Chapter 2: A Cold Welcome

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The air was cool that January morning as Angel climbed the stairs to the fourth floor of the school building. After weeks of enjoying the sem break, the familiar weight of her backpack felt heavier than usual.

Her section this semester, Waters, was known for its mix of lively and quiet students. Angel wasn’t entirely sure where she fit in yet—still trying to find her rhythm as a Grade 11 student in TVL.

“Angel! Hi gha!” called Ries, her best friend, who is sitting at their chair at the back.

Angel smiled, grateful for the spot. “Finally, breathing room,” she said, setting her bag down.

Ries smirked. “Breathing room, pero alam ko namang mag-Penulis ka lang ulit.”

“Correct, sa rp na naman yan mamaya tatambay” their best friend Zeil suddenly spoke.

Angel playfully nudged her. “At least productive sa sarili kong paraan!”

Ries, Zeil and other of her friends wasn’t into roleplaying and often poked fun at Angel’s obsession with rp boys, but they tolerated it. Angel loved immersing herself in their world of fictional characters, chaotic plots, and witty exchanges. It was a safe space where she could express herself freely as her RP persona, Oceana.

By lunch, Angel had finished her food and was hunched over her phone, scrolling through Penulis.

The group chat was alive with chatter—old members were catching up, and excitement brewed over a new addition to their circle.

Tres has been added to the group.

“Who’s Tres?” Angel muttered, eyebrows furrowing as she read through the welcome messages.

New year, new recruit! Welcome, Tres!
— Thorne
                     

Hi, Tres! Excited to interact with you!
— Rowan

Angel decided to send a quick greeting as her character, Oceana.

Welcome, tres. Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the story. :)

A moment later, a reply popped up.

We'll see if there’s anything worth contributing to.—Tres


Angel’s jaw tightened. The cold, dismissive tone rubbed her the wrong way.

Hmm. Confident. But can you keep up? Or you’re just here to observe?

The chat exploded with reactions.

Oops, is this a challenge?
— Thorne

Pikon agad? Round one, fight!
— Rowan

Observation is key, isn’t it? Let’s see if there’s anything… worthwhile here.
— Tres


Angel felt her competitive side flare up. She wasn’t about to let the new guy walk in and act like he was above the group.

Worthwhile? You’re the newbie here. Better prove your worth, don’t you think?


The group quickly shifted gears into roleplaying, and Tres introduced his character—a mysterious figure. His minimalist introduction intrigued most of the group but annoyed Angel.


A shadow moves through the crowded tavern, his presence felt more than seen. He speaks only when necessary, his words sharp and deliberate.
— Tres

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