Next morning,

"Damn you, Cerberus! I can easily tame you!" I shouted, throwing balls and squeaky toys at him. Let him have fun with those toys. But then he paused from playing, looked at me, and suddenly spoke.

"Elizabeth!" Our teacher shouted.

I immediately woke up, stood up as usual, and wiped my drool.

"Detention! Now!" he shouted again.

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry," I quickly said and walked towards detention.

This is annoying! I feel even sleepier when I'm in detention. I took out my sketch pad and started drawing the things I dreamed about earlier. Well, I am one of the students in the art class. Art has been my passion since I was a child. I've loved drawing for as long as I can remember.

The subjects taught in this school are boring. If only I could transfer, I would have done it a long time ago if not for the scholarship.

While I was drawing, a guy entered the detention room with a cut on his lip, bruises on his face, and bandages on his knuckles.

"Thane Atticus Zachary, you just transferred to this school, and you're already in detention?" said the teacher who was watching over us.

He sat in the seat next to mine, well, we're not really sitting together; there's one seat between us. Wait? He's the guy from the coffee shop yesterday, right? Why does he seem so charming yesterday? Now he looks like a deadbeat guy.

Wait, is he the popular guy who just transferred to this school? Girls are going crazy about him, including my best friend. What if he recognizes me? Oh my! I can't let him see me. Immediately, I covered my face with my hair; it was long, and all my hair was swept to the right side of my face since he was sitting next to me. I didn't look at him again and just continued with my drawing.

"Why don't you teach those scumbags to be respectful?" Thane, the guy, replied arrogantly.

Oh wow! He has an accent.

"Son, the word 'respect' is not a trend in this school," sir replied.

Sir has a point. Why? Almost all students here are bullies, even the teachers sometimes.

"Do you know why you were bullied right away? Because you don't want to get along with them, and they find you weird," Sir added.

Do I have the right to hear their conversation? Jeez! Wait! What? Weird? If only I could stop my ears from listening. Whatever, why is this a big deal for me? I don't care about him, anyway. Never mind.

"And you? What are you doing here?" Thane asked.

I feel like he's asking me. My eyes widened, well, there was no one else inside the detention room except the two of us and our teacher who was currently dozing off. But I didn't answer him.

"Hey! I'm talking to you," he said again.

Oh my! He can actually speak properly. This time, I talked to him without facing him.

"I'm here because I fell asleep during class," I replied.

"For that reason? They give you detention right away? This school is so overdramatic," he complained.

"Thirteen times," I added.

"Oh, am I talking to you? Or talking to your hair?"

"Talking to my hair," I replied.

"Face me," he said.

No way! I will never show my face to you, and besides, your friend is a doppelganger of mine.

"Don't you have a face? Or are you extremely ugly?" he said, laughing.

Please shut up.

"Show your face," he said seriously.

"No," I immediately replied.

He grabbed my chair and pulled it towards him, facing me. I quickly turned my face to the right, covering it with my hair, and also shielded it with both of my hands. He tried to take my hands away from my face.

"No! Stop it!" I whispered, trying not to wake our sleeping watcher.

Since he's stronger than me, he managed to remove my hands covering my face, and he held both of my wrists with his hands. I lost, and now he saw me.

His eyes widened when he saw me, and my heart raced like crazy. But I'm not in love with him; I'm just nervous. He saw me, and I'm screwed.

"This can't be real," he said, then let go of me.

"Are you happy now? Ugh!"

I grabbed my bag and belongings from the desk, about to leave when I heard Atticus mention my name.

"Elizabeth? I finally found you," he said with relief in his voice.

I paused upon hearing it, huh?

"How did you know my name? Forget it! Please, don't complicate my life even more," I said, then left the detention room, leaving him frozen in his seat. I don't know why it's such a big deal for him to see me, but I don't really care about it now

-

I am currently writing an essay for our project today, but I can't help but think about what happened last week. I noticed that Thane hasn't been coming to class since the incident in detention. I paused in my writing when suddenly the bell rang, signaling our break time.

I was walking in the hallway when I heard my name being shouted.

"EE!" Well, you already know who that is.

I turned to Det-det, out of breath as she caught up with me.

"Why?"

She was about to answer me when suddenly people started looking towards the entrance hall of the school. We could clearly see what was happening because we were on the 2nd floor, and the people were on the ground floor. There was no screaming, but we could hear whispers.

"What the heck! They are really here!?" whispered two girls on the side near the fence in the corridor.

"Yes! I can't believe this!" answered her friend.

This is strange and weird.

"Uh, Det-det, what is going on?" I asked Det-det.

"Well!" she squeaked loudly, which caused the people on our floor to glance in our direction.

"Hey! Stop it! Don't be a flirt right now. What's going on?" I asked again.

"What do you think I am, a flirt? What I want to tell you is, look at the guys on the ground floor. Aren't they handsome?" Det-det said, showing obvious excitement which by the way disgusted me

"So? You know me, Det-det. I don't care about those things. I just asked because I don't really know what's going on. Well, at least I have some idea about it, but again, I don't give a damn. So, I'm leaving and heading to the library," I said.

Det-det just looked at me playfully, as if she didn't care about the words I just said. I was about to leave when Det-det grabbed my arm and pulled me back towards her.

"Wait! Let me just introduce you to them. Maybe you'll find a boyfriend among them," she said.

I couldn't help but sigh at what she said, finding it hard to believe that she actually mentioned it. Seriously? My life is already complicated, and now she wants to find me a boyfriend. No thanks, Det-det.

"Do you see that guy smiling at the girls? That's Dennis Desmond Asteria. Isn't he handsome? With a matching upright hairstyle and decent looks, and besides, the two of you really look alike," she said in a curious tone.

Well, I was the first one to recognize him, and I won't forget that moment.

"And there they are, together with the three taking selfies with the girls who approached them. The one in red checkered is Miles Neil Owen, and the one in the middle with the unending confident smile is Paul Mathew Reed! The other one holding a book seemingly unfazed by the attention and still immersed in reading is Roy Gregory Seth! See! They're so cool!" explained Det-det.

Oh wow, common boys are cool now, her definition of cool guys is somewhat alarming.

"And there's one more, the quiet one who seems unbothered by everything around him, he's Thane Atticus Zachary," she added.

Detdet really has a knack for getting the list of new students from the principal's office whenever there's someone new in the school, she's been doing it since we were in Grade 7. I never expected that the guy I was with in detention, Thane Atticus Zachary, was a member of the flashy F4-like group, or should I say 5.

I mean duh! It's so cliché. What is this, the beginning of a love story? Oh please, all of this is nonsense.

"Wait Det-det, have you read the background description of Dennis Desmond Frey?" I asked.

"No, I haven't. It only contains names, no descriptions," she replied.

"I'll search about him later."

"Hey, EE, wait a moment. I'll just go down and take a selfie with them," Det-det excitedly said before leaving.

Oh well, really??

It is kind of strange. I don't know, but I have a different feeling seeing the five of them. It's not love, attraction, or anything like that. It's more like nervousness or curiosity. It's not right, actually. I feel like I know them. Weird, right?

-

I'm currently in Math class, and this time, I'm not asleep-or more like I can't sleep. I'm slouching, lost in thought. Dennis Desmond Asteria-his name sounds familiar, and the way he acted earlier, along with his impeccable sense of style, felt so refined. It's as if they don't belong to this school or society. I'm not being judgmental, but that's just my observation.

As for Thane Atticus Zachary, surprisingly, he still attending class! What a miracle. He looks like a gangster, you know? Just imagine it-his polo shirt isn't even tucked in, the necktie is loose, no suit and his hair is all messy. Seriously! Does he even have a mother? Or is he just careless about himself? Even though I don't have a mother, I still keep myself clean. Oh well!

And Miles Neil Owen, constantly taking selfies with girls, acting like a playboy. Checkered jumper and high-cut sneakers-cringe-worthy. Aren't we supposed to be in uniforms today? Do girls really like that attire now? I feel bad for them.

Roy Seth maintains that cool, nonchalant vibe. Keep being the cool guy, bruh. As for Paul Reed, he's the opposite of Roy-super happy and joining in on the selfies. SpongeBob much? Don't hate me; SpongeBob is cute, and it makes him unique, being a positive energy among the broodier types.

This is where I excel-observing the people I encounter. Then suddenly my sarcastic and judgy personality kicks in. I don't vocalize my thoughts about others, not even to Det-Det. I keep it to myself; I don't want to be toxic. Duh.

After school, Det-det and I headed straight to the coffee shop to work as usual. I was mopping the floor when something caught my attention as I glanced through the glass window of our shop. I saw a parked limousine in front, but it was on the opposite side of the highway. It had a mini flag in front with a design resembling the head of a white stallion.

The driver stepped out in front and opened the back door, and I saw Thane stepping out. Oh no, I don't think he's here for coffee. He approached the coffee shop, and in my panic, I rushed to the staff room, leaving the mop on the floor. Whatever, I'll deal with the Manager's scolding later.

I opened the door slightly and peeked outside, but he wasn't there. Hmm, strange. Maybe I'm hallucinating or something. I closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a sigh. Great, I'm stupid.

"Hi."

"Hello," I replied.

My forehead furrowed in confusion. Was there a ghost here? Then I saw Thane step out from the side of the locker. My heart jumped, and I knew my surprise was written all over my face. What in the world? My eyes widened as I looked at him.

"You should have at least checked if your staff room has two doors, right?" he sarcastically remarked.

"Surprised?" he asked, a hint of teasing in his tone.

"What are you doing here?" I retorted.

He didn't answer and instead, he slowly approached me.

"Stay away, don't come any closer!" I warned.

But he didn't listen and continued to approach me until he was so close that his body pressed against mine. My vision blurred, and I didn't know what to say next.

"Don't step back, or I'll destroy that face of yours," I warned for the last time.

Believe me, guys, I don't have the courage to do that in reality. I glared at him, but he just smirked and locked the doorknob, where I was leaning. Damn, I'm so stupid. He took two steps away from me.

"Your wish," he said

I just looked at him with an unbelievable expression and blinked twice to clear up my mind, but it's still embarrassing, damn.

"Now, it's just the two of us here," he said.

Well, of course, there are only two of us here unless there's a ghost, then we'd be three. Sorry for cracking a joke, but seriously, I want to kick him.

"I have nothing to do other than being here to ask you something," he said.

As if I feel relieved, I replied, "You're just going to ask, why not do it at school?"

"Do you think there's a chance I could talk to you there?" he asked sarcastically.

"What do you need from me?" I asked, puzzled.

"Just answers, please be honest," he requested.

I rolled my eyes when I heard him say I should be honest. Wow, I'm not a liar, and it probably doesn't show on my face.

"Is your name Elizabeth Esperenze?" he asked as his first question.

"yes."

"Who are your parents?"

"Maureen Credieu," I replied.

"Maureen Credieu?" he mumbled to himself.

Geez, is he fucking crazy?

"When is your birthday?" he asked.

"June 22, 1999," I replied.

"Okay! Are you done? I still have work, you got your answers, so don't bother me anymore," I added, then left the staff room.

I left him inside the staff room, frozen and deep in thought. He seemed surprised by my answers. Why is it a big deal to him? Well, whatever. But I'm confused about his question during detention. He said he found me-what does he think, am I lost or something? I want to poke him in the face.

I took a deep breath.

As I exited the staff room, I immediately heard Detdet calling my name.

"EE!" she shouted from a distance, cleaning tables at the corner of the cafe.

I quickly looked at her. "Finish what you're mopping!" she yelled, her voice echoing in the cafe.

I nodded and continued mopping. I glanced again at the glass window, and the limousine was gone, as if it left in a hurry. It's strange; why is he so curious about me? I'm curious about them too, but I haven't asked. He's making it seem like he's stalking me.

But why didn't he ask about why I look like one of his friends? Weird!

-

Detdet and I were walking home when she suddenly asked, "EE, do you have any plans of leaving your house?"

"Not until I reclaim my mom's house," I replied.

"You're turning 18 next year, so I think just hold on a little bit more," she said optimistically, trying to cheer me up.

"It's not that easy," I said with a hint of sadness.

"I know, just keep your head up," she replied as if she understands my struggle.

"Thanks"

I was already home and just having just arrived from the coffee shop. As soon as I entered, I was met with my aunt's stern expression.

"Elizabeth, don't you have anything to do later?" my aunt irritatingly asked.

"Po? Yes, ma'am," I replied respectfully.

"Clean the stairs; I have a visitor tomorrow," she said, heading upstairs with her dirty shoes still on.

'Elizabeth, you're already here. Are you hungry? There's food in the kitchen. Eat and rest; I know you're tired.' That's all I want to hear when I come home. Unfortunately, I received an order instead.

-

The next day...
-

I feel someone calling my name, but the voice is quite faint. But it gets louder until I am jolted awake by a loud scream.

"Credieu!" sir shouted.

I immediately stand up, wiping away the drool on my mouth. It's just another usual day. My classmates lets out a little chuckle.

"Quiet! You like history, Credieu, and this is the first time you slept during my class."

"Sorry, sir" I answered

"Ok, if you can answer my question correctly, I will not report you to detention," Sir explains as he walks towards me.

Yeah, I like History. Since I was a child, I've been exposed to the world of history. Do you dare underestimate me, sir?

"What is history?" Sir asks.

I let out a sigh. "History is the study of past events," I answer.

"Very well, Credieu. Class dismissed," Sir responded. He smiles at me, and I just remain quiet after answering his question.

I organize my things, grab my bag, and prepare to leave when he calls me.

"Credieu,"

I turn to look at him. "May I have a word?" he asks, approaching me.

"Sure," I reply.

"Do you have a problem? Is there an issue at home? Is your aunt doing something to you?" he asks.

Wow, he could've taken it one question at a time. This teacher is quite the counselor, but I feel flattered. It's rare to have a teacher this caring.

"I'm okay, Sir Jacinda, no need to worry," I say with a forced smile.

"Alright, if you need help, I'm here as your teacher and godfather," he says.

I just smiled and left. Yes, he is my godfather, he has been kind to me ever since I was a child. He is a close friend of my mother, and he was also there for me me when my mother disappeared, as well as his daughter, Detdet.

Ever since I learned that my mom passed away in a car crash, he has been the one defending me when my aunt and cousin mistreat me. Whenever I get hurt or bruised due to my aunt's abuse, he's the one who aids it. I owe him a lot, and he's like a father to me. I never felt curious about my real father; I don't care about him because I don't know him.

I'm in the hallway again on the second floor, looking down at the ground floor this time. Only three of them arrived: Roy, Paul, and that flirt Miles. And the girls, on the other hand, can't stop staring at them. Idiots. I rolled my eyes and started walking away when someone called me.

"EE!!" someone shouted my name.

I turned around and saw Detdet running towards me, visibly out of breath. What on earth possessed this girl to run a marathon?

"What now, Detdet?" I asked, bored.

"Let's go to the Bulletin Board," she said.

"Huh? Why?"

"How on earth you forgot the important things in our lives!" she complained.

I immediately stopped in my tracks upon hearing what she said, my eyes widened as I looked at her, realizing what she was referring to.

"Oh shoot!! Let's go!" I said, grabbing her wrist and running towards the bulletin board.

This is an important event in our lives. Every year, they announce the list of students who made it to the top 100 smart students, more like students who were previlege to become an honor student, and Detdet and I cannot afford to be left behind.

Even though Detdet is always flirting around and I tend to doze off during Filipino and English class, I still manage to get high grades. Well, I don't neglect my studies even if that's how I behave. We quickly looked for our names as we reached the front of the bulletin board. There weren't too many people here yet because they were still busy gossiping downstairs, those idiots.

I searched for my name, and then I saw it at the 5th position, woah! Last time, I was in 10th place, and now I'm at 5th. What an improvement, I'm so happy. I smiled in front of the bulletin board, and Detdet's name was in 3rd place-not bad.

I hugged Detdet out of excitement and joy as we both squeel.

"We're so good!" I said after releasing Detdet from the hug.

"Yeah!! I'm so proud of us!" Detdet exclaimed.

I looked at my name on the bulletin board again, but Detdet didn't do the same. We were in the middle of our moment when I noticed a guy also looking at the bulletin board. I glanced at him; he was wearing a coat, his usual glorious looks, and neatly styled hair.

He's slightly taller than me. I looked at his face, and my eyes widened as I saw his face. Damn! He's my doppelganger. I quickly averted my gaze and searched for Detdet on the other side, but she wasn't beside me anymore. Where could that girl be? We just celebrated and she just left me like that?

I felt a shiver as I heard him mention my name.

"Elizabeth Esperenze, Lizzy, I hope it's you," he said in a low voice.

The goosebumps on my skin intensified, and I suddenly felt a wave of sadness and longing with his words. I remained frozen in my spot, beside him, unable to move.

"Hey," he said.

I think he's calling my name. Oh my, what to do?

"Is your name here?" he asked.

But my face was turned away; I didn't want to look at him. He looked pitiful and way too attractive.

I knew he was asking me because, currently, there were only the two of us here. Everyone else was busy on the ground floor or in their respective classrooms.

Something hits me; maybe it's time for him to know that there's someone who looks like him here at school. I mean, he might freak out and think about leaving and putting an end to this nonsense that's happening. It's not that big of a deal, right? What does it matter if we look alike? I'm still invisible, after all. An outcast.

I faced him, and it was evident from his expression that he was surprised to see me. Our face are so similar, as if I'm looking into a mirror, but I found something different. It's our eyes, his eye color is green, and mine is hazel brown.

"My name is in the 5th place," I replied to him.

"Lizzy," he said in an emotional tone.

This is so annoying, why do I feel like crying when he said that? My eyes widened when he suddenly pull and hugged me.

"I knew you're still alive!" he said while I felt the drop of his tears on my shoulder.

What is this lunatic saying? Of course, I pushed him away. I have sympathy, but I don't just let anyone touch me like that, especially someone I don't know.

"I don't know what your problem is, why you hugged me, but I don't know you, and it's creepy because you look like me. Please stay away from me."

That's what I told him before I left for the next class. But I won't forget what he said. When I have time, I will try to find that out, and if only if I still have a little bit of care for everything.

"I'm sorry," I heard him say as I walked away.

-
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