Chapter 16: Act as Usual

It was Monday in the morning when all the students were chatting happily. Despite the fact that the place is packed, Belle quickly recognizes Dani in the crowd. Shouting in the hallway, her high, piercing voice echoed down the corridor.

"Dani! Good morning!"

The group, led by Belle, make their way to Dani's location. The attention of the students shifted to the group. It's a common occurrence. Belle and her friends have been popular since high school. Aside from their looks and talents, they're considered the most prominent figures in the school because of their family background.

Eugene is the heir of a conglomerate family. His father is known as the richest real estate tycoon in the country. Their family branches are likewise spread over the globe and run a variety of enterprises. At the same time, Jun and David's family is at the center of the entertainment industry. While Kenneth's father is a well-known human rights lawyer and also serves as the personal lawyer of David's family. As a result, David and Kenneth have known each other since they were children.

Lastly, even though Belle's family is in middle-class, her maternal relatives are different. Their occupations ranged from a well-known director to a famous researcher, doctor, court judges, and politicians, all of whom held powerful positions in society.

Trinity High.

Because the majority of the kids at this school are from the upper class, developing a connection is crucial. Another unique characteristic of this institution is that the graduates are automatically admitted to Trinity University, a prestigious college university, without having to take an entrance exam.

"Don't shout in the hallway, Belle." Kenneth scolded Belle.

"I can't hear anything." Covering her ears from Kenneth's usual nagging, Belle feels relieved that everything has returned to normal.

Eugene and David are clearly enraged at Jun, who is hiding behind Dani and using her as a shield. Dani frowned as she always does when they were attracting the attention of the other students. As they entered their room, some students greeted them as usual. Dani's classmates crowded around her and inquired about her absence, which Dani politely answered.

"Dani sure changed a lot, huh?" Jun thought loudly crossing his arms.

"I recall... for several months, no one spoke to her except us, and they only managed to make an eye contact."

"But she still doesn't take the initiative to converse, you know." David chuckled.

"Huh? Yeah.. right." They chatted and approached her when their classmates around her left.

"Everyone is on the loose." Dani said, propping her cheek. There were no further classes for the graduating students. They simply have to practice their graduation rites and the rest of their time is theirs to spend as they like. It was quite noisy but she noticed how much everyone was enjoying themselves.

"Is the noise bothering you?" David asked.

Dani saw his piercing blue eyes and thought he finally initiated a talk. For the past several days, he hadn't spoken a word to her. He is usually unexpressive, but his unsettling gaze is enough to disturb her mind.

Are you mad at me? Dani wanted to ask that but she held herself back because she knew, that even if he asks her things, she would not be able to answer him properly. She always found herself bothered by what he was thinking. And now, everyone is acting like nothing happened. Just like she wants.

"No. You know I hate noisy places..." Dani paused, looking around, she continued, "But look at them, it's hard to feel like that seeing the silly smiles on their faces." rapping her fingers, Dani ingrained that to herself. She felt that she was being influenced by the mood.

"Hahahaha, I see."

"You're right."

"Dani, I didn't know you had that insight."

Dani didn't know if Eugene is praising her or not. She looked over at what she had said and realized that she said something so cringy. She changed the topic. "By the way, I'm going to talk to our adviser later."

"For what?" Kenneth inquired. He wanted to tease her more when she suddenly became serious.

"I'm going to inform him that no one will be able to attend my graduation."

"Huh?!!!" They exclaimed. Dani covered her ears and groaned.

"What the heck? What's going on?" She asked. She feared if her eardrums were damaged.

"What's going on?! Are you serious? Graduation is right around the corner! And you're the valedictorian here! The one who'll be giving a speech, so how come—?" Belle again, began being in frantic.

"Why can't they attend?" Eugene asked her calmly.

Dani chose her words and then explained. "It's because they're facing a major problem and it's not settled yet. So they have no time."

"What kind of family is that? How could it be when you're more important? And why does it look like nothing to you?" Belle is stupefied seeing Dani's attitude. She seems not really bothered about it.

'If I were you, I would be upset.'

"You have the highest honor on that day! They will know that you're doing great here and they will be proud. It's such a loss!" With her arms on her hips, Belle shouted.

Dani looked at her seriously. And Belle thought that Dani was finally starting to think too hard about it. But her expectations was shattered in seconds. "But they already knew that I'm great though?"

"Pfftt..."

"Hahahahahah"

The guys all laughed. The students in the room shifted their focus on them. Dani had no idea why her remarks amused them so much. She only smiled, as if trying to persuade Belle, she asks jokingly. "Anyway, it's not a big deal. If it is, would you prefer to see me wallowing in sorrow?"

"Of course not!" Belle blurted out immediately.

"Haa.. I can't really understand you. Are you even happy at your achievement? You're a valedictorian in this mighty school! And Eugene's eyes are literally dripping with jealousy, you know!"

"Hey! What the hell are you talking about?!" He stood there with mouth agape. His reaction made the others make fun of him even more. Eugene smacked Belle.

"Ow! Isn't it true? Then why are you always looking at Dani with intense eyes?"

Jun spit his drinks out of his mouth because of shock. He involuntarily coughed. The guys make a fuss about his behavior.

"Dude, that's disgusting."

"Hahaha, sorry."

"Yuck"

"I said sorry, okay?"

"Rascal! You don't look sorry at all."

He then looked at Dani and saw that she was staring at him. In response, he only shrugged and watches the banter between Eugene and Belle.

"You're so competitive and always wanted to be on top. But Dani took away your position. How could there be any greater feat than that? Hahahah, right Dani?!" Belle is persistent in annoying Eugene.

"You know sometimes I'm thinking that you hate me so much." Eugene sometimes feels that Belle has a deep grudge against him. 'Well, we're rivals for many years.'

As he keeps thinking the bad relationship he had with Belle in the early years of their high school, what Belle said next astounded him.

"Then stop looking at Dani with resentful eyes."

He was perplexed as to how she could reach such a conclusion. He didn't know what to say until Dani spoke.

"I didn't know you feel like that." Dani is looking at him with pity. It's obvious that she's teasing him.

'You find this amusing?'

"If there's just a way to pass you my title, I would do it... really..." As if feeling sorry, Dani shakes her head helplessly.

"No thanks. I don't need that."

"Haha."

"But... if we found ourselves in the same department at college, that time... I will really beat you."

His words brought a deafening silence in the group. Only a year. After that, they would go on their separate paths.