Chapter 1: Ivalyn Kale—The No Name

Roses of flowers fell to the sky, or rather the fifth floor as I walked through the hallway of our school building. Constant ohhh's and ahhh's can be heard followed by the whispering of the audience, which is the students.

Luckily the professor aren't here or else we'll face punishment because of this nonsense.

My feet stuck to the ground as I held my books tightly. Lyanna, my best friend was in the middle of a hot seat. She's standing at a heart shape that's made of roses, surrounded by the students, while in front of her is the school heartthrob Jacob, kneeling.

He's holding a bouquet of flowers, uttering such sugar-coated words that made my skin crawl. The students surrounding them just squealed, talked, and teased, either they're happy, bored, or jealous. I just don't care.

I'm standing near Lyanna, squeezed between two students who animatedly talk to each other, not really minding that someone's in the middle of them. My mouth glued shut as always, Whenever I attempted to talk, there's always someone who interrupted.

I can't express my thoughts to people, my feelings that I don't want to be here anymore and just want to find a peaceful place to read. When I'm about to walk out of my own, someone's interfering. They block me of my way or that feeling again that I can't move, literally stuck to the ground.

It was a weird feeling, but I associated it with my anxiety. That's because of being around many people, my body can't handle it and shut down on their own. It'll be back to normal as soon as the people around me disperse.

My eyes focused again at the two protagonist. They're still there, talking. I can see the flustered face of my best friend, but I can't do anything as I can't speak. Jacob frowned and exhaled, giving Lyanna an assuring smile.

I can only hear him saying to Lynna in a fragmented word like it's ok, understand, and wait. It automatically translates in my mind into.

I understand, it's ok Yan-Yan. I'll wait for you.

How do I know just from those words? Well, I heard it many times now.

Lyanna's popular, especially with the boys. Every day someone's there to give her something, either gifts or foods, and weekly there's a grand confession.

Actually the first time I saw this, I'm amazed and proud of Lyanna because of how popular she is. That it's proven that she's really the muse of our residence because of how gorgeous she is.

Just look at that. A suitor who is a heartthrob, a past playboy, a genius, and lastly, a school president.

But as months pass by, I started to feel weird about the whole thing. I know Lyanna's beautiful, but to receive such attention every day? It's like everyone's been struck by cupid. Like I'm in some movie film.

I'm originally not from here. My parents transferred me here because I got in trouble in my past school hence I suggested being here because Lyanna's here. I even move out of the house because this school's far away from home.

The moment I step in this school, I felt a sudden changed in my life. I suddenly got anxiety to the point that I can't talk, and just freeze for no reason. I don't have this originally but now I need to adjust myself to be comfortable about this.

"Iva, let's go?"

With that voice, o so gentle, my mind jolted all of a sudden, making me back into reality.

Eyes glance at the now almost clean heart of roses, I look at Lyanna who is standing in front of me now.

"Yes?" I asked, still confused.

She laughed, the kind that her hand cover her mouth. "You're so cute. I said let's go?" Holding my elbow, she pulled me away.

Realizing that I can now talk, I followed her pace at walking while also letting her hold my arms.

"What did he say?" I asked, talking about Jacob.

"Haaa." Lowering her head, she took a long sigh.

"It was hard, Iva. I really feel bad rejecting them, but I can't just force myself to answer right? Especially if I don't really feel anything for them."

"Of course." Nodding, I agreed.

"It's not your fault if you reject someone just because they confessed their feelings. It's not your obligation to like them back. You have your own thoughts and opinion. You even have your own type!"

She nudged at me while laughing. "Oh you! Stop saying that, what if someone hear?"

My brows rose teasingly as I nuzzle on her shoulder. "Afraid?" I teased. "What if that guy likes you too?" Asking, I even looked around acting like I'm looking for that certain guy.

Lyanna pulled me, almost choking me with her trying to cover my mouth.

"Shhh!"

Feeling her nervousness, I nodded my head while pointing at her hands. When she released me from her hold, I breathe a sigh of relief.

"I thought you're trying to kill me." I patted my chest.

"Don't be so nervous, alright? That guy will never be here. He doesn't like the crowd, right?"

"Iva! What if someone hear and figure it out? I can't bare to be exposed!" To even prove her point, she shakes her head like it will fly out of her body.

"Ok, ok. Chill out now. Let's not talk about it anymore." Laughing, I held her head firmly.

"Stop doing that, or your brain will shrink again."

Lyanna glared. "What again?" She rolled her eyes, fixing her hair with a now more composed bearing.

"Sorry, dear. Will not do it again." I humbled, snaking my arms in her arms.

She let me, meaning she forgives.

"I'll treat you to lunch ok?"

"My favorite?"

"Of course! Braised pork and rice with a drink of orange juice!"

Her smiled widen as she heard me tell her favorite dish.

"Right! You really know me!"

We continued to walk to the cafeteria inside our school building when a figure block our way.

He was walking in front of us, really slow. Just like a turtle in it leisure walk.

Lyanna froze from her spot, making me also stop because we are holding each other's arm.

Squinting my eyes of curiosity of who made my bes friend stop from rushing to her favorite dish, I also froze. My mouth almost agape and at the same time, fear creep in.

It was Risk Cameron—The gangster troublemaker.

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