Down System

Chapter 20

Cheery plaudits rang in my ears as I ran towards the room. Children singing the happy birthday song puckered my eyebrows. I knew it was coming from my section, so I moved even faster. For the whole month of class, this was just the first time that I was late!

I had arranged the library the last night, making sure there was a place that Namika would not know; her motive wasn't still clear for me— it was to help me, or perhaps to harm me. Besides, my identity as a resurrected human was still unknown to her; she was just telling my purpose, but she couldn't point out the reason for my purpose.

When I arrived in the room, I was surprised by the bountifulness of food there. Instead of learning, they were eating and having a c**k-a-hoop chitchat.

"What's going on?" I asked Ferelith, after having my seat. "A party is it?"

She nodded while craving. "It's Keevan's birthday, and that means, we have no class for today! Thanks to him."

I turned my gaze at that boy who was accidentally looking at me as well. I had planned to stay my sight away from him, but I wasn't able to when he walked towards me and handed me a plate of carbonara.

"It's my birthday, and you're late?" Keevan smirked at me. "Here, it's especially for you. Take it."

I accepted the food, thanked him, and greeted a happy birthday.

"Eat and tell what does it taste," he ordered.

Since it was his birthday, I tasted the food and gave him my honest opinion.

"I knew it!" Keevan expressed a loud whoop of joy. "It's made by Mom. She's the best cook ever!" he said, and left.

Ferelith moved her chair closer to me and gave me a frowning face as she chewed the food. "I envy you," she said.

I puckered my eyebrows. "And, why would you do?" I asked.

"Because it seems like Keevan likes you, but I like him. That's a bit unfair, you know. But, no worries, we're still best friends."

"Freak," I glared. "Of course, he doesn't like me. I guess you've made this your foundation." I lift the plate. "He's just showing some kindness after his guilt."

"You sure?"

I nodded. "No worries, I don't like him. I told you, I'm still young for this thing."

"It's just admiration! There's no wrong about it," Ferelith crossed her arms.

"Admiration, yet you're planting jealousy? You're the best clown, my best friend."

Ferelith moved her gaze away from me and just continued eating since she was getting pissed by me.

On the other side, I didn't eat, thinking of the culture I had known. So, this was school? When someone had a birthday, the whole class would be partying instead of learning. It was probably a gift to the celebrant, and it was somehow cool because the other students had also taken advantage.

Before having my food, I had a glimpse of Keevan, who was wandering around the whole room just to distribute rations. I did not notice myself smiling because of what he was doing. I knew despite his flaw and imperfection, there was still a good side in his heart.

I was about to partake in the food when Keevan walked towards me and offered me a plate of carbonara for the second time around.

"Why aren't you eating?" he asked in disappointment. "I'd like to give this another serving to you, but okay-"

"Sorry," I said, cutting him off. "I was about to eat, actually. But, you're here again, stopping me to do so."

I couldn't utter what was inside my mind. I would like to ask him why he kept on giving me carbonara when, in fact, there were a lot of dishes to offer.

"Did you put something in the food?" I asked, instead.

Keevan's eyes widened. "Why? Did it taste wrong?"

I shook my head. "I'm just wondering."

"I think, I understand. You still think of me as a bad boy despite the goodness I'm showing now to you," Keevan said. "If you don't like the food, feel free to refuse. I'll just give it to somebody."

"No," I said, affirmed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say things. Anyway, give me that another plate. I'll devour them all."

A wide beam touched Keevan's lip as he handed me the food. Before he said his temporary goodbye, he gave me the first glass of water.

I steered my sight at Ferelith when the boy had left. My eyes felt like crying because of the scathing look she was giving me. I hugged her and whispered,

"Don't mind it. It's nothing, I swear."

Ferelith didn't talk, but she also didn't move me away from her. She was just eating, never minding the pardon I was asking her. Since it seemed that she had no plans to talk to me, I just focused on the food.

My eyes grew bigger the moment I eat the carbonara Keevan had given me. It was salty! The first serving was good, but when I mixed it with the second one, the flavor became different. I immediately grabbed the water, but spit it out right away when I tasted acerbity. As I wiped my tongue with my uniform, the other students laughed at me. I was so done!

"What's your problem?" I shouted to Keevan, who was acting busy serving food. "I said, what's your problem?" I repeated when he didn't turn around me.

"What's going on, Aleera?" the teacher, who was also eating at the back, asked me.

"Ma'am, Keevan had put salt on my food and white vinegar on my water," I said, clenching my fist. "I don't know what's his problem!"

"Keevan," the teacher asked him as she moved his gaze to him, "is that true?"

"Why would I do that, Ma'am?" Keevan asked, showing an innocent look. "I don't wanna ruin my day, in the first place."

"Liar!" I said.

The teacher walked towards me and touched my shoulder. "Stop it, Aleera," she said. "I'll be talking to him, okay? Just calm down."

I asked for forgiveness before sitting down, still clenching my fist.

I didn't know why Keevan couldn't get over the bag. If it was still the reason why he kept on teasing me, then I was really done with him!

Also, as a present to the celebrant, the teacher dismissed us early. However, I didn't go yet outside because I was waiting for Mommy and Daddy to fetch me, since Namika wasn't available.

Everyone left the room, including Ferelith, because her parents might be waiting for her. The only one who remained in the room with me was the teacher; but after some time, she went out as well because she had a meeting to partake.

I looked at my wristwatch and realized I had still to wait for more than an hour before my parents could arrive. Since I was all alone in the room, I had taken the opportunity to continue working on my plan. But, as I was bringing out my note, Keevan had entered the room.

So, that boy didn't go home yet?

"Aleera," he called my name, stopping in the doorway. "About the-"

"If you're going to talk nonsense, just shut your mouth and leave me," I said without looking at him.

"Can you please let me explain first?"

I released a deep sigh and lifted my head to him. "There's nothing to explain. You've done it again. Just leave me alone!"

"I didn't know about it, okay?"

I chuckled. "Look who's lying again."

"Trust me this time, I didn't know there's a salt and sour in your food. I didn't plan it. I didn't even think about it. I told you, it's my day and I don't want to ruin it."

"You didn't know, eh? You're the one who served me the food, and you're acting clueless?" I asked. "I'm not as foolish as you think to be tricked. Stop playing on me."

"You're not a game to be played."

"Good, you know."

"That's why I'm not playing on you," Keevan said. "I'm telling you, it wasn't me who poured condiments on the food, it was Harby."

"Alright, I don't care anymore whoever it was. Just please, don't talk to me ever again. Let me have a peaceful experience in this school, I'm begging you!"

Keevan sighed. "I promise it will be the end, but before that, can I request you something?"

"What is it?" I asked, sharply looking at him.

"Play with me at the park, for the first and the last time. Make this day memorable for me, please."

I swallowed my saliva.

There was a glimmer of pity in Keevan's eyes. It was strange for him to insist I play with him since we were rivals after all. What if he was planning something rude again? What if he was just deceiving me with his pleasing tonality?

I didn't want to be played again.

However, what if he was telling me the truth? What if he didn't really know about the condiments added to my food? What if it was his friend who did them all? Nevertheless, why would Harby do that?

I had so many what-ifs inside my head. It had been hard for me to determine the best thing to do and the right words to say.

"Keevan," I mouthed, "I'm sorry, I can't play with you. It's all over now. Just leave me."

Keevan left me without uttering any word, carrying a frustrated look on his face.

I let out a deep sigh as I took a seat again. I shouldn't be hurting with my decision, but something inside me could feel the pain, especially in the time of seeing Keevan slowly went away. However, there was joy in my heart since I was finally in peace. After all, it was just a thought. Every day in school, I was still being bothered.

After Keevan's birthday, I never met him again.