Zein's Point of View:
We all met back up at our drom, and I could tell everyone was just exhausted.
"Have you gathered anything?" Jerome asked after taking a swig of water.
Mia just shook her head. "We didn't. We were too scared."
"What happened?" I asked.
"Ms. Leonora, the librarian, intimidated us," Vanessa explained.
"How?" Matt asked. We all crowded around the two of them since they were visibly terrified.
"The librarian told us that the information we wanted came at the price if being trapped in HU forever," Mia replied. "We couldn't just risk it."
Her words made my throat go dry. Meanwhile, I became a permanent resident here after uncovering the one secret they were desperate to keep.
Dave chimed in, "The students we approached told us the exact same thing."
"So, did you get any answer at all?" I asked.
They all just shook their heads. I swallowed hard. I was the only one in our group who knew the truth. If it came down to it,I'd be the only one left behind.
Matt turned to me and asked, "How about you, Zein? Did you get any answers?"
My face heated up. I didn't want them to worry, so I quickly shook my head and lied," Nothing either. "
It was better for them not to know.
Nicky's words flashed through my mind. Was it true? Was I really their target? And who was she even talking about?
"We did find out one thing," Mia suddenly blurted out, which caught everyone's attention. " The librarian told us there's one way to actually get out of HU."
Everyone got serious, except for me. I knew that, no matter what, people here would never let me leave. At best, only my friends might get out.
"Where it is? Did she show you the way?" Dave eagerly asked.
Vanessa and Mia shared a look and a smile.
"We have to make it into the HU ranks!" Vanessa announced in excitement.
Jerome looking confused, fired off questions. "Rank? You mean being top achievers in our class?"
"Not just the clasrangm," Mia clarified. "I mean the top 10 of the entire held University, which is being led by Raze Silvenia."
Raze Silvenia. The leader of the DGW? He's the smartest guy in school? I didn't know him we'll, but I was impressed. I had always assumed that troublemakers, like him, hated studying.
"Here's the list." Vanessa showed us a paper with the names of the top 10 students in HU, also known as Highest 10.
Ace Craige, the SSG President, was second. Third was someone named Nazzer Lumia. At the very bottom was Nicky Colt. Oh, so she was part of it too.
"Nazzer Lumia," Dave whispered. "He's likely the leader of the Black Blood Gang."
Nazzer and Raze, leaders of the two biggest gang. How dangerous were they?
"Guys, we're safe as long as we don't know too much. Let's just focus on getting into the Highest 10" Vanessa suggested, and everyone agreed.
I stayed quiet. It was sad knowing that, even if I made the list, I would still be stuck in here.
But I decided to keep my secret to myself; I didn't want to be selfish and drag them down with me. I'd rather suffer alone.
***
Days passed an everyone got busy preparing for the acquaintance party, which had a masquerade theme. I couldn't help but wonder why we had to wear masks. How would we recognise each other?
Or maybe that was the point----to keep us all in the dark.
We were at the gym for a general meeting about the party this Friday m it was only a day away, I could feel the nerves building up in my chest.
The gym was already quiet, but it went dead silent when Madame Violet walked in, heading straight for the front with her head held high.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," She began. She was in all black, as usual, looking like she was in perpetual mourning.
I spotted president Ace talking to some guy whoes knees were literally shaking.
"Shit, that's his third warning" someone in front of us whispered. "That's the last one. He might be headed for the Dark Hell Jail," another added.
My brows furrowed. What kind of punishment waited in a place like that? Probably death, but what kind?
"I know you're all aware the acquaintance party is this Friday," Madame Violet said, snapping my attention back. "It's a masquerade, and all of you will be wearing one. You're forbidden from taking them off."
A few students had violent reaction but nobody dared to argue, probably thinking that they didn't stand a chance no matter what they did. We wear all just puppets here anyway.
"Your outfits will be sent to our dorms. And that Friday will also be 'Free Bloody Night.' Killing is strictly prohibited. Anyone who breaks this ruel will face..... of course.... death," she added, her voice cold and authoritative.
As if anyone would dare disobey her. She was the headmistress, the highest authority at HU.
"I would like to call President Ace Craige here on the stage," Madame Violet said.
Ace quickly went up the stage, bowed to her, and took the microphone. I guess we weren't the only puppets here----even the almighty SSG President.
"I won't be around on Friday," He told the crowd. "But don't get too comfortable. Remember, I am watching all of you. "
He looked at each of us, and my heart skipped a beat when his eyes locked onto mine. Then he smirked, sending chills down my spine.
"I. Am. Watching. You," He repeated, emphasizing every word while staring right at me.
I just rolled my eyes. Do I look like a murdered? Duh.
***
I was walking down the hallway alone because my overachieving friends we're at the library doing advance readings. Didn't they feel bad for me that I was going to be left behind? Oh wait, they didn't know.
"They're hiring a new secretary? What happened to Fritzy?"
A crowed of students huddled around the bulletin board, reading updates about Hell University. I pushed through the crowed to see for myself.
Wanted: Supreme Students ' New Secretary.
I looked down at the requirements, and there was only one: "Must be brave enough to conquer death."
I almost laughed. We're they serious? Who would actually want that job?
"Let's go! They're at the gym! Let's try out!" "I think I'm brave enough to be the next one!"
Half of the female student population ran toward the gym to apply. I just shook my head. Why would they want to be the secretary that badly?
"Go away! On the count of one!"
The crowed split down the middle, creating a path for a bond, pale, and incredibly beautiful girl.
"It's Fritzy," Someone whispered.
I realized I was still standing right in the middle of the path. Fritzy looked at me, her eyebrow arched.
"Aren't you going to step out of my way?"
In a flash, she was right in front of me. She wasn't in uniform and gave off the vibe of a girl who didn't care about rules and did whatever she wanted. One eyebrow was raised as she waited.
"Should I?" I asked, feeling a bit bold.
Fritzy flicked her hair and grimaced, clearly annoyed. "You must be one of the noobs. I am the secretary here, Ms. I-Don't-Care-Who-You-Are."
Er attitude really rubbed me the wrong way. Since I was supposedly marked for death anyway, I figured I might as well spend my reamaining time standing up to demons like this girl in front of me.
"Well can't you read? Or do you want me to read this out loud for you?" I pointed to the bulletin board.
She wasn't the secretary anymore. She had no right to claim the title. None!
"That's just a piece of paper. I haven't stepped down yet," She said frimly.
I smirked, grabbed the paper, and crumpled it right in front of her face. The crowd gasped and murmured among themselves. But I couldn't help it; I couldn't stand people who acted all high and mightly.
"What are you doing?!" She screamed as I tried to force the crumpled paper into her hand.
"Don't complain to me.
They fired you, Ms. Fritzy
I-Don't-Care-About-Your-Surname.
Maybe you just weren't qualified anymore."
Her eyes flared with rage as she lunged, grabbing my hair. I didn't hold back and grabbed hers right back. We were in a full-on catfight.
Students surrounded us, some even yelling for someone to interfere. But as usual, no one dared.
Suddenly, a strong force shoved me away from Fritzy. My temple hit something sharp, and I felt the warm sting of blood starting to flow.
"You have no right to hurt the Supreme Student Secretary!" A guy yelled, absolutely livid. I recognized him immediately. The fucking Onel Ty, from the office of Madame Violet.
Fritzy dusted herself off, smirking at me with her arms crossed. I tried to stand up but the world was spinning from the shove.
Was this guy stupid? That brat Fritzy started it!
"I am the Supreme Student Vice President!" He barked.
"Well, as if I care!" I shot back. I just wanted to punch his face.
He balled his hands into fists, and I braced myself as he looked reay to come at me again.
"Punch her, Mr. Onle Ty, and you, together with the former Secretary, will receive warning number three from me."
Everything froze at the sound of that voice. Even with my vision blurring, I saw President Ace standing behind Fritzy and that fucking Onel, looking cold and imposing.
"M-Mr. President," Vice president stammered, clearly terrified.
Well, look at that. The assholes's coward.
"All of you, take my command. I want this place cleared in the count of three.
One..."
Before he even got to two, the students scattered and ran away. In seconds, it was just the four of us. Onel and Fritzy stayed put, though.
"S-Supremo, this bitch should be the one punished----"
"Two..." Ace continued, which made Fritzy grimace. She turned to leave, giving me one last galre, as if saying this wasn't over.
I'm not scared, bitch.
Ace looked at me, his eyes dark. I turned pale under his gaze. He looked absolutely furious. What, was it my fault again even though that bitch started it?
"Are you going to kill ne now?" I managed to ask.
"Not now, Ms. Shion. You need to heal before you face your punishment."
Before u knew it, he picked me up. It actually felt kind of nice.
"You need to get better. You are qualified to be my secretary, silly."
I couldn't even respond because I felt like I was losing too much blood. This jerk, though, wasn't even picking up to pace, acting like he was just modeling on a runway.
I ignored the whispers from people nearby. What was the big deal if the president was carrying me? He and that jerk vice president were responsible for this anyway.
I swear, if I that guy again, I'm wrecking his face.
When he got to the clinic, Ace immediately laid out orders. "Treat her wound, Nurse Cha," He told the teenage nurse, who seemed only a few years older than us. Then he laid me on the hospital bed and left.
Well, what was I expecting? That he'd stick around to keep watch?
Nurse Cha started cleaning the wound using a soft hand towel before applying first aid.
"What happened? Did the Supremo do this?" She asked.
"If he did it, I'd be dead. But I'm still breathing. So clearly, it was the work of a weak dog," I grumbled.
She chuckled. "You might end up with a scar on your forehead."
"Don't let that happen." I nearly jumped when I heard Ace's voice. He was back. "Treat her wound and don't let it scar."
I glanced over and saw President Ace leaning against the doorframe, watching us with that insane look.
I wonder if he heard what I said earlier. Well, it's true.
"As you wish, Supremo," Nurse Cha replied.
I closed my eyes, feeling the sting of the medicine and a wave of exhaustion. I hadn't slept well the night before with everything no my mind.
"Can I sleep?" I mumbled, yawning. Nurse Cha gave a little laugh and nodded. And just like that, I was out.
***
Vanessa's Point Of View:
We heard about what happened to Zein, and honestly, the news spread like wildfire all over campus.
"Why would President do that? Gosh!" Mia was basically on the verge of fainting from a mix of worry and pure annoyance.
We were at the clinic, just waiting for Zein to wake up. She was even snoring, like she didn't have a care in the world despite what just went down.
"Does he have some kind of grudge against her?" Jerome asked.
Matt, on the other hand, was just sitting quietly on the sofa, his eyes fixed on Zein.
Rumors said that President hurt Zein. And after he messed her up, ge brought her to the clinic.
Was he crazy or something?
After a while, Zein finally stirred awake, claiming she was absolutely starving. Perfect timing that Dave just showed up with a bunch of food. He looked like he'd ran the whole way here since he was totally drenched in sweat.
I watched Zein with a bit of grimace----there she was, with a bandage on her head, eating like she hasn't eaten food in a month. Seriously? This girl was something else.
"Man, that really made me hungry!" She said after finishing off everything Dave bought.
"How are you?" Matt asked. He moved to sit by her side, gently stroking her arm.
"I'm fine, thanks," Zein replied, finally cracking a smile.
"God, Zein! What kind of trouble did you get yourself into this time?!" I cut in.
Out of all of us in the group, she was always the one getting into danger. She was just brave like that. Feisty. She'd take on anyone who picked a fight with her. Honestly, even a cat.
"Not me. It was that fucking vice president who did it!" Zein snapped irritably.
My brows furrowed. "The vice president? We thought it was President Ace who did this?" I asked, totally confused.
Now it was her turn to knit her brows together.
"That's what everyone is saying all over campus," Mia added.
"Of course not! He was actually the one who helped me and brought me here. That bitchy Frizty and fucking Onel. They're the ones who did this."
I just grimaced. Good grief. I really couldn't trust the stories in this place. By the time a rumor would get to me, it had already gone through a dozen different versions.
***
Zein managed to make it to our other classes. She acted like the bandage on her forehead was nothing, even wearing it like it was some kind of fashion statement.
We were in the middle of a lesson when a guy walked in, making everyone stop whatever they were doing.
"Vice President Onel," One of our classmates whispered.
My eyes narrowed. Zein was about to stand up, but I held her back.
"Where is Zein Shion?" He asked.
His gaze landed right on Zein, who was sitting right next to me. Then he started walking toward her, causing Matt and Jerome to stand up and block him.
"What?! You want another fight?!" Zein shouted.
We were all shocked when he suddenly dropped to his knees right in front of us.
"I'm sorry for what I did. Please forgive me. I was just..... surprised."
The whole classroom erupted into whispers. Even Zein, who was being so aggressive a second ago, went silent. Vice president Onel wasn't just asking for an apology. He was begging for it.
"Ms. Shion, please forgive me. I don't want to die yet," He pleaded.
I looked at Zein, who was just staring intensely at the Vice president kneeling there.
"Alright then. Get lost."
He scrambled out of the room as fast as he could, looking absolutely terrified.
"Who is she?" One classmate asked.
"Why did Vice kneel to her?" Asked another.
Seriously, why did he?