ISH MOTRANGA's POV
This is so annoying. Really. And I'm starving. Like, really.
The food on the table looks delicious, but my mind isn't on any of it—it's still stuck on what happened during the demo earlier. I just can't move on. My exskill didn't do anything... I feel... useless...
"Just don't think about it."
Huh?
"Don't take it to heart."
I'm not taking it to heart! It's just—just really frustrating, okay?
"Don't think about it. It's not a big deal."
Yeah, it's not a big deal... but...
"You complain too much! You really couldn't have done anything anyway."
"Wow? That's harsh! You guys are so supportive. Really!"
"You're welcome."
Sigh.
I'm getting hit by the stuff I'm overhearing from the next table. Like Cupid's arrow. Straight to the heart—except, not for love.
"Thanks for the treat, Seth. You're so sweet," said my classmate, Maye.
"It's nothing! Just a small thing," Seth replied with puppy eyes.
"Miracle, eh? You're actually treating us?" Azure rolled her eyeballs.
"You know… it's just a small thanks that we all survived earlier," Seth said, glancing at Maye.
Everything would've been fine—if not for the crazy ones who passed by.
"Hey~ look at the weaklings from earlier having a brainstorming session?" someone from Class Hanan.
"Let them collect their scattered brain cells—if they even have any..." the pale guy with red hair said.
We all frowned. Sand User's group again? But let's not forget... even if they're attention-seekers, they are strong. Especially the one with the bubble exskill. They're dangerous.
"What do you want?" I asked calmly.
They looked me up and down.
"Ah, who are you again? I can't remember. Gin, remind me who he is?"
Gin sighed. "Fall, that's impossible."
Fall rolled his green eyeballs and thought for a second. "Hmmm… AHA! I remember! You're the Flame-Thrower! The one who didn't do anything in your class!"
Wow? That's harsh! Even my classmates were shocked. I felt a tinge of embarrassment. He didn't have to say that out loud!
"What are you saying, Fall? Tala did nothing earlier," one of his teammates corrected while smirking.
"Wait, Twin. They actually did do something."
"Yang! Please! Don't be a killjoy!"
"But Twin… I'm just being honest."
"Ish didn't do anything?! He saved my life!" Dy stood up. I was surprised. Did she just… defend me?
"What's your problem?" Sol also stood up. "No offense, but you guys are seriously problematic!"
"Are you looking for a fight? Please, we have no intention of fighting with you. That's just so beneath us," Seth stood up too. "Ahem, I speak good English, huh?" he whispered.
"You guys are just thirsty for attention!" Azure stood up but quickly sat down again when she saw the height difference. She just started eating again. We all raised an eyebrow at her behavior.
Honestly, I think Azure's insecure about her height. If you ask me, there's nothing wrong with it. I hope she realizes that.
"We don't want any trouble, so it's best if you just leave. Have you forgotten? Three of our classmates made huge contributions earlier." Maye gently reminded them.
I took a deep breath...
"Maybe you're right... my exskill didn't do anything earlier, but that's no reason for you to cause trouble while we're eating." I stood up too, since everyone else already had—except Azure. "And another thing—you have no right to belittle or mock our section just because I didn't do anything earlier. My performance in combat doesn't reflect my classmates' abilities."
The four of them turned poker-faced. Note to self: Ask Rin about them. I feel like they're big trouble.
"What're you doing? Causing trouble again?"
Someone arrived!
Everyone turned to look.
At least the risk of me frying these jerks went down because Rin arrived. And wow! He looked so cool. He was with his classmates—or friends? Whoever they were, they also looked tough.
The four froze—they looked like underdogs compared to Rin. His companions looked intimidating, like tough gangsters. I had no idea Rin was this cool on campus?! He looked like the boss!
"Are you threatening Grade 11 students, huh, Rin?"
"AAY! FISHBALL—Ms. President?!"
"Yes, it's just me." The beautiful President answered with a deadpanned tone and pokerface.
"Seriously? Me? Threatening people?" Rin shook his head.
Speaking of the SSG President—she's so intimidating! She got this aura of authority and perfection while Rin's companions acted all innocent. Miss
President had people with her too, and based on my observation, I think they're members of SSG, judging by the red armbands on their right arms.
Rin swallowed. "I didn't do anything wrong. If anyone is, it's them! Fallen and his friends! They're the ones bothering this table!" He pointed accusingly at Fall's group.
Miss President raised an eyebrow and looked at the four. "Fallen, Gin, Yang, Yin—is what Rin said true?" She looked disappointed.
"Do you even need confirmation?" Rin chimed in hands akimbo while rolling his eyes.
The four exchanged looks, one of them was about to speak when the other—who looked just like him—covered his mouth. "Yang, do not."
Fallen exhale loudly, "Class Tala started it. They've been salty with us since earlier. I wonder why?"
Rin made a face. "Hey! Lying is bad! That's minus 10 points from Lor—" He suddenly paused. "Hey! Yin! What's that?! Why are you covering Yang's mouth?!"
Yin was caught off guard but gave no comment.
"Don't believe them! They're lying!" Maye raised her voice.
"Us? Liars? You gotta be kidding me." Fallen denied.
"Wow?! You're so annoying, you know that?!" Dy exclaimed, irritation displayed on her face.
"Look! Ms. President! She hates me!" Fallen, playing victim.
"Liars! Are there no decent guys left in this world?!" All of us boys looked at each other.
"W-What does that have to do with anything, Azure?" Seth whispered.
"I feel like frying these jerks," I muttered.
I heard Miss President sigh. She looked around, then said, "Who's fault?" She asked everyone nearby.
The surrounding students exchanged unsure looks—hesitant to get involved.
Rin's friends finally spoke up.
"My goodness! Don't you believe Rin?"
"Isn't it obvious? Fallen's lying?!"
"If I were you, I'd punish those four so they'd learn their lesson!"
"Right! They've been acting way too bratty!"
"Miss President, maybe you should use your exskill to find out the truth," one of Rin's friends suggested.
After a few minutes of silence, a guy from another table stood up.
"It was them... it was Fallen's group who started it." He hesitated at first, but eventually told the truth.
Thank goodness there are still honest people in the world.
"Gali?!" Fall looked angry. His expression showed betrayal.
"See?! Told you so! You never believe me, Miss President," Rin said smugly.
A few seconds later, more voices spoke up.
"It's true. It was Sinclair's group. They were bothering the table 24."
"Lies!" Fallen denied.
"It really was them, Ms. President."
"They're always starting fights, Ms. President."
"One time they pushed my face into the toilet bowl... and they beat me and made me try worm snacks!"
"It's because you put worms in our watermelon garden!" Fall exclaimed. "And besides, the worms we made you eat were edible! You're just being overdramatic, you ugly!"
Seriously? That doesn't make it any better.
I felt bad for those who went through that kind of cruelty. They didn't deserve it.
Miss President shook her head and faced Fallen. "Fallen Sinclair, who started it?"
"I'm telling you, it's not u—"
"The truth. Only the truth." Her eyes seemed to glow.
Fallen froze for a moment—like he was hypnotized?
"It was... us… we... started it..." he admitted. Then he snapped out of it, shocked. "What the?"
"Fallen Sinclair, Gin Lobsters, Yang and Yin Emerald... Guidance Office. Now!"
—to be continued...