"The fuck have you been doing? I wanted that paper done today."
John overhears a conversation between two girls off to the side of the hallway, a distance away from his locker as he gathered the rest of his stuff for the end of the day. Though, it'd be more fitting to label it an interrogation.
"I'm so sorry! I had so many assignments to get through, it slipped my mind!" The shorter girl with pink hair and pigtails stuttered out.
"You think I give a shit?" The girl with maroon hair in a bob-cut style shoved the other girl against the wall. "Have you forgotten who takes priority here?"
"N-No, I—" The girl's breath was caught in her throat as she was pushed against her locker, having no hope of breaking the hold.
"You're lucky I don't need it turned in till tomorrow, can't trust you damn low-tiers with anything." The girl smirked. "Better hurry if you don't want to get beaten. I want it handed to me tomorrow morning."
The low-tier girl shook her head rapidly, her first attempt to speak being replaced with a cough. "Y-Yes, I'll have it done, I promise!"
Before she left, the bob-cut girl smacked the girl's folders out of her hands, causing her papers to scatter on the floor. "Dumb bitch." She muttered, appearing satisfied with herself, before leaving.
John viewed the scene with...mixed emotions.
He hated those who lorded their power over others as if they had nothing better to do. To belittle and hurt someone you know has no chance of defending themselves who hasn't even done anything to you, it made him sick. It didn't help how it made him think of all that he did back then...
He sighs. Things are different now, he's making sure of that.
With that being said, he wasn't exactly a fan of the sheep either. Those who either went along and did the same thing or just accepted the way things were and gave up.
He could never wrap his head around it. Even when he didn't have his ability, he'd be damned before he didn't fight back against someone fucking with him. Maybe it earned him more bruises and bone fractures, but so what? If he had to deal with it in the first place, he might as well get a few licks in.
"Some people aren't strong enough to be brave on their own. Sometimes, it takes someone else to inspire them to take the first step."
Words of wisdom from his father reemerge and...
Now that he thought about it, maybe he wasn't so different.
The low-tier pursed her lips, kneeling down to collect her papers. Please, don't cry. You're used to this, you're okay. She pleaded with herself. It would only cause more ridicule. She'd practically be begging to be mocked.
When she leaned down to pick up the rest of her papers, she found instead someone standing over her. Someone she had never seen around the school before. He was...tidying up the papers, reading them.
John hummed. "Damn, these are some smart-sounding answers." Way better than what I could ever do...
She slowly stood back up, being too nervous to recognize the compliment. "U-Uh, could you give me those back, please?" She asked timidly. It's not like it took much for someone to be stronger than her, she always needed to be careful with how she spoke. Even then, it could end badly, she could only hope for the best.
"Oh, sorry. Here you go." He handed the papers over. "You alright?"
She was quiet, almost stunned, before frantically shaking one of her hands. "Y-Yeah, I'm alright! Nothing I'm not used to." She said, attempting a smile. "Are you new?"
He nodded. "Yeah. First day, actually."
"I guess you were given a warm welcome, then?" She tried to joke, pointing out the cuts on John's face.
John's hand reached for the cuts, forgetting they were even there, but wincing slightly at the touch. "Yeah, you could say that." He chuckled. "This is nothing though, the guys who tried pulling it had it worse."
She felt surprised. He must be strong if he can win a fight against multiple people, a strong mid-tier at least?
A buzzing noise came from John's pocket, a text.
We still going to that boba place? I'm by the entrance. - Blyke
Oh right. "Sorry, have to cut this short. Gotta go meet up with a friend."
"Oh, really?" She felt some...disappointment hearing that. "W-Well I don't want to make them wait." She began to turn away, reasoning to herself she wasn't someone to waste time on.
But her walk had stopped, freezing in place as she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Hold on."
Instinctively, her thoughts went haywire, thinking through her every action and wondering what she had done wrong or hadn't done in the first place. She realized she hadn't even thanked him for helping her, so just slightly, she'd turn her head to speak.
But she was confused when the expression on the taller's boy face was one of surprise and concern when she met his eyes. He'd immediately take his hand off her shoulder, and a second of being scared himself seemed to leak through.
"M-My bad." He shouldn't be surprised, he wasn't a big fan of physical touch either. John's voice was shaky for a moment but quickly settled. "I just wanted to get your name, mine's John." He offered, trying to have an assured smile.
He...He just wanted to know her name. "O-Oh, I...I'm Evie."
"Evie...Okay." John nodded with a smile. He turned around to walk away, giving a wave. "Well, hope to see you around. Take care, okay?"
"...O-Okay." Evie stood there for a moment, watching John walk away. Something about her felt...lighter than before. Brighter.
She turned away, heading towards the library as she said to work through her assignments. But...she had a small, thankful smile.
Today wasn't so bad in the end, she met a kind person.
Illena. Tanner. Hower. Gavin. Those were the names I saw through the few papers I could read. It's a start. John made a note of it on his phone.
"Man, who messed you up?"
John looked up from his phone, hearing Blyke's voice as he approached the entrance to Wellston.
"A couple of nobodies. It's nothing, I showed them they fucked up."
Blyke hummed. Seraphina and Arlo would never have injuries after a fight. Maybe my gut feeling was wrong after all?
John noticed Blyke wasn't exactly in pristine condition either. "I could ask you the same thing."
Blyke groaned, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Had a fight with Isen over his damn pens. Insinuating jerk..." He muttered the last part.
Isen...The guy he was talking to in homeroom? Then, John noticed something. Blyke's tie was a bit looser and one button on top was left undone.
"Hm. Hey, uh...you kinda got something right here." John motioned to the area just beneath the collarbone, where the bit of Blyke's chest was exposed.
Blyke froze, a hand jumping to touch the area underneath his shirt. "Did that bastard—!" His eyes widen as he doesn't feel additional sensitivity. Wait, there isn't...?
His eyes darted back at John, who stood there with a shit-eating grin. His embarrassment and frustration rose in tandem. "You dick!" Blyke couldn't help but give John a hit in the arm.
"Ouch!" John let out his laughter. "Sorry, couldn't help it." John said, not meaning his apology in the slightest.
Blyke grumbled, muttering curses under his breath. "Let's just go to the fucking boba place already." He says, speed walking away from his embarrassment.
"Dude, wait up, you don't even know where to go!" John called out, pulling his phone out for the GPS.
"One mango boba please."
"Same here." Blyke said since it was John's recommendation.
"Okay! Coming right up!" The waitress said after writing down the order, heading off to get the order prepped.
It wasn't a long wait, barely passing five minutes before their order reached their table.
Blyke held the drink in his hands, eyeing it for a second before he took a sip. He nodded. "Yeah, alright. That's pretty good."
"Psh. Pretty good, he says. It's the best!" John responded, happily sipping on his own.
Blyke looked over the rest of the menu. Hmm, that strawberry boba looks good, maybe I'll get that next time. Bring Isen here... "
"So, who tried ganging up on you?" Blyke asked John. They had talked about quite a bit last night so there wasn't much left except for current events to converse about.
John shrugged. "Didn't exactly catch their names while they were trying to kick my ass." He counted them on his fingers. "A dude with green hair and one with blue hair who had strength-enhancing abilities and one with purple hair who had needles. They weren't particularly strong, mid and low tiers."
"Three guys? How'd you take them down?"
"I broke one guy's arm and the other's leg, then gut-punched the needle guy. That's about it."
Blyke whistled. "Sounds intense. Taking down multiple guys at once is still impressive. Do you have a strength ability maybe?" He took a guess, sipping on his boba.
"Nope. Didn't need one anyways, I took them all down without it."
Blyke felt too much boba go down his throat and coughed. "Wait a minute, you took on three guys and won without even using your ability?"
John scratched his head. "Yeah? When it comes to mid and low-tiers, there isn't that much of a problem if you're trained adequately. Augmented abilities can be countered with quick reflexes and precise counter-attacks, Projectiles are a pain but can be dealt with if you can close the distance, and so on."
"You seem probably knowledgeable on abilities in general." Blyke pointed out.
John stopped, realizing he was going on for a bit too long, letting out an embarrassed chuckle, and scratching his cheek.
"I just spent a lot of time reading up on different types of abilities when I was younger is all. I was kind of obsessed with them, honestly."
Blyke chuckled. "Guess I can't blame you."
Blyke recalls when he was a kid, seeing shows of people doing really awesome attacks with energy blasts and stuff and trying his best to replicate it, though most of it didn't end up working out and would often end up with him getting yelled at by his mom. Good times, good times.
"Fuk that queen though."
Blyke coughed up his boba. Not again!
"Bro, do you hear what you're saying?!"
"Bro, she suuuucks. She saw me getting cornered and ignored me when I asked for help! Then she just stood there and watched me fight them off!" John ranted.
"Maybe she just wanted to see how strong you are? You're being so damn mysterious with your ability, it's not surprising."
"Ah, bullshit. She probably would've just left me there if they actually did beat my ass. Besides, it ain't no one's business what my ability is."
"Maybe she figured you could handle it on your own?"
"Uh huh, a likely story."
"I mean, look, I don't know what you're expecting. She's the Queen, she probably had something to do."
John became deadpan. "She literally stood there...sipping on a damn juice box."
Blyke imagined the sight. ...Cute.
He then remembered the photo Remi got with Seraphina a while back. It's not like she's all bad.
"And if you're gonna be the Queen, you could at least deal with the responsibility of looking out for others." John added. He pointed at Blyke. "If you saw me in that situation, would you have done something?"
"Well, yeah, but that's different. I know you, you're my friend." Blyke responded.
John's eyes narrowed somewhat. "And if you didn't? If I was a stranger, what then?"
Blyke wanted to say he would, but...why couldn't he bring himself to?
"It's still a 3v1, it's overkill. I...would help you."
John noted how the response had taken a moment to leave Blyke's lips.
"I hope that's true."
The pair didn't spend much more time at Boba, heading back to the school and making their way back to their dorm.
"Wow, never would've pegged you as a guy who listens to classical music." John said.
Blyke shrugged. "Usually whenever I'm studying or just trying to mellow out."
"Yeah, same here. I probably have at least a dozen chill-step playlists saved."
"For real? Link me some."
"I got you."
Blyke continued as John went through his phone. "I save more of the heavy stuff whenever I'm training or going for a run."
John hummed, if this was about a year ago, he would've said he was an avid listener of rock and metal, but he hadn't listened to it much. It...riled him up a bit too much.
But John perked up. "You do running?"
"A couple times a week."
"Not bad. I try to do morning and afternoon." John was planning on a run before school but...sleep is just so nice sometimes.
"Damn, you're definitely ahead of me in that regard. Then, do you feel like going for one? Need to burn off that sugar from the boba, yeah?" Blyke suggested.
Hm, a running buddy. That'd be nice to have again. "Sure, sounds like a pl—"
"Blyke, my man!" A voice called out, having shoved his way past John to be in front of them. He was a tall boy with blue hair in a curtain style, the length of his hair reaching his chin.
...Who da fuk is this prick?
"The fuck do you want, Zeke?" Blyke spoke, having been put into a sour mood the moment the third-year showed his face.
"Hey, relax, what's the long face about?" Zeke pointed at John. "Is it this guy? Want me to get rid of him for you?"
"Good day to you too, asshat." John replied.
The boy named Zeke side-eyed John with a wry smile. "Sorry, I don't remember asking you to talk." He looks back at Blyke, jamming a thumb at John. "Who even is this guy?" He asks.
"John, Zeke. Zeke, John." Blake made a motion with his arm between the two. "And John is my roommate, so I better just have to tell you this once. Don't fuck with him."
Zeke went silent, sending another look at John, before letting out a laugh and shrugging. "Well, why didn't you just say that? I was just messing around!" Zeke spun, placing himself beside John and hanging an arm around John's shoulder. "You knew that, right? Johnny-boy?"
Johnny-boy? "Get your arm off me." ...Before I rip it off.
"See? It's all just jokes!" Zeke laughed, patting John's shoulder roughly. "I'd love to stay and hang out but I got some business of my own to take care of."
Zeke went and ruffled John's hair before heading off. "See you around, Johnny-boy!"
...
"Does he always act like a douchebag?"
"Pretty much. It's why I told you to keep yourself away from him." Blyke looked at John. "If you're stronger than me, you can take him. Go beat his ass, if you want."
That sounds like such a good time.
"...Nah, it's not worth it. Getting annoyed by someone doesn't give you the right to beat them down."
Blyke took that in, that wasn't a typical attitude to have.
John looked at his phone and hit send. "There are the playlists, hope you like them."
"Sweet, I'll get these saved. You still up for the run?"
"Yeah, for sure. Get into some active wear first." John sighed.
But after dealing with that guy, I'll definitely need to get that punching bag here ASAP.
So Blyke, how's your first day with a roommate? - Isen
Blyke's got a roommate?! - Remi
First off it's my second day with him actually, FYI Isen. - Blyke
Tomato, Tomato babe. - Isen
Dumbass. And yeah I got a roommate. - Blyke
You know what time it is, spill the deets. - Isen
Please! - Remi
idk what you want me to say. Name's John, he's kinda weird but pretty chill. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ - Blyke
Weird how? ? - Remi
Weird that he doesn't like talking bout his ability or level. Or that he doesn't want to. One or the other. - Blyke.
Not to mention that Blyke's gUt FeElInG makes him think the guy's as strong as Arlo and Seraphina! - Isen.
What?! No way! - Remi
I was just guessing! Damn, Isen. - Blyke
Look, Blyke, I'm much better at reading people than you are, and if he really was as strong as those two were, there's no way we wouldn't know about it. He'd be heading for Rank 1 if that was the case. - Isen.
I guess. - Blyke
Hmmmmm. - Remi
Your thoughts, Remi? - Isen
Is this gonna conflict with our marathons? - Remi
...That's what you're hung up on? - Isen
I'll check in with him. - Blyke
Maybe we can include him in it! It'd be nice to have another friend and the more the merrier! - Remi
Man, that's supposed to be our thing thoooo. ...Remi trying to turn this into a couple's night. ? - Isen
Bruh. - Blyke
What? I don't want him to feel excluded is all, It'd be mean to just kick him out. - Remi
Mhm, Mhm. Don't worry, gurl, I see you. - Isen
I'll shock you and make you blind! - Remi
If I don't do it first. - Blyke
But then I'll never get to see your beautiful faces again! - Isen
Flattery gets you nowhere - Blyke
Damn it, my one expertise. ? - Isen
I don't even know the guy! - Remi
Blyke. Number. Now. - Isen
Isen...Shut the fuck up. - Blyke
lol - Isen
Fuck, dealing with you makes me tired. I'm going to bed. - Blyke
Okay, good night Blyke! - Remi
Sleep well, sweetie. - Isen
? - Blyke
❤️ Love you too. - Isen
Elaine knocked on the door to her roommate's room. It was getting late but hopefully...
"What is it?"
"Could we talk for a moment, Seraphina?"
"...Come in."
Elaine twisted the knob and entered. The air in the room was...uncomfortable, everything looked just as it did when she first moved in here and looked so meticulously sorted. So...drab and lifeless. The only light on was the one on Seraphina's desk, providing dim lighting.
Seraphina turned away from the papers she was reading through. "What did you want?"
Elaine was brought out of her thoughts once Seraphina addressed her, hoping what she thought didn't show. "D-Did you want some orange juice?" She offered a cup to her, before thinking it may be better to just sit it next to her on the desk.
Seraphina stared at the glass before deciding to humor her, picking it up and taking a sip.
Elaine twiddled her fingers. "My parents have a little farm and they sent some over to me recently. T-They're complimented a lot for them!"
"Yes, it shows." It was hard to discern, but Seraphina meant it as a compliment. "Was that all you wanted?"
Elaine felt just a bit more at ease and said, "I wanted to ask what you thought about that new student in our class. John, right?"
Seraphina's eyes narrowed but Elaine was too caught up in talking to see, "I mean, he got all huffy when I just asked him about his ability and then he brushed me off! I don't get him, he's friends with Blyke so I thought he'd be strong but maybe—"
"Elaine."
The healer's heart began to race as she felt herself become unable to move, the only thing left with color in the room was Seraphina herself and her glowing, icy blue eyes. But it was only for a second before everything became normal again.
"Out."
"R-Right! Uh-I...Goodnight Seraphina." Elaine sputtered before rushing out the door.
Seraphina sighed, propping her elbow onto the desk and laying her chin on the palm of her hand. She took another glance at the orange juice and took some more sips.
Elaine's parents run a farm... That was probably the only thing she had known about her outside of school life and just learned it minutes ago. Yet, they've been roommates since their first year at Wellston. She really didn't know much about her, but's it not like it was an important priority to do so, it'd be a chore and a waste of time.
She released a heavy sigh, Elaine just had to bring up him again, John. God, what a strange name, her brain can barely recognize it as one. It was fitting with how much he didn't make sense to her.
He held the confidence of someone powerful, the look in his eyes showed that much, though maybe she was giving him too much credit and it was plain ignorance or just stupidity. But...nothing else signified that. His demeanor, how he spoke to others, and she couldn't help but get second-hand embarrassment from the way he looked trying to pay attention to class.
None of that matched with the way those like her and Arlo are brought up. ...Yes, it's the most reasonable conclusion. He's friends with Blyke from what Elaine said, so at best he's an Elite, maybe a High-Tier like Remi, but it's out of the question of him being on her level.
And that had just made the way he addressed her even more infuriating. Who was he to be so jovial, to speak like that to her? Mocking her? He had no right.
Seraphina could feel a headache begin to form, so she decided that it'd be best to call it for the night and rest early.
And though she didn't acknowledge it, the desire for that arrogant insect to give her a reason to put him in his place had grown.
―
A/N: Feedback is always appreciated!