Asclepius

VIII.

Yo. Got real busy lately, so yeah. I shall not raise a shield in my defense!

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It had been two days since 'no helmet week' had started, and one boy did not like it one bit.

Yes. That boy was none other than Isen. Well, there's one other confirmed, but SCREW IT! There's no way that... that damned casanova didn't like it! 

What kind of school boy dislike the idea of having attentions from opposite gender? The well-developed seniors frequently mentioned his name, the beauties from their year actively talked about him, while the cute juniors--

The teenage boy grimaced to the unfairness of it all, just like many other boys who yearned for a romantic school life. He remembered the cute first year member of Wellston Weekly who had approached him, only to have his heart shredded when she asked him whether he's friend with John.

This... this is outrageous, this is unfair!

He should be happy for his pal, he truly should. But, at this very moment, all Isen felt was gnawing envy. How could he not? Dude just went to school and snagged 'em all for himself, unintentionally no less. What did John has that he has not? Boy got all the praise while he--

"Isen? You mean that brute our John saved?"

"Oi, what's wrong?" Blyke worriedly call from a neighbouring table, his voice low to not garner attention. "You okay man?"

"I-I'm fine."

"Dude," the redhead spoke in disbelief. "You are crying."

He refused to sniffle, using his hands to remove the unmanliness from himself. Stupid Blyke, must he pointed it out so blatantly? Whatever good reputation he had left was at risk here! Brute was bad enough, but crybaby would be much, much worse. 

It was a mistake. He shouldn't have agreed with that silly bet. No matter how delicious that free carton of milk was, it's just not worth it.

It's fine, he desperately tried to convince himself. Everyone will lose interest sooner than later. One week and everything will be normal.

Fortunately, no one in the English class paid attention to him. Most of them set their eyes to the  presentation from the last pair, to him. The teach showered them with praise as always, and the class for the day had officially ended. 

But, a traitorous snake came from the bottom of his heart. What if John doesn't take back his helmet? What if it's just a front to hide his sly machination for a harem?

Like a lightning, it struck. Everything was clear now. John used that helmet to hide his true appearance so that everyone would look at his warm and naive personality instead. After people bought it out, he went in for the kill.

And Remi had given John the subtlest of reasons, through a silly bet.

No! He shut his eyes. What was he thinking? John isn't like that! There's no way he would--

He had effortlessly charmed her, had he not? That sweet and delicate pinkette?

"Seriously," it was Blyke again, his table cleared and his backpack worn. "What's messing with you?"  

"Shaddap."

"No," answered Blyke sternly. From crying to frowning? That's not normal. "You've been off for two days now. Either you spill, or I team up with Remi."

He turned his face towards the boy, intending to tell him to cut it out, but he stopped halfway where a pair still lingered inside the classroom, having a friendly chat with eachother.