The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 20

THERE GOES ALASDAIR AGAIN. He's staring at me as though he knows everything about me. Maybe he does. God, could someone please tell him it is rude to stare at people?

Soon, he focuses on the board, but I can feel that he's going to talk to me later.

Goddamn, Declan. I didn't expect him to react that way. And what did he mean when he said he thought Eien was dead? The kid is pretty much alive! Eien, however, has always been vague about his past.

If Eien was indeed dead at the time, does this mean that, in addition to aerokinesis, he can also resurrect himself? Or maybe Declan got it wrong, and Eien had resuscitated himself. The kid has an incredible healing ability.

Miss Aida summarises our lessons, so Noritaka and I can catch up. Aside from her perfect body—bob hair, small nose, nice knockers, thin lips, big hips—she's also kind.

I didn't sign up for this drama, so to distract myself, I gingerly examine Miss Aida's back. It's my favourite part of hers. If Eien were here, he'd tell me how rude it is to—Oh man. Stop thinking about that boy when you're studying a woman's bottom! What's wrong with you?

This blows. I can't even allow myself to enjoy a woman's body. And a woman's body is art!

I can't concentrate on anything. What-ifs and hows fill my mind.

I eventually give up and let the day take its course.

* * * * *

Declan has missed half of our history class. Of course, Jake has to comment, 'I didn't know we were allowed to be late today!' No one laughs at his poor joke as Declan closes the door with a loud bang.

'Sorry, Aida-sensei. I wasn't feeling well.' At least he isn't lying.

'Oh, no. Do you have any allergies we're not aware of?' Her question doesn't sound like a jab to me, but Jake snickers nonetheless.

Declan shakes his head. 'No, Aida-sensei. I don't think so,' he answers, and to my surprise, he glances sharply. I look at everyone, trying to figure out if that glare is meant for me. Unfortunately, it is for me.

'Give me a break,' I mutter. I've got no idea what Declan's deal is, but I can't allow Declan to accuse me of something I didn't do. Whatever that is. So I glare back. Harder.

Declan ignores me as he slides back to his chair.

* * * * *

Every day, at least five students are assigned to clean the classroom.

There's no tight schedule, so we always have to wait for who it's going to be. Now, I don't like cleaning, but I pray I'll be assigned today, and the rest of these weirdos will have to leave me soon.

As soon as the last teacher has exited, Fumihiro fishes out his list of cleaners for the day. I cross my fingers, hoping for my name to be called.

Before he could announce the names, though, Alasdair snatches the list from him and says, 'Noritaka, Watanabe, Anderson, Yamato, and Evans," before pushing the paper to Fumihiro's chest.

A loud 'What?' slips from my lips. That is too convenient!

'Yes? Is there any problem, Mister Evans?' Alasdair folds his arms. Mister Evans. He only calls me that when he's in his business mode. I grit my teeth and then shake my head. Who am I kidding? Of course, they will not let me escape.

As the rest of the students scurry out of the room, the tension in the air is palpable.The girls wave their goodbyes. Usually, I wave back with a smile, causing them to giggle. But not today. I'm not in the mood.