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Deceptive Angel

---

ANN WANTED to throw a fit as she walked through the hallways of Castillo High the next morning.

With her lips pursed and her eyes covered in a pair of tinted dark brown Dolce & Gabbana shades, she stormed through the series of corridors with groups of Castillians immediately jumping out of her way, scared to cross the one and only Annaliese Gracielle Beltran Lobris.

Nevertheless, Ann didn't care about the other students.

What mattered to her was immediately reaching the Castillian Centrum - the central part of Castillo High's main building kung saan makikita roon ang lahat ng announcements and notices mula sa administration ng academe. All of these announcements were posted in the large bulletin board that covered three walls, where club recruitments and student council pronouncements were also posted.

"Excuse me," she said haughtily, finally reaching the Centrum and stepping near the central bulletin board. Mayroon na kasing usap-usapin sa campus patungkol sa bagong announcement ng board of the Writers' Schism, and Ann wanted to see it for herself.

As she squeezed her way in front, agad na ibinalin ng dalaga ang kaniyang atensiyon sa pinaka-bagong notice na naka-paskil roon. The paper had the official red and white logo of Castillo High, as well as the navy blue one of the Writers' Schism.

A NOTICE FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS OF THIS YEAR'S 2018 WRITERS' SCHISM

Participants who have reported cases about missing or stolen draft entries are advised to triple the security of their works in order to avoid anymore mishaps. Any participant caught to be stealing or sabotaging another participant's work will be placed under investigation, and may lead to expulsion. But until then, the board advises everyone to keep their drafts secure until the finals round of the competition.

Sincerely,
the official board of the Writers' Schism

"What the fuck?" Ann muttered in disgust after reading the short announcement, unconsciously balling her hands into fists.

"So they're n-not going to conduct an i-investigation?" Biglang tanong ng isang pamilyar na boses na halos paiyak na. Dahil dito ay napalingon si Ann at nakitang nasa tabi lang niya si Faith Lorenzo at Angelique Rosmeña, ang isa sa mga pairs na in-interview at na-i-feature ni Elysia.

Faith's face had turned pale as tears sprung from her eyes. Angelique on the other hand, rubbed her friend's back in comfort.

"Seryoso ba 'yan??" Another familiar voice scoffed, and Ann turned her head to the other side and saw Roella Guerrero and Mariel Santelmo, the other pair featured in Elysia's article. Unlike the first pair, Guerrero and Santelmo's faces were crumpled and livid in anger.

"Napaka-insensitive naman kung hindi nila iimbestigahin yung kaso namin habang fresh pa." Pagpapatuloy ni Roella. "I thought the Writers' Schism was a prestigious contest?" She snorted. "Prestigious pero wala silang pake sa mga participants nila?"

"Oh honey," a sultry, familiar voice spoke. This time, kilala na ni Ann kung sino ang nagsalita. Turning around, Ann - along with the other participants who came to read the noticed, faced her older cousin who too, was now looking at the new announcement on the board.

"There won't be any investigation because they don't see your novel entry drafts as something valuable. No, not yet." Ann's cousin added, before glancing at the others who were staring at her.

"Calista." Ann sniffed in acknowledgement. "You sound as if you know a lot about the board's intentions."

Napakibit-balikat lamang ang feature editor habang nakatingin pa rin sa bulletin board. "It's just my observation, little cousin. " She remarked, her arms folded. "Kung titignan niyo, ano nga naman ang kahalagahan ng isa o dalawang chapters na hindi pa naman pulido? Or a document of incomplete, unfinished story details? Wala naman diba?"

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Angelique Rosmeña, who was a short girl with short bob haircut. "Are you saying our drafts are worthless?!" Another exclaimed in irritation.

"What I mean is," Calista said, making her voice louder. "Since hindi niyo pa naman tapos at pulido ang novel entries ninyo, the board of the Writers' Schism won't be considering your drafts as something valuable yet. Tanging kapag tapos at final na talaga ito, then they'll care and conduct an investigation. But since most of the participants who lost their drafts and files are only at the start of the writing process, wala silang pakialam. I mean, I get them though, bakit naman sila magsasayang ng panahon at resources para mag-initiate ng imbestigasyon at hanapin ang mga drafts niyo na kakasimula palang?"

"But that's underestimating our abilities." A male's voice said from the crowd, yet Ann didn't respond.

She knew that Calista was right. Yet despite this knowledge, Ann knew that it also didn't change the fact that the administration was being inefficient trying to play safe.

"Tell that to the board." Calista said dryly before facing Ann.

"Huwag kang mag-alala little cous." Calista told her in fake empathy, patting Ann's shoulder. "Hindi pa naman ninakaw yung draft ninyo, hindi ba?" She asked, batting her eyelashes.

Ann rolled her eyes and abruptly removed Calista's hand on her shoulder before storming out of the crowd in the Centrum who were now inciting a protest.

As she was about to exit the place by turning to a hallway, she caught sight of Rein who was leaning against one of the Centrum's wall, eyeing her.

Kahit na tinignan lamang siya ng binata, ay alam na agad ng dalaga ang kaniyang ibig sabihin.

"Having Madrigal on our side would be an asset for us." She remembered Rein's words last night, inciting a scowl from her.

"Fine." She muttered in disgust, walking away from the Centrum. Even though she hated her rival's proposition in its whole entirety, wala itong magagawa dahil alam niya sa kaniyang sarili na may puntos ang binata. They needed Sera now more than ever, lalo na ngayon na parang walang balak na umaksyon ang admin at board.

Sera's skills were needed now in order to help lead their plan to success - whether Ann's ego liked it or not.

---

It was early in the afternoon when Ann went home to their dormitory room with a determined look on her face. Napatingin ang dalaga sa orasan ng kanilang space at nakitang alas singko pa lamang ng hapon.

Ann paused and thought of her dormmates' whereabouts. Sera's probably in her room right now, removing her makeup for the day. She thought.

As she walked past by the living area and Queenie's room to which the door was open, Ann also deduced that Rein's plan was already in action.

He and Quinn had probably invited Queenie to go out para makausap ni Ann ng pribado si Sera - she wasn't entirely sure, basta sabi ni Rein sa kaniya kagabi ay siya na ang bahala kay Queenie.

With a grunt, ibinagsak ng dalaga ang kaniyang bag sa higaan at nilapag ang kaniyang shades sa vanity. Pagkatapos ay naghilamos ng mukha ito sa may banyo at saka huminga ng malalim.

Sa totoo lang ay hindi alam ng dalaga kung paano niya sisimulan ang sasabihin kay Sera. She had no friends and the only social relationships she had were her family and classmates.

With a disgruntled sigh, she then wiped her face. Pagkatapos magbihis ng pambahay ay walang choice na pumunta ang dalaga sa kwarto ni Sera.

Taking another deep breath, she knocked on Sera's door.

Nang binuksan ni Sera ang pintuan ay napaangat ang kaniyang kilay pagkakita kay Ann. "What does little miss perfect want with me now?" She asked with her bare face, proving that Ann's hunch regarding Sera in her room removing makeup, to be true.

"I'm offering you a job." She said simply, entering Sera's room. "For a hefty price offer."

Sera smacked her lips in thought before narrowing her eyes at Ann. "Hmm." She hummed, folding her arms as one finger tapped her cheek.

"Sorry," Sera finally said with a shrug. "Not interested."

Ann's eyebrows shot in the air as she gawked in disbelief. "Even if I triple the price?" Simangot ni Ann to which Sera scoffed.

"Lobris, I don't want your money." Sera rejected, sitting in front of her vanity. "Mayaman rin ang pamilya ko."

She then paused for a moment before glancing towards Ann who was pursing her lips. "Ang gusto kong makuha sa'yo ay impormasyon." Sera remarked. "Gusto ko malaman ang dahilan kung bakit lagi kang umaalis tuwing gabi. And yes, we hear you sneak out every damn time." Sarkastikong sambit ni Sera habang inaayos ang kaniyang buhok.

"So if you can't tell me why you sneak out at night, then you can leav-"

"Maccio and I had a deal." Matigas na sambit ni Ann, agad na pinangunahan si Sera.

Ann sighed before hugging her arms. "We had a deal to be partners for this year's Writers' Schism." She continued coldly, turning her face away. Ayaw niyang makita ang mapanghusgang reaksiyon ni Sera.

"It was the best and easiest way for both of us to win. Removing the variable that we're both each other's competition, our teamwork could easily bring us to success. I'd tell my side of the family that I won against Maccio to freely choose the course I want for college, and Maccio in turn, could tell his side of the family that he had beaten me. It was a proposed win-win situation." Pagpapaliwanag ng dalaga. She then finally turned to look at Sera who was staring back at her in silence.

"That's why I've been sneaking out." Tahimik na sabi ni Ann. "That's who I've been calling on the phone in the dead of the night. Wala kaming choice. Kailangan na naming mag-usap at magtrabaho kung gusto naming manalo sa Writers' Schism."

For a moment, both girls basked in each other's silence.

Sera, who looked at Ann's reflection through her vanity mirror, was the first one to speak. "Alright," she said, clearing her throat. "So what does the rivals of Castillo High want me to do?" Tanong ng dalaga, much to Ann's relief.

"We need you to get more information from the board of the Writers' Schism." Ann said directly, not beating around the bush. "Kailangan naming makakuwha ng impormasyon kung talagang walang pake ang board, or tinatago lang nila ang kanilang imbestigasyon."

"And why, pray tell, do you need that particular information?" Sera asked curiously, narrowing her eyes.

"We don't want any obstacles." Ann muttered. "No obstacles means an easier path to winning the Writers' Schism. And right now, this mastermind behind the stolen and sabotaged novel entry drafts is becoming a threat to our success. The thief may steal our work along the way and we don't want any of that."

"So you're solving the case on your own??" Kunot-noong tanong ni Sera. "While writing??"

"It's fine." Ann replied, waving it off. "Mystery ang genre ng novel namin, and solving this case adds to the inspiration and experience that may further help us in winning."

"Hmm." Sera said, humming once again in thought. "That's actually quite productive." She finally remarked, turning around on the stool where she sat to face Ann.

"In that case, I'll accept the offer." Sera said, crossing her legs. "Like I've told you a few nights ago, I could use a little thrill and adventure in my life."

"Good," Ann said dryly. "Kasi wala kang choice. I would've forced or coerced you in some other way if you didn't accept it."

Sera then chuckled whilst rolling her eyes.

"I just have one demand from you, Madrigal." Ann said in a serious tone, looking dead straight at Sera. "And that demand is for you to not tell anyone a thing from what I've just told."

By this time, Sera's playful grin suddenly faded at Ann's words.

"Not even Queenie?" Sera asked carefully.

"Not even Queenie." Ann repeated whilst nodding.

"But why?" Sera frowned. "She's our dormmate, I think she deserves to know what we're up to. Besides, hindi mo ba siya pinagkakatiwalaan-"

"I don't." Ann said coldly, and Sera paused before snickering.

"Oh, Lobris." She sighed. "Alam mo bang sinundan ka namin noong isang umaga?" Seryosong tanong nito kay Ann na agad na napatigil.

"You did wh-"

"We saw you breaking and entering the Gazette's office." Sera said bluntly. "You illegally snooped inside their headquarters Lobris." She pointed out accusingly, and Ann's heartbeat started beating furiously in anxiousness.

"Hindi ako 'yo-"

"Don't deny it." Sera snapped, stopping Ann. "You're not so perfect after all, little miss perfect." She said snidely, and Ann wanted to slap her - the blood inside her boiling as she turned red in both anger and embarrassment.

But then, Sera waved her hand in the air much to Ann's confusion and irritation; as if she was disregarding the topic. "It doesn't matter though." Her flatmate said dryly. "Wala naman kaming pinagsabihan."

"You didn't tell the admin?" Ann asked, blinking rapidly.

"No." Sera said bluntly. "Hindi ka namin ni-report ni Queenie, at wala kaming balak na i-report ka." She the leaned forward, staring back at Ann.

"So before you think that we're someone you can't trust, think about what we just did for you." She muttered, and Ann had never felt so guilty in her entire life.

"Anyway, I'll do your little job first thing tomorrow." Sera shrugged before turning to her vanity mirror once again, leaving Ann standing alone at the door to her room.

---

Donned in makeup and designer brands, Sera set on the next day to fulfill her job and promise - whether it be by hook or by crook.

"Sera pa-isa naman!" An arrogant jock yelled inappropriately as Sera walked past by, her long hair bouncing behind her back.

Despite her urge to smack and punch him across the face, Sera merely flashed the jock a smile. She was used to these kind of comments after all, having to hear them almost all her life.

"Asshole." Bulong nito nang nakalayo na siya. Kahit gustuhin man ng dalaga na patayin ang lahat ng nambastos sa kaniya, ay hindi nito ginagawa dahil alam ng dalaga na pwede niyang gawing advantage ang kalibugan ng mga ito. Most people after all, throws every inch of their sanity out the window when it comes to anything related to temporary pleasure.

And Sera was an expert in deceiving and manipulating people through this particular pleasure. All she needed to do was place her seraphim spell, and all would bow to the angel that she is.

Knocking on the meeting room of the board of the Writers' Schism, Sera was surprised to see a familiar face inside.

"Jase." She exclaimed, greeting Jayson who looked up from one of the bookshelves in surprise.

"Sera." Her suitor greeted back, quickly pushing the book in his hand back to its place in the bookshelf. Aside from Jayson, the meeting room was empty and quiet. Nothing could be seen inside except for the long wooden table, the swivel chairs surrounding it, a whiteboard in front, and a few bookshelves and lamps around the room.

"I'm surprised to see you here." Sera smiled, walking closer. "Are you an intern or assistant of the board?" She inquired curiously turning on her charm.

"Oh uh, I kinda help around here during my free time," he explained, rubbing the back of his nape shyly. "Utos kasi ni tita, hehe." 

Jayson chuckled, prompting Sera to part her mouth, feigning curiosity.

"Oh? Sinong tita?" She asked curiously, finally beside Jayson.

"Professor Perlita's my aunt." He explained, and Sera couldn't help but inwardly let out a victorious grin.

Bingo. She told herself.

"Woah, 'di ko 'yun alam ah." Sera remarked, placing a hand on his arm, slowly rubbing circles on his skin.

Dahil dito ay napatigil si Jayson, his mind slowly shutting off as Sera continued running her fingers around his skin. "Tumutulong lang ako sa pag-aayos ng Writers' Schism this year." He laughed awkwardly. "Busy na kasi dito eh. Kailangan nila ng helping hand."

"Honestly, Jase? That's so handsome of you." Sera said in a low, sultry voice, her fingers running across Jayson's chest now. She could hear his quick heartbeat throbbing against his chest as she did.

"You know, I'm finally free next Saturday for our long-awaited date." She whispered, her voice breathy against Jayson's ear who gulped.

"Really??" He blinked, trying to make sure that Sera wasn't playing games with him.

"I am." Sera responded back in the same seductive voice. She then stared into Jayson's eyes before looking down on his lips.

"In the meantime..." She said, her voice trailing off before leaning in to kiss him full on the mouth.

Agad na lumaki ang mata ni Jayson at nagulat sa biglang pag-halik sa kaniya ng dalaga. But after a few moments of Sera still kissing him passionately, he then closed his eyes and kissed the young girl back, visibly enjoying it.

"Hmm..." Sera moaned into the kiss, slipping her tongue into his mouth as she opened the upper buttons of Jayson's polo.

Dahil dito ay hindi mapigilan ni Jayson na ilagay ang kaniyang dalawang kamay sa bewang ng dalaga, his hands slowly roaming around her body. He then grabbed Sera's legs before carrying her up.

"Oh!" Sera chuckled as he rested her figure on the meeting table.

He then continued kissing her as Sera wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing his body against hers. Dahil dito ay napaungol agad ang binata.

"Jase," Sera mumbled before smirking, placing her plan into action as the young man kissed her neck.

"Hmm?" Jayson asked in a dazed tone, not thinking straight as he was drunk in Sera's spell and beauty.

"May... hmm," Sera moaned. "Nake-kwento ba kaya si tita mo... sa'yo?"

"Like what?" Jayson muttered back in reply as he licked a path from Sera's ear to her neck.

"Like, you know..." Sera said slowly, running her fingers through his hair.

"...stuff about the missing novel entries?" Ngisi ng dalaga.

---

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Fun Fact: Seraphim, which is Sera's first name, is based on the bible to which it is regarded as the highest-ranking celestial being in the hierarchy of angels.