ALICE's POV
Breakfast was over, but I was still pissed. Seriously, that crazy guy better not talk to me all the way to school. Hmph! What happened earlier was so embarrassing!
"Mom, we're heading out," I said, giving Mom a quick kiss on the cheek.
Out of the corner of my eye, I glared at Bryle—just enough to make sure he knew I was still mad. He didn't say a word; he just stood there with that serious face, honestly, looked a little scary.
I walked ahead, out the gate, and started toward school. It wasn't that far anyway—just a few blocks—and it was still early. Walking would do me good. Maybe I could walk off this irritation, too.
I could hear Bryle's footsteps behind me. He was just... quiet. Not a word.
What's his problem? Is this abnormal guy not planning to speak at all? He's been serious for a while now. Should I ask him something?
No, no, no. He's the one who barged into your room, so you're the one who's supposed to be mad, Alice. No soft side.
But then again... what if he's mad at me, too? Ugh! Stop it, Alice! Focus!
"Bryle," I called out before I could stop myself.
"Alice," he said at the exact same time.
We both froze. Oh no. Did that really just happen?
Seriously, Alice?! I thought we were in "attitude mode." Why were you the first one to call him?! I mentally facepalmed.
"W-what is it, Bryle?" I asked, turning around slowly. My voice came out softer than I wanted—great, now I sounded shy.
"Ah, you go first," he said, rubbing the back of his neck and glancing around like he was looking for something.
"Uhm... o-okay..." I stammered. "Later, don't wait for me after class, okay?"
I turned away quickly, pretending to study the sidewalk even though my face felt like it was on fire.
"Why? Tita said I can't go home without you," he replied, his tone firm—typical Bryle, following every rule my mom gave him.
"Just go home first or hang out with your friends," I said. "I'll explain everything to Mom later. I'm helping Kianna with her homework."
He hesitated, then finally nodded. "Hmm... okay."
Wow. That was easier than I expected. Usually, he'd interrogate me like some detective before agreeing to anything.
"Anyway, what were you going to say earlier?" I asked, half-curious.
He grinned a little. "Nothing. I just wanted to call your name."
I rolled my eyes. "Seriously? You're so annoying!"
He laughed softly. And for a moment—just a moment—I forgot I was mad.
By the time we reached school, we had to part ways since we were in different buildings.
"Bye!" I said, waving as casually as I could.
"Bye, Alice," he said back, flashing that easy grin before his friends came up to him.
I turned away and walked toward my classroom, suddenly feeling that heavy, familiar silence again. Everyone seemed to stare as I passed by. Whispering. Giggling. Judging.
It always felt like that whenever Bryle wasn't around—like the air itself got heavier. We'd known each other since we were kids. Our parents were close friends, and Bryle... he was always the one who stood up for me. Every time someone bullied me, he'd appear like my own personal superhero.
He was that guy—good-looking, talented, charming. The kind everyone in school noticed. And the kind every girl wanted. Which was exactly why a lot of them hated me. They thought we were dating. We weren't. We never were.
Bryle is like a big brother to me—overprotective and bossy, but someone I trust with everything. Even my secret—the one about my boyfriend. No one else knows, not even Kianna.
"Hi, bestie! Good morning!" Kianna suddenly appeared in front of me with her usual grin.
"Ahh—g-good morning, Bess," I said, finally smiling a little as I dropped my bag on my seat.
"Bess!" she said in that tone that always meant she wanted something.
I sighed. "What is it this time?"
"Just a favor!" she said, giving me her signature puppy eyes.
Here we go again. "Let me guess—notes?"
"Let me copy your English notes, pleaseee!" she laughed.
I groaned. "I knew it."
"Promise, I'll be fast! I just forgot to do it last night, I swear."
"Fine." I handed her my notebook.
"Yay! Thank you, Bess! You really are the best. Let me kiss you, mwah—" She leaned in, and I immediately pushed her face away.
"Stop it, you crazy girl!" I laughed despite myself.
Kianna started copying while I sat by the window, letting my eyes wander outside. The kindergarten playground on the other side of the fence looked so peaceful.
But then—
"Alice... whatever happens, just run. Don't look back. Save yourself."
My breath hitched. That voice again. It was the same one from my dream.
Who are you? Why do you keep showing up? And why does it feel like... I should remember you?
"Okay, students! Get back to your seats properly!" Mr. Danny, our teacher, entered the room.
I didn't move. My eyes stayed glued to the window.
"ALICE!" he called. I heard him, but I couldn't move—not really. My mind was miles away, replaying the dream over and over.
"Hey, Bess!" Kianna hissed, nudging me. Still no response.
"ALICE! SIR IS CALLING YOU!" she said louder, smacking my shoulder lightly.
"Huh? P-PRESENT, SIR!" I blurted out, standing up so fast my chair screeched against the floor.
The room burst into laughter.
"See? Still the same weirdo!"
"She's always staring out that window."
"If there's a contest for zoning out, she's already won!"
The whispers stung—like they always did. My cheeks burned, and I wanted to disappear.
"Class, quiet!" Mr. Danny snapped. "You're here to learn good manners, not to humiliate someone!"
Everyone went silent. I bowed my head, my heart pounding.
"Deep thoughts again, Alice?" he said, his voice softer now.
"S-sorry, sir," I mumbled.
"It's okay. But next time, try not to get lost in your thoughts too much. Maybe move up front, beside Kianna. Matheo, switch seats with her."
Matheo groaned quietly but did as he was told. I gathered my things and moved.
"Alright, Alice," Sir said. "Explain your project from yesterday. After that, we'll have everyone present one by one."
I stood up, took a deep breath, and walked to the front.
"Go, Bess!" Kianna whispered encouragingly.
I smiled faintly. My hands still trembled a little—not because of stage fright... but because somewhere deep inside, I could still hear that voice whispering my name.
"Alice..."