✓ | The Esoteric Mismatched [D-Archives]

Chapter 11: Little Mischief

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THE TENSION earlier did not subside. It grew into a more vicious and terrifying sensation.

I can feel the cold even though there is no air con inside the waiting room. The way Klaus and Jared showed a silent staring contest, none broke the momentum for the next minutes.

Two different individuals but share the same personality: mysterious. Hindi ko kilala si Jared Hughman dahil hindi naman ako namamalagi sa main campus, at sa daming college student doon, bihira lamang na nakasalubong ko ang taong katulad niya.

I can sense his calmness despite the peril we are feeling inside here. Aside from that, Klaus' happy face is terrifying. Hindi ako sanay sa nakaplaster na ngiti sa mukha niya na parang may binabalak na masama. Siniko ko ito dahil binabaon na kami ng katahimikan.

"I never knew we'd be meeting again, Hughman."

"Likewise, Sandoval. Kanina ko pa napapansin na mukhang hindi pa rin humuhupa ang galit mo sa akin."

"Galit? No, Jared. I do not feel that kind of emotion right now. Gusto ko lang tapusin ang gulong ito bago kita pagtuunan ng pansin."

"Sinasabi mo na rin na wala akong kasalanan," Jared spoke in a low tone.

"But you are here as a witness to their crime," Klaus uttered, giving us a huge cold water.

Nanlaki ang mga mata akong nakatingin sa dalawang taong kasama sa suspect list. Natuun ang atensyon ko sa mukha ni Gia. She's showing fear, she's terrified, and she is in pain. That expression she had been expressing ever since made me think she was just mourning.

But, give room for doubt. That phrase always bangs my head.

"Mr. Mendez and Ms. Duez, you are arrested for the death of Gino San Isidro. You have the right to remain silent, the right to have an attorney and if none, we will appoint for each one of you." Senior Inspector Brillantes walked towards their direction. But, before he could grab the hands of Jayson Mendez, he took a step back.

"Anong pinagsasabi ninyo! We did not kill him! Indeed, nasa science laboratory kami nung araw na iyon, pero hindi ako pumasok at lumabas si Gia-"

"Unfortunately, Mr. Mendez. Gasgas na ang mga galawan na 'yan. Sa simula pa lang, nakakapanghinala ang sinabi ni Miss Duez sa pulisya, at dahil hindi naman kayo na paghihiwalay, maaring ginawa ninyo ang krimen ng magkasama."

"You're accusing us without evidence-"

"Evidence? Hindi na kailangan, may dalawa kaming witness para idiin ka," biglaang sumingit si Klaus sa usapan. Nanatili akong tahimik dahil sa tensyon. I can feel how heavy the air is. Katabi ko si Klaus pero ramdam ko na parang ang layo niya. "Actually, you are the one who killed your own friend. Sinama mo lang sa krimen ang nobya mo kaya siya damay."

"What proof do you have!?" giit ng binata sa mga paratang sa kaniya.

"The proof lies in your mouth, Jayson. Your alibi was proven when Henry saw you, but it doesn't change the fact that you just estimated his departure and arrival para sumakto sa plano mo," Jared said as his arms crossed, standing and looking at the other man. "When you made sure nakita ka na ni Henry, tumakbo ka papuntang second floor, of course, nag-uusap na ang girlfriend mo at ang ex niya. Hindi maipagkakaila na nasa loob ka rin ng science lab bago siya mamatay."

I was amazed. Jared knew that.

"Nangunguha ka na naman ng spotlight, Hughman," inis na wika ni Klaus habang nakakrus ang mga braso. Magkaparehong-pareho talaga ang galawan ng dalawang ito. "Anyway, wala tayong ebidensya na nasa loob ka nga ng science lab kung saan naroon si Gino, pero pwede naman natin tanungin ang nobya mo, hindi ba, Gia?" She avoided her eyes and lowered her head when Klaus uttered.