Partner

The life of a topper is glamorised who are seen as a different being than everybody who are greedy and unhappy with 99 percentiles.

From outside perspective Alison was a ideal student who scores highest, helps fellow students, follow rules. Overall great. But inside it was chaos.

Since Alison was known as a goody two shoes she spread a rumour that the backyard of her school with a big tree was haunted. Now nobody goes there. Her motive was to get a quiet place so that she can study peacefully. Everyday she goes there, sits under the shade of the tree. The pure air helps her to concentrate.

But this day was unusual. She hears rustling. It wasn't a windy day so rustling of leaves wouldn't occur. It was more like someone was on the other side of the tree. Alison tried to calm herself and was peeking cautiously slowly. Her heartbeat was rising.

It was Eren. He was lying down with his hand covering his eyes. He looked comfortable. Alison knew he wasn't sleeping.

" Why are you lying here ? "

Eren removed his hand from his eyes. He didn't looked irritated. He could see her face covering the sun with her hair down. He got up. Their faces were pretty close so Alison backed off.

" I wanted to sleep somewhere quiet. "

" Don't you know this place is haunted ? "

Eren chuckled. It was the first time Alison saw a different expression from him " If you believe that then why are you here ? "

Alison got embarrassed " No.. I thought you're new so without knowing you came here. "

Eren looked at her book on the ground and went to leave since he disturbed her.

" You don't need to leave. You came here first. "

" But you know this place from before. "

Alison looked up to Eren who's standing " Can't we both share this place ? " He sat slowly still maintaining eye contact.

They both sat side by side leaning onto the tree. Alison was studying while Eren closed his eyes. Hours passed just like that. Alison's head started hurting. She clenched her notebook with pain and anger without realising Eren was still there.

" Are you alright ? " He looked concernly

" What will be wrong ? " Alison didn't wanted to show her weakness

Eren understood it " I barely know you to judge you. Keeping things to yourself can be heavy. If you want then you can share your pain. " He closed his eyes.

Alison had this trust on him. She didn't felt weird to share her difficulties with a new classmate.

" I was able to study non stop without a break. But now I can't concentrate. "

Eren didn't opened his eyes " You're a human. Give yourself time to heal and rest. "

" But my parents are rooting on me. I can't let them down. "

Eren looked at her " Who are you rooting for ? "

A sense of calm was filled in Alison. In the classroom she kept glancing at Eren through her peripheral vision. He listened to the teachers lecture attentively.

Days have passed since Alison and Eren sharing the "haunted" place. They wouldn't even talk to each other. It wasn't needed. They just silently enjoyed each others company. A important test was held during this time. Result was going to be published. Alison wasn't worried since she did well and who else will score more than her.

Teacher : Todays result is a bit surprising.

Alison's POV : Did I score full marks ?

Teacher : Our new student did excellent. He stood first.

As the teacher announced all the students were a bit shocked and clapped with cheers except Alison. Her heart felt stuffy.

" How's it possible ? Eren never studied after class. All he does is rest. How did I fall behind ? " Her POV

Alison felt like all the students are judging her. Her head hurted. In her mind all she could hear " Alison's so DUMB and PRETENTIOUS. Studies all day and still is MEDIOCRE. " Her breath was getting heavier.

How will she tell her parents ? She reached home disheartenedly. Her parents expression made her aware that they know the truth.

" A new student beat you. Do you even study ? " said her father angrily.

Alison's head was down.

" Eren's the son of your fathers business partner. He's the same level as you. How could you made your fathers head down ? " said her mother

Alison didn't knew Erens parents. They barely talked. But all students of 'X' high-school came from wealthy families.

" Tonight we are supposed to have a dinner with them. Now Mr. Reeds will look down on me because of you. " said Mr. Steele

It was unfair of Alisons parents to put such pressure on her. Still she was quiet and got ready obeying her parents.

They were about to dine on a resort. Eren came with his father. Alison was informed his mother died due to an illness. They were engaging in superficial conversation. Alison was good at pretending to care but Erens face gave it away that he didn't wanted to be present.

" I heard Eren stood first in his class. With his talent I can relax while he took over my place. " Braged Mr. Reed.

Eren looked annoyed

" You're still so young to retire. " said Mr. Steele

" I feel sorry for you Mr. Steele. You have no heir. "

In business world even partners put each other down to uphill their own ego. Eren was fuming with anger towards his father.

" I have quite a capable daughter. " exhaled Mr. Steele

" Yea.. I heard that. She was in the top until my son came. It doesn't matter. In the end she'll marry and make home to a rich guy, right ? "

With every word of Mr. Reeds the tension increased. Alison kept fiddling with her fingers to calm herself but Eren lost it.

He stood up abruptly. Everyone looked at him. " It's suffocated. Do you wanna hangout outside ? " Eren offered Alison.

She looked at him like he's a saviour and replied with a small nod

He saved her from his father's insults and f**rom her own self doubts. He was a partner to her who let her shares her misery. Then what went wrong** ?

In the next episode Eren and Alison's blooming companionship will be seen. Thanks for reading.

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