XXIX: The Survival Game

Chapter 2

Ezekiel

She finally stopped walking and turned to face me, as I continued on calling her out, "Yurika, wait!" Her attractiveness surprised me, but that's not important for now. I badly want to know how kuya came to know him.

When I remained silent for a few seconds, she made the decision to turn around and resume walking. But I interrupted her again.

"Do you know Venchel Jovinix Santander?"there. I said it at last.

She halted once again. "Why?"

"He told me to look for you, so I did," I replied truthfully. We both stood outside and I wasn't sure if she would talk or not. Fortunately, it's not so hot because it's almost sunset or else we'll be burning in this summer's heat. I thought it was the right time to ask her since our professor just dismissed us from our last subject.

I just sat next to her for the first subject and then decided to switch places for the following ones. But I'm always watching her from a distance. She always sits in the corner of the room unlike me, regardless of the room we are in.

On the first day, I made some new friends whereas she had none. Even when some of my new friends invited me to sit with them, I always go to sit back next to her for the whole afternoon class since I felt bad. I really thought she needed someone to talk to. Or maybe a companion.

Despite my repeated attempts to get a response from her, she remained silent. She would occasionally shake her head or nod. Or—more frequently—sleep.

"He became my tutor before."I woke up from reality when she answered. That made me blink incredibly. Kuya Venchel?A tutor? Is she serious?

I only answered, "Oh. Oh," because I didn't expect her response to be like that. Kuya is brilliant, there is no question about that, but I had no idea he would teach someone. Particularly as attractive and as intelligent as Yurika.

Yes, Yurika might be silent but she aced our pre-tests earlier.

She started to walk again, which reminded me that I needed to come up with another question to keep the conversation going.

I asked, "Why is he looking for you?

She only shrugged before starting to move forward once more. I continue to follow her because I'd like to learn more about her. I'm really fascinated since she appears so mysterious.

She abruptly stopped, causing me to follow suit. I grew conscious of everything. Why? Is that me? Our environment? Her? Why did she suddenly stop?

She said, "I know his secret," and I immediately understood what she was referring to.

She is aware that Kuya is beyond normal, then.

Does she also know his peculiar ability?

"How?"

"I can't say it."

I inhaled deeply before speaking. I said, "I am one too, so there's no need to hesitate." She is someone I don't know, so that worried me. She might be one of those individuals that seeks to murder others like us. I'm taking a risk, though. And I hope it's worth it.

"Me too." I don't know what her reaction was because she was looking back at me, but for some reason, that made me smile.

I, at last, found someone who is like us, except Tito and Kuya.

She could feel awkward if I walked by her, so I opted to just close the gap between us while continuing to follow her. Just as a safety measure in case someone is around. Someone normal might overhear our chat, which made me worried.

I walked up to her and almost whispered, "What's your ability?"I asked.

She admonished, "Don't go near," which caused the furrows in my brow.

I asked, perplexed, "Why?"

"I can't control it."

Assuring myself that what I was thinking was correct, I inquired, "Your ability?" My suspicion was verified when she nodded.

"I–We can help you."

She turned to look at me. We both halted our steps. She gave me her typical poker face and chilly eyes as she peered up at me. She may not have noticed, but there is a trace of hope in her voice when she asks, "You think?" She really wanted to, I know that.

I gave her a smile. I reassured her, "Yup! We train together every weekend, and it has helped me to develop my skills and use them effectively. My tito trains us well."

"Venchel told me his plan."

Plan?

Oh. I immediately recognized what she was talking about. I asked her, "What about it? Do you want to join us? We kind of need a few more members before we can get in."

My eyes sparkled as she nodded. Finally, we could have a chance to participate in the game. We just need two more players. And we are ready.

I slammed the door open and yelled, "Kuya! Look who's here!" because I was so excited.

While watching television, Kuya and Tito abruptly turn to gaze at us. When kuya ran towards us and gave Yurika a bear hug, Tito was unable to finish his sentence. "Ezekiel. What did I say about–" Being emotionless as she is, Yurika didn't even return the hug or grin.

Kuya touched my back as he pushed Yurika inside, saying, "Come on, get inside." He remarked, "Nice job Kiel," before entering.

I sat down at the dining table next to Yurika. I even helped her set up the plate and add food to it.

Tito questioned, "So, you're Ezekiel's friend. How's he doing in school?" Although the question made me feel awkward, I'm kind of interested in Yurika's response.

"Fine," and yep, that's what I expected. Although she won't go into detail, I appreciate her answer. At least Tito won't scold me later for how I did in class.

Kuya eagerly enquired, "How are you, Yurika? Got any improvements on your ability?"

Yurika shook her head while looking down. I gave Kuya a "look-what-you-did-look." He simply shrugged, as if to tell me that he hadn't meant it.

"It's okay. We can assist you with that," Tito assures as he ate. Even though we are only at home, I like how Tito makes us feel like we are dining in a posh restaurant. She simply nodded and kept eating.

We continued to listen to Kuya's meaningless chatter, but every so often I caught a glimpse of Yurika, who continued to eat everything on her plate until she finished it all.

I was really embarrassed when Kuya stated, "I hope you come visit us some time again. Kiel would really enjoy it!"My eyes widened. What in the name of God is he talking about?

My face turned redder as they all looked at me. Kuya was laughing so loudly as Tito and Yurika confusedly looked at me. I glare at him inanely as I said goodbye to Yurika. Before leaving, she nodded once more.

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