Chapter 37:

Without You by My Side

-x-

Hanji was surprised that she was called to go to school early in the morning.

Looking at the clock beside her, it was almost noon time and she can't help but wonder if she is still welcome at school since the message that was sent to her says 'morning' by her class adviser. Placing her glasses on the bridge of her nose, she reads messages further on her phone. There were almost five more aside from the text message by her adviser telling her to go to school this morning, all of the messages were from Nanaba's.

Our adviser asked me privately of your number and I gave it, I don't know why she's asking for it.

She called me again and said you were not replying. Told her you might still be asleep and she got a bit furious and told me to wake you up.

Another message says Wake up! Don't tell me you're really asleep!

While another one says:

I don't want to talk to our dear adviser again so you better get your ass down here Hanji!

The last message made Hanji chuckle a laugh on herself, definitely, she missed the outrageous text messages that is related to school from Nanaba.

WAKE UP SLEEPING BITCH!

With a smirk written on her face as a jolt of lightened mood came to her, she stood up and went immediately to the bathroom and take a quick shower go directly to school, skipping breakfast.

-x-

Going to the school made her feel bad and different.

It was only a couple of days that she was not around and yet the feeling of walking back going to school was already an alien feeling for her. With a wary face, she went directly into the principal's office. She made sure to go to school at a time where everyone would be busy in their classes so she won't have to worry about everybody's sure quizzically look and glares that would be thrown into her, most especially whatever annoying statements that she will need to hear and intake. Thus, having to walk at ease and with no problem made her feel at ease even for a while.

Hanji immediately reached the principal's office, successfully not seeing anybody along the hallway. It's not that she felt scared but she would rather go on and finish the day with less head ache as possible, she assures herself.

But then she realized, the air is different. Everything was different, even the feeling that she is getting from all the corners of the school. What the hell was happening? Or rather, had happened?

With a slight feeling of confusion blooming in her chest, she knocked and entered the office of Principal Pixis.

"Good morning Ms. Zoe" he greeted with a smile and gestured her to take a seat in front of his table, in which Hanji gladly accepts. As she sat down, she watched as the old man worked behind his table and organize a few things as she waited in silence, only the sounds of papers were the things that she could hear.

Afterwards, the old man cleared his throat, getting her attention.

"Ms. Zoe" he started, with a different look on his eyes as she noted and tried her best not to think anything bad for her to come. "I am happy that you are here with me today, I honestly thought that you are not going to come."

"My adviser informed Nanaba and Nanaba informed me, though I kind of read it late because I wake up late."

"No wonder you arrived at this time already."

"I'm sorry for that sir, I just wanted to know why I am told to be here."

"It's alright" he assured her and gave her a hint of a small smile. "What's important is that you are here and that we get to talk."

Hanji listened eagerly while she studied him carefully. She did not answer or give remarks but let the old man tell her what he wanted to. When the principal saw that Hanji was just waiting for him to speak, he decided to continue.

"Are you informed that Petra and Aurou are already gone?" he said it in a neutral tone and clasped his hands together, placing his chin on top of his wrinkled fingers.

"Sir?" Hanji reacted rather confused as her eyes grew wider in question, not knowing what he means. "What do you mean that-"

"They are gone, they are no longer here with us."

"What do you mean? Where are they? Why were they gone?" she asked quickly, yearning to earn some answers. Those two meant big to her, most especially Petra.

"Are you not using your social media account?" The old man felt odd with his question, realizing it late when he thought that she of course wouldn't be using her social media account since she will surely see some things that will make her feel bad, and yet he thought about it late.

"No sir! I am always on my books and chores at home, most especially I am not in the mood to be bombarded by unwanted messages." She can't believe if her principal has forgotten of her getting the possibility of being cyber bullied but he didn't seem to like the last part of what she just said.

"They are dead." He finally said it to her and Hanji's jaw dropped. Her mouth open and yet no voice came out.

"Wha—wwhat do you mean they are dead?" she asked and she can already feel her tears swelling up her eyes. How could it possible and why?

"Petra admitted that she was the one in the video with Mr. Ackerman and told me everything, in exchange of you going back here and clearing your name and have her be the one to be kicked out instead of you. She also expressed to us that the school should still have Levi keep his scholarship since he was the only one who lost in the final wrestling competition for this year." Hanji cannot believe what she is hearing, Petra was the one that is Levi fucking in that video?

Hanji won't deny that she felt a slashing pain in her heart, for the reason that Petra hid it from her but at the same time, pity and sadness to her fate. The anger that was supposed to be growing in her heart as to why she had suffered greatly and as to why Levi could not save her pathetic ass was all because of Petra. But then, she remembers all of the memories that they shared and the moments that she believes that she cannot just trade nor erase so easily, a friendship that had already engraved in her heart. She still feel confused and a lot of questions were still squirming in her head.

"She was found dead by her father, while Aurou took his life away when he was guarding Petra's body in the funeral parlor." Hanji can't do anything but feel heartbroken for those two love birds, even if she is confused whether if she should really feel bad or not due to what Petra had done that had affected her badly. She still convinced herself that Petra might have it unintentional, most especially that she did not videotaped it since the one who did the videotape was the one responsible for everyone's misery.

She therefore concluded that Petra is still a victim in here and did nothing wrong to her. She also finally came to realize that it would be unfair for her to blame Petra for her banishment from school since she has the right to be Levi's client, but for Aurou's case, it is different, and she has no business with their relationship. It's just that, she felt a sudden hole forming in her heart. And unfortunately, she is starting to comprehend everything that is happening.

And it is making her feel so bad and guilty at the same time.

Hanji can't pinpoint what it is but she knows deep into herself that she had done something as well to make Petra take her own life. She may not know what it is but she wanted to say sorry and be forgiven, even if it sounds stupid, before she becomes late.

"Where—wwheerre is Petra going to-" she asked, her eyes on the floor while her fingers grasps sharply on her knees. Her eyes were heavy and she could feel the tears were the ones causing the heaviness on her eyes. She is not the type of person who is too dramatic or emotional over other people but Petra made a mark on her, and she can't believe that this is happening.

"In her home, as her father tells us."

"And Aurou?" she asked, her eyes still on the floor as her hands still gripping on her knees.

"With her." The principal's short answer made Hanji suddenly popped her eyes up towards her principal. She looked awfully surprised and did not notice her mouth flung open.

"In regards to that" continued the principal and sighed, his eyes slowly closing and then opening. "The school is taking you back and Mr. Ackerman will still keep his scholarship despite his recent loss and Alexia will still be given the chance to graduate but she will only need to complete her requirements but yet, she will not be allowed to go up the stage during graduation."

Hanji stared at the old man, surprised yet again as her jaw clung open and seemed to take a few more seconds to understand what she was hearing.

"Sir?" Is what she is hearing real, she thought.

"You and Mr. Ackerman had contributed a lot for the school so everyone in the administration decided to keep you as well too, most especially that it turned out that you are not responsible for that video in the first place." Principal Pixis cleared his throat and sighed yet again deeply.

"And I don't want to have more students killing themselves before the year ends." The old man admitted, not letting the school just receive criticisms yet again. They already had enough and he doesn't want to have more.

"Will that be alright with you, Ms. Zoe?" he asked firmly as he held her gaze deeply into his.

Despite the hanged jaw of Hanji, no words came out to answer the question of her principal. Deep inside, she could feel mixtures of emotions. She felt so angry for just throwing her off from school despite her pleas not to and she was not even thoroughly investigated. And now they were all acting as though they cared about her? Why can't they just spill it out and that they are afraid of what her father could do to the school after learning of what had happened, that she is innocent and taking her back is one way to atone for their wrong decision?

"Yes" she agreed because of course, she still wanted to graduate and enter college and reach her dreams and plans in life and reminded herself that it is still her right because she has no allegations or guilt in being part of that stupid video and did not do anything wrong in the first place so she should not feel guilty nor feel like she is selfish.

She reminded herself that she did not kill Petra, and that's a fact.

And that she will continue her studies for Petra and Aurou as well, for they are only victims who met their unfortunate end. They are still her friends and that made herself even firm in agreeing to go back to school, no matter what. She felt that she wanted to avenge them and continue their dreams.

And she didn't realized that there was a fat tear rolling on her right cheek.

"Here Ms. Zoe, have some napkin." Principal Pixis offered and extended his box of tissue on his hand.

Hanji quickly declined and wiped her tear with her wrist.

"I am alright" she assures the old man who is still reluctant in keeping his box of tissue. She gave the old man a smile and after seeing that her smile is her genuine one, her principal nodded and kept the box of tissue away.

"I see" he mumbles and decided to finish their conversation.

"I would be talking to your adviser later so that she can inform your class." He tells her and as she hears those words, she felt a sudden surge of different feeling.

She is not sure whether she is going to be treated well like before by her classmates and by everyone else in school. Nanaba tells her of the rumors about her and how she was fucked by Levi even if it's not her, how she heard and swallowed all those words before she was even sent away from school and how she read online about the not-so-secret janitor's room fuck girl of Levi.

And yet again she reminded herself that she needed to graduate and go to college. She can't afford to mess again and put her parents in shame again. She needed and wanted to do anything that will redeem herself to her parents aside from everybody in school, and is more than happy to do it.

"Thank you sir" she said earnestly and flashed him a quick shy smile.

"You can attend school again tomorrow and coordinate with your teachers for the lessons you've missed." He informs her and she nodded immediately in agreement. "I doubt you'd have a problem following with your lessons since and keeping up, having that brain of yours." He said and eyed her head.

Hanji just laughed it off and went on her way. She decided to go immediately to prepare and fix her things, tell her parents everything once they get home and still apologize to them but not entirely sure about Levi and Petra part. She sent a message to Nanaba, telling her that she had already talked to the principal and she would explain everything once she calls tonight.

She felt excited and hopped her way through the gate when she unexpectedly saw the letters, banners and pictures of Petra and Aurou on the bulletin boards of the school. On the bulletin board of the wrestling club.

With a heavy chest, she walked towards it slowly and eyed from the top to bottom. There were some letters says in big letters WE WILL MISS YOU. Another one that says BEST WRESTLING TEAM EVER! And so on.

What broke her heart was seeing the picture of Petra and Aurou in the middle, laughing and eyes on each other. The picture was surrounded by the letters and other pictures of them and their team and other students together with them.

On the bottom part of the bulletin board laid posted their latest picture as a team. Petra was in the middle of the boys, while Aurou and Levi were on her right and Eld and Gunther were on her left. They were all smiling while Levi was the only one not looking at the picture, his arm wrapped with bandage and was attached on his neck as his other hand was supporting it. He was also looking away, and then had made Hanji realized that she should not be looking at him.

She doesn't want to blame him but she could still feel that there is still anger on her chest to him. He should have just told her in the first place so together, they could find a solution for it. All the time that she had trusted him, he suddenly turned to let her see what his true colors are, and she didn't like it.

Hanji also realized that maybe being friends with him and trying to befriend someone like him is wrong, and she regrets it. If it's not for him, she should be there inside her classroom, no worries and just facing the day on her own.

She hated him, she tells herself and she regretted everything with him.

Sighing heavily, she thought that she is just wasting her time and decided to keep moving.

With a crossed brow and a heavy heart, she goes back home and hoped for a new good start the following day.

-x-

Levi was not expecting to face and talk to the principal first thing in the morning.

"Have a seat, Mr. Ackerman." The old principal tells him and gestures towards the chair in front of his table. Levi accepted the offer silently and sank into his chair.

"How have you been doing? Good I hope?" The old principal started, earnestly waiting for a reply from the younger one. In return, all he got was a nod and distant lonely eyes.

The old man clears his throat first before he started to speak again. "I believe that you already know what had happened amongst your team members, Petra and Aurou specifically?"

"Yes." Levi says slowly, his eyes lowering down on his hands on his lap. It was both Gunther and Eld who informed him of the sudden death of Aurou and Petra and news spread quickly to everyone in the school.

And right immediately, despite their deaths, he was still blamed by their other schoolmates.

He remained quiet and no longer attempted to rebut on their perspectives, knowing that even if he has a point or wins over them, there would still be no way to stop the flaring gossip about him. Despite the pain and cruelty he faces, he is happy that he is being punished for this and could feel the same pain that was given to Hanji.

At least in some point, he still felt her, still feel connected even with the thinnest of line.

"And because of that, the school has decided to welcome your friend Hanji Zoe back again starting tomorrow." Levi suddenly felt awakened, surprised of what he had heard. He looked up to the old man and studied his face, is he being serious? Not that he doesn't want Hanji to be back but he is more worried for her sake since there would surely be rumors, gossip and endless consequences for her for sure.

"Why?" he doesn't want to sound stupid or against it but he wanted to know the reason why they suddenly thought of welcoming Hanji back again, after all, they were the one who had decided to push Hanji away and tell her painful shits for sure.

"It is to stop further unwanted things to happen." The old man replied and looked at him seriously and deeply in the eyes. "We also have considered Alexia's part as well, but due to her grave offense, we decided to have her accomplish your final requirements, going here once or twice in a week and receive her diploma but not on the stage of course."

He doesn't care about the bitch, whether she is welcomed back or whatever decision it is that is made for her part. All he cared now is how to begin his life once again once Hanji is back starting next week. He feels anxious and excited but at the same time, worried and concerned towards her.

Will she even talk to him?

He certainly hopes so because he doesn't what to do if she doesn't.

"Is that all?" Levi asked, feeling his interest towards the old man losing.

"Yes young one. I hope you'd do alright, most especially that your friend is about to return."

"Have you informed her already?" He asked, a slight difference in his tone. Somehow, he could take that as a reason for him to contact her.

"Not yet but we are to inform her later once she arrives. We have told her to go here for a talk, partly tell her what we have told you as well." The old man explained with a slight chuckle.

Darn it, he thought. But hearing those words, he can't remove the thought of somehow hoping that he would be able to see her, even after this conversation to the principal. He had tried how many times to contact her but she never responded back, and it's not a good sign.

"Alright then, see you around Mr. Ackerman." Levi nodded and excited the office, a tiny bit of hope swelling on his chest.

-x-

Author's Notes:

Hello to everyone!

I had been really busy these days and I was worried about this fic. I do am still into this and will never stop and I hope to upload another chapter by next week? I promise to make it up to you ;)

Anyway, I am almost done with my thesis! I had my final presentation last November 23rd, and now I've been busy getting the final revisions done. I am also busy with money making and yeah, I hope everyone is also doing good!

See you guys within the month!