===== Chapter 27   [ Part 1 ] =====

And so the day proceeds, fortunately going well for the both of you.

At first, you were uncertain whether Alessio would be able to keep his side of the bargain with how he was so determined to flaunt you as his own before; but so far, he's upholding your father's wishes.

While, of course, there are still glances here and there, Alessio has restricted himself from touching you and cuddling you. His quiet self almost looks so pitiful that you have the urge to hug him. However, doing so would just destroy the efforts Alessio had made, so you refrain from doing anything and instead offer him a smile time to time as a gesture of comfort and support.

That seem to work as light seems to dawn on his dead expression whenever you grace him your smile. Alessio would straighten his body, looking more attentive than his earlier posture.

Seeing that, you were relieved as you allow yourself again to return your attention to the teacher before you, who animatedly discuss his lecture, not seeming to register how a lot of students were already zoning out in their seats.

Anyways, everything seemed okay... until the time your recess had set in. Just as you were putting your notes and pens inside your bag, a student had rushed towards to the man before you. Alessio doesn't seem happy as the youth invaded his space without authorization, but the anger that had flickered for a second was immediately put out upon hearing the words of the individual.

Silver eyes looked at the timid figure as if inquiring, who only hastily nods. Alessio tilted his head to you, meeting your prying gaze.

He doesn't speak. He doesn't say anything. You have no absolute idea if it's because of your father's deal that he doesn't directly speak to you; but he only gives you quite an imploring gaze as if he's silently requesting to leave; and you, despite the curious cat lingering inside your system, you tip a nod at him.

His long legs then elegantly stride through the rows of desk. The youth who had served as an informant were just about to trail after his figure hesitated for a second. As if concern, he gave you a small, assuring smile. "It was nothing concerning. The principal had only sent for him." Then after that, off he goes, kindly leaving you in a state of understanding.

Alessio and his mother has always been an affectionate pair. There are times that she'll direct him to her office, so it doesn't surprise you anymore. And you have nothing against it. You are fine with it. But with him gone, the shield that had always been there to block people went with him.

You were left in a vulnerable state. And as expected, what follows after is people rudely flocking around you. They begin to babble, questioning you of your relationship with Alessio.

It startles you how they were suddenly showering you curious stares and friendly grins. Compared to before, this scenario is the complete opposite. The last time you were alone— you had been instead greeted with judging gazes and dirty looks.

Instead of making aquaintances with you, they all choose to avoid you. Well, not all. There are the exceptions— the bullies, the crazies like Gerald, and a few kind individuals like (Y/N) Ia.

Still, not a pleasant experience. You were lonely most of the time; and if you weren't alone, you were feeling very awkward that you'd rather sleep your day away than be in such an uncomfortable position.

Luckily— you are no longer alone now with Dante and Alessio coming back from whatever trip they went. The bullying seemed to stop as soon as they arrive, giving you finally a moment to breath. Now, you can only terribly hope that your friends won't be suddenly ditching you again for weeks as that would make you live through hell again.

You blink your (E/C) eyes as you stare at the forming group before you.

"..."

Silence.

The crowd suddenly goes silent, as if all their questions had already been laid out; and now it's your turn to give them your response. But you didn't speak, and they also didn't speak as if assuming that you're only contemplating your words right now.

However, the silence drifts away with Fanny finally choosing to represent the crowd. "So, um, you and Alessio... Are you guys still doing okay? We just can't help but notice how there seems to be a growing distance between the two of you guy."

"Yes! Same thoughts with Fanny!" Daisy suddenly stammers out of the blue; her face strangely expressing worry with furrowed brows. "The pda you occasionally do to each other seems to have died down. Please don't tell me you already called quits with him."

What?

At their ridiculous questions, you almost choke on the spot, but you manage to compose yourself in a quick second.

You heave a sigh, then open your mouth. The tone you used is a bit cold though because you're still haven't forgotten how your classmates treated you before. "Are those your only questions? Because if those are question, then you do know that you're asking very personal questions to me right now."

Everyone seems to be taken aback by that.

Daisy harrumphs; her face, turning red in shame. "Um, it'— it's fine if you don't answer it. We were— We were just wondering. Right, guys?"

"Yes.."

"Yahhhhh!!!!"

The others nod; though it is clear on their faces that they are now feeling uncomfortable for asking that question, as if they just realized that they really were being rude to you right now. But even with that realization, they don't dare leave. Their nosy personality winning over their rational sides. They stay, still expecting some answers from you.

Realizing that, you heave out a sigh and give them what they want. "Okay, I see. If you're wondering about that, then we're doing okay. Alessio and I just chose to tone down the affections we show for each other."

Stating those words to them, almost everyone from the crowd express their shock and disbelief as if they're not totally expecting that.

"Wow, really?" Hash Brown exclaims.

"And I thought that you and Alessio broke up already!" Xander Forde suddenly bumps you on the shoulder. A playful grin over his face. You cannot help but scowl at the damn assistant secretary.

"Damn it. Is Team Kielle really over?" Ylia sorrowfully whispers to her friend Coco who equally looks sad too. "That... I hope not.." the man sadly whispers back, still hoping that the white-haired man would come back and reclaim his love.

Daisy, who happened to hear them, rolls her eyes.

Kielle who? It has been months; she doubts that the guy will ever return. Obviously, Alessio who is here with his body and soul, is the better choice. While she is not friends with you, she and the students had been attentively watching you and Alessio grow closer to each other, and they all can see how genuine the love that has been nurtured between you two.

•     •     •     •      •

Lunch

Alessio, still having not returned from wherever he was, compelled you to go to the cafeteria on your own. You bought yourself some sushi and decided to look for your other friend Dante— whom you are quite assured would protect you from other disturbances. You didn't really have a hard time scanning for that guy as your eyes eventually rest on isolated blonde-haired.

Your lips twitch. Caught you! you cry. But just as you're about to go to him and claim a seat, someone or some group beats you to it first.

Your strides stop. Eyes widening as a familiar kind girl hugs the arm of your usually enraged friend. A beautiful smile lights up her face, obviously delighted to be in his presence. Dante gives the girl a disgusted look. While he's a bit unhappy, he doesn't shrug her hands off. He just strangely lets Ia and her other friends gather around his table.

You curiously look at them, internally resolving whether to come and sit with them but then decide not to. It's not that you do not wanna hang out with Ia and the other girls— but because there's not even a space left for you to eat and sit with them.

And let us not forget to mention the fact that you do not know if Dante is still angry at you. Maybe he would not even like to see you there. Not to mention, you're probably just going to disrupt his sweet time with Ia; no matter how much he denies it, he clearly has a little drop of affection for the girl. How would they get closer if you're there with them.

You sigh and walk to some other empty table, feeling a bit down. While they're not really terrible people, you can't help but feel a bit disappointed and sad. Dante is the only friend you have in this cafeteria right now, and now you are feeling that hateful feeling of loneliness again even when he's literally a few tables away.

Quietly eating your sushi, you are unaware of the gazes that were observing you from a few tables away. Bright blue eyes, a bit dim, as it settles on you. Her attention is only snatched away when the young man beside her gently places a hand over hers.

Normally, she would push that hand away with a scowl; but the image of you being so sad and alone clouds her mind, Peach can only sigh from the thought. "She looks so sad," she whispers.

"Do you want me to accompany her?" Gerald instantly asks, very quick to offer her his help. His brown eyes, bright with determination to help his love. The white - haired girl blinks her eyes, snapping out from thinking, and looks at him.

She smiles a tiny smile.

"I don't know if (Y/N) would like your company. She's quite straight-forward in telling you to go fuck off." A memory drifts by, and the pair goes chuckling at those words. "...but I think that she would still appreciate you for talking to her."

Gerald nods, grinning.

"Well, why would she not be?!" He suddenly points to himself as he feels a burst of ego overflow him. "To be graced by a handsome and popular and quite a ladies' man, your friend should feel luckly that you have me going to her and giving her some company."

Gerald is sugarly sweet in his words and his actions, but sometimes the arrogance that he possesses is just quick to ruin every chance he has with Peach. The smile the girl beside him has on her beautiful face undoubtedly instantly falters.

"Oh shut the fuck up, Gerald." Peach wearily smacks her palm on his stupid, handsome face, displeased with her friend's statement.

But actually, it's not entirely displeasure that she feels at that moment; there is still a ripple of joy surging within her upon hearing the stupid man mention (Y/N) as her friend.

(Y/N), her friend...

She sadly smiles.

Directing then her attention to (Y/N), she finds herself being surprised to see a new presence in her friend's table. That person...

Her gaze widens.

There is no mistake. That brown hair, emerald-green eyes... It's Chaos! But what is he doing there with that uncharacteristic smile on his face?

"Hey, isn't that the guy who kissed Dante before?" the young man beside her asks.

"Yes," she murmurs, narrowing her eyes.

"That's certainly Chaos."