As soon as Alonzo stepped out of the classroom, Maverick nearly dragged him along.
"Bro, hurry up! I have something to show you! Come on!" Maverick shouted, tugging him toward the campus bulletin board.
Alonzo almost stumbled from the force of his friend's pull, but he couldn't help his curiosity. Right in the middle of the campus, a large tarpaulin was posted on the board, clearly stating:
"Student Council Committee Members Wanted! To all aspiring students of Eastwood College Academy—let's go! Join the campus leadership team!"
A crowd of students surrounded the board, reading, pointing, and chattering excitedly. Alonzo stood still, staring at the poster.
"Don't waste this chance, bro! You have to join—that's perfect for you! I promise!" Maverick grinned, his excitement practically spilling over.
Alonzo immediately took a step back.
"Uh… no, Maverick. Thanks… but I don't want to. I'd rather focus on my studies. I mean… I am really shy…"
Maverick wasn't backing down. He leaned in, grinning like he had a secret plan.
"Shy? You? Come on! You ace every exam—you're always the top scorer. You weren't shy about being the best in class! And besides…"
He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice.
"You'll see Janice more often if you join. It's the perfect chance, bro."
Alonzo's face flushed crimson. He turned his head, trying to hold himself together.
"H-Huh?! What are you talking about? …So what if it's Janice?"
"Dude! Do you think I was born yesterday? Don't even deny it. You've got a crush on Janice, don't you?" Maverick laughed, patting Alonzo on the shoulder.
Alonzo wished he could hide his face in embarrassment.
"You really talk too much to me, bro. I'm just gonna focus on my studies, that's it!"
Maverick smirked knowingly, as if he could read Alonzo's thoughts.
"Fine, fine… Focus all you want. Got it. But think about it—committee, new people, opportunities. You'll shine, bro! You won't just be one of the underdogs anymore… and who knows? You might even get a chance to… get closer to Janice."
Alonzo let out a sigh, closing his eyes to refocus himself.
"Okay… I'll think about it."
Maverick smiled. "I know you can do it, bro. I'm telling you—don't let this opportunity slip. You've got potential."
Alonzo paused, staring at the tarpaulin. His chest tightened with nerves, but underneath it was a spark of excitement. It was an opportunity—but also a responsibility.
"Okay, bro. Even if you don't think about it right now, opportunities like this don't come often. And trust me… you won't like regretting it if you don't join."
As Maverick watched the other students around them, Alonzo felt an unfamiliar tension in his chest. Standing beside the bulletin board, he quietly listened as Maverick explained the student council and how joining could help him. Unnoticed, a pair of eyes were observing from afar—Benjie and his friends.
Benjie approached first, followed by two others, laughing loudly, clearly mocking:
"Ooooh, the provincial boy thinks he's got potential for student council! Hahaha! Look at him, trying to compete!"
Raymark, laughing next with a teasing tone:
"Seriously? You, Alonzo, joining? You barely speak in class! How are you going to handle the responsibilities here?"
Jacob, standing close to Alonzo, laughed obnoxiously and mocked him:
"Yeah! Just go sell peanuts outside the campus! Hahaha. You don't know the flow here. In the student council, you've gotta be assertive and confident… like Boss Lexus!"
Alonzo just stood there, feeling the weight of their stares. Their laughter and ridicule hit him like blows to the chest.
Alonzo POV:
"Stay calm, Alonzo. Just let those frogs bark. You don't have to prove anything to them. Just remember the scholarship—that's the path to your dreams."
Maverick returned, having disappeared briefly, and rested a hand on Alonzo's shoulder. He whispered, serious and supportive.
"Bro… just a reminder, okay? Don't let them get to you. Always remember—they're not the measure of how good you are. Don't let them discourage you."
Alonzo smiled faintly, feeling warmth and strength from his friend. Every word from Maverick acted as a shield against the insults coming from his classmates.
At Eastwood College Academy, it wasn't just academics that were a challenge. Every day brought taunts, tests of self-confidence, and pressure from wealthy students. But step by step, Alonzo was learning—he had a friend by his side, courage in his heart, and determination to face every challenge with dignity.
Narrator's note:
Alonzo doesn't yet have the courage to join the student council, and the insults from Benjie and his friends only make him doubt himself further. Will Alonzo change his mind? Will Maverick convince him to take the leap?
To be continued…