Bubble Tea

Stacy and Neo : Their story pt. 1

Song for the chapter: Cry baby by The Neighborhood

Stacy's POV:

Life had become strangely quiet after Issa left for China and Maddie disappeared without a trace. Deep down, I knew Maddy was with Primily, but I didn't dare reach out. She deserved her newfound happiness away from the mess I was dealing with. So, I drifted through days feeling isolated, with no one to confide in or share my worries.

Then, there was Neo. We were in the same school, same section, but worlds apart in many ways. From the first day I noticed him, there was something unsettling about Neo. He had a quiet intensity that made me uneasy, often lingering in the corners of the classroom, observing silently. At private tuitions, he was different – mingling effortlessly with Harley and Gunnar at parties, always present but never fully participating.

Being Japanese in our predominantly American school added to my wariness. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off about him, something that didn't quite fit in. Despite my doubts, Neo hadn't given me a reason to confront him. He hadn't done anything overtly wrong, just existed in a way that made me uncomfortable.

One day in the physics lab, as I absentmindedly scrolled through my phone, the nightmare resurfaced. Those compromising pictures my ex-boyfriend had threatened me with flashed on the screen, sending chills down my spine. I bolted out of the lab, barely managing to hold back my nausea, escaping to the solitude of the school garden.

After the bell rang, signaling the end of classes, I sat there numb, lost in a whirlwind of fear and anger. Neo, who I barely knew beyond his name and scholarship status, approached hesitantly, holding out my forgotten books.

"You left these in the physics lab," he said softly, trying to be helpful.

I snapped, "Thanks, but why are you following me? What do you want?"

Neo’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Following you? I was just returning your books. Are you okay?"

I lashed out, my words sharp and defensive. "I know your type, always looking for an angle. Just leave me alone."

Neo looked hurt, but he didn't retreat. Instead, he noticed my distress and asked gently, "What's wrong? Can I help?"

I sneered, not wanting to let anyone in. "Why would I confide in someone like you?"

Neo, undeterred by my hostility, replied with a touch of sarcasm, "Because clearly, I have a knack for finding lost textbooks. Must be a real threat."

I scoffed, though a small part of me softened at his attempt to lighten the mood. "You think this is a joke? You don’t know anything about me."

Neo paused, his expression serious now. "Maybe not, but I know what it's like to feel cornered. If you need someone to listen, I’m here."

I hesitated, torn between distrust and a growing desperation to unburden myself. Finally, I relented, my voice quieter. "Fine. It’s my ex. He's threatening to expose private photos of mine unless I do what he wants."

Neo’s eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded empathetically. "That's serious. Let me help. I’m good with tech stuff."

Later that evening, as Neo led me to his modest home, I couldn't help but contrast it with my own opulent surroundings. He shared his story of being a scholarship student, far from the wealth I had assumed. Guilt gnawed at me for my earlier assumptions.

"I’ll keep your secret," I promised as we settled in front of his laptop, "if you keep mine."

As we leaned over his setup, plotting our strategy, Neo couldn't resist a jab. "So, your ex was in university, huh?" Neo's smirk was playful but edged with determination. "Guess you have a type for older people."