THE UNTAMED LUNA

CHAPTER 6: MY DISCOMFORT: THE WEIRD GUYS

Joel and Jade noticed my discomfort immediately. Jade’s sharp eyes flicked from my clenched hands unto my pale face, while Joel leaned closer, lowering his voice.

“Let’s take lunch outside,” Jade suggested casually, as if it were no big deal.

I grabbed onto the idea like a lifeline. “Yes. Please.”

We ended up at a wooden picnic table beneath an old acacia tree, it has thick branches casting wide shades to cover us from the sunlight. The air outside the class room felt different, and much cooler, it helps to calm my nerves that refused to settle. My chest felt tight, like I’d been holding my breath since last night.

I couldn’t keep it in anymore.

“Guys, I need to tell you something!' I said, my voice is shaking despite my effort to be sound calm.

Joel stopped from opening his packed-lunched and looked straight at me. “What is it?”

I hesitated, then forced the words out.

"Yesterday… when I was walking home, I felt like someone was following me. I didn’t see who it was, but.. I swear...I could feel it."

The wind rustled the leaves above us, and for a moment, no one spoke.

Jade leaned back, his jaw tightening. “You’re sure?”

I nodded.

“I know it sounds weird, but I can sense that, since we moved here my scents and hearing became sharper. It turned out that I have a special ability. I don’t know anyone yet, even from our neighbors. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but the experience is true"

I expected laughter from them. Doubt. Pity. But instead, Joel’s voice was steady. “Then we’ll make sure you’re not alone.”

Jade nodded in agreement.

“We can come over to your place more often. Especially on days we don’t have classes. Whoever that creep is, he won’t get near you.”

Something warm relief spread through my chest. Gratitude, and safety.

“Thank you guys,” I meant it.

I realize that they are not only classmates, because With them, I felt like I have twin brothers that I never had.

Joel smiled softly. “Are you happy, though? Growing up without siblings?”

I laughed weakly. “Yeah. My parents act more like kids than I do most of the time.”

That earned a chuckle from both of them, and just like that, the heaviness lifted, at least a little.

They spent the rest of lunch making me laugh, telling stories so ridiculous, that I forgot to be afraid.

Some girls in the school kept drifting over, pretending to ask about homework or summer plans, their eyes glued shamelessly to the twins. Jade and Joel were politely assisting them. As I observed, they are not ever rude. Never flirtatious, unlike the other guys in school.

It was… comforting.

When the topic shifted back to me, I smiled and said lightly, “Honestly, having you two as my friend-brothers would be amazing.”

Joel blinked, then grinned. “Huh. Never thought of it that way.”

I laughed... until he raised his hands dramatically. “Just kidding! Don’t look at me like that.. because you are not my type "

The twins burst out laughing together, and I realized something then, this wasn’t an act. I know, they genuinely cared.

Still, I couldn’t ignore it...how attractive they were. Jade, energetic and athletic, the kind who thrived on competition. Joel was calmer, and artistic, with a quiet depth. Both of them worked out on weekends, naturally blending into the confident social circle of athletes and cheerleaders.

Yet somehow… my thoughts kept drifting elsewhere...

To Mr. Albanzo.

I hated myself for it. Comparing everyone to him felt wrong...and unhinged... but I couldn’t stop. His height, his calm authority, the way his eyes seemed to see too much. I felt like I was losing my grip on reality.

Midway through our lunch time, two younger boys approached our table. Their presence hit me before I even looked up. But a strange scent clung to them...musky, wild and fur. My skin prickled. Their gazes are both focussing toward me, curious… and wary.

At the same time, I can feel that, there is something about them, like they are not human.

No. That was impossible!

“Hey, his is our new friend. AbbyJezz. She is just moved here from Surigao.” Jade announced.

I forced a smile and offered my hand. The first boy hesitated before shaking it. His palm was hot. Unnaturally so.

The second boy's grip lingered, and his smile was fake. "You smell… different,” he murmured.

“Sorry. What?” I laughed nervously.

“Nothing,” he said too quickly, glancing at the twins.

Jade’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t be weird.”

They chuckled, sharp and hollow.

“Just don't be rushed, over her.” Jade added.

And then the boys turned away. But I noticed that their footsteps have no sound, seriously! they have the same scent that I was looking for..

I stared after them as they were gone. my heart was pounding. That was… weird.!

Jade leaned closer. “You felt it too, didn’t you?”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. The wild scent still lingered in the air.

“They’re close family friends. You will see them nearby, from our neighbors" Joel said carefully, changing the subject.

"Ah.. alright." I said.

I wanted to figure out if they have something, because of their scents, I want to prove this weird experiences of mine. Maybe they can help me more than I expected.

"I want to be friends for those weird guys"

"They are on the building two, second floor, room 50A. They are weird but smart guys you will ever noticed here in school" Jade said.

"They are the top officers-student of all athletics students here" Joel added.

I nod at then for the little information. Now I should have a little plan based on my schedule on how to be near for the two..

----------------------------

"We can drive you home.” Joel offered after the class.

“Thanks, But mom will pick me up,”

“Next time, just tell us,” Jade said.

They walked me all the way to the car, outside of the school.

“Hello, Aunt Solidad,” Jade greeted confidently.

I was stunned for a moment.

“I’m Jade. This is my brother, Joel. Can we drive Abby Jezz home tomorrow if you’re okay with that?" Jade seriously asked my mother's approval.

I wondered. How does he know my mother's name?

Mom smiled warmly. “Nice boys, I’ll be watching you.” she said, though her eyes were sharp.

They exchanged numbers, promised safety, and said goodbye.

At home, Mom teased me relentlessly. " I trusted your two body guards"

"Mom. they are my classmates. One of my closest friends at school." I corrected.

"Did you have some naughty girl friends?"

"I don't have yet.. maybe next few days. But all of my classmates is good" I assumed.

"Alright. But the two cute guys is enough for me."

I laughed it off... until night came.

Lying in bed, but I couldn’t sleep..

Mr. Albanzo’s face haunted my thoughts. His eyes... His voice... The emptiness I felt after leaving his classroom frightened me more.. as if was connected to his soul.

Oh my gosh! what was I'm thinking?!

I told Tagi everything...except how deeply it all. But later on, I turned my back on the left side. I change my mind. Though it's my personal thing..

Then, I finally typed: “Besh… have you seen a wild animals? like a wolf.” i send it while she's in typing mode.

Her response came quickly.

“Be careful. If you see a wolf, if it happens call me right away!.”

After her message I turned my phone off and put it under my pillow.

I stared at the ceiling, as my heart racing. Because deep down… I knew. This is something real. I raise my hand and stared at it. Imagining these hands of mine will be turned into claws.

Super sharp claws?