CRUEL

CRUEL|TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CRUEL

[SEASON TWO]

!WARNING! VIOLENCE!

you have been warned.

Sung rode his moped in front of the group, just like he usually did with Vinny. "Should we speed up a bit?" Sung asked Vinny, who nodded in agreement. "Go Ahead."

Arezou's gaze remained fixed on her brother's back, riding behind him with a stillness that belied the turbulence within her. Her eyes flickered to Jay's face, noting the unusual expression he wore. 

She held her tongue, keeping her emotions restrained as always. She redirected her focus forward, but Shelly and Tea, sensing the tension, exchanged puzzled glances, silently wondering about the undercurrents they couldn't quite grasp.

Tea leaned toward Jay, attempting to break the ice, "Buddy, you alright? You look like shit since we left school..."He intentionally ignored the tension in Arezou's posture, but before he could delve further, Jay surged ahead with newfound energy, overtaking Sung.

"What the fuck?! What's gotten into him?" Sung exclaimed, taken by surprise. "Hey! Wait up!" Dom called after Jay, concerned for his friend's sudden behavior. Arezou remained silent, only blinking at Jay without displaying any emotion. She matched her pace with her brother's, the worry in his eyes directed her way going unnoticed.

As the group concluded their ride, Arezou didn't linger long. She slumped onto a bench, running her fingers through her hair in a half-hearted attempt to untangle her thoughts. Her piercings provided a subtle grounding, a reminder of something familiar amidst the emotional turmoil.

 "Feel better now? Let's go get something to eat! I'm starving!" she heard her brother ask the boy. "How about some chicken?" Shelly asked loudly. Arezou's attention was drawn to Jay's movements as he began to gather his belongings, readying himself to depart. 

"Sorry. I have to go earlier today." he announced, leaving the group behind. Arezou held back a scoff, not buying into his words. Shelly noticed her grim expression and arched an eyebrow in her direction.

"What's up with him today?" Vinny asked, genuinely puzzled. Dom shrugged, his confusion mirroring Vinny's. "I don't know. Maybe he got his ass handed to him at the staffroom earlier today." Dom ventured, unaware of the truth. Tea, however, had a hunch about what was going on. "Just let him. I will check on him after the chicken." He promised.

"Shouldn't you do it now?"  Shelly inquired with a knowing look, her gaze briefly locking onto Arezou.

"But the chicken!" Tea whine, torn between concern for Jay and his appetite for chicken.

Sung, meanwhile, returned with the drinks, diverting their attention from the situation. The others delved into their chicken feast, but Arezou abstained, laying her head on the bench, letting the wind's gentle caress soothe her skin. The breeze worked its magic on her tensed muscles, providing respite from the turmoil within. Her gaze remained lowered, but she turned her head slightly, her eyes focused yet distant. She stared blankly at the spot Jay had occupied moments ago, her expression devoid of emotion, not meeting Shelly's probing gaze.

Shelly was no fool. It was evident to her that Arezou harbored feelings for Jay, the boy with glasses. Even though Shelly struggled to grasp what was so captivating about him, she observed his interactions with Arezou—the way he spoke to her, the careful attention he paid to her. It stirred a potent mix of frustration and jealousy within her. It was difficult to comprehend why Arezou still held an interest in Jay, despite his callous behavior. Shelly's own feelings toward Arezou weren't quite love, but they lingered somewhere in the vicinity. She was certain that her feelings ran deeper than friendship, and this gnawed at her.