Chapter 05: Rude

Chapter 05: Rude

Jasmine Reign’s POV

I just shrugged my shoulders and moved my gaze away. Focus on yourself, Reign. There should be no problems, just keep yourself away from trouble and stay out of unnecessary drama. That is the best way to survive today.

“Look at her reaction. She didn’t even giggle or smile,” Aby whispered, her voice dripping with disbelief. I cringed at her words.

Why should I smile? What’s so good about them staring at us anyway? I find it really creepy. I can already feel it—like they’re just waiting to make fun of us, and we’ll probably be their next target. Geez, I really hope that doesn’t happen.

“Stop, Aby. That’s not making any sense at all,” I told her firmly.

She just sneered at me and leaned over to whisper something in Chris’ ear. After she spoke, they both burst into soft giggles. Are they keeping secrets from me now? Of course they are. I can tell.

“Care to share what’s so funny with me?” I asked, looking between them, but they just shook their heads and smirked at me. Typical.

“Alright, everyone is present. Shall we start the class now?” Mr. Landers asked, finally moving on from attendance.

“Sure, Mr. Landers,” the whole class replied. He nodded and opened his book, immediately beginning to discuss the lesson.

I pulled out my pen and a fresh sheet of paper from my bag, preparing to take notes carefully. I had to listen attentively because I knew he would most likely give a quiz after the lecture. That’s just how strict he is when it comes to academics.

Better to be prepared than to be caught off guard. After a few hours of listening and taking notes, I was not wrong when Mr. Landers announced that we would take a quiz.

Almost everyone groaned in frustration, even Chris and Aby.

“Are you ready, Reign?” Chris asked quietly, glancing at me with those expectant eyes. I looked at him and grinned confidently.

“Of course I am. I’ve been taking notes while Mr. Landers was explaining everything,” I said calmly.

Aby smirked and leaned closer. “And what should we expect from our intelligent friend? Come on, Reign, share your brilliance with us.”

Chris nodded seriously. “Yeah, save us with your intelligence. Don’t let us fail this quiz.”

I grinned at both of them. “Only if I can, haha.” They knew me too well. Cheating? Not in my vocabulary. Any kind of cheating was absolutely off-limits.

“Number one…” Mr. Landers began, and I immediately stopped smiling. Focus, Reign. You need to ace this quiz. Serious mode activated.

“Reign, save us! Please, have mercy on us!” Chris whispered dramatically, hands raised in mock pleading.

I gestured sharply at him to be quiet. He pouted immediately. Nice try, Chris. Your pleading face will not work on me today.

“Ssshhh. Mr. Landers is giving the first question now. Be quiet,” I hissed at him.

“Okay, fine. Aby, help me,” Chris whispered, trying to distract her.

“Don’t distract me, Chris! I am trying to focus here,” Aby shot back sharply. In the end, Chris pouted again and returned to his own paper, defeated.

Mr. Landers finally read the first question. I smiled confidently as I immediately knew the answer. I glanced at Chris, who was still frowning in concentration, while Aby had a small, satisfied smile on her lips. I guessed she knew the answer too.

After a few more minutes, the quiz ended. Mr. Landers announced that he would post the scores tomorrow, but before leaving, he warned everyone that anyone who failed this simple quiz would be required to take a one-hundred-item test. Geez, that was excessive.

“Okay, dismissed,” he said, taking his leave. I started packing my things into my bag and smiled quietly to myself, hoping that I had passed the exam.

Almost all of the students immediately turned and headed toward the back of the classroom, where the notorious three devils were. What was so special about them? Why did everyone admire them so much? Tsk. None of that was my business, and I was glad to stay out of it.

“Let’s go?” I asked Chris and Aby, noticing their eyes glued to the back of the room. Don’t tell me they wanted to go there too.

“Chris? Aby? Are you guys even listening to me?” I asked, crossing my arms. They ignored me for a moment, still staring.

“If you two want to go there, it’s fine with me, but… I’m leaving now,” I added, finally getting their attention.

“No, we would never choose them over you. Let’s go,” Aby said, slipping her hand into mine and clinging to my arm.

“Me too. You’re more important to us than they are. Let’s go,” Chris added, also taking my arm. I couldn’t help but smile. They were really sweet. I tapped their arms and grinned widely.

“Alright then. Lunch time,” I said. They let go of my arms.

“To where?” Chris asked.

“To the cafeteria, of course,” Aby replied.

“I know, but which one? The new or the old cafeteria?”

“Ah, I’m sorry, haha,” Aby laughed after realizing her mistake.

“Think before you speak, Aby. Like, duh,” Chris rolled his eyes and flipped his imaginary long hair with flair.

Aby and I both burst into laughter. We really did have a bitchy friend.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll do better next time,” Aby replied, still laughing.

I was about to respond when someone cleared his throat to get our attention. I looked up, and there he was—Draven, the supreme devil, and his two companions.

“Are you three done talking? Can you move out of our way now?” Draven’s voice was calm, cold, and commanding.

I moved aside to give them space. I didn’t know whether I should feel embarrassed or angry.

In the end, I simply mumbled, “Sorry.”

He stared at me intently. I lowered my gaze. I wasn’t afraid of him; I just didn’t want him to see any hint of dislike in my eyes.

“Tsk,” he hissed, then left the area with his friends.

The girls who admired them glared at me and followed them. What was that about? I had already apologized because we were in their way. There were so many empty spaces they could have walked through, but no, they had to choose ours. Unbelievable.

I let out a deep sigh and looked at Aby and Chris, who were both looking at me as well.

“Are you alright, Reign?” Chris asked, concern in his voice.

They knew me, and they knew I did not like being around those three devils, but this? They had just nearly humiliated us in front of everyone.

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Still fine. Shall we go now?”

They both nodded back at me.

“Sure,” Aby replied.

We walked out of the classroom and made our way toward the newly opened cafeteria of the school. The old cafeteria was smaller, cozier, and had a better ambiance, but the new cafeteria was closer and more convenient.

“They are really rude and arrogant, but I can’t help admiring their handsome faces,” Chris remarked, starting a conversation as we walked down the hallway.

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “You also have a handsome face, but you want guys?” I teased him.

He chuckled at my joke. “Sometimes I hate this handsome face of mine. Most girls who see me want to flirt with me, like ew. They are definitely not my type,” he said with a cringe.

Aby and I exchanged looks. Seriously, Chris was extremely handsome. We were kind of concerned about the future of his family’s genes. I mean, he’s an only son. Who would carry on their lineage?

Haha, well, it was his choice. There was nothing we could do except accept him for who he was, because after all, he was our friend.