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Annual Writers' Schism

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THE SUN shone steadily upon Castillo High the next day, as Reagan Iñigo Maccio walked across the campus grounds with his bag slinging over his shoulder in a bored fashion.

Arrogant, well-off, and absolutely charming. These were the words most Castillians would use to describe the successor of the Maccio Holdings Corp., a popular entity in the business industry that is currently managed and owned by Rein's father.

With nothing but loud rock music blasting from his earphones as company, Rein managed to turn the heads of passersby with his laid-back attitude, and high-toned features.

As he passed by the academe's open court, napansin niya ang dalawang babae na nakatitig lamang sa kaniya at humahagikgik na parang kinikilig. He let out a chuckle. Being the son of wealthy businessman Ryder Elias Maccio has made him the talk of the town everywhere he goes.

"Kasing-pogi niya ang tatay niya!" They would say. "Siguradong yayaman rin 'to agad." Their whispers would continue.

Though annoying, Rein did quite enjoy being the center of attention every now and then.

"Hey, Sheyna." Bati ng binata sa isang babaeng inaayos ang newspaper stand sa lobby ng main building. Agad na lumingon ang dalaga na may kapansin-pansing maliit na nunal sa kanang bahagi ng kaniyang noo at kutis na kasing-kulay ng caramel. Sheyna Ramirez was a batchmate of Rein and Ann's. She was known for being one of the feature writers of the Castillian Gazette, and like the two, was also a constant honor student.

Despite these accolades, Sheyna was more known for being the daughter of Nestor Ramirez, a famous singer-songwriter. This made her another big name in the school and therefore wasn't surprised that the Rein Maccio was talking to her.

"Rein!" The girl whose wavy, toffee-colored hair was tied up in a tight, high ponytail exclaimed as Rein neared her, as if surprised that the ever-charming Rein Maccio was talking to her.

"Mind if I get a copy of today's issue?" Rein asked with a smile, a few locks of his dark hair falling barely across his eyes as he pointed towards the newspaper stand that Sheyna was blocking.

"Oh right! Sorry!" Natatarantang sabi ng dalaga as she hastily gave him a copy.

"Thanks." He grinned. As soon as he opened the issue, he was in for a surprise nang makita agad ang pangalan ng kaniyang matalik na kalaban.

"Anti-Terrorism Bill: For the Better, or Twice the Terror?" Rein read out loud, raising an eyebrow.

"Would you look at that." He murmured. "My rival seems to be always two steps ahead of me. Naunahan pa niya 'kong ma-feature sa gazette this year." The boy thought with a chuckle.

"It's Ann's winning essay in last week's persuasive writing contest at the PLUMA regionals event." Sheyna interrupted his train of thought, scooting closer and trying to initiate a conversation.

Tumango lamang ang binata, not bothering to tell her that he already knew since dapat rin siyang sasali sa contest na 'yun kung hindi lang siya naunahan ni Ann.

"Hmm. Title palang eye-catching na," He remarked, rolling the issue. "I'd give it a different one though, if I was chosen as the representative."

"Well, whatever you would have written, I'm sure it would be just, if not, much better." Sheyna remarked with a flirtatious tone in her voice, making Rein chuckle. Lahat ata talaga ng babae suportado sa kaniya.

All ladies... Except Ann of course.

"Well then, mauuna na 'ko. See you around, Sheyna!" He said with a little salute.

"See you!" She waved, even pushing a strand of hair behind her ear to catch his attention.

But Rein didn't give her another glance. He was now deep in thought and thinking of other competitions where he would outsmart Ann. Still, as someone who considers himself a great writer, he felt slightly bitter na si Ann ang pinili ng Castillo High para ipaglaban sa PLUMA regionals event.

"And why hasn't the Gazette contacted an interview with me yet?" Tanong ng bata sa sarili, lalo na't marami na rin siyang napapalunan na contest at events lately.

Eventually, nawala rin sa malalim na pag-iisip ang binata nang may biglang tumawag sa kaniya.

"REIN!" Hindi na kinailangan pang lumingon nito as a long, heavy arm wrapped his neck in a rough hug.

"Jarrell." Rein chuckled, acknowledging one of his other best friends. "Hindi ko alam kung bakit parang 'di ka nauubusan ng energy araw-araw. Inuulam mo ba ang kape?" Tanong ni Rein sa kaibigan na nakaakbay pa rin sa kaniya habang naglalakad ang dalawa.

"Anong inuulam?" Jarrell snorted heavily at the thought. "Kape ang dumadaloy sa dugo ko!"

"Sabi ko nga." Rein said, scratching his nape.

Jarrell Blake Marquez. Minsan hindi rin alam ni Rein kung paano ba naging sobrang carefree ang ugali ng kaniyang kaibigan lalo na't galing ito sa napaka-striktong pamilya. He was after all, the second son of Jerome Blythe Marquez, mayor of Ylando City. But unlike Jarrell's parents and two other siblings, he wasn't stern-faced or stiff. If anything, si Jarrell nga ang nagpapaalala kay Rein na mag-saya paminsan-minsan.

"Kumusta ka naman?" Tanong ni Jarrell sa kaniya nang may loko-lokong ngisi, kahit na nagkita-kita lang silang magkakaibigan kanina bilang mag-dormmates ang mga ito. "Parang nawala ka sa mood nung dumating ako ah!"

"Ang baho mo eh."

"Galing nung joke na 'yon, ah. Pang-joke of the year award?" Jarrell replied sarcastically before messing up his own light brown hair — a habit that Rein was already so used to seeing him do it.

"Pero Rein, may problema ako." Kamot ni Jarrell sa kaniyang ulo habang papunta sila sa kanilang classroom. "Di ko alam kung talagang ulyanin lang ako, pero 'di ko mahanap 'yung susi ng locker ko. Eh sa pagkakatanda ko nilagay ko lang 'yun sa bag ko!" Ngiwi ng binata.

"Burara." Rein snickered in remark. "Oh, anong gusto mong gawin ko ngayon? Pabalikin 'yang susi mo?"

"Edi yung lagi mong ginagawa!" Jarrell said in a not-so obvious tone. "Yung minamagic mo yung—"

"Sige na, ikwento mo na kung sa'n mo huling nakita 'yung susi." Rein cut him, laughing at his friend's eagerness.

It was always usually like this.

Ever since na pumasok sa Castillo High si Rein at naging kaibigan niya sina Quinn at Jarrell, ay tila ba na-discover nila ang abilidad nito na mag-deduce at sagutin ang mga bagay-bagay base lamang sa mga naririnig niyang kwento. And to their surprise and amusement, Rein's deductions were almost always accurate.

Kaya naman sa kung anong makuhang pagkakataon ni Jarrell ay lagi niyang ineensayo ang nakakamanghang abilidad ng kaibigan. Quinn on the other hand, would listen and be amused everytime.

"Ganito kasi 'yun," Jarrell started, coughing dramatically.

"Kahapon, huli kong nakita yung susi noong binuksan ko 'yung locker ko bago pumuntang canteen. Kinuha ko kasi yung periodic table of elements ko para sa Science natin after lunch. Nung sinara ko na 'yung locker, biglang dumating si Sir Gino Damoste at kinamusta si papa." He narrated, mentioning Sir Gino, who was the head advisor of the student council, and a friend of the mayor's.

"Hmhm." Rein nodded.

"Pagkatapos nun, alam ko nilagay ko na sa bag ko yung susi, tapos pumunta na ako sa canteen. Pero nung uwian na at bubuksan ko na sana ulit yung locker ko para ibalik yung table of elements, wala naman na sa bag ko yung susi. Ano 'yun, nag-disappear? Pati ba naman susi ghino-ghost ako?" Drama ng binata as they paused in front of their respective classroom, the initials 10F written on top of the doorway to signify their class name: 10 – Fortitude.

Rein was quiet for a few moments as the two of them entered the room. Agad na tumahimik ang mga kaklase nila lalo na't dumating na ang kanilang Presidente, no other than Rein himself. He glanced towards Ann whose nose was stuck in a book.

"Oh ano?" 'Di-makapag-hintay na tanong ni Jarrell nang nakarating na sila sa kanilang mga upuan. "I know that look of yours." Jarrell grinned. "You have a hunch. Unless... nawala na ba ang deductive powers mo?" He asked Rein teasingly who seemed to be in deep thought.

"Hmm. Nasaan na 'yung pantalon na sinuot mo kahapon?" Tanong bigla ni Rein bago umupo.

Agad na kumunot ang noo ni Jarrell sa tanong niya. "Pantalon ko kahapon? Ito, suot ko ngayon. Tinamad ako mag-laba eh."

"Mhm." Rein chuckled. Hindi talaga halatang anak ng mayor si Jarrell.

"Check the pockets of your pants right now." Rein instructed before placing his earphones back in his ears. He then proceeded to watch Jarrell with an amused face habang kinakapa ng kaniyang kaibigan ang bulsa ng kaniyang pantalon.

By the time Jarrell paused and slowly pulled out a small locker key from the back pocket of his pants, tuluyan nang natawa si Rein.

"Paano?!" Yamot na sabi ni Jarrell.

"Oh ano, tinalo ka nanaman ng deductive powers ni Rein?" Biglang sulpot ni Quinn na mukhang galing sa library. Agad itong umupo sa tabi nila.

"Walang kupas." Jarrell grinned sabay akbay kay Quinn na natawa naman.

"Since you mentioned Sir Gino approaching you yesterday, posibleng nataranta ka noong nilapitan ka niya. So your body must've acted on a fight-or-flight response and did the most rational thing: place your key in the nearest safe space, which was of course, none other than the pockets of your pants. Akala mo lang na nilagay mo sa bag mo because you initially planned to put it in your bag. But your body responded otherwise when Sir Gino arrived." Rein explained nonchalantly with Jarrell and Quinn laughing in both amusement and wonder.

"There is no one like you, Rein Maccio." Jarrell nodded approvingly, a slight teasing hint in his voice, which Rein instantly picked up. "Absolutely no one other like you."

"Shut up." He rolled his eyes as Jarrell and Quinn exchanged a high five.

At that same moment, dumating naman bigla ang kanilang adviser na si professor Airyn Ruaño, at agad na nagsi-ayos ang buong klase para batiin siya.

"Good morning 10 – Fortitude!" Ngiti ng kanilang guro habang nilapag sa lamesa ang kaniyang folder at iilang mga papeles. "We have a busy day ahead!" Sabi nito at saka tumalikod para magsulat ng mga reminders sa blackboard.

"As the first quarter is about to end, we're going to finish with your reports to give way to a number of school activities that may commence during the second quarter of the school year." She announced, writing the words Group Reports next to the numbers, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

"And of course, today is the ever-so anticipated opening of our school's annual prestigious writing contest! None other than the Writers' Schism." Professor Ruaño continued enthusiastically as she wrote Annual Writers' Schism next to 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. This made the students shift excitedly in their seats.

"Alright, you know the drill everyone! Let's pick up where we left off. Ann Lobris' group please." The professor said. Agad na napatingin ang klase sa grupo nina Ann na tumayo at nagsimula nang mag-prepare.

"Ah, this will be fun." Rein grinned, chuckling to Jarrell and Quinn.

"What are you planning this time?" Quinn asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You'll see." Rein replied devilishly.

"Minsan, naiisip ko talaga na may crush 'to kay Ann kaya ganyan siya magpapansin." Ngisi ni Jarrell at agad na um-agree si Quinn.

"You took the words out my mouth."

"I heard that." Rein retorted to the two before giving back his attention to the petite girl who was guiding her groupmates.

Instead of using the traditional methods of writing on the board or putting up visual aids, the presenting group utilized a more modern method by showcasing a PowerPoint presentation.

"Good morning Fortitude, and to our adviser, professor Airyn Ruaño. We are the fourth group, and today, we shall be discussing all about Philippine literary pieces during the Spanish colonization period. Next slide please." Ann started, meaning business as she was very straightforward with their presentation.

"The first literary piece that we would be discussing today is the piece, 'Dasalan at Tocsohan' by Marcelo H. Del Pilar." Richard Tinasas, who was one of Ann's groupmates, said as they showcased a picture of Marcelo H. Del Pilar himself.

"'Dasalan at Tocsohan' is a controversial collection of works that mimics the prayers and catechisms taught by the Spanish priests. It was written by Del Pilar as a creative and bold revelation of exposing the church leaders' hypocrisy and corruption. It was secretly printed and distributed to the public until it became widespread. This was later condemned by priests, and most especially by Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda. The purpose of this work by Del Pilar, is to emphasize the deceptions and exploitation that was done by the friars to the Filipinos." He further explained, also showcasing the original literary piece being discussed.

But just as they were about to move on to the next slide, Rein's hand rose up.

Richard's face immediately went pale with this, and their other groupmates let out a weary groan. "Yes, Maccio?" Ann asked in a fake, sweet tone, as if she was anticipating this.

"Well, I was just wondering," Rein asked, a playful smile on his lips. "Was this piece really controversial, or did it only defy the religious norms of society back then?"

Ann gave him another fake smile before responding. "That is a perfectly good question, and will be discussed thoroughly in the next few slides. Thank you, Maccio."

"Talo na agad." Tukso ni Jarrell habang pinipigilan ni Quinn ang tumawa.

"I'm just warming up." Sabi naman ni Rein sa mga kaibigan as he arrogantly leaned forward, thinking of other questions that he may fire at the group.

As Ann's group presentation continued, Richard then further discussed a brief introduction of Del Pilar as a writer. It was only after a few more slides when Rein's hand shot up once more.

"Yes, Maccio?" Ann asked once more, slightly irritated this time.

"According to your group, Del Pilar wrote the piece as a creative and bold revelation of exposing the hypocrisy and corruption of the church leaders back then. But what proof do our heroes have that the church leaders in the past were hypocrites and corrupt pigs?" Rein asked, casually spinning a pen in-between his fingers.

Ann, who although smiled, narrowed her eyes at Rein. "To answer your question Mr. Maccio, friars and priests during the time of the Spanish colonization were considered as the highest form of leaders. And during their reign, countless of our countrymen were killed, enslaved and abused. I believe it's evident that the state of a nation is reflected by its leader. So if a country is being enslaved and exploited, then surely it's because of its governing body. Now, are you satisfied?" Ann answered stiffly, raising an eyebrow.

Rein, who was taunting her, smiled and shook her head. "No, actually." He said, and a few of their classmates inwardly gasped, while the others let out a tired groan.

Ann's phoney smile instantly dropped, and she was on the verge of attacking Rein then and there.

"You see professor Ruaño," Rein said, facing their professor who was at the back of the class. "I just think Miss Lobris' explanation isn't a satisfactory one since she did not give concrete evidence to prove that the friars back then abused and swindled the Filipinos." He further explained habang pigil na pigil sa tawa ang dalawa niyang kaibigan. "Lobris merely responded based on assumptions and correlations. Kung research defense 'to, siguradong gisado ka na."

Ann's eyes twitched in anger as Rein looked at her tauntingly.

"Well to tell you the truth, Mr. Maccio," Ann responded, her voice icy and cold as she stepped forward with her hands clasped together. "The situation and disposition of the Filipinos during the time period in relation to these literary pieces, is something we will be further discussing, if only you would give us the opportunity to first finish our topic before firing your irrelevant questions."

Dahil dito ay mas lalong tumahimik ang klase. It was so quiet that one could hear a hairpin drop.

"Lay down Rein, ceasefire ka na." Quinn murmured to his friend. But Rein wasn't at all faltered by Ann's tone. In fact, he was becoming more and more amused as Ann's irritation grew. His smirk cracked into a grin.

He had tapped his rival's ego once again.

"Alright Rein, that's enough." Professor Ruaño said, adjusting her glasses atop her nose bridge. "Ann, we want to hear more from the group. Please continue."

"Gladly, professor." Ann said in a pretentiously sweet tone, bago tumalikod at hinayaan naman ang susunod nilang kagrupo na magsalita. Ngunit hindi pa natatapos ito sa pag-eexplain patungkol sa contextual analysis ng akda nang itinaas nanaman ni Rein ang kaniyang kamay.

"I—"

"Further questions will now only be entertained after the presentation." Ann snapped in annoyance, cutting Rein short. "Mira, proceed." Sambit ng dalaga sa kaniyang kagrupo na nag-aalangang nagpatuloy sa pagrereport.

"Aha! Lobris wins." Jarrell grinned as Rein sat back on his chair with his arms crossed, defeated — yet with a huge grin on his face.

"Ouch. Pain. Hinagpis. Pighati." Drama ni Quinn sabay hawak sa dibdib, dahilan para humagalpak ng tawa si Jarrell.

"You're both wrong." Rein laughed. "She gave in to her emotions, which meant I win."

He then winked at Ann who seemed to have heard him, shooting him death glares.

"Oo nga pala, kompetisyon ang lahat ng 'to para kay Rein." Jarrell remarked, and he and Quinn snickered.

Pagkatapos ng presentation nina Ann ay hindi na muling nagtanong si Rein. Besides, he already knew the answers to his questions anyway. He just really wanted to piss his rival off, because as scary as it may seem, annoying Ann Lobris was always entertaining for Rein.

"Alright, thank you for that group 4. Next up is the group of Mayer Cortez." Professor Ruaño announced as soon as Ann's group was done.

Sakto naman na tumayo agad si Mayer Cortez, who was seated beside his identical twin brother, Milo Cortez. The Cortez twins, though they looked alike with their tall, thin figures, sharp jet-set features, and dark hair with faded cuts combed to the side — were very much different from one another.

Mayer, as noted by Rein, was the more outgoing and outspoken twin — always smiling and conversing with people. Milo on the other hand, was more silent, and preferred being alone and listening to music as his brother took all the limelight. It didn't matter though, because both were the heirs to Ylando Bulletin., the largest and most famous newspaper company in Ylando City.

"You just really love annoying me, huh Maccio?" Ann muttered through gritted teeth as soon as she passed by Rein's seat after their presentation.

"It's my pleasure." Rein remarked, flashing her a wide smile as Mayer's group prepared for their report in front of the class. Iritadong napairap ang dalaga at saka umupo sa kaniyang upuan.

Mas mabilis ang oras noong grupo na nina Mayer ang nag-report, lalo na't wala namang nagtanong o tumutol sa kanilang presentation. Nang sumapit na ang alas-otso, ay sakto namang tumunog ang speaker na nakadikit sa itaas ng pader sa loob ng kanilang silid-aralan.

The whole class immediately reduced into silence at lahat ay napaangat ng tingin sa itim na speaker.

"Attention all junior and senior high school students! Please proceed to the school's gymnasium for the launching of the Annual Writers' Schism. All faculty members may proceed directly to the gym; whilst all advisers are expected to lead their respective classes for an organized mobilization, with the assistance of each section's class officers. Thank you." Dalawang beses pang inulit ng announcer ang announcement bago nagsi-tayuan ang mga estudyante para pumila sa labas.

Masaya at nagsigawan agad ang mga estudyante lalo na't malalaktawan ang kanilang morning classes.

Professor Ruaño, who now seemed to be experiencing a headache after listening to all the reports, massaged her forehead's temples.

"Rein, Ann." She called out to the two. "Please assist your classmates. Dadaan muna ako saglit sa clinic para kumuha ng paracetamol. Pupuntahan ko rin kayo agad sa gymnasium." Bilin nito. Agad namang tumango ang dalawa, and their professor grabbed her things before stepping out of the room.

"You're the President, you make them fall in line." Ann said, turning to Rein as soon as Professor Ruaño was gone. "Baka sabihin pa ng iba na nagbibida-bida ako as Vice-President habang nandiyan ka."

Rein chuckled, placing his hands inside the pockets of his pants. "Fall in line or fall in love?" He grinned teasingly, earning a snort from his two friends.

Agad na kumusot ang mukha ng dalaga. "Falling hard to the floor is what you'll be if you don't stop bothering me!" She retorted before marching out of the room.

"Two points for Maccio!" Natatawang sabi ni Quinn as Rein watched Ann go.

Instantly, he remembered all the other first days of school na magkaklase sila. It was all the same — the two would continuously fight for the position of class President. At first, laging same ang number of votes ng dalawa, but in the end, one of their classmates would give in para lang maka-move on na sa position ng President. Luckily for him, Rein won this year.

Habang nakangising umiiling, he then gave his final command to silence the class, before proceeding to lead their section towards the gymnasium.

"Alam mo, kung 'di magkaaway 'yang mga pamilya niyo, bagay kayo." Komento ni Jarrell sa kaniya habang naglalakad ang kanilang klase sa landscaped pathway na kumo-connect sa mga buildings.

Rein couldn't help but let out a snicker before replying. "Jarrell, tao kami, hindi bagay." Ngisi ng binata, causing a few of their other classmates who were near enough to hear, laugh.

But sarcastic jokes aside, hindi talaga maintindihan ng binata kung bakit laging sinasabi ni Jarrell na bagay sila when they clearly could kill one another if they wanted to.

He won't deny it though — Ann was pretty hot.

Unconsciously, he then found himself glancing towards Ann whose lips were sealed in a tight line. Rein immediately deduced that she had also heard Jarrell's statement.

"God, she's so uptight." Rein murmured, chuckling to himself as they entered the large gymnasium of the academe. Unlike other schools' gymnasiums, Castillo High's gym was fully air-conditioned and was as large as a regular football field. The bleachers were painted in Castillo High's colors — a deep shade of maroon red and porcelain white, and the floor was made out of tiles that looked like shiny, polished wood — pwera nalang sa may court area kung saan hindi madulas at makintab ang sahig para hindi maaksidente ang mga estudyanteng naglalaro o nagpeperform sa gym tuwing may games, events or culminating activities.

"May space pa doon sa kabilang side ng gym." Ann mentioned, pointing to the second floor of the gym where the higher bleachers could be seen. Pilit na ginagawang sibil ng dalaga ang pakikipag-tungo nito sa binata.

Rein chuckled as their class went to that direction. "I'm not blind, my Vice President." He teased, visibly mocking her habang pinapaupo muna ang kanilang mga kaklase sa bleachers.

"Arrogant ass." Bulong ng dalaga. At dahil pinauna ng dalawa ang kanilang mga kaklase, Rein and Ann ended up as seatmates, adding fuel to Ann's irritation.

"Good morning Castillians!" Lexie Cervantes, the Vice-President of the Junior High Student Council (JHS SC), greeted everyone in a loud, excited voice. Her straight brown hair that went past her chest, side bangs, freckles, and cheery personality, all made her stood out from the stage.

"Today, we will be launching the most-awaited Annual Writing Contest held here in our prestigious school every year! Isn't it exciting?! Aren't you excited, Enzo?!" She asked enthusiastically, turning to her co-emcee, a tall, lanky boy with straight, dark hair falling just above his eyes. He had a sharp look in his expression, and his posture made him look taller and more intimidating.

It was Enzo Marasigan, the President of the Junior High Student Council, and one of Rein and Ann's competitors for the Top 1 in their batch. Makikita ang dalawa na nasa may grand stage ng gym, at nakatayo sa likod ng lectern.

The two were each wearing a notable gold brooch shaped into the coat of arms logo of the student council, neatly pinned on the maroon neckties of their uniforms. This badge alone signified the high status and power of the two as student council officers.

Dahil ang Writers' Schism ay isa sa mga pinaka-importanteng school activities ng academe, ay kaakibat at katulong kasi ng Writers' Schism board ang student councils ng Junior High at Senior High, pati na rin ang Classic Literary Club na siyang mga school organizations na kadalasang nagho-host sa event na 'to.

"Of course, Lexie." Enzo replied, trying so hard to cheer up his deep, monotonous voice. Despite Enzo always winning as President of the student council, laging nahahalata ni Rein na para bang napipilitan lang si Enzo tuwing magsasalita ito sa harap ng student body.

"Sabagay, hindi rin kasi siya palasalita." Rein shrugged, and decided to focus on the event instead. Down below the gymnasium's stage were some of his batchmates who were part of the Castillian Gazette. Pinaka-pansin niya ay si Ashley Jallorina, isang babaeng naka-pigtails at may DSLR camera na nakasabit sa kaniyang leeg, na kumukuwha ng litrato para sa event.

"With that, I think we should not waste anymore time. So to our dearest Castillians, let us all give a big round of applause for this year's Writers' Schism!" Lexie announced at agad na nagsi-palakpakan ang mga tao, with Rein leaning eagerly in his seat.

This was something he had been looking forward to.

Enzo and Lexie then finally let Professor Wyanna Perlita, the chairman of the writing contest, the director of Literary Studies, as well as head of the Classic Literary Club, took hold of the podium.

"Good morning, Castillians!" The woman greeted the audience. She was slightly plump in figure, short in height, wore a thin, magenta shawl, and had her short, graying hair tucked behind her ears. What was most striking about the director though was her straight posture and alert eyes behind crescent-shaped glasses. Professor Wyanna Perlita looked wiser beyond her years.

Sa pagkakataong ito ay in-explain ng propesor ang iba't-ibang rules at regulations patungkol sa nasabing contest — everything about the details and criteria that should be followed.

"As usual, the competition will consist of three different categories: the poetry-writing competition, the full-length novel competition, and the novella competition." Professor Wyanna instructed, but Rein wasn't paying attention anymore. 

Para bang napunta ang binata sa ibang mundo as his thoughts pondered over the competition. This contest had been on his mind for quite some time now, something which he had already thought of ever since he had become a student in Castillo High. Mataas kasi ang tingin ng mga estudyante patungkol sa Writers' Schism, since it was a prestigious competition that was part of Castillo High's traditions ever since before. Anyone who would win the contest is highly regarded, and is usually recommended to well-known universities offering high-quality writing courses.

As a person who actually enjoyed literature, Rein was always fascinated with the idea of writing and creating imaginative plots — something different from his grayscale world, something that would help him escape his mundane life. 

"But what would I write?" Rein asked to himself. This has been one of his dilemmas ever since he had started thinking of joining the Writers' Schism. "Science Fiction? Fantasy? Or maybe a thrilling horror? Romance?"

The brilliant young man immediately shook his head nang biglang pumasok sa kaniyang isipan ang romance genre. It was such an overrated genre, and Rein cursed himself for even acknowledging the idea of writing a sappy love story.

Crossing it out of his list, he let out a deep sigh, making Ann, who was sitting beside him and contemplating about her own thoughts, raise an eyebrow.

Giving up about the thought of entering the contest and writing his own novel, Rein leaned back on his chair and decided that he would be de-stressing later that night by watching two of his favorite comfort animes, Hyouka and Detective Conan.

Just as he thought that a nice cup of warm tea would be the perfect match for his binge watching, an idea suddenly popped into his mind like a turned on lightbulb.

"That's it." He murmured, a small grin escaping his lips. Rein chided himself for not thinking about it soon, but was delighted with the newfound idea planted in his head.

"A mystery novel sounds refreshing." He thought to himself with a knowing smile. He then glanced towards Ann who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, wondering if his rival was contemplating to join the contest as well.

He then shook his head. "Nah. From what I've heard, her schedule of contests and activities seemed to be jam-packed this school year."

"If ever you are interested in joining the Writers' Schism, please feel free to drop by my office anytime this week to officially register yourself in this year's awaited contest. The deadline for entries will be right before Christmas break in order to give you all enough time frame to perfect your work. Winners, as usual, will then be announced on the last week of March and will be given the opportunity to feature your work in our official school paper; receive certificates, medals and trophies; and of course, be exposed to countless seminars and contests outside our school."

"Remember, the goal of this contest is to gain as much experience, and of course, to have fun! So bring out your sharpest pens and best works, Castillians!" Masiglang sabi ni Professor Wyanna. "And may the best writer win!"

Rein couldn't help but smile once more to himself. "Oh, this will be fun indeed."

---

Nang natapos na rin ang mga klase para sa araw na iyon, karamihan sa mga estudyante ay dumiretso sa may canteen para bumili ng afternoon snacks.

But Rein was taking a different path than most of the students. After meeting his groupmates for another project of theirs, agad na tumungo ang binata sa office ni Professor Wyanna Perlita.

This was an opportunity he surely didn't want to miss.

Walking down the hallway towards Professor Wyanna's office, hindi mapigilan ng binata ang mapangisi habang naiisip ang mga posibleng scenarios na pwedeng mangyari sa kaniyang binabalak na akda.

There were so many possibilities that he could do with a novel centralized on mystery and thriller, and he couldn't wait to explore it all.

Because of this, the musings of his own thoughts had already caved him in a deep hole full of exciting thriller and suspense cases, kaya naman hindi agad napansin ng binata na nasa tapat na pala siya ng office ng director of Literary Studies.

Rein barely glanced at the golden nameplate engraved on the wooden door, as he enthusiastically rapped his knuckles upon it with a knock.

"Come in." A voice called out from the inside.

He then immediately took a deep breath before turning the doorknob.

"Professor Wyanna? I would like to register po for the Writers' Schi—"

Napatigil agad ang binata sa kinatatayuan niya when he stepped inside the office and saw a familiar face.

It was none other than his Annaliese Gracielle Beltran Lobris herself, seated on the cushioned chair in front of Professor Wyanna Perlita's desk — her legs crossed daintily with a cheeky look on her face.

Eyes wide and mouth hanging slightly open, gulat na napatitig ang binata at agad na nagtama ang kanilang mga tingin.

"You're joining the Schism?" He asked in disbelief as his not-so innocent rival's lips curved into a playful grin.

Rein couldn't believe his eyes. She bested him in joining another writing contest again.

---

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The song used in this chapter entitled, "Figure it Out" by Royal Blood best encapsulates Rein's vibes.