CHAPTER 24

HOLY NIGHT SEBASTIAN

 "Are you okay?" Samantha asked me with concern as we walked toward the parking lot. My classmates were still noisy, chattering non-stop about the game earlier, as if they couldn't get over how happy they were.

"I'm fine," I replied softly.

"Are you thirsty or hungry?" Samantha asked again. I shook my head and stayed silent. She stopped in front of me, blocking my path, and raised a red paper bag while grinning widely. I noticed that my classmates were holding similar bags.

 "I think you didn't get some amenities, that's why you're sad," she teased. I figured the university had provided snacks while I was gone.

 "Well, I got some yummy trail mix here," she said, pulling a packet from the paper bag. I shook my head, so she put it back and pulled out something else.

"How about chocolate cookies?" I didn't respond. She returned the cookies to the bag and pulled out another option. Eventually, she showed me everything in the bag, and I finally accepted the strawberry milk just to make her stop.

I waited for all my fellow students to board the bus before I did. They were so happy, but I couldn't return their smiles. My mind was still preoccupied with what I had witnessed earlier. What could I say to Rhyme when we met again? Should I mention the girl? Would it be too intrusive to ask him who she was?

He said he liked Moryn. I still vividly remembered the scene at the amusement park when Moryn and Rhyme confessed their feelings for each other. So how could he flirt with another girl?

 "Excuse me, Miss Night," a male voice said from behind me, causing me to turn around. I stepped back a little when I saw Rhyme's driver, the one who always picked him up and dropped him off from school. What could he possibly want?

"Mr. Rhyme asked me to have you ride with us," the driver said politely. I smiled at him and shook my head.

"It's okay. Please let him know I'm fine here," I said, looking down at the ground before glancing back at my classmates, who were still boarding the bus one by one. I couldn't even look at the driver directly. I didn't want to ride with them, it would only make things more awkward.

 "Night!" I froze in place when I heard Rhyme's voice behind me.

Oh no. What do I do now? But wait a second. Why am I the one feeling nervous and guilty? I didn't do anything wrong in the first place. I took a deep breath and turned to face him.

"What?" I asked.

 "Where have you been? Do you know how long I've been looking for you?" he said, annoyed.

"Really? You were looking for me?" I replied. He frowned.

"How could you look for me when you were obviously busy?" I said, glancing in different directions, hoping he'd get what I was implying.

 "What do you mean by that?" he asked, frowning even more. Of course, he had to ask.

"No, nothing," I said.

"Anyway, why are you here?" I noticed he seemed taken aback by my question, which only made me more suspicious. He cleared his throat before answering.

"Moryn asked me to follow you," he said, his gaze darting between me and other directions. My eyes narrowed. Was he telling the truth?

"She was worried about you," he added. Fine, let's say he was telling the truth. But was he just using that as an excuse to have time to flirt with that girl? I felt like he was betraying Moryn.

I looked up and stared into his eyes. He said he was willing to wait until Moryn was ready. So what was he doing now? Secretly dating someone else?

 "What?" he asked, his brows furrowed.

"Nothing," I said, shaking my head and turning away from him.

"I'll just ride the bus," I said.

"Oh, come on! Don't give me a hard time!" he said, clearly annoyed, but I ignored him. He could just text Moryn that I was fine. Besides, the bus was heading to Destine University anyway, so I'd still see Moryn when we got there.

I was about to step onto the bus when someone grabbed my hand. When I turned around, I saw Rhyme pulling me toward him.

"You're so stubborn!" he said irritably, and his frustration rubbed off on me.

"You're the stubborn one! I said I'd take the bus!" I retorted, trying to pull my hand away, but he only tightened his grip. I had no choice but to go with him. I sighed as the car started moving.

Rhyme and I were both seated at the back. I stared out the window on my side, while he did the same on his. The silence inside the car was almost unbearable. I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Here I was, with my world practically falling apart after finding out that Moryn and Rhyme were in love with each other. And yet this idiot was out here flirting with just anyone like it didn't matter.

I wanted to confront him about it. After all, part of me still hoped I was wrong. Maybe he had a valid reason for everything. Deep inside, I didn't want to judge him just yet. But somehow, I couldn't even bring myself to open my mouth.

When we arrived at the university, Moryn immediately greeted me with a tight hug. So tight that I could barely breathe.

"Thank goodness. I'm glad you came back safe and sound," she said with a relieved sigh. What's up with her? It's not like I went off to fight a war, right?

 "Thank you so much, Rhyme!" she said to Rhyme, who was standing behind me.

 "Yeah. Sure." I lowered my gaze as the memory of seeing Rhyme with another girl at Crimson University flashed through my mind. A heavy feeling settled in my chest.

 I was the one hurting for Moryn. Now I couldn't decide whether to tell her what I saw or keep it to myself. I didn't want to hurt her, but at the same time, hiding it felt just as wrong.

 "What's wrong? Are you alright?" Moryn asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine," I forced a smile.

"Maybe I'm just tired. I'll head home now to rest. Bye!" Without waiting for her response, I bolted away.

I walked into the house with slouched shoulders. It was still early, so Aunt Penny wasn't home yet. Heading straight to my room, I collapsed onto my bed. What a draining day. Everiano was the only reason I went there, but now I had even more things to think about. I stared blankly at the ceiling, lost in thought.

 "Who could that girl be?" I whispered to myself. Moryn can't find out about this yet, not until I confirm it. What if she's just his cousin and I'm overreacting? Starting tomorrow, I'll keep a close watch on Rhyme's every move. But wait. What about Everiano? I held my forehead, realizing I still hadn't completed my mission with him. I had no idea who to prioritize anymore. Letting out a deep sigh, I closed my eyes, lost in my thoughts until I drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up, Aunt was already there. I hadn't realized I'd slept that long. It was just the two of us during dinner since Uncle Erwin was still at work. I froze in my seat when she told me Dad would be coming home this weekend. A wave of fear washed over me. Dad absolutely hated seeing me with long hair. And if he found out I'd been wearing a girl's uniform, I'd be in serious trouble

The next day, as I entered the classroom, Moryn greeted me as usual. Neither Rhyme nor Everiano had arrived yet. Honestly, I felt relieved. I hoped the two of them would be absent today, even just for a day so I wouldn't have to think about anything.

Not long after, Everiano showed up, and Moryn fell silent again. I glanced in his direction, considering congratulating him on their victory yesterday, but his expression was so serious it was almost intimidating. In the end, I decided to keep quiet.

Two morning subjects passed, and Rhyme still wasn't around. It was strange. He never skips class, unless it's for something important. But those events were rare.

Then, at 10:30, he finally showed up, and of course, it was during our last subject for the morning. It was really odd. Where had he been? I overheard him saying he had something to take care of, which was why he missed the previous classes. I watched him from behind. Was he with that woman again, which is why he hadn't come earlier?

During lunch break, Rhyme excused himself, saying he couldn't join us because he had something to take care of again. We watched as he hurriedly left the classroom. Where could that guy be off to this time? I wanted to follow him, but I didn't want Moryn to get suspicious.

 "Let's go," Moryn invited as she headed toward the food court. I just nodded and followed her.

 While we were eating, I kept glancing around, hoping to spot Rhyme with that girl. But it seemed unlikely. Rhyme wasn't foolish enough to flaunt his secret in public. He knew that many people, including us, ofte ate here.

 "Hey, is something wrong?" Moryn's sudden question snapped me back to reality. I straightened up in my seat, caught off guard. I scratched the back of my head and laughed nervously.

"No, nothing!" I answered cheerfully, trying to sound convincing.

My lips parted, but no words came out. I stared at her, my heart pounding in my chest. I felt an overwhelming urge to tell her about what I saw, Rhyme with another girl.

 "If something's bothering you, you don't have to hide it from me." she said with a smile. My heart raced even faster. The urge to spill the been is really strong, but then dought creeps in and whispers all the reasons why I shouldn't.

She sighed. "Well, as I always say, if you're not ready to talk about it, I respect that." She gently held my left hand resting on the table.

 "How about I treat you to some ice cream?" she offered with a grin. I finally exhaled in relief. Thank goodness she wasn't the pushy type. I'd tell her about it once I had confirmed everything.

While eating ice cream, we strolled around before settling near the fountain. She suddenly laughed, making me turn to him.

"Why?" I asked, confused.

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking, maybe you miss Rhyme. That's why you're gloomy." She grin stretched wide.

"What!" I exclaimed, grimacing at the thought. There's no way I'd miss that piece of crap.

"Hey, relax! I'm just kidding!" She kept laughing, completely unfazed. Ugh, what a disgusting joke.

The afternoon arrived, and Rhyme's behavior remained the same. He kept giving the same excuse, saying he had something to attend to, but never telling us exactly what it was. We didn't bother asking either since we respected that it might be something personal. Moryn didn't mind, she believed him completely because she had no idea about what I saw. But I couldn't take it anymore. I had to confirm this.

As soon as class ended and Rhyme left the classroom, I immediately followed him. I had no choice but to lie to Moryn and tell her that Aunt Penny texted me, saying I needed to go home early because we had something to do. I caught up with Rhyme at the car park, just in time to see a girl get into his car. However, I still couldn't make out who she was because I was behind their vehicle and at a bit of a distance.

I hid behind another car parked behind theirs, panting from chasing after Rhyme. The girl was wearing the same uniform as us. Who could she be? Was she just one of our classmates? I left the car park with a frown. Maybe I should ask Leah if they have a cousin studying here in Senior High. What if she was just a relative? But then, if that girl was really just a relative, why did they seem to be sneaking around?

 "Night?" I had been staring at the floor, but I looked up when Moryn called out to me as we crossed paths in the corridor.

"Why haven't you gone home yet?" she asked.

"Uh, I forgot something in my locker," I lied.

"I'll come with you so we can head home together," she offered, turning to walk toward my locker. I sighed in relief. Thankfully, I had actually forgotten my notes for tomorrow's exam in one of our subjects.

After grabbing my notes, Moryn and I left immediately. I walked behind her, my head still down. She suddenly stopped, and I nearly bumped into her back.

"Don't worry about whatever's bothering you," she said gently.

"Everything will be okay. I'll pray for you to overcome it." Her words only made me feel guiltier.

"I'm fine. Actually..." She turned to face me, making me avert my gaze.

"The truth is..." My heart pounded so loudly that I could barely hear anything around me.

"What is it, Night?" she asked with concern, stepping closer.

"I didn't want to tell you this, but I just can't keep it in anymore." I didn't want Moryn to worry about me either. Even if I told her not to, she was naturally caring, and I knew she couldn't help it.

"What are you talking about?" she asked again, and I remained silent for a while, looking down.

"Rhyme is dating someone," I finally admitted. I heard her gasp.

"What?" Two female voices shouted in unison from behind us, making Moryn and me turn at the same time. Leah and Charbelle stood there, wide-eyed and shocked—clearly, they'd overheard what I said about Rhyme.