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The Campus Sleuths

---

THERE WAS a scent of defiance in the air as Annaliese sat at the back of the Lobris' limousine, a small smile plastered on her face.

"Out of all the people you tried to dupe us with, you chose to connive with a Maccio!" Her mother, who was seated beside her, flared up angrily. Ann merely tried to bow her head to hide her expression.

"The fact that you chose to disobey your own parents is already concerning enough, Annaliese." The attorney added sternly, with the same disappointed tone in her voice. "I ought to ground you, young lady!"

But this time, Ann didn't falter. Tumahimik lamang ang dalaga, letting her mother speak over her like she had always have.

For some unknown reason, Ann was actually more terrified of her father, who had become quiet ever since her little act of rebellion back at the principal's office. The senator's silence was more aggravating than her mother's anger — as if it was the calm before the storm.

"Alejandro!" Yamot na sambit ng ina ng dalaga habang patuloy lamang sa pagda-drive si Kuya Jed, ang kanilang driver, papunta sa kanilang mansyon.

"Don't you have anything to say to your daughter?!" Attorney Gracielle Lobris reprimanded her silent husband in front.

There was a quiet tension in the air as everyone waited for the senator to speak.

"I'll be speaking to her alone." The senator finally announced as he shifted in his seat, the limousine arriving through the gates of the Lobris mansion.

Nothing but silence soon followed thereafter as the driver parked the vehicle into the vast garage. No one spoke either as they stepped down from the car, the corporate lawyer immediately tending to various business calls as she entered the mansion's hall, whilst Ann followed her father into his office, the smug smile on her lips earlier had now turned grim.

"Close the door." Her father instructed as soon as they had stepped inside the room, Ann wondering whether she had truly fucked up this time.

"I'm confiscating your credit and debit cards." The senator announced as he sat on his large cushioned office chair, which reminded Ann of a king's throne.

Nakaharap lamang sa kaniyang ama ang dalaga. "Fine by me." Ann said coldly. "You don't let me buy anything using it anyway."

"I'm not finished, young lady." The senator muttered under his breath as he clasped his fingers into what looked like a prayer position — tucked under his chin as he scrutinized his young daughter.

"Since you're hell-bent on joining a useless organization that would offer nothing to your credentials in the long run to the point of blatantly disobeying me, then I have no choice but to let you do as you wish." The senator said quietly, and there was a clear rise in Ann's chest as she blinked at her father.

"Thank you da—"

"BUT." He interjected. Agad na nawala ang ngiting nagbabadya mula sa labi ng dalaga.

"Because you've decidedly embarrassed me and your mother in front of the school admins, as well as defied us by agreeing to further associate yourself with a Maccio, whose clan has disrespected our family name for years now," he held his breath, shaking his head. "I'm taking away our deal. I don't care if you win the Writers' Schism with Reagan's son — I will dictate what course and university you'll take and that is that. Do you understand me?"

"But—"

"You'll be taking up the ABM strand in your Senior High and pursue Accountancy in college Annaliese — tapos na ang usapan. I don't want to hear any complaints from you. I don't know if you've realized, but it's your responsibility to continue building the Lobris name as my only child. So I suggest you force that into your mind." Matigas na sambit ng senator, as Ann glanced down to her feet.

Naka-yukom ang kaniyang dalawang kamay. She knew that this was coming. Kailangan niyang akuhin ang kaniyang pagpapabaya.

"Then so be it." Ann nods, releasing the tension in her fists as she finally lifted her head to meet her father's eye.

The senator's eyebrows shot in surprise, not expecting his daughter to not contradict him for the first time.

"I have my eye on you Annaliese." He said suspiciously, standing up and crossing the room to open the door. The man then gestured for his daughter to exit.

"When have you not, dad?" She answered bitterly before passing her dad and leaving the room.

As she walked away, she glanced back to his office, watching him close the door. With a sigh, she then walked towards the balcony of the second floor, where she could see her mother below by the main hall.

Mula sa kaniyang ina ay napatingin muli ito sa opisina ng kaniyang ama.

"I have my eye on both of you too." Ann whispered under her breath, keeping in mind her mother's affairs and her father's shady phone conversations.

If there was anyone who needed to be placed under investigation, her parents deserved it more — keeping secrets from one another, not any less different from their daughter.

---

"Well done, my son." The businessman told Rein as soon as they had entered their own home.

He squeezed his son's shoulder, with Rein slightly flinching from the contact.

"You have exposed one of our greatest rivals in the business and overthrown them all in one day!" Ryder Maccio howled in laughter, the happiest Rein has ever seen since his father had last bested a rival in the industry.

"The Cortez family will never see the light of day again." He shook his head in amusement, loosening his tie as Rein walked towards the stairs.

"Hep hep," Sita ng ama sa anak, grabbing Rein by the arm and preventing him from going up the stairs.

"What you did was astounding, but that doesn't take away the fact that you're further associating yourself with that Lobris girl." The man remarked, a mixture of amusement and threat in his tone.

"Dad please," Rein grumbled, removing his father's hold on him.

"It's all part of the plan, remember?" Pagpapaalala nito sa kaniyang ama.

"I'm going to make her completely trust me." Seryosong sambit ng binata. "And that will lead to her downfall."

"To their downfall." His father corrected him, before letting out a proud chuckle.

"To their." Rein repeated, and the older man wrapped an arm around his neck and guided his son towards the kitchen.

"Come on son, drink with me. This night calls for a celebration!" The businessman hollered, with Rein faking a smile, and wondering how much longer was he going to pretend to be someone he wasn't.

---

"O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree." The school choir sang in chorus, practicing their Christmas medley for the upcoming Christmas celebrations as students scurried around in a festive blizzard, preparations being done by various organizations and clubs here and there.

It was the afternoon of the 3rd of December. The finals exam for the second quarter of the school year had just finished, prompting everyone to be further excited for the holidays. Decorations were being put up, late night practices spread throughout the campus, and the familiar buzz of excitement could be felt throughout in Castillo High.

"Ipasa mo nga 'yung parol, Richard!"

"Tabingi naman 'yang Christmas lights eh!"

"Gusto mo ikaw tumungtong dito."

As festive and as noisy as the rest of the school was the class of 10 – Fortitude, who was busy making sure that their room was the most well-decorated amongst all the other Grade 10 classrooms.

"Bigyan mo pa kasi ako ng tape! Huwag kang tumunganga diyan." Sera reprimanded Jarrell who made a face, mocking Sera's tone before finally fetching more scotch tape.

One month has passed since the conclusion of the Writers' Schism case. Castillo High hasn't been the same since then, especially after the news about the Cortez family soon broke out and spread like wildfire.

Halos walang ibang laman ang mga balita at dyaryo kundi headlines patungkol sa pamilyang biglang nahulog mula sa tuktok ng trono. The case was a media frenzy as the twins were immediately expelled from the academe after the school admin had processed their expulsion papers, which meant they had stopped their academics even in the midst of their graduating year in Junior High. Ylando Bulletin had also swindled down from business after Mayor Jerome Blake Marquez, and Attorney Gracielle Lobris, held consecutive court trials and allegations against the Cortez family throughout the month.

These allegations included, but were not limited to, physical harassment, hostage or illegal detention, theft, violation of the data privacy act and charges for unregistered transactions brought by their illegal fishing process of cephalopods that they used to create high-quality ink for their newspaper business. This ink which was revealed to be called "Cortezinc" was immediately banned, with the government stopping the Cortez family from ever selling the pigment to the market.

As for Mayer's sexual harassment case, the Galvino family had requested their personal lawyer to handle it due to its sensitivity, requesting the press for respect.

"Nagbabagang balita!" Masiglang maririnig ang balita mula sa flat screen television na nasa loob ng classroom, kung saan napatingin ang halos lahat ng estudyante ng 10 - Fortitude.

"Ngayon ay ang pangatlo at pinakahuling trial case ni Mayor Marquez laban sa mga Cortez patungkol sa kanilang ilegal na pangingisida sa dagat ng Atramento. Ayon sa isang credible source, ang transaksyong ito ay dulot sa kagustuhan ng mga Cortez na gawing high-quality ink ang pigments ng mga squid at octopus, na siyang ibebenta sa market. Maaalala na ang pamilyang Cortez ang may-ari ng Ylando Bulletin — ang pinaka-tanyag na tagapangasiwa ng balita sa Ylando City. This is Lori Roberto, reporting live from Ylando City's Metropolitan Trial Court. Back to you, Nathan!" Sambit ng reporter, at lumipat naman ang balita sa weather forecaster na binabanggit ang napakalamig na panahon ngayong Disyembre.

A wave of whispers escalated throughout the room, some of which glanced at Ann and Rein who were by the back of the classroom, leading the decorations for the bulletin board that cold Monday afternoon. 

Apart from the news about the expulsion of the Cortez twins, agad ring kumalat ang balita patungkol sa kung paano nangyari ito — including the investigations that the six had conducted to solve the identity of the culprit behind the sabotaging of the Writers' Schism.

This included whispers and theories about the newfound relationship between the two rivals who had come to a ceasefire — much to the uneasiness of their other classmates.

"Hindi talaga ako sanay na hindi kayo nagbabangayan." Tukso ni Alyssa sa dalawa na gumugupit ng mga stickers na kanilang ilalagay sa bulletin board. "Mag-away nga kayo, dali."

"Oo nga." Sang-ayon naman ni Javier na napabusangot. "Nate-threaten tuloy ako. Feeling ko inaagaw mo na si Ann sa'kin, Rein." Pagda-drama ng binata sabay hawak sa kaniyang dibdib na parang brokenhearted ito.

"Tanga." Irap ni Ann habang natawa naman ang binata. To her surprise, Rein suddenly wrapped an arm around her.

"Baka gan'on na nga Javier." Ngisi nito habang inaakbayan si Ann na pilit na tinatanggal ang kamay ng binata. "Bakit, aangal ka ba?"

"Aba, sapakan nalang tayo!" Bulyaw ni Javier at akmang itinaas ang mga sleeves nito na tila ba nanghahamon na makipag-suntukan.

"Tara, tara ako referee!" Sigaw ni Jarrell at iniwanan si Sera na nagdidikit ng Christmas lights sa may taas ng kanilang blackboard at white board.

"HOY!" Sera yelled, but Jarrell sprinted towards the back at the room, shouting as Javier and Rein had now started rough housing.

"Dumbasses!" Ann barked, slapping her face in embarrassment. "Pag kayo nakita ni Professor Zaldiga matutulad kayo kina Mayer, bahala kayo."

She then turned around to face the Gintuan twins who were helping with the Christmas-themed cut-out letters to be placed on their decorated bulletin board.

"Sila nalang kaya magkatuluyan. I stand for gay rights anyway." Ann mumbled to the two, prompting Quinn to nod furiously in agreement, and for Queenie to burst into a fit of giggles.

"Hey cous!" A familiar voice suddenly said loudly, causing the group to turn around.

There by the back doorway of the classroom was Calista, who had her arms crossed with one hand holding a copy of the Castillian Gazette. She had a smug look on her face.

"Well, well, well. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing you and Maccio in one place without the whole school burning." She remarked to her cousin Ann, who let out a scoff.

"Calista, isang buwan na ang nakalipas." Ann said dryly. "Either you're an overdramatic bitch, or you are an overdramatic bitch."

"Oh shut up." Calista grinned. "Nothing else makes me happier than knowing that everyone finally knows how perfectly imperfect you are now."

Napairap si Ann. She remembered the first few days of the scandal a month ago, with Calista bursting into the mansion and demanding to squeeze every juicy detail she can from her little cousin.

"Are you shitting me?? You fucking disobeyed tito and tita?! Oh my God!" Naaalala niyang sigaw ni Calista noon, dumbfounded when she had finally forced Ann to tell her everything about the Cortez case.

Despite the excitement surrounding the revelation of the Cortez family being no less than culprits, Calista was more concerned with the last tidbit of information that Ann had relayed to her.

"Oh my God." Calista had repeated back then. "I can't believe it. You stood up on them. You literally..." She shook her head. "Sinasabi ko na nga ba!" The older cousin exclaimed. "May baho kang tinatago. I knew it — you aren't the little miss perfect everyone claims to be!"

Ever since then, Calista had been rubbing this on her face, as if victorious that she finally had an edge compared to Ann.

"Anyway, here's an article I wrote just for you." Calista winked, tossing the copy of the Castillian Gazette towards Ann who caught it immediately. "It's my last gift to you before I leave this shithole and head to Manila for university." 

"Calista, you have been publishing nothing but articles about me, us and the case for the past month!" Reklamo ni Ann as she scanned through the paper in disbelief. "Don't you think your readers would want to read something else?"

"Oh, please!" Calista's eyes twinkled. "No one else would talk or read about anything else, little cous. You guys," she pointed at the six of them. "Are the star of the show." She grinned, before finally sashaying away.

"Marites talaga 'yon." Ann muttered as the others peered at the newspaper that Calista handed her.

The front page consisted of a headline related to the Cortez case. Down below, was another smaller headline.

Lobris-Maccio: Ceasefire?
By Calista Beltran

AFTER WHAT seemed to be decades of misunderstandings and public showdowns amongst the Lobris and Maccio families — two of the most prominent clans in Ylando City, there seems to be a development in this dispute as the next heirs, Annaliese Gracielle Lobris and Reagan Iñigo Maccio, are reported to be appointed as members of a new school-based organization which is yet to be revealed by the end of the academic year 2016-2017. This organization first rose from an afterthought by Principal Lilia Castillo herself, during the deliberation of the Writers' Schism case which was the work of culprits Mayer and Milo Cortez — who are now currently facing various charges for physical harassment, illegal detention, invasion of privacy, and theft in court.

With the principal's presentation of this vision, a reliable source states that both Lobris and Maccio pursued the membership offer despite their respective families being initially against the team up. As of the current moment, both Lobris and Maccio are officially confirmed to push through with the organization, which will also be composed of Jarrell Blake Marquez, Seraphim Louise Madrigal, Quinston Rhys Gintuan, and Queenie Rose Gintuan, who were also involved in the investigation of the Writers' Schism case last month. With the rise of this project, could it be possible that this will mark the conclusion of the endless rift between the Lobris and Maccio families?

"Witwew." Quinn whistled as he peered behind Ann. "Everyone's really making a big deal between you two."

"You can't blame them. They're shippable." Alyssa interjected as Sera was screaming for Jarrell to hand her more scotch tape.

Just as Rein was about to respond playfully, there was another diversion as the class heard a loud knock by the classroom's front door.

Napalingon muli ang mga estudyante sa pintuan na bumukas. A tall boy with raven-dark hair and a gold pin clipped on his tie, was standing by the doorway. It was Enzo Marasigan.

"Enzo," Rein greeted the deputy president in surprise.

"Sorry for interrupting your decoration session, Fortitude. No worries, hindi ako nandito para i-spy ang design niyo at sabihin sa section ko para gayahin namin." The young man said dryly, agad na inunahan ang batikos ng kaniyang mga batchmates dahilan para mapatawa ang iba.

"I'm just here to fetch the Campus Sleuths." He added, prompting Sera to step down from the chair where she was standing to reach the top of the blackboard.

Agad ring lumapit ang lima kay Enzo sa pintuan, a look of curiosity on their faces.

"What gives? Pinapatawag ba kami?" Bungad na tanong ni Rein sa binata na tumango.

"Yep. Principal Lilia wants to see you,"  Enzo responded promptly, his dark eyes boring right at them.

Rein then nodded before turning around to their classmates.

"Forti, aalis lang kami saglit." Bilin ni Rein sa klase, to which Ann poked her head inside once more to add: "You guys have our permission to lock Javier up in the broom closet if you need to."

There was a fit of teasing snickers and laughter, with Javier complaining about always being picked by the whole class as Quinn closed the door of their classroom. The six then followed Enzo to the hallway, walking quietly, but with a vigor of excitement and curiosity. Outside the corridors, they could see the leaves falling, and the sky mixed with streaks of oranges and blues, signifying the cold December afternoon.

Dahil medyo ramdam ang katahimikan at awkwardness ay biglang napaubo si Enzo.

"I see that my efforts to restrain you six from investigating has proven to fail." He remarked, prompting six different reactions from the group.

"At least nag-effort."

"I mean, we appreciated your effort, you know."

Ann let out a chuckle. "So, what are your plans for Senior High?" She asked the student council deputy president leading them by the front.

"Are you taking it up in a university or staying here?"

"My mother suggested I go to UYCA as early as senior high." Enzo explained, pertaining to the University of Ylando College of Aeronautics, which was famous for their aeronautical courses.

"But I feel like that'll be too stagnant for me. I don't want to treat senior high as a straightforward path where I'll stick one specific course to my mind. Senior High should be an avenue where I can explore various fields to ensure that whatever field I choose in college will be appropriate for me." Pagpapaliwanag nito.

He then pushed his hands into his pocket. "Besides, I still have a lot of plans and projects that I want to implement here before I leave. It'll be like leaving my legacy."

"Plans?" Ann frowned. "Are you running for the student council again?" 

"Yep."

"What position? Batch rep?"

"Do you think I'll be able to leave a mark in this school just by being a batch rep?" He muttered with a frown. "I plan to run for president now."

"President!" Quinn remarked in surprise. "Hindi ka pa ba napagod nitong junior high??"

"It's the only way I can change the school's problematic system."

"System? What's wrong with our academic system?" Rein frowned, glancing at the others.

Enzo paused before turning to Rein and placing a hand on his shoulder. "There is always something wrong with the system. Remember that." He said in a serious tone. "And I'm not just talking about the school." He added before finally removing his hand on Rein.

"Let me guess, Keira Ramirez will be running too?" Sera, who was the only one in the six to have in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of the student council, remarked, inciting Enzo to heave a sigh.

"Keira Ramirez? The Ramirez who owns the Ramirez Real Estate Firm?" Rein frowned.

"The very one." Enzo muttered darkly.

"But hasn't she been trying to run for a student council position for most of our junior high school years?" Ann interjected, remembering their batchmate who had voluminous dark hair that was a mixture of the shade of brown and purple, had a very extroverted personality that rivaled Jarrell's, and was in fact, a flop in terms of academics.

"I honestly thought she'd transfer to a different school or a prestigious university by the time we reach senior high," Enzo replied as the group walked. "But I guess she wants to stay here for her own personal agenda." He added quietly, as if he remembered something.

"Well good luck with that, I heard she was close by only 5 votes last election." Sera scoffed, inciting Ann to raise an eyebrow. "How are you going to make sure she won't be a threat?" 

"Oh she will." Enzo chuckled dryly. "She'll always be a threat. Keira is one of the bad apples in this system, you see. I fear for the school's future if she ever wins as student council president."

"And here I thought only Ann and Rein had some kind of rivalry." Quinn remarked, poking an elbow at Jarrell who wiggled his eyebrows at him.

"Eh kung nasa school ka ba naman ng mga anak ng mga mayayamang may iba't-ibang agenda?" Jarrell joked as they neared the centennial pavillion, the central grounds found in the middle of the junior high building. The Marquez boy didn't realize that Enzo was glowering at him; na para bang nagtitimpi ito.

As the group passed by, there was a strong scent wafting in the air that made Queenie cough.

"I thought smoking wasn't allowed on campus?" Sera wrinkled her nose.

Agad na napalingon si Enzo sa may isang pathway na konektado sa pavillion, kung saan makikitang nakasandal sa isang poste si Emerie Castrana — casually taking a cigar as if she was a businesswoman taking an office break in the smoking area, instead of being just a proper high schooler.

"Miss Castrana, I'm sure I've reprimanded you about cigarettes for an inordinate amount of times now. Gusto mo ba talagang sabihin ko pa sa diligent shepherd 'yang ginagawa mo?" Striktong sambit ng deputy president kay Emerie na iniangat ang kaniyang likod mula sa pagkakasandal nito sa pillar dahil sa acknowledgement ng kaniyang pangalan.

"And I've told you a million times Enzo, I don't care if I get expelled." Emerie rolled her eyes before blowing the smoke from her mouth. "Mas mabuti na nga siguro na ma-expel ako at makaalis na sa bwisit na paaralang 'to."

Enzo shook his head and snatched the cigar from between her two hands.

"HEY! I just stole that from Antoinette!" Sigaw nito, but Enzo broke the cigar in half and stepped on it harshly until the light of the cigar was no more. Ann's curiosity was immediately piqued at Emerie's statement. The Lobris heir didn't know much about the assistant librarian who she occasionally interacted with, and wondered who Antoinette even was. 

"If you're so done with Castillo High, why don't you transfer?" Iritadong tanong ni Enzo habang pinagpag ang kaniyang kamay sa kaniyang pantalon.

"And why don't you?" Emerie asked back haughtily, slightly glancing at the group behind him who was watching their little exchange. "Everyone in this school can see how done you are with this place and yet for some reason, you're still here. Ruling this empire, in fact." 

Silence filled the air as Emerie raised an eyebrow at the highest-ranking student who had gone quiet. "So tatanungin ulit kita Mr. deputy president. Why don't you transfer?"

Enzo stared back at her, his lips formed a thin, grim line.

"Because I can't." He finally said in a cold tone, prompting Emerie to scoff in satisfaction.

"Exactly." Emerie nodded, her eyes fiery in anger — as if she had been violated or overstepped in some kind of way. She then glanced towards the others in acknowledgement before walking away.

Enzo watched her quietly go before clearing his throat and fixing his composure. He then nodded towards the six who had observed the whole scenario in fascination. "Come on," the deputy president coughed. "Principal Lilia's office is just around the corner," He said, escorting them once more further down the hallway.

---

"My office is just down the hallway to your classroom." Principal Lilia Castillo greeted the group who entered her office. "What took you so long?"

"My apologies principal, we had a little drawback along the way." Enzo explained, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Ah-ha," The principal smiled. "No worries, I was only kidding. Thank you Enzo." She said, and the tall, young man bowed down in respect before stepping out of the room and closing the door.

"Come near everyone, I have something for the six of you." The principal instructed as she sat down on her velvet chair, the six students curiously stepping forward until they were surrounding her desk.

"Suspended po ba kami, principal? Expelled? Blacklisted from other schools? Kicked out? Tanggal sa honors?" Nag-aalalang tanong ni Queenie, dahilan para matawa ang mas nakakatanda.

"Queenie, I don't know why you keep asking that!" The principal exclaimed in amusement. "You should know: you're a brilliant student and Castillo High is lucky to have you. I'm sure you won't be facing any of what you had just listed in your last few years here."

The principal then clasped her hands and looked down at the six students, smiling warmly before pushing a piece of paper on her mahogany desk — towards the six who were standing in front of her.

Binaba nung anim ang kanilang mga tingin galing kay Principal Lilia papunta sa papel at binasa ang nilalaman nito.

To Annaliese Gracielle B. Lobris, Reagan Inigo H. Maccio, Seraphim Louise G. Madrigal, Jarrell Blake C. Marquez, Quinston Rhys L. Gintuan and Queenie Rose L. Gintuan;

We would like to express our gratitude for the bravery and brilliance that you have withstand in solving the incident connected to this year's Writers' Schism. Due to your cunningness, wit, and skills; the academic administration of Castillo High have decided to officially put up a school-based organization, with the six of you as its prized members. You will be called The Campus Sleuths, serving as the assistants and apprentices of the Official Castillian Police — the branch of the Ylando Police District based here in the academe. The six of you will be under the guidance of the O.C.P. to help ensure the safety and well-being of the school.

Signed,
Principal Lilia Castillo

Jarrell let out a low whistle as the others widened their eyes in surprise.

"Just to make things official." The principal smiled, adjusting her glasses before handing them one of her pens.

A slow smile tugged their lips before the group bursted into laughter. Gratefully, Ann first took the pen, and the six took turns in signing the letter for their approval.

By the time Queenie, the last person to sign her name in the document, had finished, the six of them peered down on the piece of paper with a sense of excitement, thrill and pride. This was the first in time in the history of Castillo High that an organization related to sleuthing was upended. 

A shiver ran through their skin as they realized that they were making history.

"I'll be giving you a copy of this document which you can put up on the wall of your office." The principal said as she carefully slipped the paper inside a clear folder.

"Wait, what? Office?" Rein asked, blinking as he stared at the principal. "Principal Lilia, I don't think we have a room that will serve as our office."

"Hindi ko pa ba naipakita sa inyo?" Kurap ng matanda bago umiling at napatawa. "Oh, how foolish of me! Come on, I'll show to your organization's official headquarters."

The principal then rose from her seat, with the six glancing at one another in excitement as they followed the head out of her office.

"It's not quite furnished yet, but you six can start fixing it up this school year so that it'll be comfy for you all by the time you students are in Senior High." Sambit ng principal as she headed up the stairs, with the six right behind her.

"Stairs? Nasa taas po ba ang kwarto namin, principal?"

"Nasa pinaka-taas my dear." Sagot ng principal habang hindi lumilingon, the group hiking up the stairs until finally, they reached the fourth floor.

"Nice. Papayat ako nito." Jarrell grinned, nudging Quinn who shook his head as they walked down the hallway of the highest floor in the building.

"Asa ka." Quinn snickered back to Jarrell who started tickling him.

"Aha, we're here!" The principal said enthusiastically, turning around to face the group as she stopped in front of a familiar room. "My dears, your new headquarters will be the abandoned Room—"

"414." Ann and Rein said out loud, much to the surprise of the others, except Sera who had been to the abandoned room with the two.

"Why yes, are you familiar with this room?" Principal Lilia asked curiously.

"Uhh, let's just say... It's the room where it all started, principal Lilia." Rein chuckled, glancing at Ann whose face had turned slightly red, the two of them remembering their detention with one another earlier in September.

"Well that's good then! A full circle moment." The principal clapped in excitement. "Since 'di naman na siya nagagamit, I think it's appropriate that you six could use it instead."

Just as Ann was about to thank the principal, the group suddenly heard a meowing sound from below, and the young girl looked down in surprise to see a white, furry cat walking towards them.

"Ronan!" Ann exclaimed, scooping up the furball. "Sinundan mo pala kami ha. Na-miss mo 'ko?"

"As if." Rein snorted, prompting her to shoot daggers at him. "If there's anyone he misses, it's me."

"Oh please."

"Wait," Quinn frowned, turning to Principal Lilia who seemed surprise at the sudden presence of the cat. "Principal Lilia, all clubs and organizations have their own mascot right?"

"Why, yes."

"Then is it possible that Ronan can stay in our office? He can be the organization's official mascot." Quinn suggested, the others lighting up at the suggestion.

"Quinn, ang galing mo talaga!" Ann exclaimed before facing the principal. 

"Principal Lilia, please allow us. Kawawa naman po yung pusa. We promise to be responsible in taking care of him." She pleaded, with the others nodding in agreement.

"Kami na rin po bahala sa anong ipapakain sa kaniya. Hindi naman po maarte ang mga pusa." Dagdag ni Queenie.

"Well..." The principal frowned. "I suppose it's not a problem as long as you train it to not trash your headquarters."

"Meow." The cat purred in response, causing the group to laugh.

"He says he won't, principal." Rein chuckled, reaching out to stroke cat's back as Ann carried the little thing.

Nakangiting nakatingin ang principal sa dalawa nang biglang nag-ring ang cellphone mula sa kaniyang bulsa. Agad na kinuwha ito ng matanda at agad na sinagot ito ng makita ang pangalan ng tumatawag.

"Mrs. Galvino." The principal greeted in surprise, dahilan para mapatingin ang anim rito. As far as they knew, the Galvino family was attending today's final trial against the Cortez family.

Dapat nga ay pupunta rin ang anim, ngunit since huling trial na rin naman na at na-interview na rin ang grupo bilang mga witnesses, ay sinabihan sila ng nanay ni Ann at ni mayor Marquez na pumasok na lamang sa paaralan.

"Yes? Yes? Oh my!" The woman exclaimed. 

"Nasa korte pa rin po ba kayo? Ah, okay. Thanks for informing me, Mrs. Galvino. I'll be meeting with the rest of the school admin just in case the press asks us for a statement. Yes, yes, thank you." Nang ipinatay na ang principal ang tawag ay napatingin ito sa grupo.

"Jarrell, your father won the case against the Cortez family for illegal fishing thanks to Ann's mom." She relayed the conversation in a thrilled tone, prompting different reactions from the six.

"Is that the final verdict po ba??" 'Di-makapaniwalang tanong ni Ann.

"It seems so!" Sagot ng principal na mukhang may itine-text patungkol sa bagong balita.

"Ah, the media is going to go crazy as soon as the verdict goes public. I need to meet with the board ASAP. Iiwanan ko na kayo ha." Nagmamadaling bilin ng matanda sa anim, patting the shoulders of the students.

"Thank you, principal Lilia." Rein said, slightly squeezing the hand of the principal as a grateful gesture.

"Don't thank me. Just do your duty." The principal smiled before reaching from her pocket and pulling out two keys. She then handed the first one to Rein, and the other to Ann.

"Here's the keys to 414. Huwag niyong wawalain ha. Congratulations, Campus Sleuths, show the whole school why you deserve to be called as such." She said proudly, beaming at the group.

"We will, principal Lilia." Ann smiled as the principal gave the group a slight wave, before quickly heading down the stairs and dialing her phone, possibly to contact the rest of the school board.

Nakangiting pinanood ng anim ang principal na bumaba sa hagdanan. When the woman's shadow could not be seen anymore, Rein turned to the group and dangled his key in the air.

"C'mon. I-check niyo sa loob. Kami palang ata ni Lobris at ni Sera ang nakapasok." He grinned, heading towards the door and inserting the key inside the doorknob. With just one flourish, there was a clicking sound that prompted Rein to twist the knob and opened the door, stepping inside the abandoned room which was still as empty as they had last entered, but neater than when he and Ann had first cleaned it.

"It smells musty." Reklamo ni Sera, fanning her nose with one hand. "Bilhan natin ng air freshener."

"Yeah, and we could put Quinn's board right there in the middle of the wall." Rein remarked, pointing to the left wall as Ann gently placed Ronan down on the floor.

Binuksan naman ni Queenie ang mga bintana para makapasok ang malamig na hangin ng Disyembre, habang napapunta naman sa gitnang pader si Jarrell at Quinn na mukhang naging interesado sa malamig na fireplace na nakalagay rito.

"Ayos. Pwede tayo mag-camping nito." Ngisi ni Jarrell habang tinapik-tapik ni Quinn ang medyo maalikabok na taas ng fireplace.

"We'll need a desk and chairs too." Ann pointed out as Ronan rubbed his fur on the young girl's legs.

"I can't believe it." Queenie shook her head as she walked towards Ann. "Nabisto natin ang mga Cortez, naging parte tayo ng isang official school organization, at mukhang okay na rin kayong dalawa." She beamed, placing an elbow on Ann's shoulder in a playful manner.

"Kaya nga sila bagay eh. They're both stubborn." Quinn laughed, nudging Rein who rolled his eyes.

"Shut up." Sambit ng binata. "We're all stubborn. Kaya nga tayo lahat nandito diba?"

"Yep." Sera grinned, placing her hands on her hips. "And I think this calls for a celebration. Why don't we eat at the new place down the street? I heard from Javier that the food there is to die for. Plus, ang ganda daw ng Christmas ambience. Perfect na perfect!"

"Alin do'n?" Singit ni Jarrell. "Yung Ricky's Buffet ba?? Tara! Gutom na gutom na 'ko."

"Tama. Basta libre mo ha." Bato naman ni Quinn sa kaibigan.

"Ako?! Bakit ako?! Sino ba presidente ng org natin? 'Yon ang dapat mang-libre!"

"Jarrell 'di ka ba na-inform? Ikaw kaya 'yon." Queenie frowned, playing along with her twin brother who was now holding his tummy from laughing.

"Ang rami niyong dada. Pwede naman tayo maghati-hati." Irap ni Sera before turning to Ann and Rein.

"Oh ano? G ba kayong dalawa?" She raised an eyebrow at the two.

"Sur—" 

"Una na kayo." Rein cut Ann off, who turned her head towards him in surprise.

"I just want to have a word with my rival right here." Akbay nito kay Ann na iritadong itinulak ang binata palayo, inciting the others to gasp.

"Magpo-propose ka na ba?!"

"Gago, 'di pa kayo mag-jowa ikakasal na kayo agad?!"

"Layag rin naman pala sa huli."

"Oh come on." Rein groaned with a playful smile. "Please?"

Natawa naman ang apat. In the end, they then gave in and stepped out of the room, eagerly thinking of what to order at Ricky's Buffet.

"Hoy sinasabi ko sa inyo, sumunod kayong dalawa ha." Banta ni Jarrell, pointing two fingers at his eyes before pointing it towards the two. 

"Baka mamaya mag-tanan kayo at 'di niyo kami siputin sa kainan!" Reklamo nito, with Ann making a face at him as Jarrell stepped out of the room with a goofy grin on his face.

Nang nakababa na ang apat at siguradong naiwan nang mag-isa ang dalawa, ay napatingin si Rein sa kaniyang karibal. He slowly ran a hand through his wavy hair, trying to find the words he has been wantimg to say for the past month. Marami itong gustong sabihin, but the silence in the room as Ann waited for him to speak, made him feel a bit tense.

"So," he cleared his throat before shrugging his shoulders and smirking at Ann. "P'ano ba 'yan? You'll be seeing more of me."

Ann, who had her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Don't act like you don't love having me around." She snorted, a slow smile tugged the corner of her lips. "Kaya mo nga ako laging bini-bwisit diba?"

Rein let out a chuckle.

"I mean I'd say the same for you so I guess we're even." He remarked teasingly, locking eyes with his rival.

Ann then searched his face, noting the dark caramel color of his eyes, the features of his cheekbones, and the smirk on his lips which was both annoying and charming at the same time.

"What?" Ann thought to herself. "How can a smile be annoying and charming at the same time—"

There was a weird, sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Out of instinct, Ann grabbed him by the collar, pulling him straight to her until their faces were inches apart.

"Are you actually flirting with me, Maccio?" She muttered dangerously, staring right at him. Glancing down on his lips was a tempting idea, but she fixated her sight straight into his eyes.

Rein was first taken aback by her gesture, but ended up letting out a deep chuckle.

"Bakit?" He whispered. "Ayaw mo ba?"

Ann's grip on his tie tightened as the two stared down at one another. For a second, she could see him momentarily glance down on her lips.

There was a mischievous glint to her expression as she slowly leaned in, as if about to press her lips on him.

But just as Rein was about to close his eyes, Ann pushed him away — letting go of his tie.

"Two can play at that game, Maccio." She said seductively. With a turn of her heel, she then headed towards the door, her heart pounding quickly against her chest.

Hindi rin niya alam kung bakit niya ginawa 'yon. "To give him a taste of his own medicine?" She thought unsurely, her knees feeling slightly weak as she walked.

But before she could even leave the room, Rein had snapped out of his senses and grabbed her by the waist. This time, he was the one who pulled her whole figure towards him, prompting Ann to shriek in surprise.

"Kala mo makakatakas ka Lobris?" He asked in amusement. "We still have to pass our novel entry to Professor Wyanna, you know." Ngisi nito.

Ronan, who had just witnessed the whole scene, meowed gleefully, causing the two to feel exposed, finally pulling away from each other — faces flushed, and now quite different from the competitive rivals that they once were.

"I-I guess we should go." Ann slightly stuttered, turning away from Rein who rubbed the back of his nape in embarrassment.

"Yeah," he cleared his throat as Ann carried Ronan again in her arms.

In fact, their faces were still somewhat red by the time they had reunited with their friends at Ricky's Buffet, the sun barely setting below the earth. Streets were full of children caroling, and the air was even thinner and colder. May mga vendors rin na nagbebenta ng bibingka at puto-bumbong, at unti-unti nang naglalagay ng dekorasyon sa labas ang mga bahay. Sa loob naman ng restaurant ay punong-puno ng mga maliliit na Christmas lights at mga mistletoe — making the place feel homey.

"Oh, kamusta naman ang pag-uusap niyo? Nag-confess-an ba kayo sa isa't-isa?" Ngisi ni Jarrell as the two sat down. Their table was next to the window, where they could hear a group of carolers singing outside.

"Actually, binack-stab ka namin." Rein grinned as Ann placed a napkin on top of her lap, trying to put on an unreadable expression.

"Pfft. Ganiyan naman kayo." Simangot ni Jarrell, habang isini-serve ang mga drinks sa kanilang lamesa, kickstarting the light and playful exchange amongst the six, conversations which included a few talks about their organization — such as the furnishing of their headquarters and the appointing of officers.

By the time it was already deep into the night at medyo busog na ang anim ay ikinuwha ni Ann ang atensyon ng kaniyang mga kaibigan by tapping her glass with a fork.

"Wow, susyal." Quinn laughed as Ann raised her glass.

"I have a lot of things I want to say." She started, a small smile on her lips. "But I guess what's most prominent is... thank you. Thank you for this little something that we've built, and for joining my reckless plan in the first place." Sambit ng dalawa sabay tawa ng mahina. 

"Kahit na ano man ang maging resulta ng Writers' Schism, hindi na 'yon importante sa'kin. Because for the first time in forever, I have something else worth fighting for. At kayo 'yon." Ann said softly, prompting Sera to reach out for her hand, and Queenie to start tearing up.

"All my life, I've had no close friends, no one to turn to. In fact, if you told my past self that I'd be working with my rival, make friends with people I've ignored for most of my Junior High years, and be appointed in a sleuth organization, I would have laughed at you. But here we are. And... well... I've never been this grateful. So, thank you." There was a slight quiver in her voice as she glanced at each of them fondly, finally resting her eyes on Rein who was looking right at her with one of his grin-like expression that she couldn't decipher.

"To us." Ann smiled, raising her glass further. Out of everyone, she felt like she had grown the most, going from reading mystery novels, to writing teen detective fiction, and to experiencing it all in one school year. "To being Campus Sleuths."

"To being Campus Sleuths!" All of them cheered, toasting their drinks in honor of a newfound solace they had built amongst themselves.

Everything has changed.

They were now officially Castillo High's Campus Sleuths — seekers of the truth, and protagonists in their own story who had found solace in one another; much more than mere students, and much more than what their reputations and backgrounds say about themselves individually.

It was the end of a project. And now that the six had blurred the lines between detective fiction and real-life mysteries, the beginning of a string of new cases was waiting for them by the tunnels.

Only for them.

---

NOTE: Happy belated Valentines Day sleuth-readers! This is my gift to you.

The Sleuth Project's story which tackles the process of how six brilliant students ended up being Campus Sleuths, has finally ended. Don't fret though. As the saying goes, all endings give way to new beginnings! Thus the reason why there are a lot of easter eggs in this chapter for BOOK #2 of the Campus Sleuths Series: "The Empire", which I will be editing next. Stay tuned! 😉

P.S: News anchor "Lori Roberto" and weather reporter "Nathan" are references to Lorelei Rios from AkoSiIbarra's "Project Loki" series and Nathan (Lopez) Alejandrino or more known as "Hiro" from purpleyhan's "Erityian Tribe" Series, respectively. I thought it'd be best to add a little reference to their works since these authors, as I have stated in the foreword, are what inspired me to write a teen detective fiction novel in Taglish.

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