༒𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓑𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰༒

𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘺 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘰𝘯

Earlier that morning, William was walking calmly around the hallways going to class when he suddenly heard the footsteps of three persons behind him. He turned back, but it looked like he reacted too slowly because he felt that someone already punched him softly in the chest. The punch didn't hurt him though, but he could notice by that that he was about to get in trouble.

William spun around quickly, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The hallway was crowded, but he could easily spot the three figures behind him. Marco and his two friends, Tom and Derek. They were laughing, as if they'd just shared a private joke at William's expense.

-Hey, Will -Marco called out, smirking. -Did you forget about our little arrangement?

William sighed. He knew what Marco was referring to an 'arrangement' that involved doing favors for him and his friends. It was a one-sided deal, with William doing the work while Marco got the credit. Lately, Marco's requests had grown more demanding, and his tone had taken on a menacing edge.

-I don't have time today, Marco -William replied, trying to keep his voice steady. -I've got a lot on my plate.

Tom and Derek snickered, egging Marco on. 

-C'mon, man, it's not like we're asking for much -Marco said, stepping closer to William. -Just a little help with some homework. Or, you know, maybe you could talk to Mr. Thompson about my last test score. I think he might've made a mistake.

William clenched his fists in frustration. He was tired of being Marco's lackey, but he knew standing up to him could have consequences. Marco was influential, and his friends had a way of making life difficult for anyone who crossed him.

-Listen, Marco, I really can't today -William said, trying to sound firm. -Maybe another time.

Marco's grin faded, replaced by a cold stare. 

-Is that so? -he said, his voice low. -You're not bailing on me, are you, Will?

William felt the pressure mounting. The last thing he wanted was to cause a scene, especially in front of other students and teachers. He could already feel the eyes of curious onlookers watching the interaction, waiting to see how it would play out.

He had to think quickly. If he gave in, it would only strengthen Marco's hold over him. But if he refused, it could mean more trouble down the line. William needed an escape plan, a way to diffuse the situation without escalating it.

-How about this? -William suggested, his mind racing. -I'll help you out, but we do it on my terms. No more surprises, and you can't just sneak up on me like this. Deal?

Marco raised an eyebrow, considering the offer. It wasn't what he wanted, but it was a step toward reclaiming some control. William hoped it would buy him some time to figure out how to break free from Marco's grip for good.

-You got a deal, pretty boy. Here you go -Marco gave William his backpack -I want it done by 5:00 p.m.

William looked at the heavy backpack, his shoulders sagging slightly. It was full of books and papers, and he knew Marco had dumped all his responsibilities on him. Despite his promise to do it on his own terms, he was once again stuck with someone else's work.

He glanced at his watch; it was already 9:00 a.m. There wasn't much time to finish Marco's homework, his own schoolwork, and deal with whatever else the day threw at him. 

It felt like the universe was conspiring against him.

-Thanks, Will -Marco said with a smirk. -You're a real lifesaver.

Tom and Derek laughed as they followed Marco down the hallway, leaving William with the heavy backpack. He felt a surge of anger and frustration but held it in. Losing his temper wouldn't help him now. He needed to find a way to get out of this mess and stop being Marco's errand boy.

As he ran back to class, William saw Percy and Wanda talking in the corner. Percy seemed animated, gesturing wildly with his hands, while Wanda looked amused. William felt a pang of jealousy. Percy was free to be himself, unburdened by the pressure of others' expectations. Wanda, too, seemed to move through life without the same worries that plagued him.

But he couldn't afford to dwell on it. He had work to do, and if he didn't meet Marco's deadline, there would be consequences. As he entered the classroom, he set the backpack down and took a deep breath. He would need to find a way to balance everything and still get out of this arrangement with Marco. It was time to think strategically and take control of his own life.