Peace is a fragile thing

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣: 𝙖𝙘𝙩 3

I could feel Polli’s anxiety from Ashley's disappointment.

‘Good going, bodysnatcher!’ she lightly sneered, ‘because you neglected to get her order, she is going to be without a drink for cheerleading practice!’

I sighed again, rolling my eyes after Ashley had left. ‘She will live, this highschool has a vending machine, there's some schools that don't have that privilege.’

‘Nasty soda and energy drinks are in there!’

‘Then she can get water…? That's more appropriate than coffee.’

‘How dare you!? She’s a hunter, hunters have enhanced strength, speed, and agility, they won't be easily slowed down by such things! That's why she's a cheer captain!’

I was trying so hard not to roll my eyes back into my socket. ‘Uh, how is this not cheating? Her abilities give her an unfair advantage.’

‘Because other hunters are cheer captains too!’

Figures… I thought to myself and walked inside the school.

_____

I had to be cautious about who I might bump into, they end up being a significant character from before.

I sat down in a mostly empty classroom, likely the rest of the class was present, they just didn't come in yet, My attention shifted to the female teacher at the front, observing as she took a piece of chalk in hand. The soft, rhythmic tapping sound filled the room as she began writing on the blackboard, each stroke methodical and precise, signaling the start of yet another school day unfolding in its usual, predictable manner.

Gently setting my bookbag at my feet, I allowed myself to savor the serene calm of the morning. Sunlight poured through the windows, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. The distant, melodic chirping of birds outside blended with the light, creating a moment of peace amidst the anticipation of the day ahead. It was a brief respite, a tranquil pocket in time before the classroom would buzz with the energy of arriving students.

Just before anyone came in through, I heard slight scribbling from behind, and curiosity had become, so I turned my head.

As I glanced around, amidst the familiar faces and morning routine, my gaze unexpectedly met with a pair of intense, yet surprisingly gentle, dark eyes.

“Hyunwoo…?” without thinking his name very quietly escaped my mouth.

Yes, the one who had long silky dark hair, delicate pale skin, and striking eyes.

In a realistic setting he was probably the most beautiful person I've ever seen up close.

It seemed more than just a coincidence; as my eyes met his, he held my gaze with an unwavering intensity. In that split second, he inadvertently dropped his pencil, and it rolled, coming to a stop by my feet, I swallowed heavily.

I reached down, retrieving the pencil with a fluid motion and extended it towards him. There was a momentary pause, a silent exchange as he slowly reached out to take it back.

“Tha…” I saw his lips move, a soft sound came fourth, “Thank you-”

*RING* whatever he said was washed out by the bell ringing and Ashley coming into the homeroom.

‘Are you trying to ruin my life!?’ Polli snapped back and immediately moved her head away from the future tragic villain, ‘You must be an agent sent to ruin my life! Don't talk to that loser! Ashley is here!’

‘loser…!?’ the couldn't keep composure, how could she think that, how could anyone think that someone as beautiful as him is a—

“Ashley, I'm so sorry I promise I'll give you the mocha latte next time-” 

As Polli worshiped Ashley, I groaned as this possibly wasn't in character for Polli from his perspective, or — that's just a guess really, but I couldn't turn as Polli had gotten control back, but I felt like he was still staring for some reason…

But regardless of looks, I wonder why they decided to target Hyunwoo so much. I could buy him being the quiet kid or loner, but definitely not a target for bullying.

_____

I looked at the schedule, after homeroom was English, math, history, science, P.E, lunch break, and Spanish, so this was a chance to mentally note everything, including who was in class with me or any openings.

I had to mentally note everything because I definitely didn't trust Polli information at the moment, I was basically a glorified babysitter at this point.

‘I hate math, switch over.’ I snorted at her giving her place so easily when it was something she wasn't interested in, but barely anyone liked math so it was understandable, but still I need to get things straight.

‘Say, Polli, why are you not keen on…the long haired fellow…?’ I couldn't say his name outright, I don't even think Polli remembered Hyunwoo's name, so it would be more suspicious to her.

‘Anyone Ashley and Jace don't approve of isn't good news to begin with.’

Yeah, listen to the two people who see you as an expendable, foolish little girl. I just had to laugh that she was so ready to listen to their opinions. ‘Okay so what’s the reason?’

‘I haven't heard any, but it doesn't matter!’

Oh my God… I wanted to bang my head against the wall, no wonder you were used as bait, you jumped off when they told you to.

I walked into math, but the difference is that the bell rang immediately after.

‘ah—’ I heard a melodic sigh from Polli as I sat down, I looked out the hallway to see a tall handsome young man with blonde hair, that must've been Jace.

He wasn't nearly as beautiful as Hyunwoo, but definitely his own brand of handsomeness was undeniable, a fact clearly not lost on the numerous girls who harbored crushes on him. Jace was a year older, which naturally meant our paths wouldn't cross in the confines of a classroom setting. 

However, school events and after-school activities frequently put us in the same orbit, occasions that, more often than not, included Ashley and other mutual acquaintances.

I cringed though, it's not like [name] Politon would be anything important to him though, his relationship with Ashley was a little complicated with subtle rivalry, but they absolutely did have feelings for eachother, to a toxic extent, but definitely romantic feelings.

That's probably why Ashley didn't really care for Polli all that much or why her and Jace had occasionally made a fool of her despite using her, she was just another orbiter to them, just a useful one.

I looked forward to the board since class had already started, the male teacher had closed the door, so I didn't have the displeasure of seeing the slithering snake. “Alright class, let's get started on introductions….”