Chapter 2: Unfortunate Luck

I don’t like dumb girls.

I don’t like dumb girls.

I don’t like dumb girls.

His words echoed through my mind, a relentless, piercing torment that felt like knives stabbing my heart. I had expected the sky to weep today, as the weather forecast had promised rain, but instead, it would be my own eyes shedding tears—an unrelenting storm of emotion that no forecast could predict.

"Four years of silence and one moment of courage—why did it have to end in heartbreak?" Seraphina whispered, her heart feeling like it was being repeatedly pricked by needles. It was as if her entire being was being pummeled by shame, and she wanted to bury herself alive to escape it.

The students who had witnessed Seraphina's iconic confession had various reactions. Some laughed, others were angry, while a few admired her bravery for confessing to a campus genius. Never in the history of the school had anyone dared to confess in front of so many people, especially someone from section F.

To many, it was a big joke.

"She’s really dumb."

"Confessing to a campus genius? And from section F? What confidence!"

"Hahaha, students from section F are on a different level."

Seraphina, still feeling lost and unable to grasp everything, stood there, stunned. She felt like everyone was ganging up on her, turning her love for Jayden into a joke.

Her first love… her first heartbreak…

"Sera! Is it true that you confessed to Jayden in front of the crowd?! I thought it would be private," Fiona's loud voice cut through Seraphina's daze, making her feel even more lifeless as her legs refused to move.

The students around them laughed.

"Fiona! Did you have to be so loud?" Vivian scolded.

The two friends approached her. Vivian picked up the love letter and put her arm around Seraphina. "I told you so. Let's go to the classroom," she said, supporting Seraphina.

Vivian Gomez has black eyes and curly hair that falls to her waist. She is more serious by nature but outgoing. On the other hand, Fiona Malow has black eyes and short black hair that reaches her shoulders. She is extroverted and cheerful, and she loves Barbie.

The one similarity among the three is that they all want to have fun and enjoy themselves.

"Oh, what are you all looking at, huh? Are you all super geniuses too? Hmp!" Fiona taunted the students who were staring at them.

Vivian led Seraphina to their classroom while Fiona continued to shield her from the mocking gazes and whispers. Once inside, Seraphina slumped into her seat, feeling the weight of embarrassment pressing down on her.

Vivian handed her the love letter. "Here. Don't worry about them. They're just bullies who have nothing better to do."

Seraphina took the letter and stared at it, the words she had poured her heart into now meaningless. She felt tears welling up, but she fought them back. "Thanks, Viv. Thanks, Fiona," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Here, strawberry candy,” Fiona offered, her voice soft with concern as she handed the candy to Seraphina. They all knew how much Seraphina adored candy, and she even collected and cherished the wrappers as tiny treasures.

Seraphina accepted it with a heavy heart, her fingers trembling slightly as she unwrapped the candy and placed it in her mouth. The familiar sweetness was a small comfort, but it couldn’t ease the ache in her chest.

“Just forget him, Sera! He doesn’t really care anyway,” Vivian said gently, her hand moving in soothing circles on Seraphina’s back. Both friends leaned in close, their eyes filled with worry and support.

“How could he care? He doesn’t even know you,” Fiona added, her words sharp and unfiltered, slicing through Seraphina’s fragile hope. The weight of reality pressed down harder, and Vivian shot Fiona a warning look, her eyes wide with urgency, pleading for silence.

Their classmates, always quick to seize on drama, burst into laughter. “You, shut up! Shut up!” Vivian snapped at them, her voice fierce as she tried to shield Seraphina from their cruelty. Seraphina buried her face in her bag, the world around her too harsh to face.

“Forget about him, Sera. There are guys who love you. Just focus your attention on them,” Fiona urged, her voice a mix of frustration and compassion. Vivian nodded, her agreement silent but firm.

“Seraphina! My darling~” a cheerful voice called from the doorway, breaking the tense atmosphere. It was Sean, his presence a ray of sunshine cutting through the gloom. He was always open about his feelings for Seraphina, his affection evident in every word and gesture.

Sean Alberts has blue eyes, blonde hair, and fair skin. He is always energetic and a good cook, frequently preparing food for Seraphina, who consistently appreciates his cooking.

Fiona nudged Seraphina’s arm, a spark of hope in her eyes. “Just like Sean! He’s liked you for 4 years now. Why not Sean, right Viv?” Fiona’s suggestion hung in the air, a glimmer of possibility. Vivian nodded, her eyes locked on Sean’s theatrically expressive face, silently willing Seraphina to see the love that was right in front of her.

Seraphina stared out of the window, lost in thought. Her seat was conveniently near the window, but she was unaware that Sean was sitting beside her.

Sean, knowing what had happened, felt a pang of hurt since Seraphina had always harbored feelings for Jayden. He was also angry at Jayden but, for now, he just wanted to make Seraphina happy.

“Tada~ I have here your favorite chicken nuggets and grilled chicken sandwiches, especially made for you!” Sean announced excitedly as he placed the food on her table. As he opened the lunchbox, the strong aroma of the food wafted up, so appetizing that it almost masked the pain Seraphina had been feeling.

Inside the box were three sandwiches and six chicken nuggets. Seraphina’s attention was immediately drawn to the food, and she was visibly cheered up by the smell, even if just for a moment.

“How about us, Sean?” Fiona asked, hinting about the food. Sean just signaled her to wait and continued to smile at Seraphina, who was already digging in.

“You should also eat. Viv, Fiona,” Seraphina urged, offering the food to her friends. Although Sean was reluctant, he had no choice but to let the two join in. “Thank you, Sean,” Seraphina said, her gratitude evident in her voice.

“Always for you, Sera.”

“Seraphina! Seraphina! Look, isn’t this your house?” Lucy, one of their classmates, approached them in a panic, showing her phone to Seraphina. When Seraphina saw the news on the screen, she jumped up with wide eyes.

“Our house is burning?!” she exclaimed. Panic immediately set in for Vivian, Fiona, and Sean.

What kind of day is this? What an unfortunate stroke of luck!