The Fallen Angel

26.Doom

As whispers rippled through the classroom, accompanied by exclamations of "OMG, look at this," the atmosphere became increasingly noisy with chatter. Intrigued, I turned around, only to find that everyone was fixated on their phones, their attention completely absorbed by whatever had captured their interest on their screens. Caught in the midst of their collective fascination, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity about the source of the commotion.

Frustrated by the realization that my phone was dead, I shook it in disbelief. Recalling that Aria had borrowed my charger the night before, I sighed in resignation. Turning to Kylie, I tried to get her attention by gesturing with my fingers. "Kylie, what's happening?" I asked, hoping she could shed some light on the situation that had captivated everyone's attention.

As Kylie spoke, my heart sank at her words. She showed me her phone, and my worst fears were confirmed as I saw a picture of Adrian and Hazel together, apparently making out. The sight felt like a stab to my heart , a sharp pang of anguish pierced through you, manifesting as a physical ache in your chest. Your heart seemed to skip a beat before plummeting into a deep pit of despair

Ignoring Kylie's urgent call, I swiftly exited the classroom, my thoughts consumed by the shocking image burned into my mind. As I made my way through the corridors, the echo of Kylie's voice urging me to return to class drifted behind me, but I remained steadfast in my determination to confront Adrian. With each step, a tumultuous mix of emotions churned within me, propelling me forward until I reached the door of Adrian's classroom, where I hoped to find the answers I desperately sought.

As I saw them sitting so close, my anger flared, burning in my eyes. I couldn't contain it and rose from my seat, drawing the attention of the entire classroom. "Kiddo, why are you here?" His classmates inquired. Adrian's smile only fueled my frustration as he greeted me with a mumble of "Hello." My gaze shifted to Hazel, who met my eyes while gently tracing her fingers along Adrian's chest. It was a silent betrayal that spoke volumes.

I didn't return Adrian's smile, feeling consumed by frustration as I watched him revel in her touch. Without hesitation, I stormed into the classroom, determined to confront him. "We need to talk, Adrian," I asserted, my voice tinged with hurt and my lips quivering with emotion. But before I could continue, Hazel interjected, her interruption stinging with possessiveness. "You have nothing to talk about with my boyfriend," she declared, her words cutting deeper into my already wounded heart.

A chuckle escaped my lips as I heard her words. "I thought you guys broke up," I remarked, shaking my head slightly to mask my disappointment. Turning my gaze toward Adrian, I couldn't help but confront him directly. "Are you playing with me, Adrian?" I asked, pointing accusingly at him. Before the tension could escalate further, the teacher's interruption broke the moment. "Hazel, your parents are here," she announced. Hazel's excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "Meet my parents!" Adrian's dismissal was evident as he glanced at me and uttered, "Not now, maybe later."

Hazel persistently pulled at Adrian, urging him to join her with her parents. However, Adrian shrugged off her grasp, clearly agitated. "Leave me alone," he snapped, causing Hazel to recoil in embarrassment. Desperate to salvage the situation, she grasped his collar, reminding him of their plans. Adrian's demeanor softened slightly as he addressed me, "I'm sorry, Elle. I'm not playing with you, nor is she my girlfriend." The declaration echoed throughout the classroom, eliciting gasps from our classmates who whispered about the viral picture.

As Hazel's parents entered the classroom, calling out her name, she rushed to greet them with a hug. Rolling my eyes at the unfolding drama, I couldn't help but feel exasperated. Adrian approached me, attempting to explain, but I simply averted my gaze, refusing to engage. Hazel, oblivious to the tension, noticed Adrian standing beside me and introduced him to her mother, declaring, "Mom, remember Adrian? My boyfriend."

As Hazel's mother beckoned Adrian over with warm words, highlighting her daughter's admiration for him, I couldn't shake off the feeling of isolation engulfing me in the crowded classroom. Hurt and confusion welled up inside as I struggled to make sense of the situation. Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered Ero's hand reaching for my wrist until I heard him speak my name. "Ero," I whispered as he gently tugged me towards the exit, away from the overwhelming scene. Adrian's gaze lingered on us.

With a firm grip on my wrist, Ero guided me out of the classroom, swiftly leading me away from the chaotic scene and the overwhelming emotions brewing inside. Adrian's gaze followed us as we departed, leaving Hazel and her mother behind in the midst of their conversation.

As Ero led me to the school's backyard, curiosity and apprehension gnawed at me. "Where are you taking me?" I questioned as we pressed on. Suddenly, he stopped and turned to face me, his expression serious. "We need to talk," he declared before we found ourselves alone in the secluded tranquility of the backyard.

As we came to a halt, Ero's intense gaze bore into me, his dark scar a stark reminder of his mysterious past. "You knew something about me, don't you?" he queried, his tone laden with urgency. I instinctively took a step back as he advanced, feeling the weight of his presence pressing against me. "What are you?" he pressed further, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

As Ero closed in on me, my back pressed against the wall, I realized there was no way out. "You knew something about me that day?" he demanded, his intensity causing my voice to tremble with fear. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," I stammered, my words barely audible amidst the rising panic.

As Ero bombarded me with questions, I felt utterly bewildered and vulnerable. "Did Adrian tell you anything about me? How did I hear your voice out of nowhere? Did my father send you here?" His tone dripped with suspicion and desperation, causing tears to well up in my eyes as I grappled with his accusations. "Is this what you wanted to talk about?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion. "I don't know anything about what you're talking about, I'm serious," I pleaded earnestly, hoping he would see the truth behind my words amidst the chaos of his doubts.

As I sank down the wall and confessed my feelings, Ero's questioning halted abruptly, taken aback by my sincerity. "What?" he exclaimed, his confusion palpable. With a heavy sigh, I removed my hand from my face, allowing him to see the genuine concern in my eyes. "I missed you, and I've been worried about you since that day," I admitted softly, hoping to convey the depth of my emotions. Suddenly, Ero's demeanor shifted, and he grabbed my shoulders, slamming me against the wall. His accusation cut through the air like a knife. "Are you manipulating me?" he demanded, his gaze piercing into mine, searching for any sign of deceit.

Before I could finish my denial, Ero's hand crashed against the wall, causing the bricks to shatter into pieces. Shocked, I recoiled against the force of the impact, my breath catching in my throat.

"You—" Ero's voice trailed off as he stared at his bleeding hands in disbelief. Before he could continue, Adrian suddenly appeared, his presence adding to the tension in the air. "Why are you confused?" Adrian questioned, his tone laced with concern. "Why don't you ask your father directly?" His words hung in the air, leaving me with a sinking feeling.