Exploit

Odelia looked at me confused, maybe she could already judge from the reaction I was showing at this time. I looked back, glanced at Lucas who was sitting calmly in his place.

"That fool, how can he be so calm?" I thought. It seemed like I was the only one thinking hard at the moment, while Lucas acted as if nothing had happened.

"Lea, what actually happened?" Asked Odelia. Could it be that she really didn't know? considering that almost everyone at this school is talking about me and Lucas.

"I don't know, Odelia. But I think this is serious, really serious!"

"Because of that, tell me what happened? Everyone is talking about Lucas and the upperclassmen who almost fought."

"Lucas took me to the music room and showed me his musical skills. However, people passing by in front of the music room could hear his voice and one by one started to enter the room to see Lucas."

"So what? What happened?"

"Eva was also there and asked Lucas to be her guitar teacher, but Lucas refused. Eva still insisted and Eva's fans forced Lucas to accept!"

"Lucas still refuses?"

"Yeah, I don't know what the reason was. Lucas didn't want to tell me. But, his refusal made them angry. So there was a bit of a commotion."

"I see," said Odelia. Her face looks sad, I feel like Odelia might know something about why they adore Eva so much.

"You know something?"

"I'm not sure. But, I've heard someone say that Eva is like the queen bee who is so revered and protected at this school."

"Queen bee?"

"She is treated very special, beautiful, elegant and very talented. She is one of the brightest stars at this school, apart from Rafael who often wins mathematics olympiads and also Xavier who is a talented young pianist."

"I see."

"Actually, there are others. But the point is, they are treated very special and have lots of fans. So, if someone opposes them or does something they don't like, you can be sure they will fight back."

What the hell is that?! did I hear correctly? Offering resistance because she feels opposed, is like a dictator. But why did they go that far?

"So what should I do?"

"It's best not to get too involved or too close to people who have their own fan groups. That will only make things difficult for us at this school. So, it's better not to interfere with their affairs."

"But, Lucas and I are already involved in this problem. Even though Sebastian and Violetta's group is already there which is giving me trouble, plus this problem."

"Don't worry, Lea. If you show that you're afraid, they will attack you. But, if you show that you are strong and that no one can intimidate you, they won't dare do it!"

"Is that so? You're right, thank you Odelia. I feel calm!"

"Hahaha...I actually feel strange about myself, even though usually I'm always scared. But I might as well tell you that, Lea."

"No, you've actually cheered me up. I'm really grateful, Odelia."

***

I was asked by the history teacher to carry a pile of books to the school library, with Pierre helping me through the empty school corridors. This is the last lesson before school and tomorrow is a holiday. Yes, at least tomorrow I can spend time with grandfather in peace.

"Pierre, thank you for helping me carry these books!"

"Yes, no problem."

"Tomorrow we will take photos with grandpa, I can't wait to take memorable photos. It will be fun, right Pierre? You're happy too, right?"

"Happy?"

"Yes, happy. A feeling that makes us more enthusiastic and more alive." I immediately stopped what I was saying. More alive? What did I say? How could I say that to Pierre who couldn't feel it at all?

"He's your friend, right?" said Pierre while looking at the figure of the woman walking in front of me with Mr. Franz, the coach at the music club.

"Eva." I muttered. Maybe, because they heard the sound of my footsteps, Eva and Mr. Franz immediately looked back.

"Lea? Where do you want to take the books?" Asked Mr. Franz, while Eva looked at me with a flat look.

"Ah...I want to take this to the library, slSir!"

"Is that so? Eva, please help Lea, okay? Then, excuse me!" said the teacher as he walked away leaving the two of us in awkwardness.

The atmosphere became silent for 30 seconds. It's so quiet that it makes it hard for me to breathe. I can feel the unpleasant atmosphere here. It seemed that Eva was still thinking about the problem this afternoon in the music room.

"Eva, I'm sorry." I said without realizing it. Even though I was determined to keep my distance from Eva, I still couldn't let this problem ruin our relationship. Moreover, we are in the same club and group.

"It's okay, Lea. I understand why Lucas rejected me so hard."

"Is it true?"

"Yes, that's because Lucas doesn't want you to feel jealous if I get close to him."

"W-what? I don't think so. Lucas must have another reason!"

"No, it's all because you want it. Lucas wants to protect your feelings as his girlfriend, that's why he refused my request."

"Eva, you misunderstand! It's impossible for Lucas to refuse for reasons like that, let alone fighting with-"

"Then, why don't you persuade him to accept my request? You should be able to do it. I thought we were friends, but you didn't help me at all!"

"Eva, I've asked Lucas to do it, but he insisted on refusing. I can't possibly force him to-"

"Lie...!"

"Eva-"

"You're a liar! Even though I believed you, you're completely useless. I hate you!" Eva immediately walked away, after expressing her frustration with great emotion.

I was silent, not knowing how to react. She said I was a liar? How could that be? What does it mean? She's only friends with me if there's a benefit, right?

My body felt weak, it felt like I had been rejected or dumped, even though I didn't know what it felt like to be rejected. Does this feel like it?

"Pierre!"

"Yes, Lea?"

"Why is it so difficult to find friends who truly accept us for who we are?"

"Don't you already have friends, Lea?"

"Friends, right? That's right. There are Lucas, Odelia, Sully, Sidney and Gaspard. It turns out I already have lots of good friends. Thank you, Pierre!"

"Yes."

"But, compared to everything, you are the best I ever had. I love you very much, Pierre!" I said with a smile. Pierre looked at me flatly, even though he couldn't understand my feelings, his presence alone made my life more beautiful.

"I am very grateful because I have you by my side."

***