Bright rays of sun peek at the windows as a moment of tranquility shrouds the art studio. I tune up the music and secure my earphones on my ears. I'm already done doing the flat colors for my project in Design Class. Now, it's time to give it more depth by adding highlights and shadows.

My brows almost knot together from concentration but it only lasted until someone pokes my shoulder. "Remy, look!"

Maize brings her phone inches to my face, and I have to back away a little. The tab shows the university forum and there's a lengthy post at the beginning. The title quickly catches my attention.

"Expelled? Who?"

"Do you remember the four bimbos from last week? It reached the board and they caused defamation of a renowned alumna and artist, so of course, they have to take action. Not only that, but I also saw some comments that aside from spreading rumors about you and Mr. Evans, two of those girls are guilty of art theft. What's worse, it's the corruption between the board members and someone pulled an indecent proposal to make them plagiarize so they can pass."

My jaw almost drop to the floor at the understanding of what happened. I already forgot about it since after that confrontation those girls did not bother me and my family anymore. I never expect it to become this mind-boggling.

"Is it even true?" I confirm, after all, rumors are not to be trusted. Believing it is just doing the same as those girls.

"Probably. One of the board members apparently resigned. They say it was because he wants to retire but with all the gossip that's flying around, I doubt it. Then again, karma sure works fast."

"What are you talking about?" Gray cuts in while putting away his headphones.

"Oh, it's the girls from last time. They got expelled," Maize states.

"Really?" even Uriel joins in.

"Yeah, check the forums."

"I haven't signed up yet," Uriel says, scratching his neck.

Maize clicks her tongue and put her hands on her hips. "You know what? Aside from Remy, I can't believe you shy away from social media too, Uriel. You two look better than most Instagram models but you're like a boomer."

I just laugh it off and open the forum page. There are thousands of comments already when it is just posted several minutes ago. And just like Maize has said, many are talking about the board member and the art theft that happened.

Just in time, I receive a message notification from Leo.

'Have you checked the forum? Next time, you don't have to hide when you are bullied, Remy.'

Frowning, I look up and say, "Give me a sec. I have to call someone."

I rush to the door, dialing my brother's number. In just a few rings, he answers right away.

"Hello."

"What do you mean by your message, Leo? What bullied? I'm not!"

"You still plan on denying? I already heard what happened last week. If they try to do it again, let me know. I'll make sure they're aware of who they are dealing with."

My lips purse, trying to hide the smile upon recognizing my brother's protectiveness. We might argue a lot when fighting over Vincent but he's the most dependable brother to exist. Nevertheless, I don't want to burden him with just a petty quarrel.

"It's really nothing, Leo. I didn't think it'll go this far. Are you the one behind this?"

"Not really. There's just some cheeky bastard who cares too much and told me about this."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Anyhow—"

"Wait," I interrupt when I see Maize gesturing to me in a hurry. "What is it?"

"It's lunchtime and we planned to have a takeout and just eat here. What do you want?" Maize says.

"Whatever's yours but please get me an iced coffee from the café below."

"Okay, got it." She turns her back and I return the phone to my ear.

"Hello, Leo? You still there?"

"Yeah. As I was saying, slandering our dad's name is a huge issue so we have to take legal action. You know, reputation is important for an artist. It's just that I discovered that they are really targeting our family. They're also spreading rumors about Mom and me. It's a good thing they slip this time and we manage to stop it before it got worse."

"Then is that board member really involved? There's no way you'll be this harsh to a student."

He chuckles on the other end. "Well, they bullied you and we have to do our worst."

"Oh come on, who are you lying to? It's not like you'll make this big of a ruckus just for my sake," I tease.

"Remy." For some reason, his tone becomes stringent. "You're my sister so of course, if this happens to you, I'll do my best to defend you. Don't take yourself for granted, okay?"

I grimace from the sudden seriousness. "I know. I'm just joking. But really, tell me the truth."

"That board member is one of Dad's rivals and he's been plagiarizing countless artworks. The only reason he is able to get away is that he uses students to do it and he has a clean transaction. More so, he earns a lot of favors among their peers so it is compromised to let go of the issue. You should be aware that the world of art is not full of rainbows deep down. Those who have been for a long time can't help but be tainted by corruption."

Leo talks more about the legal matters and I nod even if he doesn't see me. After a while, he bids goodbye when I hear his secretary talking to him.

I return inside but step back in surprise when there's only Uriel back there. I actually thought everyone went downstairs. He's now wearing earphones and doesn't hear me approaching.

He is busy scribbling in his notebook with a little scowl on his face. I like him smiling but I find myself drawn to his stern expression. I often find him like this when he is painting and the gap can be very fluttering.

He suddenly turns, making me jump away.

'Dang it! Have I been staring so much?'

"Ah... Um... I'm just curious about what you're doing. I'm definitely not ogling you or anything, I swear. I'm just wondering why are you so focused that you didn't hear the door open and—"

"Calm down, Remy. I didn't even say anything yet." His eyes eclipse when he chuckles.

I clear my throat while hoping I'm not as red as a tomato, despite my cheeks warming all over.

"So... what are you doing?" I say, diverting the chagrin I feel.

He swirls his pen and replies, "Homework."

Just then, another ring disturbs us. Uriel's phone light's up and I return back to my easel.

"Damn!"

The loud curse makes my gaze shoot in his direction. "What happened?"

He comes closer with an expression that almost looks like he's constipated. I grow alarmed as he gives me his phone but it is replaced by excitement right after I read Gray's message.

"You won!" I bounce from my chair, flinging my arms in his body without thinking. "I know you can do it!"

I'm too optimistic before but maybe luck was on our side and Terrence did not join this one. It's high time he takes a rest from grabbing all the first place. Or maybe school competition is not on his standard anymore? 'But hold on, didn't he say he'd join?'

"Uh, yeah." His voice is so close to my ears, tingling the nerves. That's when I realize the stupidity that I did. 'Just when can I stop shaming myself?'

I break away, distancing myself as much as possible. My hands are itching to fan my face even when the AC is already set low. I divert my gaze while trying to make the situation not so awkward. "Um, so the first prize is 3,000 dollars. What are you planning for it?"

"Probably for savings and some art supplies too."

"Art supplies?" I pause as I recall something. "Wait, do you want some brushes? I ordered a set last time but my brother gave me one too. Maybe I'll give you the other one?"

"It's alright," he replies. "Use it as your spare."

"Actually, I bought it as a spare. Besides, I don't need too many brushes."

'At least he'll be able to save more money.'

But as if like he read my thought, he steps closer and pats my head. "I'm not a pity project, Remy."

"No, I—"

He ruffles my hair as he speaks, "You're a kind person, Remy, and I should've known that you'll be overly sensitive when I told you about my problem. I already owe too many people and I don't want you to carry my baggage as well." His lips tilt, softening his features. "Maybe the burden has just been too much lately, and it's nice to let it out. I love what I do, be it studying business or painting, but I admit it can be very challenging."

"Alr—"

"Damn, bud!" Gray burst the door open and I quickly jolt away from Uriel.

He simply put his hands in his pocket before facing Gray. "What?"

"You fvcking won over Terrence Wright!" he announces.

"What?!" My eyes widen as my mouth slacks. 'Did he really?!'

"Yeah! What's more, everyone is surprised he finished in third place," Gray says.

"True. Everyone is flocking to the announcement board. His work is still amazing but the ones above him are indeed better," Maize adds.

Dang, if I have known I am this lucky today, maybe I should've done the lottery today too. Then again, am I an asshole if I badly want to see his defeated face?