As fragile as flowers (Harith x Harley) 🐱🃏 (Hanahaki AU)

Chapter 14: Reality

Harley's pov

Lesley: Ready to go?

My sister said, handing my backpack over to me. Today, I'm going back to school. I've been away from it for the longest period possible, but I will catch up anyways. I just hope I wouldn't get any dark looks from others due to the fact I nearly destroyed Zlatan with a few others. Also, today is friday aka the last day of school for the week. I didn't see any point in coming here already, but I can't resist my temptations of wanting to go back. I really do miss this place. Angela already went to school last week, but I haven't heard any news about her since.

I wonder how she is doing. I mean, she is probably facing a hard time in school since she was one of the few people who suddenly attacked Zlatan. She isn't the only one here who did so. I too am to blame. I just hope nobody would be mean to me and I hope they see that I wasn't really bad. That I was actually brainwashed and that they would understand I didn't mean any harm. I then glanced at my sister and smiled weakly.

Harley: Yeah...

And she opened the door. I got off and took a deep breath. I'll be alright...I'll be alright. I'm sure of it. I will be alright... I kept telling myself. I began to walk to the gates and I could see people pointing at me and muttering to each other. I got a feeling of dejà vu already. For some reason, I cannot find my friends during the ride here. Perhaps they have gone earlier than me, but that was odd. Usually they would be waiting outside for me and then catch a ride.

When I went inside, some party poppers exploded near me.

Harley: Gah! H-huh!?

And when I looked around, streamers came flying as a banner appeared saying: "Welcome back!" Teachers, students, and other staff members came rushing in and then bombarded me with questions and other statements like "Omg, you are safe!" "We heard what happened. We are so glad you survived." or "Mass murder! We were so scared!!!" And stuff like that.

Harley: E-eh...?

I was so confused since I thought they would've known about me being part of V.E.N.O.M. and try to avoid me or something for trying to conquer the world. Instead, they all began surrounding me as though I was one of the heroes that stopped V.E.N.O.M. What the heck happened while I was gone!?

I kept staring around, confused as people began to shake my hands and ask for autographs until they stopped thanks to the bell. Thank goodness for the bell... Well, the crowd went away sadly but I was grateful they did. It was too much. But something seemed to strike me as odd. Where were my friends? They were not here a while ago. I didn't see them in the crowd. That got me worried.

They knew about me being a part of V.E.N.O.M. Are they avoiding me or something? Do they not want to be my friends anymore!? Perhaps they just didn't want to be friends with some...some...villain! Perhaps that is it. They wouldn't like me anymore after what I did. Mom and dad won't even either...I-

Harith: Harley!

Such a familiar voice called out to me. I turned around and saw Harith rushing towards me. I wonder what he wants...

Harith: There you are!
Harley: Harith?

He stopped and began to take a breath.

Harith: Sorry about that, but come on! Everyone is having a full-week celebration.
Harley: Oh I see...

And my negative thoughts slowly began to die down. Though there was one thing still stuck on my mind. Why were my classmates not informed on what actually happened in Zlatan? Let alone, the whole school.

Harith: Harley?
Harley: Huh?
Harith: You have seemed to space out there.
Harley: Oh...

That was embarrassing! Especially when I'm literally alone with my crush right now...