Crimson Rain

chapter 5

---

Aries exchanged a few words with his friends, then gently took my hand and started walking toward my class section.

Wow… why is everyone looking at Aries? I thought, frowning. Seriously… I don’t like him at all!

My small hand was being pulled along, and though he was holding me carefully, I couldn’t help but grumble in my head. He just wants to bully me… that’s all.

---

Aries led me to my homeroom teacher, a kind-looking woman with a warm smile. Since I was only five years old, I was placed in the kindergarten section.

I felt a little nervous, clutching Aries’s hand tightly. The teacher knelt down to my level, her eyes soft and welcoming.

“Hello, sweetie,” she said gently. “You must be new here. Welcome to our class.”

I nodded quietly, glancing at Aries for reassurance. He gave me a small, teasing smirk, which made me feel both annoyed and oddly comforted at the same time.

---

I had a great time for real. My classmates were nice, and I even made a few new friends! I giggled as I walked across the playground, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.

Suddenly, a paper ball bounced off my shoulder. I ignored it at first, but then it hit my head. My eyes narrowed in annoyance as I looked around for the culprit.

There, by the window, I spotted a familiar face. Damn it… Aries, did you just throw this paper ball from there? I thought furiously.

I marched over, glared at him, and pulled a mocking face. “Really, Aries? Is this how you behave?” I asked, my voice a mix of frustration and amusement.

He just smirked, clearly enjoying the reaction he’d provoked.

Aries leaned back slightly, a mischievous grin on his face. He mouthed the word, “Puppy,” then pointed to his shoulder.

“You know,” he said teasingly, “your saliva stings!”

I froze for a moment, glaring at him. “Ugh! Aries, you’re impossible!” I shouted, sticking out my tongue in mock disgust.

He just laughed softly, clearly enjoying every second of my reaction.

---

“Aries, what are you doing?!” someone called out, curious.

Aries didn’t answer. The speaker leaned to the side, trying to peek out the window, but Aries blocked him with a firm push.

“I heard Miss Fuji seems to be looking for you,” he said casually, a teasing glint in his eyes.

The moment he mentioned their math teacher’s name, Jose froze, a shiver running down his spine. The mere thought of Miss Fuji made him tremble, and Aries’s sly grin only made it worse.

“Aries, you are hateful!” Jose shouted, lunging toward him.

Before his hand even reached the desk, someone called out sharply, “Jose!”

He froze and turned, his face pale. “Miss Fuji…” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Without another word, he stood up and hurriedly followed Miss Fuji toward the teacher’s room.

---

When Jose returned, he looked utterly depressed, dragging his feet as if the world had just weighed him down. It was clear his parents already knew he hadn’t done well on his exams.

He shot a jealous glare at Aries. “Aries! How the hell are you the topper in every single exam? Study god! Can you please give me a part of your knowledge?!”

Aries just laughed, leaning back casually, clearly enjoying Jose’s frustration.

Then Aron, one of their friends, chimed in teasingly, “First of all, Jose, maybe you should find your brain before whining to Aries!”

Jose scowled at Aron, realizing he’d been roasted, while Aries couldn’t help but laugh even harder.

---

Soon, evening arrived, and it was time to return home. I wandered around the school a little, asking other elementary students if they had seen Aries, and finally, I found him.

Before I even stepped closer, I paused, overhearing their conversation. The words carried just enough for me to catch, and I tilted my head, curious and a little amused.

The conversation quickly turned to me.

Aron grinned mischievously. “Aries, how about I become your brother-in-law?”

Aries pulled a disgusted face and shook his head. “I think Isla will stay single forever before I let you be my brother-in-law,” he said, voice dripping with mock horror.

Jose, still flustered and confused, piped up. “Aries… how the heck did you get a five-year-old kid as a sibling? Is she your father’s illegitimate child or something?!”

Aries rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated. “Stop watching too much drama, Jose! She’s just… my sister. That’s it.”

**********************************

-To be continued....