Chapter 3

As Clay and Tony approached the school gates, they caught sight of two other students: a boy with blonde hair and light blue eyes, whose skin was surprisingly soft for a guy, and a girl with deep crimson eyes and light yellow hair pulled back in a ponytail. The two of them were obviously close, even exchanging a small hand-holding moment.

At first, Tony grinned at the sight of the girl, but as soon as he spotted the boy, his smile faded to a scowl. Meanwhile, Clay strolled up to the duo, maintaining a neutral expression.

"Hey, Lora!" Clay greeted with a wave, catching the girl's attention.

"Clay!" Lora beamed back, glancing over his shoulder at Tony.

"And Tony? I didn't expect to see you guys here today."

" Well expectations don't really mattar" Tony remarked.

"So, what's the deal? What brings you two outside the school gates?"

"Oh, nothing special," the boy, Jacob, finally spoke up. "Lora thought she'd just wait for you guys."

"Wait for us? Or snuggle up with mr.boyfriend?" Tony quipped, staring Jacob down. Tension immediately permeated the air.

"Tony, I was just waiting for you guys," Lora interjected, standing between the boys.

Sensing the rising tension, Clay decided to change the subject. "Guys, guys, remember my birthday? Let's talk about that, huh?"

"I trust Lora; she was waiting here for the birthday boy, after all," Clay joked, nodding at Lora. She played along, and Tony relented, pulling away from Jacob.

"Yeah, yeah. Lora already told me about it," Jacob chimed in.

"So, are we the only ones invited again? Or can we bring a plus-one?" Lora asked Clay, gesturing to Jacob.

Tony shot Clay a pointed look, but he just shrugged and nodded. Lora thanked him, and Tony sighed. With that settled, the school bell rang, signaling the start of classes. The four friends parted ways, agreeing to meet at Clay's for the party later.

The rest of the school day sped by, with many students absent due to the recent incidents in town. As the final bell rang, Clay raced to the front gates and met up with Tony, who had been waiting for him.

"Where's Lora? And Jacob?" Clay asked.

"They finished their classes early and decided to go for a walk together. Jacob insisted," Tony explained. "They told us to go ahead without them."

"All right then. Can't disrupt their lovebirds' stroll," Clay quipped, nudging Tony's arm.

"Hmph. Lovebirds" Tony muttered.

"There's nothing 'Lovely' around that Jacob."

"Jealousy level, over 9000," Clay teased.

"It's not even- *sigh*," Tony's voice became a little sad. "You don't know Jacob as I do, Clay. Trust me, I don't mind Lora having a boyfriend. It's her thing. What I mind is her boyfriend being that Jacob. He's a person who only cares about himself.

The two stayed silent for the rest of the walk. As they continued to walk, shadows began to emerge not far from them. From the shadows rose cloaked figures- Zepig and Lezpig -following the boys.

"Why don't we attack them already, i will make it fast and quick." Zepig said, his hunger clear.

"Thougu it's true you can, it will still make a mess. And a mess will surely bring the attention of reapers after us" Lezpig replied stretching his short arms

"So say, brother, how about a fresh walk to the forest"