Episode 5

The cafeteria was buzzing with people.

I quickly pulled up my hood when I spotted the principal walking by. He still looked pissed—and of course, I wasn’t about to risk getting caught. So I silently slipped through the crowd and made my way to my usual table.

I sat there, staring out the window, thinking about everything and nothing, just waiting for Kai, who was off doing his student council duties.

That’s when I heard it—Tasha's laugh.

My mood instantly soured. I tore my gaze away from the sky and looked toward the source of that obnoxiously perfect laugh.

SHE. WAS. WITH. KAI.

My nose flared as I watched them. They were walking side by side, talking—laughing.

I wanted to rip him away from her, but I had to be civil.

You’re not a cavewoman, Zoey.

Still… I do think one intentional murder should be excused by the government.

They walked over to me. I forced myself to calm down and stared at my sad-looking sandwich, pretending it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

“Hey,” Kai said, sliding into the seat across from me.

I nodded without looking up.

“I can join, right?” Tasha asked sweetly.

“Yeah, sure,” Kai replied, and took a seat beside her.

It stung.

I thought I was over him.

But apparently, my heart hadn’t gotten the memo.

I abruptly stood up, and both of them turned to look at me.

“What happened?” Kai asked, concerned.

“Washroom,” I muttered before speed-walking out of the cafeteria.

In my rush, I accidentally bumped into someone near the doorway. I lost balance, ready to faceplant right onto the floor—but a strong arm caught me mid-fall.

I looked up.

It was Kian.

Tasha’s ex-boyfriend.

Before I could react, I was yanked away from Kian.

I turned to see the source—Kai.

"Sorry, man. She’s sometimes an airhead," he said casually.

Kian gave a low chuckle. "No, it’s alright."

Wait…

Did his voice just—

Sound that good?

What the hell. Why is his voice smoother than my future?

Before I could spiral further, Kai spoke up again.

"What were you thinking?"

"Um… nothing."

"Seriously, you’re so clumsy," he sighed, still holding my wrist.

"Are you hurt somewhere?"

Before I could answer, she called him.

"Um, Kai?" Tasha’s voice cut in, soft and sweet. "We should probably eat quickly. We have to go back to student council."

I quietly slipped my hand out of his grip.

He looked at me, concern still etched on his face, probably checking me over for invisible wounds.

"I’m fine," I said quickly. "I’ll just get going."

I didn’t wait for his reply. I just walked away from the cafeteria and headed straight to the washroom—mostly to avoid any further concerned looks from him.

As I stood at the sink, washing my hands—a thing I tend to do when I’m feeling upset—I heard a soft voice.

"Hey… um, is someone in the washroom…?"

"Um, yeah? Do you need anything?" I replied.

"Um… do you have an extra pad? I need one."

"Uh, sure. Which stall are you in?"

"3rd."

I walked toward the third stall…

and it was empty.

WAS I JUST TALKING TO A GHOST?!

"Um… the third stall is… e-empty…" I said, voice trembling just a little.

"Oh—sorry. I meant the fourth one!"

I let out a huge sigh of relief.

"You almost gave me a heart attack!" I muttered as I handed the pad under the stall door.

"I thought you were a ghost, you know!"

"Thanks for helping me, Zoey," she said softly as she stepped out of the stall.

It was Daisy—the girl everyone called the weird kid.

Then again, so was I.

Guess that made us part of the same unofficial club.

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