/37/
Keep an Eye for the Gemini

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THE NOISE of chaos could still be heard a few meters away despite the fact that Queenie had locked the door of the control room shut. Nakikita pa rin ng dalaga ang usok ng mga stink bombs na kaniyang ginawa — usok mula sa labas na unti-unti na ring pumapasok sa masikip na kwarto mula sa ilalim ng pintuan. 

"Radio check, are you guys there?" Quinn muttered, prompting Queenie to turn to her brother as she guarded the door. Nakatalikod ang binata sa kaniyang kapatid, his eyes glued on the stacks of cameras sitting on the lengthy table, both hands firmly planted on it.

"Ann, Rein, we have full view of Room 319 at camera 13. I'll alert you both for any suspicious activity." Anunsyo ni Quinn, placing a sticky note at the camera on the farthest side. "Sera, Jarrell, the nearest surveillance camera guarding the Spring Bean Cafe is camera 8. We have our eyes on you too." Dagdag ng binata, pushing his glasses further atop his nose bridge before also placing a sticky note on another camera which Queenie deduced to be camera number 8.

"Don't forget," Queenie added quickly, pressing on her earpiece. "The stink bomb diversion we created will only be for twenty minutes. No more — no less. So we better act fast or else Quinn and I will lose sight of the four of you." She said grimly.

"Roger that. Hinahalukat na namin ang kwarto." Ann responded to the line. Tanging si Sera at Jarrell lang ang hindi rumesponde, which was understandable of course; considering that the culprit was right in front of them. Queenie glanced at camera 8 to see that they were actively interviewing Mayer, making the curly-haired girl grin.

"Leave it to the deceptive empress and the jester to stall a mastermind." Queenie remarked, prompting her brother to let out a loud snort.

"Did you just speak to me in tarot card language?" Pang-aasar ni Quinn.

"It's a new hobby." Kibit-balikat ng dalaga habang tinitignan ang kaniyang mga kaibigan, glancing at camera number 13, where Ann and Rein could be seen surveying the dormitory room which had three divisions.

"Here we go." Queenie muttered under her breath, hoping for the best.

---

"So, where should we start?" Ann asked Rein as they stood by the doorway, noting how the room was left by the occupants of dormitory room 319.

"We should look for Mayer's room first." Rein nodded, heading towards the nearest door.

Medyo makalat ang kwarto na iniwan ng mga nakatira rito. Like all the other dormitory rooms, it was occupied by three students. The place had a small living room, a comfort room, and one room that enjoined the kitchen and dining room together — which was the basic layout for every dormitory room in Castillo High. There were three bedrooms that can be found on the east side of the dormitory room; all with light, plain white curtains draped on it.

The first room, as Ann peeked inside, was full of photos of boy bands and Korean girl groups, with a few weights, a yoga mat, rubber shoes, and a basketball sitting on one corner. It also smelled of sweat, and Ann couldn't help but wrinkle her nose in disgust. 

The second room on the other hand, Rein had noted, displayed a few video games and CD's scattered all over the floor. There was a console on the bed, and a large television screen pinned on the wall facing it. On the desk was a RGB computer setup.

This room, smells miles better than the first one." Ann remarked as she passed by Rein who was inside the second room.

The third room on the other hand, was the most untidy one of all. 

"I think this is Mayer's." Ann called out to her rival as she stood by the desk next to the third room's doorway, where a laptop was left open on a document.

"Someone was clearly writing a story." Sambit ng dalaga sa binata na kakapasok lang sa kwarto. 

Rein then pulled out the drawer of that particular desk that Ann was studying, and saw a file of newspaper clippings of the Ylando Bulletin kept inside.

"Yep," Rein nodded, glancing around the room. There was one cabinet on one corner of the room, one bookshelf on the other, a chest of drawers next to the bed, and one lengthy mirror with a polo shirt draped on it opposite the bed.

"This is Mayer's room alright." He agreed in a serious tone, noting that Mayer's room seems to be the most refurbished room out of all.

As Rein and Ann started their scavenger hunt inside Mayer's room, Quinn and Queenie continued keeping a close eye on them through the surveillance cameras, ensuring that everything was sailing smoothly and going according to plan.

"So far, everything is in control." Quinn nodded in satisfaction, pressing his earpiece to hear Sera and Jarrell's conversation to Mayer as he watched the pair from the surveillance camera number 7.

Mula sa CCTV na ito ay kitang-kita ang lamesa kung nasaan si Sera, Jarrell at Mayer, lalo na't nakaupo sila sa may bintana. Though the camera's screen wasn't very clear, the twins could easily make out the three figures sitting by the Spring Bean Cafe's window.

"That was very inspirational," Tango ni Sera, trying to make it seem as if she was very invested in interviewing Mayer who seemed to be liking the glory and praise that the two had been feeding him for a few minutes now.

"Well," Mayer shrugged, trying to look humble when he passed of as nothing but egotistical in Sera's eyes. "It's a family trait." He grinned.

"No but seriously, those are some pretty radical achievements as a student." Sera drabbled on, with Jarrell pretending to be scribbling on his notepad for interview notes when in reality, he was drawing what Sera thought was a very amusing and offensive imitation of Mayer.

PLAY: "Bells in Santa Fe" by Halsey

"But I'm sure rarami pa 'yang achievements mo noh?" Curious na tanong ng dalaga, scooching forward to show her interest to Mayer. "I mean, I've heard that you joined the Writers' Schism... Isn't that right?"

Nang na-mention ang pangalan ng prestigious contest ay dahan-dahang nawala ang ngiti ni Mayer — the arrogant twinkle in his eyes and his boastful expression fading into an unreadable face.

"Ah... Yes — yes I am." Mayer answered politely with a small smile, returning to his old, innocent, charming school-boy facade that he had been manipulating everyone — most especially Ann — with.

Sera and Jarrell noted Mayer's uncomfortable tone, which pushed Sera to continue on.

"Then I'm sure that'll be another achievement unlocked once you bag the first place trophy for this year's Schism!" The young girl exclaimed enthusiastically, a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Especially since you have great experience with writing — lalo na't ang pamilya mo ang may-ari ng Ylando Bulletin — the finest and most-trusted newspaper company in the city!"

"Ah, haha, yes, I am quite proud of the Bulletin." Mayer nodded, clasping his hands together atop the table.

"Are your parents great writers too?" Jarrell interjected with a frown. "They must be... You know, since they're the owners of the Ylando Bulletin."

"Well, they are." Mayer started, as if thinking deeply into the question. "Kay mama ko unang natutunan ang pinaka-basics ng essay writing — so that's that. But my father though... Oh no, he didn't teach me about writing — he taught me the business of it." He laughed, his tone suddenly becoming dangerous.

Sera cleared her throat before smiling once again. "Ah, then he must be preparing you as the next heir of the company." She chuckled. "Well, as future heir — is there any chance that you'll decide to broaden the Bulletin's connections in the future? Make your newspaper be known outside of Ylando City as well? You know, like expand the family business?"

Mayer opened his mouth to answer, before closing it once more as his expression turning sour.

"Teka," Kunot-noong sambit ng binata, his thick eyebrows furrowed together. "Akala ko ba iinterview-hin niyo 'ko patungkol sa mga nagawa ko bilang isang honor student ng Castillo High?" Tanong nito, his tone accusing and angry.

The Gintuan twins who were back at the control room, as well as Rein and Ann who were rummaging inside Mayer's dormitory room; immediately stopped in surprise as they could hear the conversation through Sera and Jarrell's earpieces. 

"Here we go." Quinn muttered, as he eagerly anticipated Mayer's next statement. "Quinn, how much time do we have left 'til the stink bombs diffuse?"

Agad na napatingin sa relo ang dalaga. "Sixteen minutes." She replied, anxiously glancing back at the cameras to see what was happening with Sera, Jarrell and Mayer.

"Eh bakit parang namemersonal na kayo ha? Ano 'to?? Hot seat??? Interview patungkol sa pamilya at negosyo???" Mayer asked angrily, his eyes flashing furiously. Sera glanced down quickly to see his one hand opening and clenching into a fist — veins popping out threateningly.

"T-That's not what we've intended." Sera said in surprise, shaking her hands in the air and glancing nervously to Jarrell who had now stopped scribbling.

Hindi sumagot ang binatang kanilang ini-interoga. Bagkus ay napatingin lamang ito sa dalawa, his eyes sharp and piercing as he scrutinized the pair, the lines on his forehead creased in focus and suspicion. 

Unti-unti ay nararamdaman ni Jarrell na pinagpapawisan na ito; beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he stared back at Mayer who was looking at him accusingly.

"Uy!" Jarrell laughed awkwardly. "Alam niyo, na-realize ko lang na magla-lunch time na pala! Medyo nagugutom na rin ako, kayo ba? Saka ano — may conference kasi ako ngayon with Professor Airyn... Kaya ano, ipa-bukas nalang natin itong interview, okay?" He said enthusiastically, packing his things.

"Okay?? Okay! Sige, Mayer, una na kami ha? By—!" Akmang tatayo pa lamang ang binata nang biglang hinakawan ni Mayer nang mahigpit sa braso si Jarrell — a dangerous look on his face.

"Don't you dare stand up, Marquez." Seryosong sabi ng binata, his gaze upon the pair was threatening. Napalunok na lamang si Jarrell habang dahan-dahang umupo muli. Sera on the other hand was quiet and still.

"I guess you thought I wasn't smart enough to see right through your little game." Mayer whispered, tapping his fingers menacingly on top of the table.

He then shook his head before leaning back on his seat. 

"Remove it." The young boy said simply, looking directly at the pair.

Agad na napakunot ng noo si Sera, side-eyeing Jarrell before returning her gaze to Mayer. "Excuse me?"

"Don't act like you don't know." Mayer laughed sarcastically before pointing at them, and then on the table. "The earpieces. Those damn earpieces that I can see sticking out of your ears. Remove it. NOW."

"And why would we follow you??" Sera raised an eyebrow stubbornly, with Jarrell anxiously shaking one leg underneath the table.

"Because..." Sambit ng binata, reaching out from his chest pocket to grab his phone, opening the device with just his fingerprint as he showed a photo from his gallery. "You wouldn't want your families and the whole school seeing this." He grinned snarkily, the photo of the four of them sneaking out during Jarrell's party gazing up at Sera and Jarrell.

"Wouldn't you?" Pagbabanta nito.

"Oh please, that threat's getting kinda old now, Mayer." Sera scoffed back, taunting him back. 

"It might," Mayer nodded with a shrug as he returned his phone back into his pocket. "But the consequences will still remain once I show this to everyone." He said with a devilish grin. "Jarrell will get reprimanded by his parents for showing you, Lobris and Maccio one of their family secrets," He said, gesturing to Jarrell who clenched his jaw. 

"And you on the other hand, will face the harsh judgment and rumors of the public concerning your..." Mayer hummed, his voice trailing off. "...Promiscuity?"

"Tarantado ka talagang loko k—" Jarrell growled, shooting from his seat. He was about to grab Mayer by the collar, but Sera had pulled him back in his seat, with Mayer shaking his head in disappointment.

"Tut. Tut. Tut." Mayer tutted. "You don't want to cause a scene in a respectable cafe, would you Jarrell? Besides, it would do you no good if you get expelled from the academe just by punching an innocent guy like me." He grinned before facing Sera.

"At saka totoo naman, hindi ba? Ano nga ba ang ginagawa niyo sa isang restricted na lugar na kayong apat lang?" He pouted tauntingly, halatang inaasar lamang ang dalawa as he insinuated something else. 

"Illegal transactions?" Tanong nito, with Sera pursing her lips as she held on tightly on the edge of her skirt. "Drugs?? Or, hmm... How about... Sex—"

"FINE." Sera snapped, pulling her earpiece out of her ear and slamming it on the table. "Oh, ito na! What else do you want from us??"

"Oh, there's a lot that I want from the two of you." Mayer nodded, reaching for Sera's earpiece and fiddling it between his fingers. "The thing is, there's too many to count." He shrugged, before leaning forward once more — his elbows propped on the table as he looked at the pair with a threatening stare.

"Let's start with handing your phones over." He said grimly, a dark glint in his expression that the twins, Ann and Rein had heard through Jarrell's earpiece.

"They're on the move." Ann muttered through gritted tetth as she knelt down on the floor, checking the bed of Mayer's room in the hopes that he was also hiding his deepest, darkest secret. "We need to hurry up."

"Yeah no kidding," Sambit ni Rein as he turned off his earpiece to ensure that Mayer won't be able to hear him and Ann through Sera and Jarrell's earpieces. He then swiftly turned around to rummage behind the bookshelves in Mayer's room. "Hindi ko na naririnig si Sera at Jarrell. Jarrell must've given his earpiece now too. Tanggalin mo na 'yang sa'yo."

"Which also means we're running out of time." Ann said gratingly as she turned off her earpiece as well, peeking underne underneath the open space of Mayer's bed and letting out a curse when the only thing that greeted her there was a thick layer of dust.

"Damn it, there's nothing here." She groaned in frustration, standing up and returning the bed's comforter. This was because both her and Rein made sure to put everything they find back in its place, to avoid any trace of them trespassing into another person's room.

"Hindi kaya tinapon na nila yung entry files? O baka naman sinunog??" Disappointed na tanong ni Ann as she looked behind the curtains.

"Maybe he made Tyra hid the files." Rein suggested in a serious tone. "I mean, it's not impossible — lalo na't si Tyra naman ang pinapagalaw at pinapanakaw niya ng mga novel entries." Sambit ng binata. Nang wala itong napala sa mga bookshelves at cabinet ay dumiretsyo naman ito sa isang chest of drawers na malapit sa higaan ni Mayer.

"Sayang. Pwede sana nating i-hack ang laptop niya, but we're not as skilled as the twins in terms of technology." Ann frowned as she walked back towards the laptop on the desk.

Rein on the other hand, surveyed the chest of drawers, running his hands across the wooden surface as Ann neared him.

"I've checked the windows for any panels but there's nothing there." She frowned with a sigh as her rival checked behind and under the chest of drawers, hoping to see any flashdrives or any entry file stored near it.

"Aish, ang bagal mo." Iritadong sabi ng dalaga at saka tinulak ang kaniyang karibal papalayo. "Ako na nga!" 

She then pulled open the first drawer of the chest box, with Rein raising an eyebrow.

"Gusto mo lang makita underwear ni M—"

"Oh, shut up." Ann snapped back as she rummaged through the items inside the drawer. May mga undergarments, damit, medyas at kung ano-ano pa na walang kinalaman sa entry files ang makikita sa loob.

"My God, are boys seriously this untidy?" Ann muttered, wrinkling her nose as she opened the second drawer.

"You should see Jarrell's." Rein chuckled, re-checking the first drawer as Ann explored the second.

The second drawer was a much more interesting place to scavenge compared to the first one. There were a few pens, journals, and envelopes inside that was rather scattered and unorganized. Mayroon ring iilang libro sa loob nito.

Dahil dito ay interesadong kinuwha ni Ann ang isang libro na nasa pinakadulo at ilalim ng kahon. 

"I knew he was a writer, but I never knew he was a reader." Ann remarked. Ngunit dahil sa dami ng mga gamit sa loob ay pagkakuwha ng dalaga sa libro ay tumama ito sa gilid ng drawer.

To the pair's surprise, they heard something click open.

Agad na nagkatinginan ang dalawa.

"What the hell?" Ann muttered as she immediately placed the book on top of the chest of drawers, glancing at Rein whose forehead was now creased in curiosity.

Dahan-dahan ay kinapa ng dalaga yung gilid ng drawer. The young Lobris heir felt something sticking out from the side, prompting her to pull it out. 

Nang hinila niya ito ay agad na bumukas ang isa pang compartment mula sa loob, dahilan para mapatalon ang dalawa sa gulat.

It was a concealed panel inside the drawer. 

"Whoever designed their dormitory room clearly had favorites." Rein muttered. "A hidden compartment?? Seryoso ba sila?" He asked out loud in an offended tone as Ann opened the panel, reaching her hand inside the space.

Inside the concealed storage were a plethora of papers and flash drives ranging from small ones, to the large hard drives.

"It's a bunch of notes," Ann said in surprise as she scanned the papers, giving the other half to Rein who flipped through the files.

"Story notes." He corrected her in realization, glancing up from the papers. "Lobris, some of these are drafts — these are the missing entry files of the other Writers' Schism participants!"

"And more," Ann added, scourging through the other items inside the panel and pulling out what seemed like a small notepad, and a black journal.

"I never thought I'd see this again." Rein grinned as Ann returned the black journal to him.

"This was the notepad I was telling you about." Sambit naman ng dalaga, shaking the notepad in front of her rival's face. "Yung sinasabi kong biglang nawala nung nasa canteen ako."

"Pero bakit niya hino-hoard dito??" Kunot-noong tanong ng dalaga, turning once more to inspect the drawer. "What would he gain from all of thi—"

"Alright, you two." A deep, familiar voice suddenly said from behind him, and both Ann and Rein whirled around in horror and surprise, turning face to face to a figure by the doorway of Mayer's room. 

Ann let out a gasp, the notepad slipping out from her hand.

It was Mayer's very own silent twin.

Milo Cortez.

"Surprised?" He asked with a smirk ever-so similar to Mayer's that Ann had to blink fast and hard as she tried to comprehend the revelation standing right in front of them.

"I guess your little group had one little fatal flaw." Milo shrugged, extending out his arms as he did. He then turned to them once more, his expression dangerous and deadly.

"You didn't keep an eye out for the gemini." He taunted, moving right towards them like a pouncing tiger.

---

NOTE: Hi sleuths! Surprise, surprise ulit! I hope you like this chapter, this was very much enjoyable and exciting to write. Last three chapters left!

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