"Mystery of Marks. Collar's Clashes, and the Drama Pact."

The door creaked open mid-lecture, and all heads turned.

Prizey stepped into the classroom, her expression calm—but not her heart. A soft, oversized muffler was wrapped tightly around her neck, as though shielding her from more than just the air.

Simon saw her the second she walked in. A sly smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and his eyes followed her with teasing mischief.

Well, well, my dear darling... he thought, his gaze flickering to the muffler. You already had my mark, but you came back for more? That means... you're only mine.

Across the room, Prizey caught his eyes and glared back with pure venom.

Meet me again, Simon you brat, she growled in her mind. I swear, I'll hit you so hard you'll need baby diapers to walk. Bloody Mary's baby in baby blue—I'll scare you so bad even The Conjuring will run away screaming.

"Prizey," the teacher snapped. "Take your seat."

Without a word, she walked to her desk and sat down—quietly, but not calmly.

Aliyah leaned toward her, whispering in concern. "Why are you wearing a muffler in this heat?"

Prizey stammered. "I-I've got a cough... yeah."

"You were fine this morning."

"I caught it just now... ignore it."

But the teacher wasn't letting it slide.

"Prizey," she said sharply, "why are you wearing a muffler? Stand up and take it off."

Prizey froze. "But ma'am…"

"I said, take off the muffler."

What do I do now? her mind screamed. My whole image will go to hell...

At the back, Simon chuckled quietly. He could sense her panic—and for a moment, it amused him. But then he noticed the way her eyes darted, the hesitation in her fingers, the tiny tremble in her stance.

She wasn't being dramatic. She was scared.

His smirk softened into something gentler, warmer. With quiet confidence, Simon snapped his fingers lightly.

Prizey's hands twitched at the sound, and slowly, hesitantly, she began to unwind the muffler.

Everyone watched.

She pulled it off…

…and gasped.

There was nothing on her neck.

No mark. No bite. Just her smooth, bare skin.

What? Prizey panicked inside. Did they see it?! Did I cover it in time?!

She squeezed her eyes shut, certain that the whole class had witnessed her doom.

"Alright, everyone sit down," the teacher said.

Prizey, still frozen in disbelief, muttered aloud, "What?!"

Her hand flew to her neck.

"What happened?" the teacher asked, confused.

"No, no, ma'am… nothing," she replied quickly and sat down, her hands still glued protectively to her neck. She rubbed the spot again and again, as if confirming it was real.

Aliyah turned to her. "Are you okay?"

Prizey forced a smile. "Yup! Totally fine! Just… hey, do you see anything on my neck?"

Aliyah blinked. "Yeah, of course."

Prizey's heart stopped. "WHAT do you see?!"

Aliyah leaned in and whispered, "That little mole you have. The one that somehow seduces everyone—boys, girls, probably teachers too."

"Oh, shut up!" Prizey groaned, turning red.

Aliyah giggled. "Why were you rubbing your neck then, Miss Mystery?"

"Nothing. Focus on the lecture."

A few seconds passed. Prizey couldn't help it—she slowly turned her head and looked back.

Simon sat behind her, head resting on the bench, staring straight at her with a soft, persistent smile. Not smug, not teasing—just warm. Like he'd just watched a storm pass and was now soaking in the calm.

Prizey blinked. There's something strange about you, Simon… something I can't figure out.

Simon, still watching her, smiled more to himself than to her.

No matter what happens, my Prize... I'll never let you be embarrassed in front of anyone. Ever.

---

Scene: Lunch Break

[Prizey stirring her coffee, deep in thought]

Prizey (murmuring to herself):

"Those marks suddenly disappeared... but how?"

Aliyah notices her staring into the cup.

Aliyah:

"Oh great, here we go again... Madam Overthinker is back."

Prizey jerks her head up.

Prizey (defensive):

"Wha—no! It's not what you think! I just... I want to meet Master Shifu."

Aliyah coughs mid-bite.

Aliyah:

"Wait, what? Why would you want that?"

Prizey (sips coffee dramatically):

"Because... I think I've found Xavier."

Aliyah (nearly chokes):

"X-Xavier?! As in the Xavier? The mysterious boy who visits your dreams every single night?"

Prizey (cuts her off):

"Yeah, yeah, that Xavier."

Aliyah:

"But summer vacation hasn't even started yet! We're still in the middle of exams!"

Prizey (sighs):

"Fine. You live in logic. I'll live in destiny."

---

One Month Later —

Teacher:

"So, students! Your exam session is officially over. I hope you all performed well. Now, before your summer vacation begins, we have an exciting announcement."

Everyone perks up.

Teacher:

"We'll be hosting a drama competition, organized by the city's mayor himself! The winning team will get an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, sponsored by the college! So, form your groups and decide your theme or play. Submit your names and play titles to the P.T. teacher. Good luck!"

Class erupts in cheers.

Max (runs up with John and Simon):

"Heyyy beautiful girls! We already made a team, right?"

Prizey glares at Simon coldly.

"I'm not participating in this nonsense."

Simon smirks and leans back, eyes on her.

(Internal monologue) "Oh? So it's because of me… well, I can't blame her. I've become the most popular guy in college. If I'm on your team, victory is guaranteed."

Max (excited):

"Exactly! That's what I'm saying! Prizey, my sweet cousin, just put your rivalry aside for a bit. Please?"

John (encouraging):

"Also, your acting skills are literally pro-level. We need you."

Simon narrows his eyes at John.

(Internal monologue) "Max is her cousin, fine. But why is John being so nice to her?"

Prizey (irritated):

"Okay okay okay! I'll participate. But for the record—do not give me any girly role. I hate them."

She storms out of the class.

Simon watches her leave silently, lost in thought.

Team Planning: In the Classroom

Aliyah:

"Okay guys, we're short on team members."

Max:

"Oh yeah—what about Lady Innocent and Lady Oh My My? We forgot about them."

Simon:

"Wait, who?"

John (chuckles):

"'Lady Innocent' is Rozy. And 'Oh My My' is Sonia. Total attitude queen."

Simon:

"Oh really? Where are they now?"

Sonia (enters dramatically):

"Did someone miss me, handsome?"

Max:

"There she is—our very own Lady Oh My My."

Aliyah:

"Perfect! Now we just need Rozy."

Sonia (flirting toward Simon):

"She'll come. But why are you backing away, handsome?"

Simon moves back, annoyed, but Sonia grabs his collar.

Sonia:

"Why so scared of me, Mr. Cool?"

Simon (gently pulls away):

"The right to touch this collar? Only belongs to the one I give it to—not you, Miss Drama."

He leaves the class with a smirk.

John (grinning):

"Finally, someone gave Sonia a taste of her own medicine."

Sonia (shouts):

"Shut up!"

Aliyah:

"Okay guys, relax. At least our team is complete. Now... what play are we doing?"

John:

"Only Prizey can decide that."

Sonia (annoyed):

"And why her?!"

Max:

"Because her ideas are always the best."

Sonia storms out.

"Best, my foot."

At the Locker Room

Simon (leaning near the lockers):

"Hi, dear."

Prizey (startled):

"Y-You?! What are you doing here?"

Simon walks closer.

"Actually... I came to say sorry."

Prizey steps back, cautious:

"Sorry? For what exactly?"

Simon (smirks):

"Wow, you forgot already?"

Prizey grabs his collar:

"Be thankful I haven't ripped you apart yet. Or you'd be chewing your food through a straw."

Simon looks down at her hand gripping his collar.

"You know… just a while ago, Sonia grabbed this same collar. But I pushed her hand away."

Prizey (mocking):

"So what? Want me to let go too?"

Simon:

"No no, never. You're the only one I want holding it."

Prizey:

"Wha—what?!"

Suddenly, Aliyah's voice echoes from the hallway.

"Prizey! Where are you? Hurry up—we need to head home with the group!"

Prizey lets go of Simon's collar quickly, throws him a deadly glare, and storms off.