I had felt like a monkey trapped in a zoo. Exhausted by the relentless stares and the never-ending whispers, I was painfully aware that I had become the biggest gossip subject in school ever since Felix had announced over the radio that I was his girl. Of course, no one dared to mess with me anymore—his fierce warning to "kill anyone who touched me" had worked like a charm—but my life had changed in ways I hadn't anticipated.
As I walked down the crowded corridor, Eve chatted happily at my side, completely at ease with the attention swirling around us. I couldn't bring myself to meet anyone's eyes; instead, my gaze remained fixed on the floor, avoiding the curious and sometimes judgmental looks of my classmates. Eve, in contrast, seemed to thrive in the spotlight, proudly proclaiming that now she had a popular friend, and that she intended to use this newfound status to shine even brighter.
Everyone already knew we were like fire and water.
Suddenly, Eve grabbed my arm and stopped me abruptly in the middle of the hallway. Her eyes locked onto Sebastian, who stood a few steps away looking tense and clearly preparing himself for what was coming.
"Wait here. I have to say hi to my sweetie," she announced with a sly smile.
I rolled my eyes and slid down against the wall until I was sitting, folding my arms over my chest. I watched with a mix of pity and disbelief as Eve pulled Sebastian close and planted a bold kiss on his lips. Sometimes I wondered if this bordered on harassment, but since Sebastian hadn't complained, maybe he was okay with it—or maybe Eve's intimidating confidence was enough to keep him silent.
I sighed and glanced at my pink watch. It was nearly eleven o'clock. The break would be over soon, and lunch was coming. I was so hungry I could have eaten a horse—with the hooves and all.
I scratched my forehead, wondering how long Eve would continue pestering Sebastian. His cheeks were flushed bright red as she cupped his face and cooed at him in a sugary voice.
"Candy, you're so sweet. I regret not noticing you sooner. I won't give up on you easily," she declared loudly, making sure everyone nearby could hear. Eve loved being the center of attention.
Sebastian muttered unhappily, "Why are you so clingy? Go meet other guys like you always do. I don't like vulgar girls."
Eve snorted and squeezed his cheeks harder. "Vulgar? Opposites attract, silly. Since I'm vulgar, you're cute. Selena's sweet, and Felix is vulgar. Get it now?"
Before I could say anything, Hannah suddenly appeared behind Eve, spun her around, and kissed her right there in the hallway.
I must have looked like a complete fool, my mouth hanging open in shock.
Maybe now I wouldn't be the only main gossip topic anymore.
"You finally came out of hiding… you like me," Eve teased, jabbing a finger at her own face as Hannah pulled away. I had expected some drama, but Hannah just smiled calmly.
"It's obvious. Everyone falls for me—men or women. I'm perfect," Eve said confidently, flipping her hair back with flair.
Sometimes, I was honestly embarrassed by her.
"I wouldn't like you even if you paid me a million. I just wanted to show you how miserable our friend is, but I didn't think my kiss would make you so euphoric. Honestly, you're a bit wrecked," Hannah said, shaking her head.
Hannah walked away toward class, and Eve turned to me, her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Did you see that? She totally has a crush on me. That's why she teases me—it's her way of showing affection."
"Keep telling yourself that…" I muttered under my breath.
"Maybe I should switch targets. If Sebastian stays that embarrassed, I'll get bored fast. I need someone with a claw, like Hannah."
"Just be careful she doesn't scratch you to pieces. Her personality's way stronger than yours," I warned as I started walking toward class, Eve hooking her arm around mine.
"You're having lunch with your little prince today, right?" she asked eagerly.
I just muttered in response.
"Well, I'm taking advantage of this chance to have lunch with our wonderful classmate. Our first date," she added with a mischievous grin.
Hannah had unwittingly unleashed a demon on herself. I should have felt sorry for her, but I knew Eve would give her a run for her money.
Later, as we sat on a bench, Hannah appeared behind us and shot a warning straight at Eve:
"Try saying one word to me in class, and I'll cut a strand of that dyed hair with these scissors." She brandished the metal blade threateningly.
"That's fine. I'd cut my hair short for you anyway. We'd look like a real couple," Eve answered, completely unfazed.
I put my hand to my forehead, seriously wondering if Hannah had ever felt shame in her life.
Probably not.
*
Holding the tray of food carefully in my hands, I watched Eve for a long moment as she made her seductive way toward the table where Hannah was already sitting. My eyes scanned the bustling cafeteria but found no sign of Felix or Mike anywhere. Apparently, they hadn't made it to lunch yet. With no other choice, I joined my friend at the table.
"The sight of you made me lose my appetite," the short-haired girl said coolly, her sharp eyes sizing up Eve with a steady, indifferent gaze.
"They say that when a person is in love, just looking at that person makes them feel full," Eve replied with a broad, confident smile before glancing at me. "And aren't you sitting with your little prince?"
"If he were here, I certainly wouldn't be sitting with you. You're full of nonsense," I muttered, feeling a bit defensive.
Hannah laughed, a light, teasing sound that echoed through the noise of the cafeteria.
My attention shifted to my phone when a message from Felix popped up. An involuntary smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.
"Sorry, Selena. We'll be there in five minutes because clown Mike broke the faucet," the text read.
"Take your time. I'm sitting at a table with Eve and a classmate. You can join us—every other table's already taken," I replied.
"We'll be right there."
I set my phone down and turned back to Eve, who was now giving me a strange, almost knowing smile.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked cautiously.
"You, of all people, radiate happiness. I envy you so much," she said softly, cupping my face in her hands and pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "How happy will you be when you finally go to bed tonight?"
I buried my fork into my food, feeling more confused by her words than ever—especially with Hannah sitting right there beside us, silently eating and occasionally glancing our way.
"Oxidized, do you even know what intimacy means? Some things just aren't meant to be spoken out loud," Eve remarked sharply, her gaze fixed on the blonde.
Hannah smirked, shifting her attention to Eve. "If you were my girlfriend, I'd tell the whole world how amazing you are," she said in a sultry voice.
"I sympathize with your future partner," Eve shot back with a sly smile, "though my guess is everyone would run away screaming after one day with you."
A ripple of whispers spread across the cafeteria as Felix and Mike finally appeared, dripping wet from head to toe. The sight caused a mixture of surprise and amusement among the students. I couldn't help but smile, understanding now why Felix had cursed Mike for breaking the faucet.
"Is it raining outside?" Eve asked, eyes sparkling as they approached our table, trays heavy with food. Felix sat down beside me, while Mike claimed the seat across from us, next to Hannah.
"Why are you two so wet and sexy?" Eve teased playfully.
"Ask that brainless chicken," Felix muttered, nodding toward Mike.
"It's not my fault I've been training my biceps," Mike protested, "I can't touch anything without tearing it apart."
The blonde covered her chest theatrically, drawing the attention of everyone around the table.
"Well then, I'll never let you grab me by the boobs," she said with mock seriousness.
"I wouldn't want to do that anyway," Mike replied, smirking. "You've got to have something to grab. Around here, I'd need a magnifying glass to find anything."
Felix snapped back sharply, "Just like you, I don't see you using your brain much either."
I forced a slight smile, entertained by their constant teasing. Their friendship was a complicated mix of rivalry and affection.
"Instead of teasing me, why don't you tell us about your relationship? Felix announced to the whole school that Selena is his girlfriend. Did he get any response? Or is it just one-sided?" Mike asked bluntly.
Felix squeezed my hand under the table. My cheeks flushed, and I looked up at him.
"He surprised me, but there's no such thing as a one-sided relationship," I said firmly. "If there is, it's only one-sided feelings."
"Why are you so red, friend?" Eve leaned closer, smiling mischievously as she noticed our joined hands. "Ah, well… you caught a fever from that touch."
"Eve!" I hissed, feeling suddenly shy and intimidated.
"So, how is it with you two? Are you officially a couple?" Eve pressed.
Felix didn't take his eyes off me, so I finally met his gaze.
"Yes, we are in a relationship," I declared, my voice tinged with a shy embarrassment.
The people sitting around us let out a collective delighted exclamation. The blonde placed her hands over her chest, eyes shining with affection.
"I hope to become an auntie soon," she added dreamily.
Hannah, sitting opposite, kicked her sharply under the table.
"Bite your tongue before you say anything," she warned. "Your friend is only sixteen. Do you want to make teenage parents out of them?"
Felix gently brushed a strand of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear.
"She's my gift from the heavens. I could already tie my entire future to her," he said softly.
To others, his words sounded sweet and romantic, but inside, a slight unease stirred within me.
After all, relationships could be dangerous—even the beautiful, fairy-tale ones.