Mr. Razon's Point of View
Their kind of love was amusing to witness, definitely not the typical romance. Incomparable. But what was much more amusing was how it managed to bloom in a place where falling in love was basically a death sentence.
If Mr. Valdez were still alive, he'd probably be proud of his youngest son. And honestly, if he had been around, things likely wouldn't have gotten this bad. I stood there, staring at the two incubators where Zein and Ace were lying unconscious. I was beyond worried, thinking Zein couldn't handle this.
Her friends, meanwhile, stood in a daze. The real ones. The people who became her backbone in this place. Despite everything, they were still together. It is, indeed, a true friendship.
"Please save Zein," Fritzy Saldivar suddenly blurted out, crying. "She hasn't even accepted my offer to be friends yet!"
"Good thing I'm already her friend," Roxane bragged.
"Is Zein going to make it?" Raze asked.
I looked over at Ms. Shion, who was still out cold. "I'm not sure."
"Then stop it."
"What do you mean?" I asked, meeting his gaze, unfazed.
"I don't want Zein to be in danger too—"
"Shut up," Matthew cut in. Raze snapped his head toward him. "Zein can't handle—"
"She wouldn't want what you're planning. I know Zein..." Matthew's gaze shifted toward her, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "She'd give her life for the people important to her. And we all know she sees Supremo as much more than that."
Raze didn't say another word. Silence swallowed the room after that exchange. I walked over to Ace and looked at him through the glass of the incubator. Noticing something unusual, I leaned in for a closer look, my forehead creasing. A smile formed on my lips before I hit the stop button.
"What happened?"
The incubators hissed open. I immediately checked Ace's pulse and smiled. "Ace is still breathing," I announced. "This operation isn't going to work because he didn't die. He's alive and fighting!"
Zein's blood and the formula wouldn't take effect because Supremo Ace Craige was still alive. Incredible. I really thought he was gone because I couldn't find a pulse earlier. But somehow, it came back. He was fighting. He's fighting off Death itself.
"Is my sister safe?" Allison asked.
"She's safe."
"And Ace?" Raze asked next.
"He needs a blood transfusion."
Raze walked up to me with a grin, offering his arm. "Take my blood. Just half, okay? I still want to live long enough to find my 'forever.'"
The room erupted in laughter. That one moment said it all: their love story isn't over yet.
One Month Later
Allison's Point of View
My phone buzzed on the desk, and an unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. I answered the call because I didn't mind talking to strangers.
"Yes?" I answered lazily.
"I haven't even asked a question yet. What's with the 'yes'?"
I leaned back in my swivel chair, my hand gripping the table the moment I heard his mouse-like voice. "New number?" I asked.
"Because you've blocked my old one for the ninth time."
"What do you want, Mr. Red Eye?" I was seriously considering changing my number, but I knew he'd find a way. He hadn't left me alone since he first saw me. I didn't even know how he got my number.
"Are you going?" he asked.
I furrowed my brows, realizing what he meant, and glanced at the wall clock. "And? What is it to you?"
"If you're going, I'll go. If not, I guess I'll just end up dropping by your office."
"Fuck you," I replied, quickly grabbing my keys. Then I tidied up the mess on my desk.
"Pleasure."
"I have to go—"
"I have a question."
"I don't have time for your questions," I said as I hurried out of the building. My boss called my name, but I just ignored him.
"Wouldn't it be a sin if I stole your heart?"
I cringed at that. He wasn't just an annoying jerk; he was also cheesy as hell, never running out of pick-up lines. But then again... why do I still find myself answering him? I was in the mood to play along, though.
"Not really," I said with a smile. "Just a perfect crime, baby."
Then I ended the call and blocked his number, knowing an unknown number would be hitting up my phone again one of these days.
Matthew's Point of View
I checked myself out in the mirror and smiled, satisfied with how I looked. I was handsome—at least that was what Zein said. She even told me I looked more handsome than Ace.
"Matthew!"
I rushed downstairs when I heard Daddy's voice. I practically ran down the steps, but I stopped short upon seeing him with a woman. Their backs were to me, so I couldn't see her face. Mommy had been long gone, so who was this? Had I really been away that long?
"Dad. Since when?" I asked, feeling a bit hurt. "I thought you'd only love Mommy. Why would you—"
My jaw dropped when they turned around. "A-Angelica?"
"What are you talking about, kid?" Dad asked, his brows furrowed. "Someone's looking for you. Just call me when you're done. Make it quick, we can't be late."
I asked Angel to sit down. "Drinks?"
"No, I'm good. Thanks."
I just nodded. It was so awkward. What did she even want?
"You're really handsome..."
I looked away. "Th-thanks..."
"Are you guys heading out?" she asked, all dressed up too.
"Yeah. Is it just you?"
"Mommy's already there. Can I hitch a ride with you guys?"
"Sure, of course." I forced a laugh. I wanted to ask what she was doing here and what she needed, but I figured that'd be rude.
"Do you remember when you carried my bag?" she suddenly asked. I nodded, even though I had zero memory of it. "That was so sweet of you, Matt. Thank you."
I nodded. I mean... What was the big deal?
"I just wanted to say... Matt, I actually have a crush on you."
I swallowed hard. Fuck. "Oh? Really?" I scratched the back of my neck, not knowing what to say. "Thanks."
Goddamn it! What did I say? Thanks?
"You're cute," she replied. "Let's go, we might be late."
I just nodded and called Daddy over. Angel rode with us. It was super awkward, but she seemed totally fine with it. She even took the front seat, while I was stuck in the back. She and Daddy chatted away about her life inside Hell University. Dad was hanging on her every word, clearly impressed. I, on the other hand, was met with nothing but a sharp punch.
Dave's Point of View
I took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell. I straightened my clothes and adjusted the flowers in my hands. A house helper opened the door. "Oh, it's you, Dave."
"H-hi. Is Mia ready?"
"She's in her room getting ready. Come on in."
The house helper led me to the living room and offered a drink, but I declined. I sat on the sofa, waiting for Mia to come down. Then I gazed at myself in the mirror by my side. "I'm handsome... she said," I muttered to myself like a crazy person.
"Dave?"
I was startled to see Mia standing in front of me, and even more surprised at how gorgeous she looked. My face turned bright red when her eyes landed on the flowers. "Who are those for?" she asked.
I panicked. Shit! No matter how much I prepared, I'd always get tongue-tied in front of her.
"Dave?"
"Oh? These?" I scratched my head. "You can have them, if you want."
Great. Just great. Everything I planned went out the window. I was supposed to give her the flowers and ask permission to court her. Oh well. Maybe next time.
"Wow! Thanks, Mr. Detective."
I laughed. She called me a detective because I was the first one to figure out Matt was in BBG and Jerome was in DGW. I used to go out at night to keep an eye on them, silently watching their moves, because of what they'd gotten themselves into. Like a detective.
"Ready to go?" she asked, setting the flowers on the table. I nodded. What a waste.
"What about Zein? Are they on their way?"
"Maybe. Not sure."
Then together, we headed back to the place where it all started.
Zein's Point of View
A month had gone by since it all happened. We were in the car, heading back to the place where it all began.
"Baby Z? Your friends said they're on their way too."
I just nodded at Mommy, not feeling in the mood. For some reason, I wasn't excited about graduating. I didn't even know there was going to be a graduation.
"Zein? Are you okay?" Daddy asked.
I nodded again and looked out the window. In the distance, I could see the name "Hell University" looking like it was written in blood. I smiled, remembering how it all started because of our own stupidity. My lips trembled, so I forced myself to look back at my parents.
"Is Allison coming?"
"She said she would," Daddy replied.
We pulled up, and my parents got out first. I took a deep breath before following. As the memories of this place came flooding back, I shut my eyes. I never thought I'd be back here. Hello, Hell University. It's been a while.
"Zein!"
I turned to see Vanessa waving at me. She showed respect to my parents before pulling me away.
"Is Jerome not with you?"
"They're already here," she replied. "He's with Matt."
She looked at me, noticing my lack of energy. Her eyes grew perceptive, so I quickly avoided eye contact. "You are good, Zein."
I managed a fake smile before spotting Fritzy arguing with a girl by the corner outside the gym.
"I told you not to wear my heels, didn't I?" Fritzy snapped.
"You're so selfish! You have so much stuff, big sis!"
"I saved up for all my things, Leviona!"
"Fine, I'll just pay you back!"
"The nerve! You don't even have your own money!"
"I'll ask Mommy!"
"Take them off, Leviona. If you break those..."
Vanessa and I just walked past them. When we reached the gym, we ran into Jerome, Dave, and Mia. I couldn't help but smile. It was comforting to know that, despite the challenges we'd been through that tested our loyalty, we were still together. No one let go.
We all walked inside together. I smiled at Vice Ty when we crossed paths.
"How are you?" he asked.
"She's good," Matt answered for me. I frowned and shot Matt a look. Vice Ty cleared his throat. "That's good to hear."
"Can we keep going, or do you want me to make you kneel in front of Zein again?" Matt threatened.
"Oh, uh—"
"Just kidding, Vice!" Matt laughed and put an arm around him. "We're good now. Just don't go hurting people again, okay? Especially girls."
Vice looked embarrassed. "I'm really sorry about that, Zein."
"Alright, we're heading in," Matt said, pulling me away. I smacked his arm and hissed, "You were the one who scared him into kneeling?!"
"He got off easy considering what he did to you." He laughed, making me shake my head.
"Having fun, are we?"
Before we realized it, Nicky and Nazzer were standing in front of us. When my eyes dropped to their joined hands, I smiled. Nicky blushed and looked away when she realized Matt and I were staring at their intertwined fingers. She even tried to pull her hand away, but Nazzer just held on tighter.
"Thank you, Zein," Nazzer blurted out. I didn't know what to say. What did I do? "I'm happy to see you again," he added. "It might be a while before the next time."
"Thank you, Leader," Matt replied with a smile.
"Hell University might fade away, but it won't erase that we were part of it. Especially you, Matthew Hart." Nazzer showed his arm with the BBG mark. Matt was about to show his too, but I stopped him. I still get grossed out thinking about it, and his screams from when he got marked still echoed in my mind.
"See you around," Nazzer said as they walked off.
Matt and I shared a look before he suddenly grabbed my hand. "Just a friendly holding of hands. No malice. Promise!" He even raised his other hand. I smiled.
We'd only gone a few steps when Angel and Roxane blocked us. Angel pushed between us, making Matt let go, while Roxane pulled me away, clinging to my arm.
"BFF... I miss you so much," she remarked with a giggle.
"Eww..." I tried to pull my arm back, but she held on. I wasn't fond of Roxane's version of "friendly." It was suffocating. Mia and Vanessa weren't even this clingy.
Then Allison appeared out of nowhere and blocked our path. "Can I borrow my sister?" she asked coldly. Roxane paused. It was unlike her to get stunned. "Can we share?" Roxane requested.
"I don't share. Sorry..." Then Allison pulled me away. Why was everyone pulling me today? I'd probably be limping by the end of this day.
"You look so pretty, Zein!" Allison gushed. I pouted. "Anyway, are you and Matthew Hart a thing yet?" she added.
I was shocked. I'd told her a million times Matt and I were just friends. Even Matt already accepted that. Only my sister Allison wouldn't let it go. She was Team Matt all the way, aware that he'd been my crush for years.
"Allison..." I sighed.
"I like Matt way more than—what was his name again?" I shook my head. She was pretending to forget his name. "Ace. Ace Craige."
Just as I said his name, I spotted Ace with Raze. My heart skipped a beat. Even though I wanted to run and hug him, I knew I couldn't. He didn't want me near him. I didn't know what happened, but after everything, he started avoiding me. It hurt because he just shut me out without an explanation. I was planning to avoid him, but Allison dragged me right toward them.
"You!" she pointed at Ace, who just kept a poker face. He wasn't wearing his glasses. God, he looks good.
"Me?" Raze asked, pointing at himself.
But Allison ignored him, her eyes focused on Ace. "Did you put a spell on my sister?" she accused.
"Allison..."
"I didn't," Ace replied. His voice was so cold it made me feel weak. What happened to us? Everything was fine... as far as I knew.
"Baby..." Raze mumbled, smiling at my sister. His words drew my gaze, and only then did I see Hoy sitting on his shoulder. I felt a flutter of excitement, but it faded when Hoy ignored me too. Seriously?! After I took you in and cared for you, now that you're back with your master, you just ignore me?! You're all the same! Everyone just pulls away!
Allison looked at Raze. "Oh, I didn't notice you there."
I shook my head. "Been here. Anyway, baby? I want you to meet my cat. Dark."
So... "Dark" is Hoy's real name? I caught Ace looking at me, but he quickly looked away. Tears threatened to spill, so I smiled through it, turned around, and went to my parents. I couldn't get it. What did I do? We fought the world just to protect each other. We were fine. Did I miss something while I was out? Did he realize... that he didn't like me? If so, why couldn't he just tell it straight to my face?
The program started, but my mind was elsewhere. Even now, you're still messing with my head.
"The new set of Highest 10 is here." I looked at the stage. Teacher Kath was there with a piece of paper. "In first place, and definitely the highest among the rest..." she continued, her eyes landing on Raze. "It still falls to the most important student of Hell University... Raze Silvenia."
Everyone stood and clapped for him. Raze went up the stage. "Anything you want to say?" Teacher Kath asked.
Raze took the mic. "Congratulations!" he told everyone. I smiled, remembering the first time I encountered him. Back then, his aura was so dark. Now, somehow, he looked... calmer.
"And, baby..."
"Oh, shit..." Allison looked down in embarrassment.
"I will do everything to steal your heart. If that's a crime... arrest me now."
"Fuck it!" Allison stood up and walked out.
"Second rank goes to the well-respected, admired... the man who protected everyone in ways we have yet to understand. The one who held back the darkness. The one and only... Supremo Ace Craige."
He went up the stage, his face showing zero emotions. I got teary-eyed. After everything, I was still so proud of him. And I wish I could tell him that. Supremo took the mic. Just like that, all eyes were on him.
"I know what you all went through wasn't easy. I witnessed it. I'm so grateful and proud of all of you. You have stories that no outsider will ever understand. But they don't have to. As long as you remember, those stories will live inside you. Job well done, students. I love you all. This is Supremo Ace Craige. Finally... signing out."
Everyone applauded, but I went a step further and gave him a standing ovation. Then, everyone followed. He gave a small smile before leaving the stage.
"Third rank goes to Matthew Hart, the king of Hell University." My forehead creased when Matt went up with Angel clinging to his arm. Eh? The crowd laughed. He declined to speak, so Ms. Kath moved on to the next.
"Fourth rank falls to the girl who, since stepping in, has remained the talk of the town. The walking chaos. A friend to all. The one who helped our Supremo Ace Craige. Please give a warm round of applause as I introduce the queen of Hell University... Zein Shion!"
I stood up and marched to the stage. Teacher Kath smiled at me. "Congratulations." I held the mic and met the audience's eyes with courage.
"The name of the school alone? Intriguing. Curiosity was what brought us here, ignorance was why we got trapped, and courage is the reason I'm still standing here. I guess, when all of those come together, it leads to one great adventure."
I smiled as memories of the past that made us who we are today came back.
"This place taught me that trust isn't something you just give away, and it's not something you simply find either. Trusting isn't wrong, but wasting it is. Because once it's gone, you can never get it back."
Tears blurred my vision. The betrayal still hurt until now. But then again, Sir Alvarez was a father. A father who'd do anything for his child. It was just sad it had to happen that way.
"I had so many bad experiences here. I've been slapped and beaten, which almost took my life," I continued, my gaze shifting to Roxane and Angel, who then looked away. I also glanced over at Fritzy. She shook her head and mouthed, "Not me."
"But of course, they weren't all bad experiences. There are things I'm thankful for, like... him. The person who taught me how good it feels to trust and love. He was my rock when I was losing hope, the reason I allowed myself to be hurt and deceived. There were so many obstacles, and I almost gave up. Yeah, I did give up once. But in the end... I still want to end up with him. Even now."
I was crying by then, so I handed the mic back to Teacher Kath. I walked down, looking right past Ace. I didn't pay attention to anything after that. It was night by the time the ceremony ended. We stayed and watched the gates shut. Hell University is officially closed. Now, it was just a story only we could tell.
I was about to leave when Matt took my hand, as if inviting me to go somewhere.
"Where to?" I asked.
"Heaven."
I playfully smacked his arm, and he chuckled. He guided me along until he suddenly stopped. Up ahead, a guy was standing not too far away. My tears started falling immediately. "Enjoy..." Matt whispered before leaving me there. I could barely breathe as Supremo and I locked eyes.
Supremo Ace's Point of View
She just stood there. Even in the dark, I could see her eyes glimmering with tears. I started walking toward her. But as soon as I got close, she suddenly turned and started walking away.
Shit!
I quickly caught up and grabbed her arm, wasting no time pulling her into a hug. Her soft sobs echoed as she pounded on my back.
"I hate you..."
"I thought you loved me?" I teased, smiling.
"I do. But I hate you now."
I chuckled and pulled back, cupping her face and wiping her tears. I leaned in and gently kissed her cheek.
"I'm sorry..."
"Why?"
"I was scared," I admitted, frowning as she chuckled.
"You? Scared? As far as I know, you're only scared of cats."
I laughed, even though I felt a bit insulted. Sure, furry stuff scared me, so it wasn't my fault cats freaked me out. "I'm scared of cats, but I'm more scared of losing you."
She pouted, but she couldn't hide her smile. "You have no idea how much I've been dying to hold you... to kiss you. But I was scared. I was scared of what you did, Zein."
"What did I do?"
"You didn't have to put your life on the line just to save me."
"Oh, so only you have the right to sacrifice yourself?" She gave a bitter laugh before looking me in the eye. "I hope you know I'm ready to die for you too."
I tried to hide how much those words moved me. God knows how many times I had to resist smiling whenever she said things that seemed so casual to her but meant everything to me.
"Come with me," I whispered, attempting to take her hand, but she swatted it away.
"You still owe me an explanation. Why did you kiss Angel?"
I frowned, puzzled, before the memory of that night came back to me. I was a wreck then. Drunk. I didn't know if I was alive or dead. Angel approached me, and before I could even think, she already kissed me. But the whole time, it wasn't her face I was seeing. It was Zein's.
"Zein—"
"It's okay. I know I'm the only one you love. And besides... we're even."
I was about to ask what she meant, but she hopped into the car first. What did she mean by that?
"Whose car is this?" she asked once I got in.
"Your boyfriend's."
When she froze in surprise, I laughed.
"You're so cheesy!" She hit my arm, clearly blushing.
I turned on the stereo, and "Passenger Seat" started playing. Perfect. I gripped the wheel with one hand and reached out with the other to take hers. Then I kissed her hand before resting it on my thigh.
"I love you, Zein," I whispered.
She looked at me. "I know," she replied, making me laugh.
"It should be 'I love you more.'"
"Yes, I know."
When I pouted at her comment, she chuckled. "I love you so much too."
Fuck!
"Say it again..." I requested.
"I love you so much, Ace Craige! Supremo of my life."
I was caught off guard when she kissed my cheek. I smiled, knowing that soon, her lips would be touching more than just my cheek.
When we reached the spot I had in mind, I pulled over and rushed out to open the door for her. We held hands as we made our way to the shore and settled on the fine sand. It would've been more romantic with a sunset, but I didn't care. As long as I'm with her, it's always romantic.
For a moment, we watched the waves in silence before I gently turned her face toward me. She was so beautiful that I knew I could stare at her for a lifetime and never get bored.
"From now on, you're not leaving my side. We're not in Hell University anymore. We're outside. There are way more guys here."
She laughed, but I was dead serious.
"Remember, Supremo, there's no Bloody Night here. There are laws."
"I don't care. You have no idea what I'd do if another guy tried to get close to you. I'm not joking."
"Fine. Besides, even if they do, it's only you. It'll always be you. Unless you're the one who pushes me away."
"That will never happen," I replied, taking her hand. "Would you still take an order from me now that I'm no longer the SSG president?"
"Of course not—"
"Of course you will," I interrupted, making her look at me. "You are only allowed to love me. Only me, Zein. You're not allowed to love another man. It's only me or no one." Then I cupped her cheek. "And this is an order from the highest Supreme Student Government..."
I leaned in closer. "Darling, you can't do anything about it."
Then slowly, under the starry night with the calm waves around us, I claimed her lips, certain it would be one of the many times now that we were free from Hell University. Joy filled me as I closed my eyes.
I never imagined I'd love someone this much. I never imagined that I'd find the woman I'd give my life for in a place like that. I never thought we'd cross paths... at a place called Hell University.
THE END