The air inside the classroom was thick with anticipation as students flipped through their notes one last time, hoping to cram in whatever knowledge they could before the inevitable storm of exams began.

Lychie, ever the diligent student, sat with her arms crossed, completely at ease. She had prepared weeks in advance, going over every possible question and answer. Beside her, Joyane shared the same energy, her organization skills ensuring she had reviewed everything in perfect order.

Lychie: "Honestly, I'm kind of excited. I want to see if all my studying paid off."

Joyane: "Same. I just hope the essay questions aren't too vague."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Anya sat with wide eyes, staring at her barely touched notes like they were foreign scriptures.

Anya: "Wait... we have a Political Science exam today?!"

Lychie and Joyane slowly turned their heads to her, unimpressed.

Lychie: "Anya. We've had a whole schedule for this. How did you forget?"

Anya groaned, dramatically flopping onto her desk.

Anya: "I got too into my paintings! I thought it was next week!"

Cale, sitting nearby, snickered.

Cale: "Wow. That's a new level of negligence, even for you."

At the back, Nial leaned back in his chair, flipping lazily through his notes but not really looking stressed.

Nial: "Honestly, we'll survive. It's just three subjects."

Lychie: "Three subjects that will last six hours."

Eddie, sitting with his feet casually propped against the bar under his chair, let out a yawn.

Eddie: "Eh, whatever happens, happens."

Anya shot him a glare.

Anya: "How are you all so calm?!"

Eddie just shrugged.

Eddie: "Panic won't change anything."

Then, there was Ian. Silent. Calm. Looking through his notes in complete focus, yet somehow seemed like he had already memorized everything the night before.

Lychie glanced at him. A silent genius, as always.

The tension in the room thickened as their adviser walked in, holding a stack of papers—each one filled with the questions that would determine their fate.

Mrs. Santiago: "Alright, everyone. Notes away. Phones off. You have two hours per subject. Good luck."

As the first batch of exam papers landed on their desks, a collective sigh of resignation passed through the class.

And so began the longest six hours of their lives.

______________________

They went to the field to catch some fresh air after the exam, a sigh of relief was cast out by Lychie and Joyane as they sat on the grass while Anya and the boys groaned out of exhaustion. 

Anya: "Six hours. Six hours of pure torture."

She dramatically collapsed onto the grass, throwing an arm over her face as if she had barely survived a war.

Joyane: "I swear, that Math section was designed to destroy us."

Cale: "Math? I blacked out somewhere in Political Science. I think I wrote a whole paragraph about a law that doesn't even exist."

Lychie: "That's because you didn't study properly."

Cale shot her a look, but before he could retort, Eddie flopped down beside Anya, groaning loudly.

Eddie: "I don't care anymore. Whatever happens, happens."

Nial: "That's a great attitude to have, especially since you're barely passing."

Eddie sat up just to glare at him.

Eddie: "And you're barely tolerable."

The tension between them was still there, thick as ever, but everyone else had long since given up trying to make them get along.

Anya: "Ugh. Why aren't we in the cafeteria again? I need comfort food after that exam."

Lychie: "Because the field has fresh air, and I didn't want to deal with a noisy cafeteria."

Cale: "Translation: She wanted to rub it in our faces that she wasn't even stressed about the exam."

Lychie smirked but didn't deny it.

Anya: "I mean, fair enough. If I was as prepared as Lychie, I wouldn't be suffering right now either."

Just as the complaining continued, Cale suddenly turned to Lychie with a smirk.

Cale: "Speaking of suffering... what did you and Kent do the other day when school got canceled?"

And just like that, all eyes were on her.

Lychie, who had been peacefully eating her cheese string, stiffened. She slowly looked up, only to be met with the expectant gazes of Anya, Joyane, and even Ian, though his expression was more unreadable than anything else.

Anya: "OOOOHH! I completely forgot about that, go on, tell us Lychie"

Joyane: "Oh, this is interesting. Spill, Lychie."

Lychie immediately regretted all her life decisions that led to this moment.

Lychie: "We just... talked."

Cale narrowed his eyes.

Cale: "Talked?"*

Anya: "Talked about what?"

Lychie picked at her food, avoiding their stares.

Lychie: "Chess."

Joyane: "That's it? Just chess?"

Lychie: "...Yes?"

Her voice was anything but convincing. Anya squinted at her, clearly not buying it.

Anya: "You're hiding something."

Joyane: "I bet they did something cute. Did he confess? Did he flirt? Did you-"

Lychie: "Can we not?"

The group turned into playful teasing, Lychie trying her best to dodge the questions without revealing too much. But before they could press her further, an unfamiliar voice suddenly cut through their conversation.

??? "Eddie."

A girl they didn't recognize stood a few feet away. She had concern expression, her gaze locked on Eddie.

Lychie, Anya, and Joyane looked at each other in confusion, none of them had seen this girl before. But what caught their attention even more was the sudden change in Eddie's expression. His usual relaxed demeanor stiffened.

Before he could even respond, Nial immediately stood up and blocked him.

Nial: "Not now."

The girl crossed her arms.

??? "I just need to talk to him."

Nial: "And I said, not now."

The tension between them was almost suffocating. Eddie clenched his jaw, glancing between Nial and the girl, clearly irritated.

Eddie: "This has nothing to do with you Nial" 

Eddie, despite Nial stopping him from approaching the girl, simply ignored him and went straight to her

Lychie, Anya, and Joyane exchanged glances, completely lost.

What exactly was happening? And more importantly, who was this girl?

Nial's face twisted in visible disgust as he watched the scene unfold. The girl reached up, her touch gentle as she cupped Eddie's face with both hands, her eyes filled with emotions too deep to decipher from a distance. Eddie didn't move away. If anything, he looked conflicted.

Nial, on the other hand, looked like he was barely holding himself together. His knuckles were white as he clenched his fists, his entire body stiff. It was rare to see Nial this affected by something, and that made it all the more unsettling.

Their friends were speechless, exchanging glances between Eddie, the mystery girl, and Nial, who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

Anya: "...Okay. What the hell is going on?"

Cale: "That's definitely his ex, right?"

Lychie nodded slowly, not taking her eyes off Nial. This was the girl? The one who had somehow managed to wedge a rift between Nial and Eddie? The air around them felt heavier with every second she remained in Eddie's presence.

Joyane, usually the playful one, had a suspecting expression on her face. Her instincts told her something was deeply off about this situation.

Joyane: "I don't like this."

Lychie: turned to her. "What do you mean?"

Joyane frowned, her eyes fixed on the girl.

Joyane: "Something's... wrong. I can't explain it, but I feel it. This doesn't feel like a simple ex situation. There's more to it."

That only made the group more uneasy. If Joyane, of all people, was feeling this unsettled, then this wasn't just drama, it was something worse.

After lunch, everyone made their way back to the classroom, but the tension between Nial and Eddie had grown even worse. The invisible wall between them had expanded, and now, even sitting in the same room felt suffocating.

Nial had positioned himself as far away from Eddie as possible, his expression faint, but his stiff posture said it all, he was angry. Hurt. Maybe even betrayed.

Eddie, on the other hand, looked... distracted. His usual cocky and unbothered demeanor was gone, replaced by a blank stare at his desk, fingers tapping absentmindedly against the wood.

As the test began, the rest of their friends couldn't help but feel worried.

Joyane stole glances at both of them, her brows furrowed in concern. She hated this. She hated seeing their group torn apart like this, and worst of all, she hated that she couldn't do anything about it, at least not yet.

Anya sighed quietly, pretending to focus on her test, but her mind kept drifting back to Eddie's ex. There was something about her presence that didn't sit right with her. If this really was just about a breakup, why did it feel like there was something much deeper beneath the surface?

Lychie tapped her pen against her paper, trying to concentrate, but she couldn't ignore the heaviness in the room. Nial and Eddie had always been stubborn, but this was different. This wasn't just an argument, this was something breaking.

Cale shifted in his seat, letting out an exasperated sigh. He was tempted to kick both of them under the table just to get them to snap out of it, but he knew it wouldn't help. This needed to be handled carefully.

Even as the test dragged on, the weight of unspoken words and unresolved tension made it impossible to focus. It was clear to all of them, things were only going to get worse before they got better.

____________________________

After Exam

Joyane sighed as she leaned against the cool tile wall inside one of the bathroom stalls, trying to shake off the overwhelming tension from class. The situation between Nial and Eddie was getting worse, and the weight of it was starting to gnaw at her.

But just as she was about to step out, she froze.

Outside, voices echoed through the restroom, their casual, almost giddy tone sending a chill down her spine.

As Joyane stood inside the stall, listening to the conversation outside, she could feel her pulse quicken. The casual cruelty in the girl's tone made her stomach churn.

"They're practically tearing each other apart over me," the girl said, laughing lightly. "It's honestly entertaining."

"You're such a menace, Andrea," one of her friends giggled. "But I get it. I mean, why not have a little fun?"

Andrea.

Joyane's hands clenched into fists. So that was her name.

She took a deep breath, trying to push down the rising anger, but the more she listened, the more her blood boiled.

"Eddie's so much easier to control," Andrea continued, her voice dripping with amusement. "And Nial? Ugh, I was done with him ages ago. But the way they're both so caught up in this mess? I love it."

That was it.

With one swift kick, Joyane shoved the stall door open, the BANG echoing through the restroom.

The group of girls startled, turning toward her with wide eyes.

Andrea, now clearly identified, quickly masked her surprise with a smirk. "Oh? And who are you supposed to be?"

Joyane stepped forward, her expression unreadable, her usual playful nature nowhere to be seen. "Someone who just heard everything I needed to know."

One of Andrea's friends shifted uncomfortably. "Um, we should go-"

Andrea held up a hand, keeping them still. "Relax," she said smoothly before turning her attention back to Joyane. "So, what? You're here to scold me? Defend your little friends?"

Joyane let out a slow, unimpressed sigh. "No, I'm here to let you know you're a bitch"

Andrea's smirk twitched, but she quickly covered it up. "Harsh words from someone I don't even know."

Joyane took another step closer, voice dropping just slightly. "Trust me, I don't want to know you. But now that I do, consider this a warning."

Andrea tilted her head mockingly. "A warning? Oh, I'm shaking."

Joyane's eyes darkened. "You should be."

Silence settled in the restroom, thick and tense. Andrea's friends exchanged uncertain glances, clearly realizing that Joyane wasn't someone to mess with.

Joyane leaned in just slightly, lowering her voice. "Enjoy your little game while it lasts, Andrea. Because once people see you for who you really are? You won't have anyone left to play with."

Andrea's jaw clenched, but she didn't say anything.

Joyane gave her one last look before turning on her heel and walking out of the bathroom, her presence leaving a chill in the air.

She had all the information she needed.

And now, she was going to make sure Nial and Eddie knew exactly what kind of person they were dealing with.

The moment Joyane stepped out of the bathroom, Andrea suddenly stumbled forward, clutching her cheek as if she had just been struck.

"Why would you slap me?!" Andrea's voice rang out, sharp and distressed, immediately drawing the attention of the nearby students in the hallway.

Joyane: froze. "What?"

One of Andrea's friends quickly jumped in, feigning concern. "Oh my gosh, Andrea! Are you okay? She pushed you so hard!"

Gasps were heard from the growing crowd, and murmurings began.

Joyane's eyes narrowed as the realization hit her, Andrea was putting on a show, twisting the situation in her favor.

Joyane's thought: "That manipulative-"

Before she could even react, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Andrea!" Eddie pushed through the students, immediately rushing to her side. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Andrea sniffled dramatically, still holding her cheek. "She... she slapped me." Her voice wavered just enough to sound convincing. "I don't even know why. I was just talking with my friends, and she suddenly got aggressive..."

Joyane felt her stomach churn at how easily Andrea twisted the narrative.

Joyane: "That's not-"

"What the hell, Joyane?!" Eddie's voice boomed, cutting her off as he turned to her with anger flashing in his eyes. "Why would you do that?!"

Joyane's breath caught in her throat. Eddie was seriously believing this?

"Eddie, wait," Nial quickly stepped in, gripping Eddie's arm as if to hold him back. "Don't shout at her like that!"

Eddie: shook him off. "No, Nial! I know you're pissed at Andrea and me, but this isn't about you. Joyane had no right to touch her!"

Joyane: clenched her fists. "I didn't slap her, Eddie. She's lying."

Andrea: let out a small, weak chuckle. "Lying? Joyane, come on. There were witnesses." She gestured towards her friend, who nodded eagerly.

Joyane looked around. The eyes on her, the whispers. A deep, unsettling feeling crept over her.

Just then, Lychie, Anya, and Cale pushed through the crowd, looking at the scene in confusion.

"What's going on?" Lychie asked, brows furrowing as she glanced between Joyane and Andrea.

"Apparently, Joyane 'slapped' Andrea," one of the students muttered.

Cale's eyes widened, then narrowed as he looked at Andrea. "Oh, that's complete bull-"

Andrea: let out another shaky breath, playing the victim perfectly. "I didn't want to cause trouble, but she just came at me... I was so scared..."

Anya exchanged a glance with Joyane, immediately sensing something was off.

Joyane gritted her teeth. She had been caught in a trap, and Andrea was playing it masterfully.

Nial: stepped closer to Joyane, his voice calm but firm. "I believe Joyane. Andrea, if she really hit you, then why isn't there a mark? Why are you completely fine?"

Andrea: faltered for the slightest second before regaining her composure. "Not all hits leave marks, Nial. I just don't understand why she'd do it."

Joyane took a deep breath, fighting back the frustration rising in her chest. She had to stay calm, but inside, she was already figuring out her next move.

She wasn't going to let Andrea win.

The entire hallway went dead silent.

Then...

A sharp smack echoed through the air as Anya's palm met Andrea's cheek with full force.

Andrea: stumbled slightly, her hand flying to her now-reddening cheek, eyes wide with shock. "W-what the hell?!"

Anya: shook out her hand, looking completely unbothered. "There. Now you actually have a reason to cry. Joyane can be many things Andrea, right? But slapping someone who's a low class like you is something she wouldn't do, she's no bitch, but I am tho"

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even Joyane blinked, momentarily speechless.

"Anya!" Eddie yelled, stepping forward as if to shield Andrea. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Anya: rolled her eyes. "No, Eddie, what the hell is wrong with you?!" She jabbed a finger at him. "You're so busy playing knight in shining armor for her that you're ignoring the fact that she's manipulating the entire situation!"

Eddie's face twisted with anger, but before he could speak, Nial stepped beside Anya, arms crossed. His voice was calm but laced with warning. "I told you, Eddie. You might love the same girl as me, but I already know what she's capable of."

Eddie: faltered, glaring between them. "What are you even talking about?"

Nial exhaled through his nose, clearly frustrated but unwilling to explain.

Meanwhile, Andrea recovered from her shock, her expression twisting into something uglier. "You psycho!" she spat at Anya, voice shaking. "You just-"

"Oh, shut up." Anya scoffed, cutting her off. "You were so excited about faking a slap, right? Well, congrats, now you know what a real one feels like."

Cale: snorted. "Damn, Anya. Remind me not to piss you off."

Eddie: his face twisted in confusion and frustration. "Guys, what the hell is your problem with her, huh? Why are you acting like she's some kind of monster!"

Nial clenched his fists, trying to keep his voice steady, but the anger, the betrayal, the pain from two years ago resurfaced like an open wound. "You really wanna know why, Eddie? Fine." He took a deep breath and looked his friend dead in the eyes.

Nial: "Andrea and I used to date you know that right? It was two years ago. And when I tried to talk you out of it, when I warned you about her, you got so agitated, because she already had you wrapped around her damn finger."

Eddie: took a step back, his eyes widening. "What?"

Nial: let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah. You think I was just being jealous? You think I just hated her for no reason? She played me, Eddie. She used me. And when she figured out I wasn't as rich as my friends, as you guys? She dumped me without a second thought. You wanna know the worst part? She spent all of my money before she left. The money I saved for my grandmother's meds? Gone. Because I was stupid enough to trust her."

Eddie opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Nial: his voice dropped lower, full of something raw and broken. "And then, as soon as she was done with me, she went straight to you."

Silence.

Eddie's entire body went rigid.

The weight of Nial's words sank in, heavy and suffocating. He turned to Andrea, his stomach twisting into knots.

"Tell me he's lying." His voice was eerily calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.

Andrea: flinched, but she quickly masked it with an indignant scoff. "Eddie, you seriously believe him over me? He's just trying to turn you against me because he's still bitter!"

Nial: let out a cold laugh, shaking his head. "You think I'd waste my breath on you if I still wanted you? Newsflash, Andrea, I'd rather eat glass."

Andrea's eyes darkened, but Eddie wasn't looking at her anymore. His mind befuddled, piecing everything together. The secrecy, the way Nial warned him but never fully explained, the money Nial had saved up that suddenly disappeared.

"You... used him?" His voice wavered slightly. He almost didn't want to believe it, but Nial had never lied to him before.

Andrea: clenched her jaw. "I did not do such thing."

"Bullshit!" Nial snapped. His patience had finally run out. "You bled me dry, Andrea. You took everything I had because you thought I was rich. And when you realized I wasn't, you dropped me like I was nothing!" His voice shook with anger, but underneath it was something raw. Something that spoke of betrayal deeper than just money.

Eddie's hands curled into fists at his sides. He had spent weeks defending Andrea, ignoring Nial's warnings, believing that Nial was the jealous, unreasonable one. And now? Now he felt like the biggest fool in existence.

"Eddie, don't listen to him," Andrea tried again, voice softer now, more pleading. "I love you-"

"Don't." Eddie's voice was low, his entire being radiating anger and disgust. "Don't you dare say that to me."

Andrea opened her mouth, but he cut her off.

Eddie: "You used Nial. You broke him. And you were about to do the same to me." His expression twisted in absolute revulsion. "I can't believe I was so stupid."

Andrea's mask was slipping. She looked between Eddie and Nial, realization dawning that she had lost.

Eddie: turned to Nial, his face filled with guilt. "I should've listened to you."

Nial: sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, you should've. But you didn't. And instead of talking it out like adults, we let this shit turn into a fight."

There was a long, tense silence. Then, without warning, Eddie let out a bitter laugh. "We really fought over something so stupid."

Nial: shook his head, a tired smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah, we did."

Cale, Lychie, Joyane, and Anya watched in stunned silence as the tension between the two boys slowly dissipated. It wasn't completely gone, but it was getting there.

Andrea, seeing that there was no salvaging this, huffed and turned on her heel. "You're all pathetic."

As she walked away, Anya called out sweetly, "Bye, Andrea! I hope you find someone else to scam!"

Andrea stiffened but didn't turn around.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Joyane sighed dramatically. "Well, that was a mess."

Eddie turned to Nial again, his expression serious. "I was a shitty friend."

Nial snorted. "You were. But I was a shitty friend too. So let's just call it even and move on."

Eddie studied him for a second before nodding. "Yeah. Let's do that."

Lychie clapped her hands together. "Alright, now that that's over, can we go eat? Because I am starving."

The group let out a laugh, and just like that, things finally started to feel normal again.