When I got home, I couldn't stop myself from grinning like an idiot. I was bouncing around my room, fists pumping in the air, shouting nonsense like some kind of lunatic. But really—who wouldn't? I mean, I held hands with my crush. Held hands. That's like… top-tier romance level for me.
Her name? Aika Evergarden. Yeah, the Aika Evergarden—the girl who's been stuck in my head ever since our first year of high school. Of course, I never told anyone. Not my friends, not even the so-called "demon trio" I hang out with. At least, that was the plan.
Two months ago, though, I kinda… slipped. Said something I shouldn't have during a conversation, and bam—secret's out. My friends smelled blood in the water. Ever since then, I've been the butt of every joke.
Anyway, name's Kil Whitlock. Weird surname, right? Whitlock, yet my hair isn't white at all. It's jet black, a little messy, and just long enough to annoy me when the wind blows. My eyes are blue, which I guess is my one redeeming feature.
The next day, I dragged myself back to school. Another boring day, another round of "try not to fall asleep in class." Oh, and the bandage on my cheek? Yeah, that was Aika's handiwork. Her fist, to be specific. Totally worth it though.
As I strolled down the path, I spotted George and Napoleon ahead, walking side by side. They noticed me and immediately slowed down, grins plastered on their faces like they'd just been waiting for this.
"Ohhh, what's up, Kil? What happened to your face?" George asked, his smirk way too satisfied.
Napoleon, never one to miss the chance to poke fun, nudged my shoulder. "I heard you had a little 'accident' with Aika. So? You two a thing now, huh? Haa?"
These idiots. Always teaming up to gang on me. If Miggy finds out too, I'm doomed.
"Well, not really like that, you see—" I tried to explain, but George cut me off.
"Don't tell me Aika Evergarden punched you? Hahaha! What'd you do this time? Make a move on her? Man, you never change."
I rolled my eyes, but deep down? Yeah, I didn't care. Laugh all they want. The truth was, I got to hold her hand. That was victory enough. Weaklings wouldn't understand. Aika's the number one girl in the entire school, and with graduation around the corner, I've decided—I'm gonna chase her for real.
"Anyway… did you guys do the assignment?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation away.
"Changing the subject, huh? Classic. This guy totally got rejected," Napoleon snickered.
We walked on, the usual banter flying. Napoleon had that perpetually short black hair and piercing red eyes that made him look way more intense than he actually was.
When we entered the school grounds, I caught sight of Aika from across the hall. She was looking straight at me. My heart jumped. Instantly, my face felt hot, and I averted my gaze like some guilty criminal. Smooth, Kil. Real smooth.
Inside the classroom, another problem awaited—Miggy. The sharpest tongue of the group.
"Kil? What's with your face? Don't tell me you tried being a perv again," Miggy quipped, sliding up to me with that infuriating grin.
"Not even close," I shot back quickly. "By the way, Migs, mind if I… uh… copy your assignment?"
He sighed like a disappointed parent, then dug into his bag. "You haven't changed at all. Here. Just return it."
I gratefully snatched the notebook from him and plopped down at my desk, scrambling to copy the answers before the teacher arrived. Miggy had that clean brown hair, dark eyes, and average build, but he was our class's top student—the reliable one.
The four of us had been inseparable since first year. Teasing, helping each other during exams, messing around. But somehow, things felt different lately. Especially with Miggy keeping his distance more and more.
Still, I scribbled away at the assignment, pretending everything was just like old times.
After I finished copying, I handed Miggy's notebook back just in time for our teacher to arrive.
"Everyone, take your seats. Roll call," she said, her glasses slipping slightly down her nose as she scanned the list.
"John Smith?"
"Present."
"Michael Brown?"
"Present."
"Sarah Davis?"
"Present."
"David Wilson?"
"Present."
"Miggy Anderson?"
"Present."
"Napoleon Johnson?"
"Present."
"George Orion?"
"Present."
"Kil Whitlock?"
"…Present."
And just like that, my eyelids started to feel heavy. Honestly, classes were just… unbearable sometimes. Halfway through attendance, I couldn't resist—I dozed off.
"Hey. Wake up."
I jolted slightly as Miggy's voice pierced through my fog. His grin greeted me the moment I cracked my eyes open.
"What is it?" I asked, voice still groggy.
"Canteen. Snack time," he said, flashing me a thumbs-up like he had some kind of evil plan brewing.
I stretched my arms, chair scraping the floor as I stood. "Fine, fine."
We headed out, catching George and Napoleon in the corridor. They were leaning on the wall, mid-conversation, but Miggy just waved them over. "Let's go."
By the time we reached the canteen, Miggy and Napoleon made a beeline for the food line, while George and I scouted a table so we wouldn't end up standing around like idiots.
"Psst. Hey," George whispered, that mischievous glint in his eyes.
I turned to him, suspicious. "What?"
He didn't answer, just pointed like a maniac at the table right beside us.
I followed his finger… and there she was. Aika Evergarden, laughing with her friends, her smile so radiant it made my chest tighten.
"…Stop pointing, idiot! They'll notice," I hissed, swatting his hand down.
George's grin widened. "Should I tell her you like her, then?"
"Tsk." I clicked my tongue and turned my head away, hiding half my face with my palm. George was going to be the death of me one day.
A moment later, Miggy and Napoleon returned with trays, setting food down in front of us.
"Yo, Kil. Look." Miggy tilted his head toward Aika's table, his lips pursed in that teasing gesture.
"Can you all just eat in peace?" I muttered, stabbing at my food and shoving a bite into my mouth.
But Napoleon wasn't done. He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Kil, you see that guy sitting next to her? Rumor is he's got a thing for Aika. If you don't move now, she might just end up with him."
I rolled my eyes, swallowing my food. "What do I care? I already know I'm better-looking than him."
George snorted. "Oh please, you can't even confess to her."
"Eat. Quietly." My patience was hanging by a thread.
And then the canteen doors slammed open.
The chatter died instantly. Everyone's eyes turned toward the entrance as a tall, muscular guy swaggered in, three lackeys trailing behind him like shadows. His black hair was streaked with blonde, giving him this wannabe gangster look straight out of a bad drama.
The guy was built—bigger than me, broader too—and he walked straight for Aika's table. My jaw tightened the moment I realized his target.
He slammed his palms down on their table, making the plates rattle. My teeth clenched on instinct. That arrogant posture, that smug tone—something in me snapped just watching him.
"Hey, Aika," he said, leaning in with a sleazy grin. "Come with me, and I'll make sure you're happy all the time. So what do you say?"
Before Aika could respond, the guy sitting beside her pushed his chair back and stood up. His face was set, voice firm.
"Stop it. Aika doesn't agree—and I won't allow it either."
"Hey, Conrad, cut it out. Don't start a fight—remember, we're in the Star Section." Aika's voice was calm but firm as she tugged on Conrad's sleeve, trying to pull him back.
Conrad scoffed, brushing her hand off. "Hah, come on, Aika. If you don't want to, then I'll just—"
Clang.
The sound of a spoon hitting an empty plate cut through the entire canteen like a gunshot. Conversations died instantly. Even Conrad froze mid-sentence, his eyes snapping toward the source.
It was us. Or rather—me.
I hadn't even bothered to look at him. Just dropped the spoon, stood up, and walked past their table as if he didn't even exist. Napoleon opened the door for us, and one by one, we stepped out into the hallway, leaving the tension behind like a shadow.
Only when we were clear of the canteen did George exhale, his grin tight but amused. "Good thing you restrained yourself, Kil."
"Yeah…" I muttered, my voice low, colder than I intended. "Because if I hadn't walked out of there, I might've killed him."
The air around us grew heavier. I could feel it—the quiet unease in my friends.
"You're terrifying sometimes, Kil," Miggy said, half-joking but his eyes serious.
George frowned, clicking his tongue. "What about Aika, huh? You'd really just walk away and let your crush suffer back there?"
I didn't answer. At least, not right away. My fists were tight, nails digging into my palms. Because George was right—I wanted to tear that bastard apart for even daring to touch her. But then…
We stopped. The door in front of us read: Principal's Office.
Miggy's face paled. "Wait. Don't tell me…"
"Yes," I said, cutting him off, my voice sharp. "You're right, Migs. If I get into another fight, I'll definitely get expelled. So this is the only option left."
I raised my hand and knocked. The door opened with a faint creak, and I stepped inside.
"Good morning, Ma'am Principal," I greeted politely, forcing a small smile.
Her eyes narrowed the moment she saw me. "Mr. Whitlock… how may I help you this time? Don't tell me you've gotten into another fight already, Kil?"
I shook my head. "Not this time, Ma'am. There's trouble in the canteen. A muscular guy, probably from Class 4, fourth years like me. He was harassing Aika Evergarden and causing a scene."
Her expression turned serious, but I was already turning to the door, hand on the knob.
"Please hurry, Ma'am. The situation might get worse if you don't," I said, letting a faint smile linger before stepping out.
Because if she didn't… I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back.