Melissa entered the school that day. It had already been three days since she last attended classes, following her father's orders. But she hadn't wanted to stay home either, wary that her mother might scold her again.
Her hand brushed against her cheek—the cheek that had been slapped that night. She could still feel the sting of her mother's hand landing sharply on her skin. And then, her sister Kelly had returned home after that night, carrying her own wounds from the ordeal—especially after the notice from school had been sent home.
If it weren't for Kenjie arriving that night… Melissa thought silently.
Melissa was actually the first one to return to class. She absentmindedly touched the wound on her forehead, still throbbing from the incident. What shocked her most was the false rumor spreading around campus—that her sister Kelly had pushed her, causing the injury. Students who hadn't even been present seemed to believe the story more than the truth. Melissa could only sigh.
Sister Kelly… I don't even know what you went through alone in this school… she whispered in her thoughts.
Quietly, Melissa sat at her desk. She had arrived early, and none of her friends were there yet.
"Are you okay now?" a concerned voice asked. Melissa looked up to see who was standing in front of her.
She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't noticed someone was right there.
Melissa gave a small nod.
The person reached out and touched the wound on her forehead, making her flinch. She heard a soft sigh, as though the person genuinely worried for her.
"I'm glad that wound of yours is healing," Raymond said with a warm smile.
"Th—thank you," she replied softly.
"Good thing you were able to rest," Raymond continued.
Melissa nodded again. She knew Raymond because of her sister. Kelly had always warned her not to get too close to him.
"I'll leave you here then. Just remember to smile—it suits you," Raymond said before walking away.
Melissa felt her cheeks warm at his words.
"Melissa? Are you really okay?" another familiar voice asked.
Julie, she realized.
Melissa nodded and smiled at her.
"Let me see your wound." Julie set down her bag and sat beside her.
She sighed softly. "I'm glad it's healing now."
Melissa chuckled lightly at Julie's concern, then suddenly received a warm hug.
"Thank you for worrying," Melissa whispered.
"Oh, come on. Who wouldn't worry about you? I'm worried about your sister too," Julie replied, sighing.
"Meli, why are you pushing yourself like this?" her cousin Nicole asked.
"I'm fine now, Nick. I just didn't want to stay at home."
Nicole ruffled her hair. "Don't push yourself too much."
"Thanks, Nicky," Melissa said, smiling.
*****
Meanwhile, Raymond's gaze lingered on Melissa, quietly observing as she interacted with her friends.
"Who are you staring at?" Kenneth suddenly asked.
"No one," Raymond muttered quickly.
"Oh, I heard about what happened to them. Didn't expect she was that girl's sister," Kenneth added casually.
"Is Jason still staring at Crisha's look-alike?" Raymond asked, changing the topic.
"I keep reminding him—they're different in personality anyway," Kenneth replied.
"You guys have a gig soon, right? You'll be gone again for a few days," Raymond continued.
"Only two days. Besides, we might finally see the Pop Princess, right?" Kenneth grinned.
"Speaking of the Pop Princess, Julie actually resembles her more than Crisha does," Kenneth added.
"Seriously? After all this time, your band hasn't met her yet?" Raymond asked, shaking his head.
"She's too elusive," Kenneth shrugged.
Raymond didn't reply.
"Don't stare too much at Melissa. I think her sister Kelly doesn't like you," Kenneth teased, tapping his shoulder.
Raymond stayed silent.
"Raymond."
He froze and turned—Joel was watching him.
"What?" Raymond asked.
"I swear I'll pluck your eyes out," Joel muttered.
"What? It's not that bad just to look, right?"
Joel only sighed and gave him a sharp glare.
"So, what really happened to the sisters?" Raymond asked, trying to redirect the conversation.
"No need for details. Just believe me when I tell you that Kelly is innocent," Joel answered firmly.
"Eh? How is she innocent? Didn't she push her sister the first time, before Melissa got seriously hurt?" Raymond pressed.
"We didn't see the whole incident. By the time the crowd gathered, it was already confusing. But those who witnessed it clearly said Claire did it intentionally," Joel explained.
"What did Melissa do to deserve being dragged into Claire's mess? She's just a new transfer student," Raymond muttered.
Joel didn't answer immediately. "That question… is personal to Kelly."
"I know it's off-topic, but I respect it. Only the officers know the full truth anyway, right?" Raymond said.
Joel glanced at him. "Exactly. And since you already know why I'm being careful about what I share, why keep asking?"
"Because maybe you'll slip and tell me the truth," Raymond teased.
Joel shook his head.
"You're really annoying," he muttered.
"By the way, they said there'll be a reshuffle of dance partners next week, since there are new members now," Raymond added.
"I know that," Joel replied quietly.
"Yeah, yeah, I was just reminding you. I didn't expect Jonathan's sister to be a good dancer too," Raymond smirked.
Joel didn't respond.
He's so easy to annoy—and even easier to read, Raymond thought.
Soon after, he noticed Cielo walking in.
"You're late today," Raymond asked.
"Yeah, I had something to do in the faculty before coming here," Cielo replied.
What a busy man, Raymond thought to himself.