THE UNTAMED

MY DISCOMFORT: THE WEIRD GUYS

The twins, Joel and Jade noticed my discomfort almost 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, its thick branches casting broken shadows over us. The air felt different outside much cooler, free.. but my nerves refused to settle.

My chest felt tight, like I’d been holding my breath since yesterday.

I couldn’t keep it in anymore.

“Guys,” I said suddenly, my voice shaking despite my effort to sound calm. “I need to tell you something.”

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. Like eyes on my back. Watching.”

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 how it sounds. We just moved here. I don’t know anyone yet, even from our neighbors. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but the feeling was… strong.”

I expected laughter. 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 won’t get near you.”

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

“Thank you,” I whispered. And I meant it. In that moment, they didn’t feel like classmates..they felt like the big brothers 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 I forgot to be afraid. Girls 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... 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.”

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, like damp earth and fur. My skin prickled. Their gazes are both focussing toward me again and again, curious… wary.

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

No. That was impossible!

“Hey,” Jade said, his tone guarded. “This is our new friend. AbbyJezz. She just moved here from Surigao.”

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. His smile never reached his eyes.

“You smell… different,” the second boy murmured.

“What?” I laughed nervously. “Sorry?”

“Nothing,” he said too quickly, glancing at his friend.

They shared a look... silent, but loaded.

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

They chuckled, sharp and hollow. “Just welcoming her.”

But then... they turned away. Then I noticed that their footsteps have no sound.

I stared after them as they were gone. my heart 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,” Joel said carefully, changing the subject. "You will see them nearby, from our neighbors"

"Ah.. alright." I said but honestly. I wanted to figure out if they are something like me who has a weird experiences. 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.

However, the rest of the day passed in a blur.

After class, Joel offered, “We can drive you home.”

“My mom’s picking me up,” I replied.

“Next time,” Jade said. “Just tell us.”

They walked me all the way to the car.

“Hello, Mrs. Solidad,” Jade greeted confidently. “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.

But I wondered. How does he know her name?

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

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. then those two cute guys is enough for me."

I laughed it off... until night came.

Lying in bed, 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 than the wolf ever had.

I told Tagi everything...except how deeply it all unsettled me.

When I finally typed: “Besh… do you believe in wild animals?”

And later: “It was a wolf.”

Her response came quickly.

“Be careful. And if you see that strange dog again..call me.”

I stared at the ceiling, my heart racing.

Because deep down… I knew. This is something real, I raise my hand and stared at it. "My wolf, these hands will be turned into claws?"

"Super sharp claws" a voice of mine answered. Like she was my twin.

Then it was gone.