Unlucky: Luxury And a Lies

Chapter 10: I See You Staring, Perez' POV: You Need To Learn Some Manners

As I navigate the bustling school hallway, I can't help but chuckle at Minji's unexpected outfit choice. She's donned a tank top and jeans, a stark contrast to her usual wardrobe of jerseys and long shorts or more nerdy attire. Her face hidden in her hair, she growls at me, instructing me not to say a word.

I oblige, not wanting to further provoke her. The cacophony of the full hallway envelops us, and as I continue on my way, I spot James passing by. With a sly wink, I acknowledge him, leaving Minji bewildered.

"Why do you do that?" Minji questions, her curiosity getting the best of her.

I feign innocence, answering with a simple, "Huh?"

"Wink at him," she clarifies, her tone filled with intrigue. I wink at her playfully, eliciting a small smile from her.

"I won't tell," I tease, and she walks beside me. I shrug off my jersey, offering it to her. She gives me a grateful look and slips it on. The oversized jersey is unmistakably her style, and she seems content as she smiles and continues on her way.

I join my friends, eager to rejoin my people. "Hello, my people," I announce with a grin. Jack smiles at me, while Stephen playfully gasps and exclaims, "Muscles!" as he pokes my arm. I shoot him a concerned look but then decide to poke his arm, repeating his "muscles!" declaration. Sometimes you have to match his level of goofiness.

Amid the friendly banter, I catch James staring at me. I raise a brow, but he quickly averts his gaze, leaving me to wonder about the meaning behind his lingering look.

Class drones on, long and boring, with the professor eventually announcing, "I'm going to pair you up for this assignment." I inwardly groan, 'not the fucking popsicle sticks' dreading the moment when the dreaded popsicle sticks make their appearance. I put my hand to my head, already anticipating the randomness of the pairings.

The professor proceeds to call out the names as he selects popsicle sticks. "Perez and Jack," he announces, and I lift my head, feeling somewhat relieved. Not a bad pairing at all. I give Jack a high five as he beams.

He discreetly mouths, "Come over tonight?" and I respond by mouthing back, "If your house isn't a pigsty." Jack chuckles, shaking his head in response.

Class resumes, and I can't help but feel a sense of relief that I didn't end up paired with some jackass for the upcoming assignment.

-

"Yes, ma, he lives two blocks away," I respond into my phone. "O ni ile nla kan. Emi yoo ya awọn aworan," I whisper in our language to my mother, (He has a big house, I'll take pictures) and she laughs on the other end. "Okay, appreciate you, ma," I say before hanging up.

"Great, now can we go home?" James grumbles, clearly eager to leave.

Jack chuckles. "Yes, we can," he agrees, offering me an apologetic look. I nod as we make our way back to their house. Jack holds the door open, and I offer my thanks. James remains silent, marching straight up to his room.

The house is immaculately clean, but my comment about it is halted as I spot a maid passing by. I realize that they've likely never lifted a finger to clean up. "So, I'll get some snacks, and we'll get started?" Jack offers.

I nod and take a seat, still amazed at how spotless the place is. The same maid passes by once more, and I decide to acknowledge her. "Hey," I say, prompting her to stop. "Hello, sir. Can I help you?" she asks.

I furrow my brows slightly. "No, you're good. You can call me Perez, by the way," I reply. She nods and continues on her way. The wealthy sure live a different life.