Chapter 3

The exciting news of the newly erupted war between Amaya and Juri had spread all over the school, Amaya had become a dead girl walking as lunch time rolled over Riku waited patiently for his usual victim who was nowhere to be found.Amaya had completely vanished from the school, making everyone wonder what happened to her. Unknown to them she sat on the roof quietly eating the jam sandwich she had managed to pull together that morning despite her body's scars and aches.After hitting Juri she was called to the principals office, unfortunately her mother wasn't planning to answer her phone anytime soon and Juri's parents were more focused on sending her to the hospital so Amaya had some time before her punishment was decided.'I shouldn't have lost my temper, if I get expelled I'll never graduate.' She thought with a sigh.[Now you realize?]Back in the classroom."It's the seniors!" One of the girls squeals alerting the rest about the older boys that seemed to be walking over to their class. Ichiko swiftly composed herself putting on a dazzling smile again as a hand grabbed the doorway to the classroom, a familiar handsome face looked in, his eyes searching around for someone glancing over everyone else in the room."Senior brother why are you here?" her voice sweet and tender, her feminine looks were only further enhanced by such a smile, Riku glanced down at her and without a care in the world he ignored her question and continued looking around before turning back to her."You!" her eyes looked up to see one of the boys that followed Riku around, he had dark red hair with green eyes. "Where is she? That skinny kid?""Ah..." she didn't know what to say, obviously he meant that despicable girl Amaya! Her face twisted before returning to normal in the blink of an eye; she consoled herself, reminding herself that senior brother was also bullying Amaya and nothing else, yet she couldn't help but feel jealous due to the amount of attention he gave to her even if it was just to beat her up. "I...""I think I saw her going to the roof."Everyone turned back to look at Chiyo that had remained in her seat even as the sixth years arrived at their class, her face held an innocent look, "Do you need her for something?" she asked with an expression of confusion. Riku didn't reply, instead he smirked before leaving the class with the group of friends with him."Thanks princess!" The red haired replied in Riku's favor before going after his best friend.The sound of light footsteps had made her jump in surprise, listening closely she deducted they were quite a few people coming upstairs, this was bad.The door to the roof top burst open letting a group of boys burst in with their backs hunched and their hands in their pockets, they honestly looked like thugs. Their shirt unbuttoned revealing various colors of tops underneath, they wore designer trainers and sometimes jewelry like necklaces or earrings to look edgy.Riku saw her indiscernible expression and couldn't help but feel she was different today, he couldn't see fear in her eyes; in contrast her eyes were actually clear and sharp. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was looking down on them."Did you hear?"Riku was the first to speak, his voice remained playful and unwavering as he stared at her pompous expression, "Apparently the skinny retard grew a pair of wings overnight." He naturally wasn't talking directly to her; he was talking to his friends who stood behind them with smug smile on their faces."If I apologize will you forgive me?" She asked casually, they talked like their bullying was avoidable.Riku's eye flashed a complex emotion, his smile faltered, "That's no fun" he said to himself before he grit his teeth his eyes burning in immense anger. "That's not fun at all!" He was quick to attack her. She gasped in pain as she recoiled and was sharply pushed back by the heavy punch to her guts. She staggered and wheezed as she felt something snap, he didn't rest but instead he punched again at her face a little softer than before. Her lip cracked and bled and due to a few injuries due to the force of the blow she couldn't help but spit out a few mouthfuls of blood before dropping to her knees. "You're tired already?" he asked disappointed, turning to his first mate who smirked as they shared some kind of secret just with a glance, "you should try to entertain us more, at least piggy is more entertaining."Piggy was a nickname he gave to one of his victims who was also bullied a lot just because of his weight. However his wasn't as violent as his parents were well off, the teachers looked out for him more than someone like her who was just a nobody."What? Are you going to hit me with a plank as well?" He taunted as if she had the strength to even stand up.[Highschool kids are scary.]'Ya think!?'A sudden groan drew everyone's attention. In the corner of the rooftop a boy who had come up here for a nap woke up."Who the fuck is ruining my nap?" His voice was low and terrifying. Riku stopped to see who it was before he said anything. Someone who dares to speak in such a threatening manner couldn't be a normal person.He was right, the boy was a blonde with pierced decorating both ears. He was wearing a black hoodie over his school uniform and had eye bags under his eyes. Who didn't know him? Lucas Grey.'Relationship?'[Neutral]"Our bad, we'll finish our business with the girl and leave." Riku said. He reached down to grab her collar which was already stained with blood from her cracked lips."Leave." Lucas said.Riku looked at him confused, but seeing the glare the boys eyes he let go of Amaya."Fine, we'll see you after school." He said to her before leaving, hands in pocket with the rest of his friends.Amaya relaxed after he left, she really needed to eat and get her strength back, her weakness was embarrassing. How is she getting beat up highschool students.Lucas spoke to her seeing she hadn't moved, he assumed she was scared. "You can leave too, go home early so try don't catch you."Amaya turned up to look at him. He didn't spare her another glance and went straight back to sleep, afterall what girl would feel comfortable around a delinquent?He didn't hear anything for a while and so he assumed she had left, but then her voice piqued up surprising him."Do you have any food?"He turned to look at her, was she really asking a delinquent for food? Seeing his strange look she laughed nervously. "My sandwich was ruined when I got hit."How embarrassing.He was shocked she actuyhad the courage to approach him, mist girls avoided him since he looked violent. "I have a bento." He finally managed to say, "do you want some?"She quietly nodded.Lucas stared at her for a moment, then slowly reached into his bag and pulled out a bento box. He slid it across the rooftop floor to Amaya, who took it with a grateful smile. "Thank you," she said, her voice still shaky from the encounter."Don't mention it," Lucas muttered, turning his attention back to the sky, his back against the wall. He watched her from the corner of his eye as she opened the bento and began eating. Her movements were slow and careful, a stark contrast to the ferocity she had shown earlier.Amaya ate quietly, savoring each bite. The food was simple but comforting, and it helped to steady her nerves. She glanced at Lucas, who had returned to his napping position. She couldn't help but feel grateful for his intervention, even if it was unexpected."Why did you help me?" she asked after a while, breaking the silence.Lucas opened one eye and looked at her. "You looked like you needed it," he replied simply, closing his eye again. "Besides, those guys were annoying."Amaya chuckled softly. "Yeah, they are." She took another bite, then added, "Thank you. Really." She had no ability or strength right now, so having him protect her was really a lifeline.Lucas shrugged, a slight smirk on his lips. "Don't make a big deal out of it. You should finish the bento, I don't eat lunch."They fell into a comfortable silence, the tension from earlier dissipating. Amaya finished the bento, feeling a bit more human again. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and leaned back against the wall, looking up at the sky."Do you come up here often?" she asked."Yeah," Lucas replied without opening his eyes. "It's quiet. Good place to get away from everything.""I can see why," Amaya said, her voice soft. "Thanks for sharing it with me."Lucas didn't respond, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward in a faint smile. They sat in silence for a while longer, the sounds of the school below them fading away.As the end of lunch approached, Amaya knew she needed to get back to class. She stood up, dusting off her skirt. "Thanks again, Lucas. I'll see you around.""Yeah, see you," he replied, still lounging on the rooftop.·͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙Amaya took a deep breath as she stood outside the principal's office. The corridor was eerily quiet, amplifying the sound of her own heartbeat. She knocked lightly before entering, her steps measured and calm.The principal, a stern-looking woman with greying hair and sharp eyes, sat behind a large oak desk. She looked up from her papers and gestured for Amaya to take a seat. Juri's parents were already there, their expressions filled with anger and impatience. Amaya's mother was nowhere to be seen."Amaya Suzuki," the principal began, her tone firm, "do you know why you're here?"Amaya nodded. "Yes, Ma'am."The principal glanced at Juri's parents before continuing. "You've been accused of violent behaviour towards another student, resulting in significant injury. This is a serious matter."Amaya remained silent, her gaze steady. She knew that anything she said could be used against her.Juri's mother, a well-dressed woman with a sharp tongue, leaned forward. "My daughter is in the hospital because of this girl! She should be expelled immediately!" She had a set of beautiful pearls in her hair and a matching set on her ears. The principal raised a hand to silence her. "Mrs. Tanaka, we need to hear Amaya's side of the story first."Amaya took a deep breath and began. "Juri has been bullying me for a long time. Yesterday, she destroyed my desk and insulted me in front of the entire class. I lost my temper and retaliated." She knew her words held little wait but she had no plans of lying.Juri's father scoffed. "Bullying? This is an elite school. They don't tolerate such nonsense."Amaya's eyes flashed with anger. "With all due respect, sir, it's precisely because this is an elite school that bullying is more subtle and insidious. You're rich enough to pay your kid's way out of any punishment while I suffer the brunt of your poor parenting skills." The principal leaned back in her chair, disapproving of Amaya's words. "Juri's parents have requested your expulsion, Amaya. However, I believe that expulsion may be too harsh a punishment, given the circumstances."Mrs. Tanaka's face turned red with anger. "This is unacceptable! Our daughter is the victim here!"The principal held up her hand again. "I understand your concern, Mrs. Tanaka. However, if we were to involve the media, it would bring unwanted attention to the school is that what you want?"Juri's parents exchanged a glance, their anger simmering but their resolve wavering. The threat of media involvement was a powerful one, considering Mr Tanaka wanted to run for mayor. The principal turned her attention back to Amaya. "Given the circumstances, I have decided to suspend you for two weeks. This will give you time to reflect on your actions and avoid any further incidents."This was the best outcome she could have hoped for, considering her disadvantage. Next time she would hit the bitch outside of school.