Enemies to Friends?

Zoan meets Mei again on the rooftop, a lollipop between her lips. She spots Mei standing close to the edge, her upper body leaning precariously over, making Zoan's heart plummet.

"Relax—I'm not killing myself. I'm not a coward," Mei says, turning to face her. Zoan flinches, surprised that Mei knew she was there, especially since she had been so quiet.

Unconsciously, she bites her lollipop, desperate to do something other than talk. "No talking today, huh?" Mei approaches her, and Zoan notices the band-aids on her hands, neck, and even her face.

She has a lot, Zoan notes to herself quietly as Mei looks at her. "Nothing? Hah!" Mei laughs, then pulls a book and a handkerchief from her bag, handing them to Zoan, who stares at them.

"You left this yesterday. I decided to be the bigger person and give it back," Mei says as Zoan slowly takes it from her hands.

"Thanks," she replies, glancing down at the items before meeting Mei's gaze.

Silence falls between them. Suddenly, Mei sits at the edge of the rooftop, swinging her legs freely. Zoan's eyes widen. "What are you doing?" she asks, moving closer to her. Mei huffs in response.

"Don't be a stuck-up. I'm just getting fresh air; it's better like this," she says, rolling her eyes. Zoan blinks in confusion. "It's still dangerous," she insists as Mei barks a laugh.

"What a stuck-up," Mei mutters to herself, while Zoan bites her lip. "I'm not too surprised, though—Ms. Perfect," Mei adds, crossing her arms. Zoan remains standing, watching Mei swing her legs idly.

"Class is about to start," Zoan murmurs, glancing back at the door to the stairs. Mei lets out a small sound—"Who cares about studying? I'll only get my ass handed to me," she says, and Zoan's eyes lower in shame.

It was Lisa, wasn't it? The one Mei is talking about. Guilt churns in Zoan's stomach.

"You should go first," Mei says, and Zoan raises her head, nodding. She has nothing to say in this moment. Mei looks peaceful, free from anyone bothering her.

Zoan silently prays that no one else will come to the rooftop at this hour, wishing for the other girl to find the peace she so desperately needs.

—

"Hey, do you want to come with us?" Lisa asks, leaning on Zoan's shoulder with a grin.

"To where?" Zoan replies, her focus still on her book as she quietly jots down notes.

"To the bar that just opened recently," Desmond interjects. Lisa shoots him an annoyed glare. "Tsk! I was about to say that!" she whines, while Desmond chuckles, shrugging nonchalantly.

"So, what do you say?" Adonis asks, sipping his fourth juice of the day.

They all fall silent, waiting for Zoan's response. She raises her head and meets their eager gazes. "No thanks, there's a test tomorrow, and I need to study," she replies, and Lisa lets out a dramatic sigh, pouting.

"That's dumb! It's just a stupid test—come with us!" Lisa pleads, shaking Zoan's arm playfully.

"Ah, she won't budge," Desmond says, disappointment creeping into his voice as Zoan turns her attention back to her answers. "I really hoped you would join us," Lisa laments, resting her head on her arm.

Zoan buries her face in her book, stifling a smile as she hears Desmond and Adonis chuckling at Lisa's misfortune. "Your little crush won't even notice you," Adonis teases, and Lisa huffs, crossing her arms like a child throwing a tantrum.

"It's fine! We can just play with Mei later. We can have her come," Lisa mopes, leaning back in her chair and groaning in disappointment.

Zoan blinks, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she hides it behind her book, swallowing hard. Mei is coming with them?

Class ends faster than Zoan had hoped. With their last subject canceled due to the teacher's illness, she watches as Lisa and the others exit the room, laughter echoing in the hallway.

They were going to the bar… with Mei. Did she even know she was invited? Or would Lisa force her again?

Zoan's hands clenched around her book, fear coursing through her veins as she stood up, hastily stuffing her things into her bag. She rushed out of the room, slamming the door open behind her, forgetting to close it as she bolted toward the rooftop.

She knew there was a 50 percent chance Mei would be there. The other girl could have gone home already or be on her way. Zoan burst through the rooftop door, scanning the area in confusion.

Panting and unaccustomed to such exertion, she bent over, hands on her knees, almost tempted to sit down and wipe the sweat from her forehead while waiting for the cool breeze.

"Ms. Perfect," a familiar voice called out. Zoan turned to see Mei sitting in the darkest corner of the rooftop, legs stretched out, a piece of bread in her hands. "M-Mei," Zoan stammered, surprised.

"Trying to find me?" Mei smirked as Zoan walked over, dropping her bag beside the other girl before plopping down like a sack of potatoes.

Mei let out a surprised noise, her mouth full of bread as she stared at Zoan as if she'd grown another head. "What are you doing?" she asked. Zoan only stared back for a moment, then looked away, pulling her book from her bag to continue her earlier work.

"What—hey, what are you doing? Why are you studying?" Mei asked, feigning offense as Zoan remained silent, focused on her notebook. "Aiya… Studying in front of me? Now you're flexing?" Mei muttered to herself, annoyance creeping into her tone.

"This is my spot first," Zoan mumbled, shooting Mei a flicker of irritation.

It was better for Mei to stay here than go downstairs—not until Lisa left school. Zoan had to prevent that from happening. 

As Mei made a move to stand, Zoan instinctively grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Aish, what now?" Mei asks, confused, staring at Zoan, who looks up with a small frown—no, a pout. Mei narrows her eyes and slowly sits back down beside her.

"You don't do your schoolwork or anything," Zoan observes, eyeing Mei's bag, which seems nearly empty. Mei flushes and quickly hides it from Zoan's prying eyes. 

"Why do you care? It's not like I can attend class. Everyone in my class hates my guts—why should I even try?" Mei replies, clicking her tongue in annoyance as she looks away.

Zoan stares at her, taking in the band aids on her face and hands before spotting one on her thigh and knees. 

Slowly, she hands Mei her book and notebook. "Here, use this. Copy my notes and the answers," Zoan says, blinking at Mei innocently.

"What?" Mei raises an eyebrow as Zoan motions for her to take the materials. "My arms are tired; the book is heavy," Zoan says pitifully, her brows furrowed. Mei clicks her tongue but grabs the book and notebook, staring at them.

"What they said was right, huh?" Mei remarks, and Zoan raises her eyes to meet her gaze. "What?" she asks.

"You really are pathetic," Mei comments, rolling her eyes, though there's no malice in her voice.

Zoan huffs a small laugh, looking away.