𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

8

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

As I approach the looming school gates, my stomach twists into knots. The very thought of being surrounded by a sea of people, all pretending to be kind and compassionate, makes me sick. But I have no choice. I have to go to school.

I push my way through the throngs of students, avoiding eye contact and ignoring the whispers that follow in my wake.

I fucking hate everyone and their fake smiles and small talk.

I fucking hate everyone.

I don't know how it happened. Maybe it was my cold demeanor or my sharp tongue. But somehow, I've gained a reputation as the resident ice queen. And I'm perfectly fine with that. The less people get close, the better. It's easier this way-no friends to disappoint, no expectations to live up to.

But as much as I keep my walls high, there's something about this endless crowd that makes my skin crawl. I might act like I don't care, but the weight of all these eyes on me is suffocating.

But even with my tough exterior and intimidating presence, I had these three idiots waiting for me every day at school. They were the only ones who knew the real me, and as much as I tried to keep my distance, I respected them more than I let on.

As I walked toward our usual meeting spot, I spotted them leaning against the lockers, talking and laughing. They straightened up when they saw me, giving me a small, knowing nod.

"Hey, Anthea," they greeted in unison, their voices casual but with that familiar warmth.

I grunted in response, continuing my walk with my head held high, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed. Dong and Joss quickly caught up, falling in line beside me.

"What class do you have next?" Dong asked, his easygoing nature in stark contrast to my cold one.

"Calculus," I muttered, my voice flat and uninterested.

Joss whistled low, his eyes twinkling. "Going for that valedictorian spot, huh?"

I shrugged, not wanting to show I cared. They didn't need to know that part of me-the part that actually tried, the part that still held some small hope for the future.

We walked in silence for a bit, the sound of our footsteps the only noise in the hall. Then Eros, with his usual calm and caring voice, broke the quiet.

"How was your weekend, Anthea?" he asked, his tone not laced with fake concern like everyone else's. It was real.

I hesitated, knowing they were genuinely curious. "It was fine," I said, not wanting to reveal too much.

We reached the usual spot near the entrance, where we'd part ways for the day. But before I could walk off, Dong stopped me.

"Hey, Anthea," he started, a little hesitant, "we were thinking of hitting the movies this weekend. You wanna join?"

I paused for a moment. It was rare for them to ask. "Yeah, I can come," I said, offering a small smile, even if it wasn't a big one.

Dong's eyes lit up, and even Eros gave me a small, approving nod. I didn't need to admit it, but I respected them. They had a way of breaking through my walls, even when I didn't want them to.

As we walk to our first class, I try to tune them out, but their voices are a comforting background noise. They talk about the usual, random stuff, but it's soothing in a way.

But my mind's not really on them or anything else. Ever since I found out my parents were gone, nothing has felt real. School didn't even cross my mind. For months, I was just... existing.