ZEKIAH XYRIEL'S POV

"Ugh! Second day pa lang pero binigyan na agad kami ng mga assignments at tasks. Hindi ba pwedeng discussion muna?! I didn't catch up some of the lessons yesterday because my mind was busy thinking nonsense things," I whispered while tying my necktie properly.

I brushed my not-so-curly hair and look at my reflection in the mirror. I tried to smile to know if it fits me but a fierce expression suits me well. Talaga namang hindi bagay sa'kin ang maging friendly, 'no. A badgirl should wear her deadly expression so that everyone would be afraid of her. I really like seeing them kneeling in front of me, begging me not to hurt them. Iba kase ako manakit eh, matutuluyan ka talaga.

"Where are you going?!" I raised my eyebrow at my mom who's wearing a formal attire. Alam kong may lakad siya sa suot niya ngayon.

She just gave me a small smile and fixed her blazer."I have to merge with a famous company, Zeriel. Babalik lang din ako agad bago ka umuwi. Don't worry about me, I can handle myself."

"Of course, you can. As much as possible, don't socialize with guys. Kung lalaki ang magiging ka-merge mo sa company natin, mag-backout ka na lang. We don't need them in our company." I get a slice of bread and a chocolate milk before walking towards her.

She just nodded in response."Fine. Susundin ko ang mga sinabi ng prinsesa ko. Come here, I want a hug."

Wala akong nagawa kundi hayaan siyang yakapin ako. After that, she told me that her driver was waiting for her outside that's why she hurriedly kissed my cheeks and left. I just let out a sigh and get my bag before going out of the house. Since we don't have maids, I locked the door so that a stranger couldn't enter. May duplicate key naman si mommy kaya mabubuksan niya rin 'yan.

"Si Tita, nasa'n?" She don't have to get out of the car. I have hands to open the door for myself.

"She went out to meet someone that will merge with our company. I have this feeling that he's a guy." I immediately get inside of her car and she sat in the drivers seat, as always.

She started the engine while shaking her head."Gosh! Why so paranoid, Zeriel?! Pati makikipag-merge ng kompanya niyo pinipili mo rin 'yong babae? Nakakaloka ka na."

"Para ka namang just now, Alina. I don't want guys to get involved with our company. Kaya naming umunlad nang wala ang tulong nila. Women could stand with their own and also to prove to them that we don't depend on others." I crossed my arms on my chest, feeling pissed.

"Okay, okay. You win. Suotin mona 'yang face mask at eyeglass mo, nandito na tayo."

I swallowed hard and wear the face mask before getting out of the car. It's also hard being so popular, media were scattered all over the places just to watch for some famous people. Nakakairita nga lang dahil pati sa labas ng university, nagkalat rin sila. Even though the guards kept on sending them away, they don't listen. I even think of some reasons why would they waste their time just to see me. Hindi naman siguro sila mamamatay kapag hindi nila ako nakita, 'di ba?!

"Zeriel! Zeriel! Pwede bang magpa-picture? Please, I'm your number one fan." A girl who wears a thick eyeglasses with braces ran towards me. I looked at her with frowned eyebrows while observing her appearance.

"No, I don't have time for that. Umalis ka na, hindi ako papayag sa gusto mo." Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad at hindi na siya pinansin. I thought she already left but she suddenly walked beside me and smiled at me.

Shocks! Mukha siyang si Betty La Fea dahil sa itsura niya ngayon.

"Alam mo okay lang kahit hindi ka magpa-picture sa'kin dahil kinausap mo naman ako. Saang building ka ba? Ihahatid na kita." She was in front of me and walked backwards that cause her to hit the post at her back.

Is she that dumb?!

I shook my head on her offer."Stop following me, you're so annoying. I can go to my building by myself. Go!"

After the first subject, we were asked to go to the auditorium to have a pictorial for our project. Good thing we're separated from boys so there would be no problem. Napaghandaan narin namin 'to kahapon kaya alam na namin ang gagawin at nakapagdala na kami ng susuotin. Our teacher hired two photographers, one for the girls and one for the boys.

Tsk, why so cheap?!

"Who's that woman with you, Ms. Knoxville? You're not allowed to bring someone inside the university if they're not studying here. Didn't you read the handbook?!"

Duh. Why would I read it?! Just a waste of time.

"He's my PERSONAL photographer, maam. Uuwi rin naman siya pagkatapos ng pictorial. Don't worry, I'll be the one to pay for her." It might sound sarcastic but I don't care.

Ano bang pakialam niya kung may personal photographer ako?!

"Did you asked permission from one of the owners of the university? If yes, then give me a letter with their signature but it's better if you'll bring one of them here."

Is she freaking serious?! Bakit ginagawa niyang malaking bagay ang pagpapasok ko ng photographer dito sa university?!

"Do I really need to do this?! Maam, she's just my photographer," I protested, and pulled my hair.

She raised her eyebrow on me while holding the attendance sheet."Rules is rules, Ms. Knoxville. If you don't want to join the pictorial, then it's okay if you won't do what I said."

I closed my eyes because of irritation and gestured my photographer to stay here. Kung pwede ko lang sana siyang sagot sagutin kaso baka ibagsak niya ako. Argh. I don't really want to talk with any of the brothers because we weren't close. Besides, they're guys and I might kick their ass. Bwisit na buhay 'to.

I was in the middle of walking in the hallway while thinking on how to make that asshole to come with me. Hindi ko naman ugaling gumawa ng solusyon sa mga bagay-bagay kase si Alina ang kadalasan gumagawa para sa'kin.

That dumbass, he'll pay for this!

"Hey! Zeriel!" Someone called my name and ran towards my direction."Pupuntahan mo ba si Shael? Bwisit na 'yon, hindi ako nakaganti."

I looked at her unbelievably."Yeah, why? Wait.. How did you know?"

"It's because you're heading towards his building, duh. By the way, pwedeng pahingi ng favor? Sapakin mo lang siya, gano'n." She gave me a sweet smile.

This girl! As far as I remember, she's close with the Helveryst brothers. Kaya bakit niya ako inuutusan ng gano'ng bagay? As if I'll do that!

I was about to answer her when she was already gone on my sight. I heard that she's a former babysitter of the so-called-five-hot-jerks so why does she let me hurt him?! At gusto niya pang sabihin kong 'yon ang utos niya. Weird.

Nang malapit na akong makarating sa room niya ay narinig kong may nagre-recite at alam kong boses niya 'yon. I don't have to wait for him until his subject ends because I might miss the pictorial. Everyone saw me since I was standing at the front of the door. It made them gasped while their teacher was confused why I was just standing and didn't have a plan to enter the room. I looked at Shael with no emotion that made him stop from talking in front and gave me a 'what are you doing' look.

"Anong ginagawa mo? You look so creepy." He pulled me outside but I pushed him that's why he let go of me.

I rolled my eyes on him and swallowed hard before answering him."Look, you have to come with me. It's not that I changed my mind about my perception of guys but I don't have any other choice. I'm in a hurry so might as well excuse to your subject teacher and come with me."

"What?! I don't even know what's your reason why you want me to come with you. Not unless you wanna have a date with me. Hey Ze----Oh damn---shit." Napahawak siya sa balikat niya ng suntukin ko siya ng sobrang lakas.

He's so fucking annoying!

"I don't have enough time for this bullshit! Umayos ka kung ayaw mong masapak kitang bwisit ka!" I inhaled a large amount of air and gave him a deadly look."You know what, it's your fault. Bakit ba hindi ako pwedeng magpapasok ng ibang tao dito sa university niyo?! I will send her back right after the pictorial. Fuck that handbook!" I yelled at him and he was shocked on what I did.

He raised his hand, gesturing me to calm down."It's not my fault, kuya Daron made that for the sake of this university. Teka nga, akala ko ba pictorial niyo. Edi may hinire 'yong teacher niyo na photographer. Why did you bring another one for yourself?!"

Nilagpasan ko siya at nagsimula nang maglakad paalis pero nang mapansin kong hindi siya sumunod ay sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. Is he pissing me or what?! Did he think that I was playing around here?! I freaking needed to go back because I know they were starting right now.

"I'm not satisfied on the photographer that our teacher hired for us. Duh. I have my own photographer and I don't like to see myself ugly on the picture." Nagmamadali akong naglakad sa hallway dahil baka wala na akong abutan do'n.

It's our project for goodness sake!

Tinawanan niya naman ako, tawang may halong pang-aasar."Eh? Ang arte mo talaga, gaganda ka lang naman kapag inedit yung picture mo."

Is he pissing me off?! Damn him!

"Shut up, will you?! Bakit naman ako magiging model kung hindi ako maganda. Guys are really stupid," I rolled my eyes and entered the auditorium to see if they're already done. I felt relieved when they are still 7 girls left.

"Asa'n ba yung teacher mo, kakausapin ko na. I have to attend my classes because we might have quizzes. Kainis naman oh! Umalis pa talaga ako sa klase ko dahil sa'yo." Napakamot naman siya sa batok niya habang nakasunod parin sa'kin papalapit sa mga kasama ko.

"Excuse me, Ms. Fuentes. I'm with Mr. Helveryst so can I join the pictorial now?! My photographer was already waiting for me," I said sarcastically.

Mukha kaseng maldita ang teacher ko 'to pero asa siya! I'm the queen of malditas! Just to let he remember, its just for my grades. Kase kung hindi, asa namang magiging sunod-sunuran ako 'di ba?

She didn't bother to look at me and went towards Shael's direction. Seems like she's trying to flirt with him but I think he's not comfortable with it. I stuck my tongue out on him and walked to the stage because the other girl just finished her turn. Kinuha ko yung paper bag na nasa tabi ng photographer ko at agad na pumunta sa backstage para magbihis.

I just wear a black sports bra and put a pink loose crop top for the upper part with a pair of white skirt above the knee. Nagsuot rin ako ng black boots na may 4 inches heels at naglagay ng light make up para mas maganda tingnan. Hinayaan kong nakalugay ang buhok ko bago lumabas dahil gusto kong ako agad ang sunod.

Everyone felt amused seeing me walk up on the stage. Sino ba namang hindi mahuhumaling sa gandang meron ako at sa katawang inaasam-asam ng iba. I don't think someone could level the beauty that I have. I'm almost perfect, almost.

"Zeriel, ako pa," my classmate said while standing beside me.

I looked at her from head to toe and smirked."Really? With that kind of outfit, you're going to participate?! Dear, if I were you just get out of here and never come back."

She bowed her head a little, probably ashamed."Eh... k-kase wala akong ibang masusuot. At saka project din naman 'to kaya wala akong magawa. J-Just one pict----"

"Bumaba ka nga do'n! Hindi ka bagay dito, alam mo ba 'yon?! You're so cheap and ugly. And one thing, I don't want to stay here for any longer because it irritates me seeing your ugly face. I hate waiting for someone...it's just a waste of time." I cut her off that made her step back and run away. Good for her.

Ayoko sa lahat ang pinaghihintay....nakakapagod lang.

SHAWN AXCEL'S POV

After she finished her pictorial, I already went back to my room but unfortunately there's no one inside the room. I looked at my watch and it's already 11:35 so I just let out a sigh. Hindi na ako nakaabot pa sa subject ko dahil sa kanya. Talaga namang hindi sana ako magtatagal do'n kung hindi lang ako nilandi no'ng teacher niya. She didn't even save me from her and just walked away without even saying thank you. Mukhang gano'n nga talaga ang ugali niya dahil pinahiya pa niya 'yong classmate niya kanina.

Wala talaga siya patawad kahit na hindi naman talaga siya 'yong nauna. She had a lot of confidence on herself that she could even step someone's life. She humiliated that girl and no one dares to stop her from doing that, not even her teacher. Baka nga pati siya takot rin kay Zeriel dahil iba nga talaga siya magalit.

"Bro, where did you came from?! Hindi ka na bumalik simula no'ng kausapin mo yung model," bungad sa'kin ni Miles ng makarating ako sa cafeteria. They already eaten and they're just waiting for me.

"Her teacher flirted me that's why I didn't get out of there easily. Nanood pa ako sa eksena kanina sa auditorium kaya medyo natagalan din." I started eating the Chicken Teriyaki with a rice because I'm really hungry. May halo-halo rin sa tabi ko at alam kong para sa'kin din 'to, mahal nila ako eh.

I heard Miko's laugh but I didn't bother to look at him."Who's that teacher? Maybe I could flirt with her too, she's single right?"

I shrugged my shoulders, not giving him any single glance."Mukhang malandi rin eh, subukan mo na lang. Besides, I don't flirt with girls that are older than me. Panget sila ka-bonding."

"What did Zeriel asked you to do?! That girl never wanted a guy to socialize with her. Kaya nga nagulat ako ng ikaw yung sinadya niya," Rynier interrupted while typing on his phone.

Himala ata at sumama siya sa'ming maglunch. Kadalasan kase sumasama siya sa girlfriend niya. Baka kasama lang 'yong mga kaibigan niya.

I finished my food before answering him."Her teacher asked her to bring any of my brothers so that she could join their pictorial. She disobeyed one of the rules in the handbook and she needs to have a letter with our signature. Ayaw niya naman kase hassle lang daw 'yon kaya ako na lang ang pinuntahan niya. Take note, she didn't even beg me nor pleaded. Baka magsigawan lang din kami kaya pumayag na lang ako."

I was even shocked when I knew that her photographer was also a girl. Like, what the heck! Pati photographer gusto niyang babae?! Gano'n ba kalaki ang galit niya sa mga lalaki na para bang kahit makita niya lang ay papatayin niya ng tingin?! I also wondered why is she like that. If she had a worst past with guys or something memorable to her.

But it's not just like that. Akala ko lalaki lang 'yong ayaw niya pero pati pala sa babae gano'n din ang trato niya. She always said that she doesn't like mingling with guys but the truth is girls are also included. Para ngang isang babae lang ang nakikita kong kasama niya. She's weird and at the same time scary.

'Gosh! Hi Shael, I'm Kyla'

'Ano ba, sa'kin siya! Hi, I'm Lea'

'Pwede ba, ako ang unang nakakita sa kanya. I'm Tanya'

"Hi girls!" I gave a wink that made them jump because of happiness. Napailing nalang ako at ngumisi habang naglalakad ako sa hallway papunta sa susunod kong subject.

Lahat ng babaeng madadaanan ko ay titili at nagt-take ng picture na para bang isa akong artista. Well, it's me being popular. I couldn't help it to happen. I just woke up in the morning with some flowers and boxes of chocolates or even some expensive things from them. Akalain mo 'yon, imbis lalaki ang nagbibigay ng mga ganun mga babae na. Iba talaga kapag crush ng bayan.

I went to my locker first to get my books but a tons of letters and chocolates fall over my face. I just shook my head and let out a sigh. Kinuha ko na nga 'yong mga sandamakmak na papel at mga pagkain dito sa locker ko kahapon tapos ngayon puno na naman?! I couldn't even see my books because it was covered by the things from my fangirls. Haist. Seems like I have to bring it again to the mansion. Paniguradong kakainin naman 'to nila kahit hindi sila yung binigyan. I have the kindest heart ever.

"Uh... Hi! Can I have a picture with you?" A girl approached me while playing her hands, probably shy.

I pulled her hand and cornered her on the wall."You want a picture with me right? Come and kiss me." Wala namang tao rito dahil malapit namang magsimula ang klase.

"Ah si----"

She didn't finished her words when I suddenly gave her a peck on her lips. I even saw her blushed and looked away.

"Give me your phone." Agad niya naman itong binigay kaya nagselfie kami ng mga tatlong picture lang."You didn't know how to kiss, am I right? Fine, I won't force you." I added and gave her a small smile before giving back her phone. Nakita ko pa nga yung picture ko sa lock screen niya tapos ako ang nagwallpaper no'ng kaming dalawa.

"Y-Yeah. I haven't tried uh... kissing someone. Actually, you're my first kiss," she answered shyly.

Napakamot naman ako sa ulo ko."Oh! Is that so? Sige una na'ko, have a nice day," I winked at her before walking away, bringing my books with me.

We were in the middle of the class when we heard a commotion outside. At dahil sobrang terror ng teacher namin ngayon ay pabagsak niyang nilapag sa desk ang stick na hawak niya at lumabas. We couldn't stand up because she might hit us with the stick so we just kept quiet while looking outside. Our teacher went back in front and removed her eyeglasses while searching for someone.

"You, Mr. Helveryst! Fix that disturbance outside! Don't come back here if you couldn't fix it. Get out!" she yelled at me confused.

Why does it need to involve me?!

Wala akong nagawa kundi lumabas na lang at dumungaw sa ground. I didn't know what's going on down there but when they saw me, they immediately shouted my name. Tang'na. Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na mga fangirls ko pala sila at mukhang grupo grupo sila dahil sa hawak nilang banner na may mukha at pangalan ko. Ay shete! Am I in trouble again?!

Dali dali akong bumaba galing third floor at hindi nalang ako nag-elevator pa. I went to the ground and they circled around me that's why I couldn't get out. They kept on cheering my name as if I'm in a game at lumapit pa talaga sila sa'kin.

'Shael, be with me please'

'Can I be your girlfriend? Just for one week lang'

'No, you have to choose me. Mas maganda ako kesa sa kanila'

'I can give you everything you want'

Parang hindi na ako makahinga sa ginagawa nila kaya ang ginawa ko ay pwersahan ko silang tinulak para makadaan ako. I thought I could escape from them but they ran towards me, all of them. Fuck it. Sa tingin ko apat na section silang lahat dahil sa dami nila. I kept on running while they were still chasing after me. I didn't know where to go. It's okay with me if girls were chasing me but not like this. I still have to attend my classes for pete's sake. Nababaliw na ata sila.

I didn't know where I am right now. Basta ang alam ko ay basta na lang ako pumasok sa isang room, hindi ko nga alam kung kaninong building 'to. Damn it. Those girls are still looking for me and I don't even know what's their purpose on doing this. Lintik naman oh! Hindi na nga ako nakapasok sa isang subject ko kaninang umaga, pati ba naman ngayon?!

"What the hell are you doing here?!" I heard a familiar voice and I know it was her.

I turn around and I saw her crossing her arms while glaring at me."I'm hiding from my fangirls. You? What are you doing here alone?!"

"Obviously cleaning this whole room by myself. Duh. Could you please get out of here?! Nakakabwisit 'yang itsura mo!" She hissed and rolled her eyes on me.

I smirked at her and came closer to her."Why? You don't want to see my handsome face? Oh c'mon Zer----"

"Stop calling my name! We're not close, just so you know. Umalis ka na kung ayaw mong ako ang lumabas dito at sumigaw na nandito ka para tuhugin ka ng mga so-called-fangirls mo. You're disturbing me!" She cut my words and throwed me the empty box of tissue.

"Hoy! Hoy! May utang ka pa nga sa'kin eh. You didn't even thanked me for doing you a favor. Alam mo bang hindi ako nakapasok sa subject ko kanina kase tapos na dahil sa lintik na pictorial mo!" I pointed her like I was accusing her for being rude to me.

She raised her eyebrow on me and rolled her eyes."It wasn't a favor. It's also your fault for doing such a rule like that. At saka hindi ko na rin kasalanan kung nalate ka, sa'yo na 'yon."

I was about to answer her when I heard some footsteps outside and voices from girls. Nanlaki ang mata ko ng tumakbo si Zeriel malapit sa pintuan at akmang bubuksan 'yon ng bigla ko siyang hilahin at tinakpan ang bibig niya. This damn girl is going to put me in danger. Para na tuloy kaming tanga dito na nagtatago dahil may mga zombie sa labas.

"Hmmp!" My brows frowned when she was shaking her head that's why I immediately let go my hand on her mouth."Damn you! Are you going to kill me?! I almost died because I'm out of breath." She pushed me that's why I brushed my hair to the back using my hand.

"I did you a favor so you should do the same in return. Or else I will tell your teacher not to record your score on your pictorial. You decide." Binigyan ko siya ng mapanghamong tingin kaya napaawang bibig lang siya.

"Excuse me?! Are you blackmailing me?!" She closed her fists, looking so annoyed.

I just shrugged my shoulders as if I don't care. Madadamay din naman siya kapag hindi siya pumayag. I counted 10 seconds while wondering inside their room while she's busy thinking her answer. Pabebe pa eh alam ko namang papayag din siya.

"Ugh, fine. But I'm just doing this because you saved me earlier. It would never happen again." She opened the door and get out first without waiting for me.

Sinusundan ko lang siya kahit na ang bilis niya maglakad. My legs were long that's why I could still catch up on her steps. Galit ba siya?! Well, mukhang wala namang araw na hindi siya galit. Her face were always mad and she's always raising her voice.

'Guys, look. Shael's here and he's with Zeriel'

'What are they doing? Bakit magkasama sila?'

'Don't mind her, let's go. He'll going to date us'

'Mauna ka na, ayokong masampal. Nakakatakot yang magalit'

There were a lot of rumors about us when we arrived on the ground. They couldn't come closer and even pointing each other who would approach me first. Kumunot naman ang noo ko ng wala lang siyang ginawa at nakatayo lang habang nasa likod niya naman ako. Is this the favor she did?! Eto lang?!

"What are you doing?! Talk to them," I whispered but seems like she didn't hear anything.

"What am I going to say?! I'm out of this. Hindi naman ako ang hinahabol nila ah. You should talk to them, not me," pagmamatigas niya pa.

"But you said that you'll do me a favor! Ikaw na ang kumausap sa kanila tutal babae ka naman."

I couldn't understand her sometimes. Parang ang hirap niyang basahin eh.

"Shael! You promised to date me, right?" Lumapit yung isang babae dala dala ang isang box na hindi ko naman alam ang laman. All I know is that she's avoiding Zeriel's gaze on her.

Everyone gasped when Zeriel suddenly pulled that girls hair and pushed her on the ground."We're heading to his room so don't ever block my way if you want to live long. At saka ano yang dala mo?!"

The girl was about to answer when she forced to get the box."No---Zeriel---Oh my god! Why did you do it?! I made those cupcakes for him," she yelled at Zeriel that made everyone shut up. They probably know what would happen next.

"Ops! Sorry not sorry, akala ko kase dumi eh. You know, it really looks like you. Tingnan mo!" Sinampal ni Zeriel yung hawak niyang cupcake sa mismong mukha ng babae kaya lahat sila ay hindi makapaniwala."See? You look better with that," she gave her a fake smile and flipped her hair before walking on their direction.

"Ah, Zeriel hindi na---"

"What I hate the most is that when someone talks to me even if I don't even know them. Ayaw ko rin sa mga taong humaharang sa dinadaanan ko dahil baka mapagkamalan ko silang mga langaw at matapakan ko!" walang emosyon niyang sambit kaya nanigas silang lahat at nagsitakbuhan paalis.

We went back to my building without sayiny anything. I don't know how to talk to her about what she did earlier. Mukhang mainit paring ang dugo niya at mapagbuntungan pa ako.

"I didn't expect that it was the favor you did for me," hindi mapakaniwalang saad ko.

She raised her eyebrow on me and look at her hand that was full of chocolate icing."What do you expect me to do?! Makiusap na sana tantanan ka na nila?! Asa! I don't please someone and never!" Bigla niya nalang pinahid yung icing sa uniform ko na ikinagulat ko.

"Pucha! Anak ng---"

"Serves you right," she smirked that left me dumbfounded.

Ang sarap niyang sakalin, promise!

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