Frances stepped out of the classroom and paused for a moment. She drew in a deep breath, her expression unreadable, her face as composed as ever.
But then, without warning, she broke into a run-her footsteps echoing through the hallway as she passed clusters of students.
Then, she saw him.
Achylys.
Just the sight of him made her stomach twist. She couldn't bear it, his presence, the memory of her silence earlier, the way he'd cornered her with just a few words.
She, Frances Song, who always had the upper hand. "helpless"? It was infuriating. She picked up her pace, her steps quickening with every heartbeat.
And just when she was about to catch up to him-when she could almost reach out and grab his sleeve…
Achylys suddenly slowed down. His steps hesitated, like something had brushed against his awareness-a shift in the air, a presence. That strange, invisible pull.
He turned his head over his shoulder, brows slightly drawn.
But behind him… nothing. Just students passing by, busy with their own lives.
His eyes scanned the hallway, lingering for a moment, uncertain.
Then, shaking off the unease, he turned forward again and continued walking.
Just a few feet away, tucked beside a trash bin, Frances stood with her back pressed against the wall. Her breath hitched. Her expression was caught between panic and disbelief, like someone on the brink of being exposed. Her heart pounded violently in her chest.
"What's wrong with you?" she muttered under her breath, pressing a hand to her chest.
Discomfort twisted her face, as she replayed the moment in her head. Flustered, she gave the nearby trash bin a swift kick, as if it were to blame for her humiliation.
"Ugh! You jerk!"
….….
The next day.
The campus comes alive with the slow arrival of students. Among them is Nathan Asmodeus, A 19yo striking foreign-looking man with yellowish hair catches the attention of everyone. He exudes an air off coolness and confidence as he walk trough the hallways, drawing admiring glances.
"Wow, is he a freshman? He's really handsome," murmurs a group of girls, their eyes following him in awe.
But just as he seems untouchable, his moment of effortless charm crumbles-he trips over his own feet and crashes onto the floor with a resounding thud!. The hallway erupts in laughter.
"Hahaha! What a loser! Who trips by themselves?"
"Too bad, he looks fine but he's so clumsy!" voices chime in mockingly.
Nathan, who is socially awkward and has always struggled to fit in, absorbs every bit of ridicule. Embarrassed, he quickly picks himself up and hurries away, his face burning with humiliation.
…..
SLAM!
"Hey! What's going on in there? Open up!" a teacher shouts, pounding on the locked bathroom door.
Inside, five students stand cornered, their faces pale with fear. Opposite them is Sabio Beelzebub, (A short, cholo-looking man with a sharp glare). His fists are clenched, his stance unwavering.
"So," Sabio says, cracking his knuckles. "Which one of you geniuses thought messing with girls on campus was a great idea?"
The students gulp. Sabio, self-proclaimed protector of women and justice, is not someone you want to annoy.
"Looks like you guys need some extra lesson."
A few minutes later, Sabio drags them to the guidance office, dropping them off like a delivery package.
"Here, take these," he tells the staff.
The teacher glares at him. "Why was the bathroom door locked?"
Sabio shrugs. "No idea. We were just having a friendly chat."
The terrified students flinch at the word "chat."
The teacher sighs but lets him off the hook as the victims arrive to file their complaints.
Sabio stretches, yawning. "Man, what a hassle. I'm already late for class."
Sabio sprints across the campus, weaving through students.
As he nears his classroom, he notices someone hesitating by the door-Nathan. The class has already begun, and Nathan, too shy to step in, nervously lingers outside, trying to sneak in unnoticed.
Curious, Sabio creeps up behind him and suddenly tugs his shoulder. "Hey, what are you doing?"
Startled, Nathan jumps in fright and, in his panic, stumbles forward, bursting into the classroom.
The teacher and students pause, momentarily stunned by the sudden entrance.
"Oops, my bad," Sabio says with an awkward grin.
The teacher crosses his arms. "You two-what are you doing?"
Nathan, still flustered, quickly bows his head. "S-Sorry, sir… I'm late."
Sabio scratches his head and explains his delay. Since it's the first day, the teacher lets them off with a warning.
"That concludes our orientation. You're all dis-missed," the teacher announces.
Nathan walks quietly, clutching his bag. He avoids eye contact, and takes a shortcut around the older building to avoid the crowds.
But just as he turns the corner-
"Hey, blondie!"
A rough voice echoes.
Three senior students block his path, all wearing smug grins and trouble in their eyes.
"Look at this guy. Thinks he's cool just 'cause he's got pretty-boy hair."
"He's probably rich too. Look at that face- foreign, huh? Must think he's better than us."
"Hey, new guy. Got some money? You know, a 'welcome tax.'"
Nathan stiffens. "I… I don't want trouble."
One of them shoves him lightly against the wall. "Then hand it over."
"Or do you want us to dye that yellow mop of yours with your own blood?"
The others laugh.
Suddenly-
THWACK!
One of the seniors goes down clutching his gut.
Sabio stands there, lowering his fist without a shred of hesitation.
The group freezes. Shocked.
"Pick someone your size," Sabio mutters coolly.
One of the bully lets out a dry laugh. "Your size? Bro, how tall are you, five-two?"
Laughter erupts, but Sabio doesn't even flinch.
His eyes stay locked on them-sharp, fearless, and bored.
"Laugh while you still have teeth."
That shuts them up.
"Unless you wanna crawl to the nurse like your friend here," Sabio adds, nodding at the groaning one on the floor.
It's enough. A teacher might see us, The two others curse under their breath and bolt, dragging their buddy along.
Silence falls.
Nathan exhales shakily, still backed against the wall.
"T-Thank you…"
Sabio turns slowly, eyes scanning him like a problem he's trying to solve.
"What are you even doing here, ? Are you even a man? And you let people talk down to you like it's normal."
Nathan lowers his gaze.
"I didn't mean to be born looking like this," he mumbles.
"I didn't ask for any of it…"
Sabio scoffs. And shook his head slowly.
Nathan looks at him-hurt, but strangely drawn in.
Sabio turns to walk away, voice dropping with calm finality.
"If you keep acting like prey, don't be shocked when predators line up."
"W-Wait…!"
Sabio stopped, one hand in his pocket.
"What?"
Nathan hesitates, gripping the strap of his bag tightly.
"Can I… stick with you? I don't really know anyone here."
Sabio finally looks back, studying him.
A long pause.
Then, with a low chuckle, he says:
"Stick with me? I'm not your babysitter.
Nathan lowered his eyes, embarrassed.
But Sabio added, turning to walk ahead:
"…If you buy me food, I might let you hang around. I'm starving."
Nathan blinked.
Sabio smirked without looking back.