Chapter 7: Trouble In The First

Today is the day of my first day at my new university. I woke up early as the sun rose, to prepare my things and have breakfast, which I just finished eating a while ago.

In the past days, I didn't do much except read books, do tasks on the computer, and watch TV all day. Dad didn't call or text me, which is actually good for me because it's irritating to constantly hear or see his warnings. Tsk. I keep updating mom and the nanny so they won't worry about me.

I recently called a housekeeper, but she wasn't the one who came. Maria Clara and I are still exchanging emails.

As for the guy who was stalking me, that issue has already been resolved. I found out that one of the girls that Dad introduced to me is the one behind the stalking incident, based on the report they sent me. Tsk. Luckily, I didn't do anything harmful to the guy. He just lost some of his memories.

I walk to my bathroom for my daily routine after laying out the uniform on the bed. After going through my routine, I put on my uniform and dry my hair, leaving my bangs to the side and making my hair messy.

I walk to my study table where my bag and things are placed.

I pick up my wallet and a calling card falls down.

I look at it and ponder.

"Wish I made the right decision that I won't regret," I say to myself as I look at the calling card before picking it up and putting it in the drawer.

I sling the bag over my shoulder before leaving the room.

I decided to be Inspector Gomez two days ago.

I take out my black shoes from the shoe rack near the door.

Saying that I would attend the party he requested of me.

I lock my condo and exit the building.

I'm looking for a cab and I see one at 6:30 AM.

I take out my cellphone from my pocket and dial a number.

[Greeting the villain Moriarty]

"I will be at the university, and don't call, text, or email me," I said in a monotone voice. "I bet there are people in that campus who are part of an organization."

[I understand, Moriarty]

"Send me an update once I get home."

I end the call as a cab stops in front of me. I see someone inside, but I can't see their face because they're looking down.

"Let's go, son. I think you and Mathia go to the same school," the driver says. If I remember correctly, he's the same taxi driver I rode with when I went to the university to get my uniform and nameplate last week.

I nod my head and say thank you. I step backward to open the backseat and see the girl.

To my surprise, it's none other than the cleaner.

I sit down and place my bag on my lap before closing the door.

The back seat fills with silence as none of us talk.

I look outside the window. Busy people are looking for a cab to go to school or work. The sea of cars is rushing to avoid being late. The open establishments are full of people. Yet, there's no heavier traffic than in Manila.

"Son, what grade are you in?" the driver breaks the silence.

"I'm in eleventh grade, sir."

"In that case, what section and strand?"

"STEM-A, sir."

"You and Mathia are in the same section then," he says, looking at the road. "You should go with—"

"Hadeon, sir," I interrupt.

"Hadeon. So that she won't have to look for your cl assroom," he replies, glancing at the mirror above.

"Yes, pa."

"Pa."

"Pa."

"Pa."

"Pa."

"Pa."

Today, the same thoughts keep repeating in my mind like a broken record.

"Forgive Mathia, young man," she said with a smile. "She's shy."

Minutes passed, and we arrived at gate 2 of the university.

I opened the door and got out. She did the same.

"Thanks for the ride, Mr..."

"Mendez, young man."

"Mr. Mendez."

"We'll go ahead, Dad," she waved her hand as Mr. Mendez drove off.

"Let's go."

I nodded and followed her as she started walking.

"Mathia, who's that person with you?" a guy approached her and asked.

"A transferee."

"Oh, so you've already joined a group?"

We arrived in the classroom, but the teacher hadn't arrived yet. They kept asking her about me, maybe interviewing her already.

Tsk. They kept looking at me like I'm a celebrity.

"Hi," a short-haired girl said in front of me.

"Hello," I replied in a monotone voice.

"I'm Cindy, the class monitor," she introduced herself. "Umm, are you Azazel?"

"Don't call me by my second name. Yes, I'm Hadeon," I coldly answered. I really hate it when people call me by my second name.

After that, she walked away and sat in her seat in the front row. I felt embarrassed by my response.

I focused on looking out the window.

"He seems grumpy," I heard the guy that Mathia was talking to say. "You ask him."

I saw her reflection and her answer, as she shrugged.

Our teacher arrived, and everyone fell silent. I forgot to mention that I was sitting near the window, next to Mathia's chair, and next to the guy she was talking to.

"Good morning, class," the teacher greeted. "We have a transferee. Please introduce yourself."

I stood up and said, "I'm Hadeon Azazel Manson. I prefer to be called by my first name. Hade or Hadeon. That's all, ma'am."

"Okay, let's start with our lesson."

The class stopped after the bell rang, indicating it was already break time.

"You ask."

"No, you ask."

"What is it?" I asked the two, who were arguing about who should ask.

"Umm..."

"If you want, Mathia and I are going to the canteen. You can come with us," he said.

"If it's okay."

"Oh, let's go. I'm hungry," he walked ahead, leaving the two of us behind.

"Let's go."

We walked together, leaving the classroom and passing by the guy she was talking to, who was looking at the two of us. Many people were also looking at us, whispering among themselves.

"You haven't introduced yourself yet. I'm Rian Echavez. You probably already know Mathia," he introduced himself.

"I'm Mathia Khim Mendez."

"Let's sit here, I'll go order," he said, pointing to a table.

"Anything for me."

While waiting, I noticed a group of varsity players and cheerleaders. Two people caught my attention.

"Who are you looking at?" Mathia asked.

"No one."

I glanced at them again.

"Let's eat," Rian suddenly said while holding a tray of food. "Why are the varsity players looking in our direction, Mathia?"

"I don't know."

I didn't realize he was already here. Rian put the tray down and sat.

"By the way, Hadeon, are you into sports?"

"I'm not into sports," I answered and took the French fries and iced coffee. "Why?"

"Come join us in the intramurals." This was the response as they took the burger and juice. "Mathia doesn't want to join."

Mathia ignored it and just took the cupcake and apple juice.

While eating, I kept glancing at the two who seemed to be in a lovers' quarrel. I didn't notice their glances towards me.

"I noticed you've been staring at that group." He called my attention. "You might get involved in their trouble. You're still a transfer student, Hade."

"It's nothing," I replied. "I just got curious." They didn't hear my last words.

"They're in a relationship. It's difficult and risky to get involved. Just ignore them."

I didn't pay attention to what he said.

There's only one thing on my mind.

Why does she have a butterfly tattoo?

Or is it just a coincidence?

"Can I ask?" They both looked at me. The seriousness in my voice conveyed more of a command than a request. It seemed like they couldn't say no, but rather answer what I would ask.

"W-what is it?" Mathia's voice almost whispered.

"Is there any organization here?"

"Are you referring to student council organizations? Clubs?" Fear was evident in Rian's voice. Is my tone that serious?

"Nope. Something like a fraternity or sorority?" I asked.

"If we're talking about fraternities, there are none here on campus, but..." Mathia paused.

I hate this.

"B-but there are some outside of campus," Mathia continued. "Mostly the varsity players and cheerleaders are part of those organizations." She spoke softly. "But they're not the only ones; as far as I know, around 60% of the students on campus are part of various organizations. You can't immediately tell they're part of an organization because they don't have tattoos like the varsity players and cheerleaders."

"So, you're an observer?" I couldn't tell if that was a compliment or a question.

"You're both the same, Mathia Khim," Rian said. "You both noticed."

Mathia ignored the comment and continued eating.

Organization. I think I need to look into that this evening. A fresh victim trapped in my web.

"You're probably not going to join, right?" He suddenly asked. "We don't know anything about those organizations. Mathia and I are only part of the Bookworm Club."

Why would I join an organization if I already have one, plus I'm Moriarty. I can't wait to play with a butterfly trapped in my web.

"Nope. I'm not interested."

"Just eat then."

"What is—"

"ATTENTION STUDENTS!!

There will be no classes this morning until afternoon as we are giving way for the clubs to recruit members who haven't reached their quota. Also, for the preparations of the upcoming intramurals.

Thank you."

An announcement came from the speakers in the canteen, mounted on a pole.

"Mathia, there's still—" He couldn't finish his sentence as she placed the burger back in her mouth.

"P-please excuse us," she said while looking at him. "S-she's talkative."

I kind of remember something.

She is just like her father.

"Please forgive Mathia."

"She's shy."

"You mentioned the Bookworm Club," I said while looking at the last piece of French fry in my hand. "Are you in charge of the club I wanted to join?"

"Yhsm!" He exclaimed even with a burger in his mouth.

"W-what?"

"I said I wanted to join," I repeated.

"Sorry for speaking with my mouth full."

"I said I wanted to join," I repeated.

"Sorry, I can't accommodate new members right now."

"Maybe you should finish eating your burger first." She said before looking at me. "Okay, I'll include you." She sighed.

I nodded.

"Let's go to the clubroom!"

We stood up and walked out of the canteen after disposing of our trash.

I took one last glance at her, the butterfly trapped in my web.

"Here's the clubroom agreement." She handed me a folder. "All the details are in there."

We arrived at the mini office located near the library. It wasn't too small nor too big. There was a small central table with a chair on each side. A desk with numerous files and a bookshelf filled with books. Simple yet elegant.

I signed it and passed it back to her.

"How many members are needed in a clubroom to prevent it from being demolished?"

"Three members are required for clubs like this."

So she had no choice but to accept me.

"I'll go out first."

Hunt for another victim.

"Sure. Mathia and I will be here. Maybe you'll come back."

I nodded and secretly smiled when I saw her blush.

But as soon as I opened the door, a fist struck my face, causing me to fall to the ground and breaking my eyeglasses.

"H-Hadeon!"

"Hade!"

I felt the blood dripping from my face as Rian and Mathia rushed to help me.

"Don't you ever take a glance or stare at my partner, transferee boy." A chilling remark came from the guy standing near the door. "You don't know who you just messed with. A punch isn't the only thing you'll get."