The Sleuth Project ✓

Chapter 2: Annual Writers' Schism

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Annual Writers' Schism

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THE SUN shone steadily upon Castillo High the next day, as Reagan Iñigo Maccio walked across the campus grounds with his bag slinging over his shoulder in a bored fashion.

Arrogant, well-off, and absolutely charming. These were the words most Castillians would use to describe the successor of the Maccio Holdings Corp., a popular entity in the business industry that is currently managed and owned by Rein's father.

With nothing but loud rock music blasting from his earphones as company, Rein managed to turn the heads of passersby with his laid-back attitude, and high-toned features.

As he passed by the academe's open court, napansin niya ang dalawang babae na nakatitig lamang sa kaniya at humahagikgik na parang kinikilig. He let out a chuckle. Being the son of wealthy businessman Ryder Elias Maccio has made him the talk of the town everywhere he goes.

"Kasing-pogi niya ang tatay niya!" They would say. "Siguradong yayaman rin 'to agad." Their whispers would continue.

Though annoying, Rein did quite enjoy being the center of attention every now and then.

"Hey, Sheyna." Bati ng binata sa isang babaeng inaayos ang newspaper stand sa lobby ng main building. Agad na lumingon ang dalaga na may kapansin-pansing maliit na nunal sa kanang bahagi ng kaniyang noo at kutis na kasing-kulay ng caramel. Sheyna Ramirez was a batchmate of Rein and Ann's. She was known for being one of the feature writers of the Castillian Gazette, and like the two, was also a constant honor student.

Despite these accolades, Sheyna was more known for being the daughter of Nestor Ramirez, a famous singer-songwriter. This made her another big name in the school and therefore wasn't surprised that the Rein Maccio was talking to her.

"Rein!" The girl whose wavy, toffee-colored hair was tied up in a tight, high ponytail exclaimed as Rein neared her, as if surprised that the ever-charming Rein Maccio was talking to her.

"Mind if I get a copy of today's issue?" Rein asked with a smile, a few locks of his dark hair falling barely across his eyes as he pointed towards the newspaper stand that Sheyna was blocking.

"Oh right! Sorry!" Natatarantang sabi ng dalaga as she hastily gave him a copy.

"Thanks." He grinned. As soon as he opened the issue, he was in for a surprise nang makita agad ang pangalan ng kaniyang matalik na kalaban.

"Anti-Terrorism Bill: For the Better, or Twice the Terror?" Rein read out loud, raising an eyebrow.

"Would you look at that." He murmured. "My rival seems to be always two steps ahead of me. Naunahan pa niya 'kong ma-feature sa gazette this year." The boy thought with a chuckle.

"It's Ann's winning essay in last week's persuasive writing contest at the PLUMA regionals event." Sheyna interrupted his train of thought, scooting closer and trying to initiate a conversation.

Tumango lamang ang binata, not bothering to tell her that he already knew since dapat rin siyang sasali sa contest na 'yun kung hindi lang siya naunahan ni Ann.