Chapter 8

...Chapter Eight: Silent Turmoil...

“I didn’t feel like this before… I… I—” Selene’s thoughts spiraled into confusion, her mind clouded as she stood frozen, staring at the scene before her. The sight of Joven holding the girl’s hand replayed in her mind, like a sharp needle pricking her chest.

“Selene!” A voice broke through her haze, pulling her back to reality. She blinked, turning her head to find Gelly standing nearby, her face painted with concern.

“Geez, girl, I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Gelly said, her tone light but her expression serious as she examined Selene’s pale complexion. “Wait… you look so pale. Are you alright?”

Selene’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly composed herself, brushing off the unease that threatened to surface. “Ah, yes,” she replied hastily, forcing a weak laugh. “I’m good. Maybe it’s just the weather getting colder since Christmas is near.”

Gelly tilted her head, her brows furrowing slightly. “Even if that’s the case, you don’t look so good. Maybe you just need some rest, Selene. Don’t push yourself too hard,” she advised gently, her voice laced with genuine care.

Selene’s lips curved into a faint smile. Somehow, Gelly’s words lightened the heaviness in her chest, if only a little. “Thank you, Gelly. Anyway, what brings you here?”

“Oh, right!” Gelly’s eyes lit up as she remembered her purpose. “It’s time to go home now. They opened the gate a little while ago, so I thought we could walk together!”

Selene let out an amused laugh. “Really? You came all the way here just for that? Your house is only 1-3 minutes from school, while mine takes at least 15 minutes. You could’ve just gone ahead!”

Gelly shrugged with a playful smile. “Yeah, but it doesn’t hurt to chat a little along the way, does it?”

Selene shook her head, her smile softening. “Alright, wait here. I’ll go get my things.” She started to turn, but Gelly grabbed her hand before she could leave.

“Wait a minute, girl.” Gelly raised an eyebrow. “I already brought your bag with me. Didn’t you notice?”

Selene blinked, stunned by her own absent-mindedness. “Oh… haha,” she laughed awkwardly. “I didn’t realize. Thanks for bringing it.” She reached for her bag, but Gelly’s expression stopped her.

“Selene,” Gelly said, her tone gentle but firm. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell me, you know. I’m here for you.”

Selene forced another laugh, shaking her head. “Haha, of course not! There’s nothing wrong,” she denied, though the crack in her voice betrayed her weak attempt at reassurance.

Gelly handed her the bag with a sigh. “Alright, if you say so. But remember, I’m here if you need to talk.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Selene replied, grabbing Gelly’s hand and pulling her toward the exit. “Come on, let’s go!”

Gelly followed her in silence, her thoughts swirling with concern.

As they walked past the office, Selene’s eyes instinctively darted toward the group of seniors gathered nearby. Damian stood at the center, giving instructions with his commanding yet warm voice, while Joven stood among the students, his usual boyish grin on full display.

“They seem busy, huh?” Gelly murmured, her gaze following Selene’s. Then she spotted Joven and nudged Selene teasingly. “Hey, look, there’s Joven! Aren’t you going to say hi?”

Selene didn’t respond. Instead, she quickened her pace, dragging Gelly along without a word.

Joven noticed her passing by, his eyes briefly meeting hers, but she didn’t acknowledge him. She walked past as if he were invisible, her grip on Gelly’s hand tightening.

'What’s going on with her?' Gelly wondered, glancing at her friend’s unusually tense expression.

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Meanwhile, Joven stood frozen in confusion, watching Selene retreat.

“Bro, what’s that about?” Carl, his friend, whispered with a chuckle.

Joven shrugged, his brows furrowed. “I have no idea.”

“She’s playing the ignoring game, huh?” Carl teased, laughing quietly.

Their chatter didn’t escape Damian’s notice. He cast a brief glance at the two boys, his sharp eyes observing them silently before addressing the group. “Alright, that’s all,” he announced, his voice smooth and captivating. “Good luck, everyone. You can go home now. Thanks for your time.”

With a charming smile and warm gaze, Damian dismissed the students. His effortless charisma was evident in the starstruck expressions of the girls nearby, their eyes glued to him as they reluctantly dispersed.

To be continued...

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