looked less concerned as this wasn't the first time we had interacted. Due to the fact that I was supposedly dating Jake, I was forced to spend more time with the alpha trio. Although this didn't sit well with many girls in the school, they couldn't do anything about it.

"What?" I muttered, wiping my face with my gaze slightly lowered.

He pulled my arm, stretched forward, and placed the package on it. "You can choose to keep it or return it. The receipt is in there; you can pay me back when it's done."

I let out a light scoff, baffled by his action. "Why did you give it to me in the first place? You are no different, you know that? You are proud, arrogant, and think you are better than everyone else just because you are wealthy. You don't have to look down at me because you think I need your help. Why did you give it to me in the first place?" My voice was tense and loud. I was letting out all my frustration and anger, lashing out.

"Wait, wait, wait," Ethan, who had been quiet for some time, interrupted. "Why would you give her a gift? Are you guys like dating or something? Behind Jake's back," he exclaimed. His mouth widely opened.

"Shut up!" I yelled angrily, catching him off guard, causing him to tumble backwards, his brow raised.

His grin spread widely. "Feisty," he remerked, biting his bottom lip. "I like that."

I shook my head, confused for a minute, but then I reminded myself I was talking to Owen.

"Why?" I asked, now staring at Owen.

"Look at it as part of the compensation. If you don't like it, sell it. It's that easy," he said with no hint of emotion or pity, like he was doing me a favor. Then why did he write "from a friend"? If he was indeed a friend, he wouldn't be acting so cold towards me. Or maybe it was just a way to keep me from guessing who he was.

I stood frozen, my fingers clenched, contemplating what to do with the package. Before I could come up with a response, I watched him walk away without saying a thing.

"A friend?" I muttered to myself. I turned back, my lips parting to call back Owen, but he took a turn and was now out of sight.

Ethan, still standing, glanced over at me from head to toe. "You should be more concerned about Jake, you know," he winked and ran off trying to catch up with Owen. But before that, his hand patted my head and he grinned.

I groaned, raising my fist but realizing he was now gone and out of reach, I dropped my hand, letting out a gentle yet frustrated sigh, once again feeling irritated. What was I thinking? He was rude, they were rude, and Jake? I don't even want to see his face.

My gaze shifted to the package in my hand once again. Maybe keeping it won't hurt, just to keep it. I really did need it, and it was just compensation.

Yeah, just compensation, nothing more.

Deciding on nothing else for now, I wanted to head back to class, but a part of me couldn't help but feel guilty about the way I reacted to Matilda. I needed time for myself, and I decided to take a short walk around the school field before class started. Unfortunately for me, I had run out of luck.

Just as I took a step forward, the sound of the bell echoed throughout the school, signaling the start of class. As much as I would love to ditch class, being a scholar student, I had to take my studies seriously, which also included perfect attendance unless for good reasons. Unfortunately, this wasn't good enough.

My heart pounded in my chest as I took a step back into the class. Students were fully seated, and Miss Elizabeth, our English teacher, stood in front of the marker board.

She paused as her gaze shifted to me, who was still standing by the door. "Aren't you going to get in?" She asked, but it sounded more like a command. Miss Elizabeth was one of my favorite teachers, apart from being young, fun, and smart, she was also one every student could rely on. But never take that as an excuse to take her for granted; she was very strict when it came to passing her class and firm in her words.

"I am sorry." I said quickly with a small smile, which she returned in response.

I hurried back to my seat, avoiding meeting Matilda's gaze, who had been staring at me, hoping for a conversation. I wasn't ready for that yet, maybe after class, hopefully.

"Class," Miss Elizabeth started in her usual British accent, as she was from England. "I would assume you guys are now fully aware of the exams commencing tomorrow. I hope you guys have been studying hard; I want to assure you that malpractice won't be tolerated, and don't expect me to go easy on you with my questions." she spoke, taking a step forward

. Her heels clicked on the tiles with each step she took.

I had been preparing for these exams for a while since the timetable was out last month. It was a way to make sure we had a study plan, and I prepared ahead. Since there were many scholars in this school, our grades were a top priority, and the school always made sure of it. Our questions were never easy, but with full preparation, I always managed to sail through. I wasn't the brightest; that was for sure, that's why I was lucky to have Matilda as my friend. She may not look like a nerd, but she was definitely a huge book nerd and always forced me into studying. Most times, I end up sleeping over at her place.

"I wish you guys all the best, and for those of you who this may concern," she continued, her gaze now fixed on mine. "Your grade determines your stay."

"Avoid all distractions…