Unreciprocated Feelings Between Me And You

chapter | s i x

six | salons and apartments

LUNCH HAS JUST finished and it was more fun than I imagined. No one would suspect that we were talking about anything serious beforehand because all that followed were strings of jokes and insults that had me chortling continuously. I think I enjoyed it even more though because no one dared to make me their target of entertainment.

I'm laughing at Jaxon's story about one of Dexter's stupid moments when Arrows suddenly pushes us forward harshly. What the heck is happening?

"Dude, what the—"

Maddox doesn't get to finish sentence because Arrows proceeds to push us. "I just saw Sir Nikolas. Get moving!"

"I-I don't understand," I stutter as I try to regain my balance. I almost fell on my butt! Tsk, heels. They're a beauty but what a danger. "You never cared about being late."

"Yeah," Arrows releases a short breath. "But this is different 'cause you're with us and we don't want you to get in trouble."

I feel my lips twitch upwards into a smile, secretly pleased that they're trying to protect me. It's a small gesture, almost playful in a way, but it makes me feel cared for—and it's a good way to feel. I just don't like admitting it to myself because I don't want to seem self-absorbed.

"All right then," I say, doing my best to make my voice sound casual. I then head straight towards our class without any intention of looking back at them. "Let's go."

Clementia and Blaire are busy talking to each other when I approach my seat but the latter spares me a glance when she sees me. Being civil, I send Blaire a smile which makes her eyes widen, seemingly not expecting the gesture. When she eventually recovers from her initial surprise, she returns a small smile to me.

The boys aren't the best at giving advice but that doesn't mean they can't be enlightening with their words. With that said, I realize they're correct. Clementia, Blaire, and I—we're still best friends; and I think it's time for me to act like it.

I open my mouth to start a conversation but before a word could escape, Sir Nikolas strides inside the room with a big smile on his face.

"All right, guys, settle down," he says as he drops his things on his desk located at the left corner in front. "I have an important announcement to make."

I comfortably lean my back on the chair and cross my arms as I lock my gaze on Sir Nikolas who is now standing in front of his desk, his palms tightly grasping the edges of the table.

"Introductions have been said and done and it's time to discuss institute clubs and organizations," he begins and I find myself unconsciously nodding to what he's saying. "The first official meeting of your chosen association will be held this coming Friday so for those who need to bring extra clothes, please bring extra clothes. No one wants to see any of you walking around, looking all sweaty with bad body odor following you. Not only is it unattractive, it's also unhygienic, you guys.

"As you already know, those clubs that focus on performing arts hold auditions along with the institute paper organization so as early as now, I send you all my good luck. If there are some aspects of your association that you still don't understand, there's no need to worry because your moderators will be there to discuss what club or organization exactly it is you're signing up for as well as the tasks that will soon follow.

"For those students who want to join The Vanguard Chronicles, you must stay here tomorrow up to five after dismissal. Friday will not be used to hold auditions or try-outs because TVC will use that day for other purposes. If you won't be able to attend tomorrow, you still have a chance to attend on Tuesday. For those interested in joining, please approach me before this day ends because I need to give you a permission slip your parents or guardians are required to sign. Since we won't be able to work with the assigned school schedule, this is the necessary action taken to ensure your safety. You can submit your permission slip to me before classes start tomorrow because I'm the assigned moderator for The Vanguard Chronicles. Just look for me in the faculty lounge.