The Innocent and Her Lovers

"You seemed to be lost. Do you need some help?" That was her very first question to the boy. And starting that day, he can't seem to forget about her. He was starstruck, shocked at why some goddess like her would like to help someone like him. But it seemed that he's just everybody else, charmed by the girl effortlessly.

"Are you alright? You seem to be spacing out," the girl asked out of worry because he kept staring at her in a trance. The boy snapped out of it as he shyly scratched his head.

"Ah? I'm fine, I'm fine. Uhmm, may I ask where the Administration Office is? I have to pass my papers for my transfer," the boy answered sensibly as he felt that not answering the girl's question is rude.

Hearing his reaponse for the first time, the girl looked delighted.

"What a coincidence! I'm heading to the office too. Why don't I accompany you there?" The girl offered as she smiled brightly.

The boy cannot refuse as this is what he needed, a guide. After all, he's new to this school. He might get lost.

While walking, three girls caught up with the duo as they complained to the girl.

"Veta, can you stop leaving without telling us? Rhy freaked out when she noticed that you were gone. And now, you even found yourself a man," the short-haired mature looking girl said as she looked at the boy like he's a brand new toy.

'Veta? Oh, her first name. Why don't she use her second name?' the boy stealthily smiled towards the girl.

"Shut up, Kora. I did not freak out. And besides, Veta's not the one to hook up with just anyone. Don't include her in your wild dreams," the chinky eyed girl who seemed to be a happygolucky person said as she patted Veta's back. The sleepy girl in the back of the trio noticed this pat as her expression darkened.

"Stop patting Veta's back, Rhy. She might get hurt," the sleepy girl seriously said before yawning. Rhy suddenly realized what she was doing and immediately stopped patting Veta.

"Teacher asked me to bring some documents to the Administration Office, Kora. And to clear things, I was only helping this gentleman with directions. And I won't be hurt, Nix. I can still endure a few pats from Rhy," Veta smiled at the concern of the trio.

On the other hand, the boy tried to make his presence as small as possible. The trio is giving him hostile glances in turn sneakily. It made him uncomfortable.

"Uhmm, miss, I think I get the general direction now. I'll go on ahead. Thank you," he said politely and tried to leave instantly. The gazes he's receiving are getting intense by the moment. However, Veta couldn't allow him to go alone.

"I'll go now too. Kora, Rhy, Nix, we'll go first. I'll be coming back to the classroom after this," Veta smiled as she tugged the boy away from the trio.

'She held my arm! She held my arm!' the boy thought to himself as he looked at his arm that Veta tugged. He then smiled to himself while they were walking. However, he can't help but notice a few hostile and curious glances directed at him from the other students they encountered. They greeted Veta and asked about him. Veta answered them with a smile until they reached the Administration Office.

"Here you are, Miss Briller. Thank you for bringing the documents from the classroom. Here's a tip. I'll be making the seating arrangement of your class tomorrow. But you can tell me where you wanted to sit so I can reserve the space for you, lass," the bald teacher winked at Veta after he said that and got the documents. Veta giggled and nodded her head as a sign of understanding and said her piece.

"By the way, Teacher Morgan, this gentleman seems to be a transferee. I'll be at ease if you please manage his papers for him," Veta said as she introduced the boy to the teacher. The boy bowed shyly because Veta is treating him like a very close friend.

Teacher Morgan fixed his glasses as he looked over the boy Veta mentioned. 'Hmm, seems like another one she picked from the hallways. Hais, Miss Briller never changes. Still kind as ever.'

"I am Javier Emilio Cortez, teacher. I am the student that Mister De Luna recommended. I am here to pass my papers," Javier introduced himself in a well-mannered way before he bowed once more.

"The Marvin De Luna that manages the Tri Veisti Hacienda?" Teacher Morgan raised his eyebrows as he heard that name. It's a very famous name, as the Tri Veisti Hacienda produces almost 30% of the country's agricultural products. 30% may be a small percentage of a whole but when a whole country is the topic, it talks about the food of over 15 million people.

"Yes, teacher," Javier answered immediately.

"Hmm, alright. I'll watch over him for you, Miss Briller, and under Mister De Luna's name. Mister Cortez, this way please," Teacher Morgan said as he led Javier into the office. Before following Teacher Morgan, Javier bowed to Veta then smiled.

"Thank you for leading me here, Miss Briller," Javier gratefully said.

"Lucy," Veta subconsciously said.

"Huh?" Javier asked.

"Lucy. Call me Lucy," this time, Veta smiled brightly, showing Javier her complete set of white teeth.

"Alright. Call me Remi," Javier said as he excused himself to follow the teacher.

Before leaving, Veta glanced at the door before smiling knowingly, muttering to herself:

"Remi? Still the same as ever."