No Time to Die

Chapter 08

Chapter 08

Poison

The admin is trying to cover up the breach. Lumipas pa ang isang linggo pero walang silang nilabas na announcement tungkol doon. Instead, they came up with a school-wide party! Kating-kati na akong sabihin kay Natalia na hindi na kami ligtas sa lugar na 'to pero ayoko nang madagdagan ang iniisip niya.

Colton has been silent about it, too. Kami lang na dalawa ang may alam. I don't know if that's a good thing or not.

"My sister noticed that you're always with Colton... Don't tell me you two have something going on?" tanong ni Riku nang makasabay ko siya sa cafeteria. Actually, I'm eating alone when he showed up and invited himself to join me.

"Hindi ko naman siya kasama ngayon," sagot ko.

The people in Empire are starting to notice it. Sabagay, lagi rin kasi akong pinapapunta ni Colton sa laboratory niya. Sumusunod din siya sa'kin kapag lumalabas ako ng building. I actually thought he was done with me last week. Pero hindi pa pala. Ang persistent niya pa rin sa pangungulit na magtulungan kaming dalawa.

"Funny. You're the only person he invites to his lab."

Nagulat ako roon. "Really?"

"Yeah. That kid's pretty distant. What are you two doing, huh?"

I shrugged. "Nothing that concerns you, apparently."

I can't tell him anything. Wala rin naman kasi akong ginagawa sa laboratory. Sa ilang beses na pag imbita ni Colton, dalawang beses lang akong pumunta. And in those times, I did nothing but listen to his continuous remarks about why we should help each other.

"Tss. Fine. Anyway, what would you wear for the party later?" pag-iiba niya ng usapan.

"I don't know if I'll go."

"Why? You strike me as someone who loves parties."

"Pagod ako."

Well, that's partly true. Katatapos lang ng assessment ko sa gun marksmanship. Turns out, it's a lot harder pretending you don't know how to shoot than actually showing you know how to.

"Well, you still have hours ahead to rest. Ano'ng kulay ng damit mo?" tanong niya ulit.

I'm starting to get annoyed with his questions. Hindi ako natatapos sa kinakain ko, e.

"Bakit?"

"So I can pair it with my attire. You'll be my date later," he said and winked.

Napainom ako sa tubig ko bago umangat ang tingin ko sa kanya.

"Red," sagot ko na lang. Bahala siyang mag-isip na date ko nga siya. Hindi rin naman ako pupunta.

"Alright. I'll fetch you in front of your room later."

Napairap na lang ako. He's trying so damn hard to get to me.

Nagpahinga ako sa kwarto ko sa mga sumunod na oras. Nang malapit nang magsimula ang party ay saka lang ako tumayo at lumabas. I decided I'll just hit the gym and workout.

Naabutan ko ang mga kasama na nasa common area. They're in their respective suits and dresses. Si Natalia na nakasuot ng itim na long sleeve dress ay lumapit sa akin. Mayroon pa ring cast ang wrist niya pero hindi masyadong kita dahil sa suot.

"What are you wearing?!" tanong niya at pinasadahan ako ng tingin. Napatingin din ako sa sarili. I'm wearing my usual gym outfit.

"Nyssa?" si Akari na lumapit na rin kasunod ang kambal niya.