Masquerades

Chapter 05

Though no one dares to voice it out, it was still obvious for everyone that the school administration contributed on this supposed 'Caste system' among the students.

The explanation for this was simple. Each section was supposed to be equals, but the faculty purposefully divided the students with their social standing in mind. The Populars in section A, the Neutrals in Sections B, C and D, and the Underdogs in Section E. Of course, the Masquerades got a special section of their own which was the highly-respected (note the sarcasm), Section M.

Being in Section B herself, Calista has always been used to peace. It was always the A's against the E's, while the in-between's go on with their lives silently. That's why the Neutrals are also called the Invisibles, and for many, it was the best position to be in a school like Xian.

The only interaction between the Populars and the Neutrals is when someone from the mid-sections caught the attention of someone from Section A. Just like their former classmate, Ellie Yu, who has been noticed by the campus queen bee. Dakota then pulled some strings and made the admin transfer Ellie to their class.

Somehow, she could feel Shannon being the next one.

In short, when a Popular was seen with a Neutral, it could only lead to a 'promotion,' for the lack of better word.

Until this happened.

"One way or another, we could consider this as our class against Section A," Annie, their class leader, spoke in front of everyone.

Once their homeroom adviser announced that her time is being cut short due to an emergency faculty meeting, Annie immediately grabbed the chance to speak with everyone about her recent predicament.

"Cali, can you stand with me here?," Annie then smiled at her as she felt everyone's gazes. Though unlike the judgmental and bothersome looks she received this morning, the ones being sent to her this time are filled with encouragement.

So she unhesitatingly rose up from her seat and stood beside the class rep. She was greeted by some tight-lipped smiles, supportive nods and even impassive looks ㅡ a number of her male classmates actually didn't care, these jerks.

"There has never been any issue or conflict between each one of us, and that's what made Section B different from the rest," Annie continued. "I'm actually proud of our class, and I wish with Cali's recent situation, we could still keep that camaraderie. I am expecting that no one's having ideas of doing anything to Cali... let's not be like them."

"Yeah," Kinsley suddenly said from her seat, "as long as Cali is inside this room, let's give her the assurance that she will be safe."

Many instantly agreed and she can't help but feel overwhelmed. At least her life isn't completely similar to some dramatic, fictional teen drama wherein it's only her against the world and in the end, she will still end up victorious and trauma-free. The heroines of those type of stories are the most persistent and stubborn girls she had ever known, and her patience can't last that long.

Just imagine, the first prank she got is a freaking python inside her locker. A python! What's next? An alligator? God knows the students in this damn school can bring one.

"You wanna add something?," Annie asked her.

She nodded and took a deep breath. "I know all of us have always been content with how drama-free and peaceful our lives are. In the first place, that was the reason it was so easy for us to get close with each other. But with what's happening to me, I kind of brought unnecessary chaos in Section B and I'm sorry for that."

"Don't say that Song, it's not your fault!," Kalene Xie, Annie's best friend and also her friend, exclaimed from her seat at the back.

"Right, don't drop out 'cause that means you're letting them win!," Jeremy Yan, Warren's seatmate who's also friends with her, commented. She absentmindedly smiled because of how cute he is, the boy has always been everyone's 'little brother.'

"Section B is considered inferior to Section A but are they really any better than us?," Zayne scoffed, another one of her male classmates. "They only have rich parents but in terms of academics, sports or whatever skill there is, I bet we can actually beat them if we're only given the same opportunities."

"And don't forget about the fact that we're actually only controlling ourselves from showing our full potential because we want to maintain being unseen," Yasmin rolled her eyes. "I'm definitely better than those cheer bitches who kept prancing around like they're the only ones who pays the expensive as f**k tuition fee in this school."

Many chuckled with the girl's comment but Cali actually didn't like where the conversation is heading. She knew several of her classmates have grudges towards the Populars but she can't let them get involved with her situation even more.

"Honestly, I have a favor to ask," she interrupted, making everyone turn to her again. "When we're outside this room and something happens to me, please don't ever help me."

"Caliー"

She held Annie's arm to cut her off before giving her a tight-lipped smile. "I know many of you have been waiting for the time to teach the Populars some lesson," she laughingly said.

"But I'm not only against themー no, truth is; they're not really my enemies. I'm against the Masquerades. My real enemy is Arcane and none of you will be able to go against him. I don't want to involve you all any further. Just by giving me this safe place is enough. Just by supporting me like this is already a huge help. I'm already very thankful."

She swallowed hard and glanced around. Her gaze lingered at her best friend, Warren before stopping on another, Shannon. Shan, who has been silent all this time. But now that she focused on her, she could finally see the guilt and worry in her eyes.

She gave her a reassuring smile before adding; "Outside these four walls, treat me as a stranger and not a friend. Please." She bowed amidst the silence and once she stood back up, the lunch bell rang.

*

Calista found herself laughing at the ridiculousness of her situation. Only seconds after the lunch bell, an announcement followed, further proving that someone is really out to get her.

"As of today, staying inside the classroom during lunch break is not allowed ㅡ with or without food. Everyone is expected to dine inside the cafeteria, or out the campus grounds. This policy is signed by our beloved School Directress, herself. Compliance is a must. Thank you."

"Can they be pettier than this?," she whispered to herself as she walked alone thru the buzzling hallways.

As always, curious eyes watched her every move but no one dared to do anything. She knew it was simply the calm before yet another storm.

Her eyes traveled towards the direction of the bleachers as she momentarily halted her steps.

At the soccer field, a group of juniors where playing. She also noticed a steel container full of soccer balls on the side which wasn't always there in the past. Cali instantly felt the familiarity seeing their faces. They were some of William's underlings and once she chose that spot, those balls will surely be of use.

She then averted her gaze at the end of the hallway where the cafeteria door awaits.

Either way, something bad will surely happen to her. Though unlike in the field where she would end up with bruises, the cafeteria will be a 'less damaging' place. More or less, only food will be thrown at her, but the downside is; more eyes will be watching. Good thing she already saw this coming so she brought an extra set of clean uniform.

But who said the cafeteria and the bleachers are the only options?

She whirled around, intending to go to the library, but someone's already blocking her way.

"Running away?," Stella smirked, her arms crossed against her chest. Her friends, Ellie and Joey, were standing behind her while their ringleader was leaning against the wall a few feet away, seemingly busy with her phone.

Calista didn't respond and just glared back at the Mean Girls wannabes.

"Are you sure you're not going to eat in the cafeteria? I heard a surprise is waiting for you, William told me about it," the former continued before checking her watch. "He mentioned he's only giving you fifteen minutes or else..."

Her brows furrowed as she watched the girl's taunting smirk deepen. What are they planning?

"What's the name of that dumb-looking friend of yours again? Warren Dong?," Stella giggled. "I hope he likes curry."

She didn't need to hear more. Not wasting any more time, she turned back around and almost ran towards the cafeteria.

The door loudly collided against the wall as she forcefully pushed it. She ignored the abrupt silence and looked for her best friend. Only to find him safely seated with their classmates, already looking back at her with an anxious gaze.

She got played.

"Took you long enough," the infuriating voice reached her ears. She looked up the mezzanine floor and saw the bastard leaning on the railing with a smirk on his face. "I've been waiting for you, Calista Song," he slowly uttered her name.

"Do it. Whatever childish prank you're planning, just get it done with."

"Childish?," he scoffed. "Let's see if this is childish, then."

The moment he said those words, five figures went towards her and stood a couple of feet away. She knew each person well; these are the students that were frequently bullied by William.

The group includes the chubby guy who was targeted the other day, the lanky eleventh grader whose money was always taken by the jocks, the shortest guy among the seniors who was bullied due to his height and shabby clothing, the girl who's always last in the overall academic rankings and, the one known as William's 'punching bag' and who was said to be the son of one of the Li's house helpers.

Now that she's facing them, Cali felt pathetic. Here are these people who gets bullied everyday, who still wakes up in the morning and keeps going back to this hell hole. They have probably given up asking for help because every time they did, only disappointment came.

While here she is, about to endure it for only two days, but is already feeling like she's some brave soldier in a deadly war.

What's even more unbelievable? She can actually see hesitation in their eyes.

But why? I'm part of it, I was worse than a bully. I deserve this from you!

As bowls of leftover, almost-soiled food repeatedly hit her face and body, realization also did.

Yes, she was worse than a bully. All this time, she had been an enabler. She chose to be unseen for her own peace, in exchange for what? Bad morals. Broken principles. Selfishness.

"I'm sorry."

Her head snapped towards the only girl among the five who lowly mumbled those painful words. She saw her crying right before a bowl of curry was thrown towards her. The plastic bowl hit the side of her face and due to the curry's strong spices, her eyes instantly burned.

Another bowl was thrown but this time, it was made of stainless steel and it collided heavily against her ribcage, causing her to gasp and fall down.

"Enough."

It wasn't William but the devil himself.

A pair of expensive leather shoes appeared in front of her eyes but she still didn't bother to look up. She is still caught up with her thoughts.

Someone suddenly clapped twice, "lunch break's over! Everyone, leave!" Declan loudly ordered.

Everyone didn't need to be told twice and in just a few minutes, the hall was empty, save for her and her tormentors.

"Just give up," Arcane's low baritone almost echoed due to the emptiness of the large cafeteria.

Finally, Cali looked up, the side of her face filled with curry sauce and her eyes red and teary. "Do you remember them?"

Arcane just stared at her questionably.

"There are five of them who threw all these leftovers at me. Do you remember their faces?," she repeated.

He scoffed, "why would I care about them?"

"In a way, they're working for you," she pointed out before shakily standing up, enduring the slight pain on her abdomen. Despite the disgusting appearance and foul smell, she kept her chin up and met his gaze. "They will do this again tomorrow, surely worse than this, so you better remember them."

"I didn't ask them toㅡ"

"Don't act so righteous now," she smirked before wiping the sauce on her face with her palm. "You're a coward, Wong. If you have a problem with me, then solve it yourself. You're letting others do your work as you hide away in your prestigious Hall M. What? You don't want your high-end clothes to get dirty?"

Without thinking, she wiped her hand on the sleeve of his white LV jacket, earning a playful whistle from Declan.

"Damn," the latter quipped, causing her to look at the others. Knox was watching them with a smirk on his face while Hunter was leaning on the nearest table, looking bored. Maisie stared at the stain on her cousin's jacket, eyes wide and Jada was openly judging her with a raised brow.

She looked back at the guy in front of her and he almost saw dark clouds forming atop his head. Oh boy, he's pissed.

"You want me to do it myself?," he removed his jacket and unhesitatingly threw it down the floor. "Don't you dare beg for mercy, then."

Just so you wait, you will be the one begging someday.