Whisper of the Mark

chapter 5

A week has passed since I was admitted to the hospital. So far, my school days have been going smoothly without accidentally entering the phantom realm.

Now it was lunchtime, and I was just having fun with my classmates, laughing together as we shared funny stories. Sometimes my friends would spoil me by playing video games I wanted to try but hadn't started playing yet. Damn it.

But then, our noisy class suddenly went silent when the Discipline Teacher walked in. I quickly adjusted my uniform, making sure it didn't look messy in front of him. Punishments like cleaning the bathroom or picking up trash around the school are common from him. I even fixed my hair since he never allows any student to have untidy hair. If you did, you'd be asking for a free ugly haircut from him. Ugh.

The teacher glanced at all the students. My friends and I exchanged looks, wondering why he was here. Did someone break the rules? I wonder who it is.

"Khai."
His firm voice startled me. I immediately looked at him, confused and nervous.
"Uh... yeah, sir?"

"Meet me in my office now," he said in a serious tone before leaving the room.

My jaw dropped. Me? Meet the Discipline Teacher in his office? What did I even do?!

One of my friends chuckled with a teasing smile.
"Oh no... you're in big trouble, buddy~"

"Oh, shut it," I said, slightly annoyed, as I left the class to catch up with the teacher.

After about seven minutes, we arrived at his office. The teacher was already waiting for me to enter. I gulped, feeling nervous but trying to act cool.

"Who said you could sit?"
He questioned as I almost pulled a chair near me.

"Oh... okay."
I cleared my throat, standing straight with my hands shoved into my pockets.

The teacher stared at me for a few seconds, making the atmosphere awkward for me.

"Anyway..." I cleared my throat again. "Why am I here?"

The teacher immediately glared at me. What did I even do?!

"Good act, pretending to be innocent..."
He turned on the TV connected to the CCTV system.

I raised an eyebrow slightly. Pretending to be innocent? Well, I might be a bit naughty, but I still follow at least half of the school rules...

My eyes focused on the screen, and to my surprise, I saw myself bullying another student. Huh? When did I do that?

"When did this happen-"

The teacher cut me off.
"All the evidence is already in my hands. You can't deny anything."

I immediately looked at him.
"But that's not me. I... maybe someone dressed up like me at that time," I protested.

The teacher didn't listen.
"Your face is clearly shown there, and I've already spoken to your victims. Now, admit your bullying activities before I use the evidence against you," he said with a serious expression.

I was speechless for a while. But that person wasn't me... I glanced back at the screen. His appearance and voice are really similar to mine. How and why-

Suddenly, I remembered something.

Flashback: A week ago

"I want you to agree with everything Izumi says," Iris said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.

"Huh?" I was confused.
"Why would I exchange schools again? Can't I just stay here? I'm pretty popular here," I said, trying to protest.

Iris chuckled slightly.
"Hmm... if you want the phantoms to get you, go ahead."