"I'm almost this close to getting grounded! Thank God Äng shuts his mouth, or I'm done!" said Peony.

"Set your alarm next time. High risk for a later date like that!" said Tina. Peony sighed as they reach the hallway.

Aztec High School hallway was busy this morning. There were shining brand new lockers assembled by the school board last week. Unlike the last time when some students need to bring those heavy textbooks home because of insufficient amount of locker and some were even out of order. Now everyone can enjoy using the advanced locker with safety features.

"I'm glad they change these lockers. Now I'm feeling safer to put my stuff in," said Tina.

"What did you put in that you concern so much, by the way?" asked Peony. She opened the combination lock and pulled out her textbook. Then she peeked inside Tina's locker.

"Condom?" her pupil got larger. Tina just grinned widely.

"Tina!!!"

"What? You never saw one before?"

"No! My mom will freak out if she saw that!" Peony quickly snatched her stuff and leave the scene. Tina tailing from behind while laughing.

"Come on, P! You're not junior anymore! Besides you are already 19. You should at least know a little bit of sex..."

"Hush! I.. Ah..." she sough heavily. Pouty while looking at Tina.

"Look, I don't mind if you have anything behind my back. But not me okay? I'm dead if my parents knew I date Benji, let alone having s.e.x!" said Peony.

"Okay, let's be sincere..." Tina grabbed her shoulder. Peony looked at her with her puppy eyes.

"Have you ever kissed Ben?" she shook her head. It's too serious for her. She loved Benji but she wanted to keep her chastity until she got married.

"Okay... Well, I'm sorry for asking. I should respect your decision, just like how you respect me," said Tina. She realized she made a mistake by having the motive to teach something like that to a nice girl like Peony.

They have been friends since junior high. Everyone was suprised to find them being good friends despite how different they are. They are like a 'Heaven and Hell' pair.

Tina is a wild girl, always in skimpy clothes, and has the reputation of being a playgirl. While Peony is an angel, always dressed and acts modestly. Tina is kinda straightforward and vicious while Peony is a kind-hearted person, sweet and polite.

But both of them are among the best student in Aztech. They were mathematic olympiad as well as excel in other subjects like history and literature. While Tina is a Liberal Arts student, Peony is a strong candidate for the Pure Science class. Both are huge supporters of each other. And always work hard together.

"Speaking of Ben... Here he is..." said Tina. She glared at Benji who leaning closer to Peony.

"Hi, sweety..." he smiled at her. Peony gave him a sweet smile.

"Gotta go now! See you at lunch," said Tina. She took a leave to her class. Now there's only Benji and Peony alone.

"Sorry I left hastily yesterday,"

"Never mind. We can always meet like this," said Benji. He nuzzles her hair. Peony giggled before pushing him away a bit.

"Meet me after school?" asked Peony.

"Today? Ah, sorry sweetheart but I need to finish my project or Mr. Squek will rate me C again!" said Benji.

"Sounds hard. That's why I told you to take Biology. Engineering sounds tough," said Peony while pouty a bit.

"I'm dying to be your classmate, but Biology is not my thing!" Benji huffed in frustration. "It's fine, you know your boy will belt this! Don't worry! We will enter the same university. Be your roommate at the coed hostel, and... You know..." his eyes getting darker while checking on Peony. The girl was wearing a white blouse and ruffled ankle-length skirt, looking sweet and pure.

"Hey! Stop peering like that!"

"Why? You're my girl. I have the right to see you in any way possible," Benji teased her. Peony giggled a bit. She playfully smacked his chest.

"I'm late for class. See you later!" she left Benji to class. The boy watched her from afar, face suddenly became ominous. He took his bag and leave for his class as well.

***
Peony POV

I sat there alone. The lab seems quite busy today. Everyone is trying to finish up the report that they suppose to submit today. Since I'm done, I just leisurely read the procedure for the next practical.

"Peo," a girl with a lovely ponytail stands in front of me.

"Oh, hi Sky!" I greet her.

"Can I ask a favor?"

"Anything!"

"Okay... Look, can I ask you to help me with the Chemistry report? The one that we suppose to submit tomorrow?" I frown, trying to remember the report.

"Oh yeah! Sure? You want me to teach you or what?" I asked.

"No... Hmm.. actually... Something happens at my house. I'm busy taking care of my siblings. I'm afraid I don't have time to finish it. Can you do it for me?" asked Sky.

"What happened?"

She sighs before taking the seat in front of me. She slowly gushes into tears.

Poor Sky! She must have a tough day!

"My parents got divorced, you know that right? And now my dad wanna take away my siblings from my mom. They fight at court, and neglect us! Mom is in mess, so I need to take care of my siblings so they won't get affected. I don't even have time for myself! Please, I promise you I will work hard once things get better,"

Well, I realize not everyone has a great family and life. Sky is rich but lacks parental love. I need to be grateful! Although mom and dad are a pain in the ass sometimes, they are always there for me and Ang.

"Okay. I will do it! Just focus on your siblings okay?" I said. Well, that's the least I can do for her. Hope that she will be fine soon!

"Thanks, Peo! Now I know why they call you angel!" she stands up and hugged me tightly. I pat her back softly. She needs support right now.

Poor Sky!

A few moments later, Miss Cartha comes in. Everyone is settles down at their place.

"So, as you might know, Mr. Hunt was... Ahem.. getting a meltdown last week. After a few discussions with Students Affair, he decided to drop Biology, for the sake of his mental health,"

Oh no, poor Frankie! He is a nice boy and lab partner! I pout a bit. Looks like I need to struggle alone this time!

"...so Miss Lee, you're getting yourself a new partner. Don't be sad okay?"

"Eh?" I'm in a daze.

New lab partner? But who? It's mid sem and the exam is just around the corner, who's gonna switch classes at times like this?

The door suddenly burst open. Someone came in! But who?

Everyone is paying attention all of a sudden.

"Oh, here you are! I thought you were lost!" the boy glares at Miss Cartha. Everyone gasp a bit, in shock.

I am not exception.

What is he doing here?

"Okay, I think some of you might know him. He is in the same class as some of you. But still, we need a proper introduction. Care to introduce yourself?" asks Miss Cartha.

"Hi. Yu Brunner,"

"Okay, Mr. Brunner will be Miss Lee's new lab partner. I'm giving you the best one, so make sure you catch fast, Mr. Brunner," he walks towards my table and takes a seat next to me.

I squirm a bit, thinking that I'm sitting next to the most vicious boy in Aztech.

Cold Blooded, Trouble Maker Yu!

But it doesn't mean I need to be rude! Though he is technically the satan resurrection from hell, he's still a human being.

"Hi... Peony Lee," I smile and stick my hand out for a handshake. He just stares at me with his blue eyes, not blinking at all! I gulp a bit and lower down my hand slowly.

Then he turns to the front and focuses on the class. I am about to burst out because he is rude! But, perhaps he is not a sociable person.

Maybe.

But the thought of those rumors...

Now, I feel eerie!