Chapter 3 Terror Begins

Harold's gang was a large group that controlled many of the boys and girls across two classes. Their parents likely knew each other through business, and that connection had carried over to their children.

​That morning, as usual, Ratna stepped off the public minivan. She walked down the street toward the school when her steps suddenly halted—a car screeched to a stop and cut off her path.

​Harold stepped out of the luxury car, followed by his younger sister. He paused briefly in front of Ratna, giving her a sharp, haughty look while making a swirling hand gesture.

"Miss Holier-than-thou," he hissed, a mocking smile on his face.

​Despite his malice and intimidating nature, Harold’s face remained captivating. The morning sun cast a reddish glow on his skin, and his body was firm beneath his school uniform. It was no wonder many girls secretly watched him wherever he went.

​For a few seconds, Ratna was stunned, speechless, and shocked. She had never had an interaction with Harold before. They had never even paid attention to each other. But this time, Harold intentionally stood in front of her—and only now did Ratna truly register his presence.

Harold was so handsome and mesmerizing that Ratna forgot he was actually angry at her.

​Harold laughed mockingly, then turned away. His heart was still burning from yesterday's incident. All his life, everyone had always praised and adored him. This was the first time someone hadn't supported him—especially a plain girl who was far from being interesting. How dare she not take his side.

​It took Ratna a little while to process the situation. She didn't know whether to be annoyed or mesmerized. But one thing was certain: today, for the very first time, she realized just how handsome Harold was.

​That afternoon, Ratna and Helen had an extra lesson. Since it was Helen’s birthday, she wanted to treat Ratna.

​"Ratna, it's my birthday today. You can't refuse, okay? Let me treat you for once," Helen said with a bright smile as they walked out of class.

​Ratna rarely ate during recess. While her other friends rushed to the canteen, she usually strolled to the library or read in the classroom. As a good seatmate, Helen often invited her to eat together, but Ratna always refused. Sometimes Helen brought bread from her parents' bakery, but Ratna was reluctant to accept—she didn't want to feel indebted.

​"Today, let's eat at the café near the school, okay?" Helen pleaded.

​"I’d be embarrassed by your friends," Ratna complained quietly.

​The students at Harapan Muda School generally formed cliques. Helen's gang included Aryo, Tim, and Julia.

​"Don't worry, today it's just the two of us. We'll hang out with the others another time. Please?" Helen looked at her with pleading eyes.

​Because the school catered to the elite, many cafes lined the road leading to the school gate.

​That afternoon, Ratna and Helen sat in one of the cafés. The place was already somewhat quiet because most of the students had gone home.

​"What do you want to order, Rat? Here, take your pick," Helen said kindly, handing over the menu book.

"I'd like Lontong Kari (curry rice cakes) and Jus Kedondong (ambarella juice)," Ratna replied after scanning the list.

"I'll have Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Es Peuyeum (fermented cassava ice)," Helen said, waving to the waiter.

​"One Lontong Kari, one Jus Kedondong, one Nasi Goreng, one Es Peuyeum," Helen placed the order.

​A short time later, their order arrived. Since she rarely ate out, Ratna ate heartily. She genuinely enjoyed her food.

​Suddenly, a commotion came from the doorway. Harold and his gang entered the café. There were ten of them—six boys and four girls. They were as loud as a pack of gorillas, but they still looked cool in their uniform jackets labeled COOL.

Yes, their gang was called Cool—because they wanted to look cool.

They were known for being wild and causing trouble, but the café staff seemed used to their antics.

​Harold walked straight towards Ratna and Helen. His gaze was sharp, piercing through Ratna. His black eyebrows framed his intense eyes, contrasting with his smooth, pale skin.

​Ratna was confused—torn between being mesmerized and terrified. She knew Harold was targeting her.

​Harold lifted one foot and placed it on the chair next to Ratna.

"Hey, Miss Holier-than-thou!" he exclaimed with a scornful laugh.

His deep baritone voice sounded so commanding in Ratna's ears. She and Helen just stayed silent.

​Ratna finally realized she should be scared. But her eyes wouldn't compromise—they seemed to want to capture Harold's figure as much as possible.

​"Sit here, Harold!" shouted Vera with a laugh, her hand gripping the chair at Ratna's table, as if about to shoo them away.

​Vera's voice reminded Ratna that there were many other "creatures" around Harold.

​Helen quickly stood up, pretending to be calm.

"Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom," she whispered quietly.

Helen's eyes looked calculatingly at Harold and his friends, while Ratna was still transfixed on Harold. In her little heart, Ratna screamed,

​"Oh God... how incredibly handsome this guy is. If only I could have him."

​A moment later, Ratna snapped back to reality. Seeing Helen walking away, fear began to engulf her. She tried to grab Helen's hand, as if begging not to be left behind. Helen quickly pulled Ratna toward the restroom.

​Their food was actually still on the table. They hadn't finished eating when Harold arrived. But now, that table was already taken over by the Cool gang. Ratna felt like she had just faced a pack of gorillas.

​"Let's just leave," Helen whispered fearfully.

​Helen quickly paid, then the two of them slipped out of the café.

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