wattpad hasn't been letting me reply to any comments guys :( and i keep seeing zero comments on the last chapter too. i tried replying but it kept bringing me back to the homepage, help lmaoo.

┏━━━━•❅•°•❈ - •°•❅•━━━━┓
Dum vivimus, vivamus-
When we live, let us live.
┗━━━━•❅•°•❈ - •°•❅•━━━━┛

005: From A Monster To A Monster

Physics. Physics. Physics.

Just to solve one equation, her teacher had wiped and wiped across the board like there was no tomorrow. Unaware of the other presence in the room, with airpods plugged in his ears, Marcel silently bobbed his head, scribbling down a jumble of alphabets and numbers.

Bukunmi sighed to herself. With the way Sir Enoch had almost driven himself to the brink of insanity as he furiously wiped across the board trying to solve a simple equation, what made her think she could get it?

And what sort of question was that even? Getting a whole teacher to struggle?

She stood up with the feeling of resignation, shoulders slumped and a dejected look plastered on her face, ready to pack her notes and textbook into her backpack when her eyes landed upon Marcel's dancing figure.

Okay, he wasn't really dancing. But the occasional bobbing of his head from left to right, his feet tapping on the floor and the way his fingers drummed on the table... could've been close to dancing. She then noticed the airpods in his ear.

The audacity, she thought, boldly listening to music in class when any one could walk in at any time. Even if bringing phones to school was allowed in BSH, being a perk as a result of the millions of naira they paid as school fees, students didn't flaunt their phones carelessly. Teachers expressed little to no concern of the fact that this was allowed, but that didn't mean they didn't show disdain whenever they caught a student actively using their phone.

Usually, Marcel was the one to walk up to her and start an endless talk. Daring to do the same, she dropped her backpack and braced herself but before that, taking the time to admire his facial features and physique overall.

That didn't take too long however, as Marcel removed his airpods from his ears and smirked slightly at Bukunmi. "Creep."

Bukunmi scowled. "What do you mean by that?"

If Bukunmi didn't realize this before, she was definitely realizing it now. Seeing as he stood up and walked towards her, and literally had to look down to speak to her... it made her furious. He was visibly taller than her, almost close to the height difference she beared with Alexandro.

"I mean you're a creep," Marcel responded. "Don't act like you weren't just checking me out minutes ago," he said with a smile.

He was smiling. Why was he smiling?

Disregarding how little and insignificant she felt standing in front of him, and also the way her stomach had warmed up from him being in his personal space, Bukunmi scrunched her face in disgust. "I wasn't checking you out. I was just surprised you were in class and you were also using airpods."

"So? Never seen anyone with airpods? C'mon."

His words only infuriated her more. "Believe me or not. And there's nothing special about using airpods, white boy. I was just surprised by the audacity to actually pull them out."

"We pay millions of naira, beautiful lady. So what makes you think I won't whip them out at any chance I get?"

Beautiful lady, I'll ignore that.

With a frustrated sigh, Bukunmi turned away, retreating back to her seat. "I don't care, I don't care. Do whatever you want."

"Where are you going to?" Marcel questioned, seeing that Bukunmi was ready to fly out of the class. "Aren't we supposed to have class?"

"No, it's lunchtime and I'm going back to the hostel. Go to your hostel too."

"No, my dorm is dry as hell. George stays reading all the time, and the others... I don't interact with them too much so..."

Bukunmi stared with a look, as if to say, "What do you want me to do then?"

"Stay with me. You can read as much as you want. Give me any questions and I'll solve them for you. It's better than staying with George."

"Isn't that against the bro code? Choosing a girl over your friend?" Bukunmi teased.

"What's against the bro code is dying of boredom because my friend has no life apart from his books."

"Hey, don't talk about him like that. He's serious with his academics, that's so admirable."

"Okay, obsessed. I'll be sure to tell him you are a big fan of how he stays cooped up in his room all day, consuming words and numerics because it's admirable."

Bukunmi lunged forward. "I didn't say you should do that–"

"Okay, okay." Marcel raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. I won't tell him. But you tell me something."

"What?"

"What's George like in school?"

That made Bukunmi silent for a while, leading to her becoming curious herself. What was George truly like?

"He lives like a shadow. All he does is read and top the class. You rarely see him talking except when needed to. He has no friend but is cool with everyone, except Andro. Andro hates him and he hates Andro. But George is like an enigma, and it's insane how no one can actually say that they know how different he is deep down."

Of course, she had an answer.

"Andro should be that tall, black boy, isn't he? The one who's nearly six feet?"

"He is six feet," Bukunmi corrected. "How do you know him?"

"My roommate. I got paired with him, this really quiet kid, another chirpy one that follows that Andro around, yeah? And uh, one boy like this... the one who spilled his drink on you at the cafeteria."

Dare. No way.

Their pairing was astonishing, a lot of contrasting characters together in one room, forced to live with each other. It was similar to hers also. Who would have thought she'd be paired with Jina, her best friend, Kamari, the annoying Kiishi, and people like Lisa and Niella?

Suddenly, it clicked. "George and Andro are roommates?"

Marcel nodded. "On the first day, the tension between them was so thick, you could practically slice through it. Why do they hate each other though?"

Academic rivalry. In most novels Bukunmi had read, it was a perfect trope for romance. But in BSH, academic rivalry could lead to death or violence. Academic rivalry bred so much hatred between students, it had destroyed the best of friendships and the best of potentials too.

"Andro's coping mechanism used to be studying at a point. Now, studying has become an obsession for almost everyone. But for Andro who really suffers from an inferior complex–" All thanks to Jina, Bukunmi thought, "–it's really frustrating when he reads and reads to be the best, while George just swipes the title off him in the twinkle of an eye. George has literally taken everything from him, according to him."

It was true. Andro had told her Jina had broken up with him for a very stupid reason; she liked someone else. And it didn't take a wise man to realize the someone else was George. Not only had the breakup affected him, but running towards his studies and even getting that too taken by George was quite frustrating.

"I can believe that. George takes a lot without realizing. He's a magnet, he attracts more than he's even aware about."

For someone who had spent years with George, Marcel was probably the only one who could define George's personality best and without any blemish. He'd grown up getting compared to George all his life. Watched as George get admired and praised for the little things he did, while he just had to accept and move on.

But Marcel wasn't the type to hold things as a grudge. It wasn't George's fault he got praised and admired. George was simply better to everyone and that was it.

"How long have you known George though? You talk about him like you practically grew up together. And I noticed you're the only one he actually walks with."

Marcel shrugged as he responded, "That's because we did grow up together. We are more like family friends, then brothers. We spent our childhood together leading to our teenage years, except George left early and came here."

"So you followed him here?"

"Uh no, I just needed a change of scenery and he told me about BSH." Bukunmi nodded, absentmindedly listening. She was far off from listening to what Marcel was saying. Instead, she wondered why George chose to spend his teenage years alone. No one could tell he used to have a friend until Marcel came here to BSH. Infact, people were shocked that he'd warmed up to a stranger so easily. If only they knew Marcel wasn't actually a stranger.

But it was funny, just casually splitting and coming back together as friends again.

Marcel returned to his seat and brought out a Twix chocolate bar from his backpack, tearing the nylon gently before going back to Bukunmi. "I was hungry," he told her.

Bukunmi blinked. "Do you have another one? I want."

The curly haired boy shook his head in response. "Wait." Bukunmi did as he said while he evenly split the chocolate into two parts, the thick caramel filling inside it drawing as he did. "There." He handed one piece to Bukunmi and started to munch on his piece.

"Did you just divide your chocolate into two for me?"

Marcel nodded like it was no big deal. Registering the confused look on Bukunmi's face, he patted her shoulder with a goofy smile. "Don't worry, I like you. Else, I don't really share my chocolates."

The petite girl said nothing in reply, silently eating and savouring the sweet goodness in her mouth. She fought the urge to smile at the kind gesture Marcel had just shown. No one ever shared stuff with her.

Both comfortably ate their shared snack while waiting for the bell to ring, occasionally making fun of each other every now and then.

It gets better with her, Marcel thought to himself.

-

Just a week ago, right before the twins had made a road trip to their new school, a certain someone who was intent on finding the twins, specifically, one of the twin, was actively searching as he had always done.

"She's a drug baroness, actually one of the top drug barons and also rules a syndicate. Her husband is deceased and used to be the one in charge of everything she owns now." The hireling reported, not daring- as it already was a necessary habit- to look at his boss straight in the eyes.

"So she's the one." He patiently drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. A look void of emotions filled his eyes, making his orbs seem dead, icy and stormy.

"Yes," the hireling answered. "She's his guardian."

"I need to find him. And she's protecting him?" the hireling's boss bellowed, barking out an angry scoff. He nodded, an act to calm himself down as his fists balled on the arms of the chair which they rested on.

"She owns a chain of hotels, and a popular club called Evrin. It's open twenty four-seven. Drug lords, gang leaders, every high-end dirty dealer comes to the club, so it's one of the most expensive ones out there. She, however, marks her presence in the club only on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Add this to my schedule, I'll be going this Saturday."

"Okay, sir." With that, the hireling was out of the room, taking less than quarter a minute to disappear.

If you want answers, he'll give you.

He can be responsible.

Like a brother to his brother, like a friend to his friend.

"I just need to know. That's it."

He wasn't just lying to himself. But he needed this false reassurance. He needed to do anything, to believe anything that would help the pain from his younger one passing on.

-

"This should be a simple question, then." Marcel flipped his book shut, and looked up at Bukunmi with an anticipating glint in his eyes. "What organism has blue blood and explain why?"

"Jesus." Bukunmi gasped. "This boy is really out to get me." She let out a dry, humorless chuckle which amused Marcel, but only slightly.

"The antarctic octopus."

Marcel would have been very impressed, but that answer didn't come from Bukunmi's mouth. Except she found a way to voice her words without opening her mouth, that is, because he'd been looking at her and she definitely didn't open her mouth.

Both looked up, surprised to see someone who seemed familiar to them. Bukunmi wasn't sure why she looked familiar but Marcel remembered her. She was his roommate's sister.

"Aren't you an Arts student?" Marcel asked, genuinely curious and a tad bit impressed.

Niella nodded, slightly confused. "I offer Biology, even though."

It was Marcel's turn to nod. "Okay. Then why does this organism have blue blood?"

Bukunmi glanced between the duo and then settled her gaze on Marcel. He looked invested in the girl in front of them, and also too interested. Maybe, he wanted to be a teacher.

Needless of an invitation, Niella maneuvered her way and took a seat next to Bukunmi, one which was after hers and faced the empty seat next to Marcel's.

"Okay, this is because its blood has a copper rich protein- haemocyanin- while vertebrates have haemoglobin. Both proteins assist in oxygen transportation in the body. Haemoglobin has iron molecules to which, when the oxygen molecules bind give red color.

In the case of haemocyanin, it has copper molecules instead of iron and when the oxygen molecules bind to copper molecules of haemocyanin, it becomes blue in color. After dissociation of copper and oxygen-"

My ears. Bukunmi sighed to herself.

"-molecules, that is, exhalation, the haemocyanin becomes colorless. An octopus also has three hearts which is partly a consequence of having blue blood."

Marcel was no longer a tad bit impressed. He was way more than impressed. Marcel was mind-blown. His focus has completely moved from Bukunmi to his roommate's sister.

"Hm hm." Marcel and Niella turned at the sound of someone's throat clearing. "Marcellus," Bukunmi called knowingly, suppressing a smile when the impressed look was wiped off Marcel's face and was now replaced with a grimace. "You're not tutoring me as agreed."

"My bad," Marcel gritted, "I got distracted for a moment." He then added through clenched teeth, "I really need you to stop calling me Marcellus."

"Why?" Bukunmi feigned innocence. "Isn't it your full name? Marcellus... what's your surname?"

"It's right inside this book," Marcel deadpanned, with aggressive sarcasm.

Bukunmi was slightly offended, rolling her eyes as she let out an incoherent mumble of words. "What did you say?" Marcel asked.

"What I said can be found right in that damn Biology textbook," Bukunmi retorted.

"Are you two in a situationship?" Niella had to ask, very fascinated by the two people that offered her a free show, bickering with each other like they were the human form of Tom and Jerry.

"What's a situationship?" Bukunmi asked while Marcel looked thrown off for a moment, before he regained his composure.

"I would rather have a relationship, than a situation-ship. Anything for a pretty girl. But she's annoying, so it's a NO," Marcel said. Bukunmi gave him a side-eye and then scoffed. Hours ago they were just sharing a chocolate bar and now they were back to their bickering.

She also tried to ignore the fact that he had called her pretty.

No one had ever called her pretty. Only her father.

"You're definitely in a situationship. How long have you known each other?"

"One week," Marcel deadpanned, once again.

Realization settled on Niella's features. "Oh, you're a newcomer just like me. Guy, what's the school like to you?"

Marcel was about to give an answer when he noticed the dejected look on Bukunmi's face. Right, he was meant to be tutoring her. Not discussing with his roommate's sister. "Actually," he started, "it's nothing special, just really big for a school--"

"Same," Niella beamed. One thing they both had similar opinions of. "Anyways, I should go. I shouldn't bother y'all's tutoring session or situationship."

"It's not a situationship."

"What's a situationship?" Bukunmi wondered, one to which Marcel shot her a look that said, really now? "It's not a crime not to know." She gave a lazy shrug.

Niella laughed as she stood up. "By the way," she turned to Bukunmi, "are you my roommate? You look familiar."

It was then realization hit Bukunmi. The cocky girl.

"I know, I'm pretty. Stop staring, girl."

"Oh yes," Bukunmi breathed out. "We're roommates."

That confirmation brought a smile to Niella's face. "Great, I'll see you later then. Do you know where my idiot brother is?" she asked Marcel who shook his head. "Oh, okay."

After Niella had finally left them, Bukunmi stared at Marcel who did the same thing in response. "What?" he asked.

"I want to go to my room."

"Why?"

"Because I want to. We didn't do any reading now. We're wasting our time with this. Especially you, you don't need to be doing all of this for me? Do you?"

Bukunmi didn't bother waiting for a response as she stood up and left the library.

Meanwhile, Niella was frantically searching for her twin brother. Maybe the tour guide wasn't such a bad idea, but spending another minute with that Elizabeth Ezeh annoyed her for an unknown reason. This school is so big and for what?

She was this close to giving up. But she just wanted to see her brother. She had this bad feeling he was into something. Something wrong. She'd been suspicious ever since they'd entered this school, with her brother riding in a car now his, given to him by Madam Zuha.

The ruthless, inhumane Madam Zuha.

Madam Zuha was the definition of heartless, greedy, and selfish. She was extremely cunning and only did things that would benefit her. It felt like Niel was in a deal with the devil.

Then she saw someone standing by a car, in the school's parking lot. It didn't take her up to a second to recognize her brother. What was he doing and who was he talking to?

"Is this the last one I'll sell?" Niel asked, hopelessly. He knew what the answer was to his question but he dreaded it. This was really how he'd become a drug dealer.

The guy with a scar that ran across his right eye, from his eyebrow, down below his eyelashes. It was a scary looking scar on the face of a rugged looking guy, who laughed in amusement.

"I know what Zuha is like," he said, his voice rough, a rasp and hoarse tone that was unpleasant to Niel's ears. It sent shivers down his spine also. "Young boy, you've gotten into deep shit. Anyone who does anything for Zuha becomes enslaved to her. For what exactly?"

Niel bowed his head, feeling slightly ashamed and frightened. "For protection. I'm running away from someone."

"You ran from a monster to a monster." The man laughed, again and shook his head in pity for Niel. "She will protect you and endanger you. But endure. I'll see you next time."

Niel watched silently as the car drove out of the school compound. The man was right, he was in deep shit.

"Daniel."

He jumped, the little bag in his hands almost dropping onto the ground. "Who is that?"

What on earth was his sister doing here? Had she been watching the whole exchange?

"Someone." Niel cleared his throat, awkwardly. He just wanted the conversation to end right now, right here. When his sister opened her mouth to say something, he sighed, cutting her off, "It's really nothing serious, Daniella. Rest."

Niella frowned. "Don't tell me what to do." Niel started to walk past her. "I hope you aren't doing something dangerous! And I hope it's not with Madam Zuha, because trust me, I will put an end to that thing you are doing."

Niel didn't bother answering, leaving his sister to herself in the parking lot. She was confused, and anxious. A feeling of dread settled in her insides. What was Niel up to? Perhaps, that was why Madam Zuha had given him that car? She would never give him that for free.

These people were up to something, and she was very angry for being kept in the dark about everything.

"Just wait till I find out."

-
a/n: Bukunmi and Marcel... I'm squealinggg. I love them smmmm. I'm so sorry about this update, it should have come way earlierrr but I had to edit the original draft into something else last minute. And, I've been so busy. Life ehn.

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