The Pressurizing Aura

The day went by smoothly. The new 3 had all the same classes as me so we basically saw each other every hour of the day. It was finally the last class of the day. As I was making my way through the hall to reach my math's class, I got dragged by my bag which resulted in me falling on the floor with a loud thud. I looked up from the floor to meet eyes with Silas.

"Not again"

I internally rolled my eyes closing them shut preparing myself for another set of beatings but they never came instead the atmosphere got colder making me shiver. I opened my eyes slightly to see Silas frozen in place with his head hung low and in front of him stood the new transfer boy Dáinn followed by the other younger ones right behind him.

I was beyond confused but decided to make my escape while I got the chance. Holding my backpack tightly to myself I got up from my fall and ran towards my class without bothering to turn and look behind. Once I reached class, I gulped down the lump that had formed in my throat and sat down next to one of my favourite humans in this entire universe probably, Zadkiel Cyrus.

Well, Zadkiel was basically the only person I spoke to in this entire place apart from Melvin Zade. Both of them were like a ball of sunshine in my dull life. Whenever I was around them I felt lively. I felt the urge to smile more and be happy in life. Zadkiel had befriended me when we were still in our first year of college. However, Melvin on the other hand had been a part of the circle after our third-year English group project.

Not like I don't like to be around them during college hours but I make sure I am not to close to them, just in case to avoid them getting hurt. I mean the other name for Cassiel Evert seems to be trouble. So obviously being the elder one in the group I have to take care of their safety. They are the family I never had and they mean a lot to me. Although they are both younger than me but sometimes when I need them, they turn out to be the most mature people I have ever came across.

"Cassiel! You, okay???" Zadkiel looked my way with his eyes wide open and handed me his water bottle. I took the water, gulped it down in a matter of seconds and nodded assuring him I was fine.

"You sure? Your cheeks bleeding" his voice laced with concern.

"Zad, I am perfectly fine... See!" I exclaimed passing him one of my million-dollar smile.

"If you say so but at least put this bandage on please" he handed me a bandage and waited looking at me with puppy eyes till I actually placed it on my cheek where it had bled.

"Happy?" I asked teasingly. "Very much" he stuck his tongue out like a little 3-year-old and went back to fetching his book from his bag.

Mr. Han Gyeol, our math professor walked in just as the bell rang followed by Dáinn, Keanu, Marcel and Silas in the end with his head still hung low. Something was definitely off; I just couldn't put my finger on it. I have no idea if it was only my mind playing tricks with me but whenever these three would walk in anywhere the surrounding would suddenly become cold and intimidating.

"Your test papers are here with me, I'm glad to see most of you actually understood the concept this time" Mr. Han said as he placed his belongings on the desk and waited for the four of them to be seated.

"The rest of you, I'm however very disappointed by your weak performance in the test the difference between the highest and lowest mark is very huge, if this continues, I'm going to start taking after-college class" he spoke, anger lacing his voice.

"As I call your names, stand up in your place" he instructed us and started looking through the pile of paper on his desk.

"Melvin, Kang, Park, Liam, Miso, Zadkiel, Waniya, Rosalind and lastly Cassiel, please stand up all of you" Mr. Han's expression was blank.

Standing up from my desk I fidgeted with my fingers and kept looking down. I just felt extremely anxious as everybody's eyes were on the ones standing. As the silence in the class grew more my anxiety kicked in more making me dig my fingers in my palms tighter. I looked up from my desk and every single one of the students sitting were looking just as confused as we were.

"Congratulations to you all, you all have aced the test and will be a part of the upcoming National Intercollegiate Maths Competition" he congratulated us and I thanked heavens for the amazing news. I mean, well, math sure was my favourite subject and I really enjoyed solving problems. Honestly, it was a type of stress reliever for me.

"Oh! I almost forgot, Cassiel ..." just as he called out my name my anxiety kicked in again, I looked up once again and saw him smiling at me

"Y- yes Sir?" My voice came out smaller than I had expected it to. Mr. Han smiled wider flashing the brightest of his smiles I had ever seen.

"After the national championship, you will be representing our college at the international championship that will be held after the academic year comes to an end" I really was in shock, me representing our college. That sure seemed like a dream come true. Maybe I was dreaming.

"Cassiel, am I clear?" Not being able to form a proper sentence I looked at him and nodded my head as a reply.

I was very happy. For some it might look as a small thing but for me it was something extremely big. I could finally be able to make my name and actually be able to make a place of myself in this college.

"Good! Now please give these kids a round of applause" Mr. Han said clapping his hands followed by the groans and light claps of our classmates. Before I could realize it, I felt a tear slip down my cheeks.

I really was overwhelmed. I mean not everyday do you get appreciated for what you do. This was the first time in 17 years that I was being appreciated, applauded for something I did on my own and it made me extremely emotional.

I looked around slowly everyone was clapping, some had frowns on their faces, while the other plastered smiles. My eyes met those familiar light brown ones again and before I knew it, I was feeling nervous all over again. I looked away, flustered, and sat down grabbing my textbook and holding onto it for dear life.

Damn. My heart kept beating extremely fast against my chest. The look in his eyes was anything but welcoming. Is it everyone or am I the only one who feels this pressurizing aura

What exactly are you?! Dáinn.