Chapter 5: The Golden Rule

I WOKE up when I heard some familiar voice that calling my name. I am here in the middle of nowhere, I can see nothing but darkness.

"Jessica..."

Here it goes. I'm hearing it again and again. I tried to look where it comes from but I failed.

"Jessica.. Help me..."

"Tiffany?" I asked when I realized that voice.

"Help me.." Napalingon ako sa paligid ko. I tried to find her again but just like what happened on my first attempt, I failed again.

"Help me..." Ulit pa niya.

Biglang nagbago ang paligid ko. I found myself looking at the daisies dancing with the wind that blews my hair.

"Where am I?" I asked to myself.

Inilibot ko ang tingin ko sa buong paligid. Napakadaming bulaklak. It looks like it was made just for myself. I love daisies since I was a kid. My mother likes it too and I still remember the time where we are going to our garden and plant more daisies and then my father—

I stopped myself from reminiscing when I was about to talk about my father. I shooked my head. "You should not think about that man, Jessica. Focus on your real goal."

"Beshywap?"

I frozed when I heard that familiar voice. Napalingon ako sa likod ko at ganoon na lamang ang panlalaki ng mata ko nang makita ko siya. Nabitawan ko pa ang hawak kong daisy sa gulat ko.

"T-tiffany?"

She smiled. "I'm glad to know that you like this garden that I've made for you."

"G-garden?" Inilibot ko ang tingin ko sa paligid. "You made this?"

"Yes." Lumapit siya sa akin at umupo sa tabi ko. Kinuha niya ang daisy na nabitawan ko at nilaro iyon sa mga palad niya.

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Nasa tabi ko na ang bestfriend ko. My real bestfriend. Is it really a dream or not?

"Is it really you?"

She stopped on playing the daisy then looked at me. The smile that I saw earlier had vanished and her beautiful and gloomy eyes are being replace by sorrow.

"Say, Jessica..." Her eyes are now swollen in tears. I don't know what to react. I can't move my body either. "..do you care about me?"

She looked at me. Natigilan ako sa nakikita ko sa kanyang mga mata. I saw sadness and despair in her eyes.

"Tiffany.."

"Then if you care about me please save me.." Then she hold my hands tightly with her shaking hands.

"Save me..."

"Save me..."

"Save me..."

"Please, Jessica..."

Nag-iba ulit ang paligid ko. Natagpuan ko na lang ang sarili ko na nakatayo sa dating pamilyar na puwesto. Same scenario, same day, and same place.

I am here in my bestfriend's house and looking at her body that full of blood.

Tears started to flow from my eyes. I covered my ears with my bare hands, not letting myself to hear something that makes me sad.

"Please... Save me, Jessica..."

Stop it.

"Jessica!"

Stop. Stop. Stop.

"Jessica!"

"PLEASE STOP!"

Napabangon ako mula sa aking pagkakahiga. Hinihingal at pawis na pawis. Malakas din ang pintig ng puso ko na para bang nagmula ako sa takbuhan.

"Are you awake now? You seemed to be having a nightmare." I glanced at the direction where is that voice coming from.

I saw Taeyeon standing in the side of the door. Then I briefly noticed that I am in my dorm now. So, that was really a dream, huh? It seems like surreal than any other dream.

"Anyway, why are you here?" I asked her.

"I just want to wake you up and since you are now awake... so breakfast is ready." Taeyoen uttered, still wearing a straight face.

"Yuri told me to do this so better off to fix yourself and let's eat together." She added before leaving me alone in this room.

Nanatili akong nakatulala sa pinto ng kuwarto ko pagkaalis niya. What's with them? Bakit nila pinipilit na isabay ako sa pagkain nila?

Nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at umalis na sa pagkakahiga. I would like to stay in my bed and sleep again but I can't. May klase pa akong papasukin.

Naabutan ko sina Yuri at Taeyeon na nakaupo sa hapag. Pansin kong hindi pa nila ginagalaw ang mga pagkaing nasa harap nila. Lumingon sila sa akin nang napansin nila ang presensiya ko.

Yuri stood up from her seat. She offered her hand to me then smile.

"Your'e so slow Jessica, kanina ka pa namin hinihintay. Have a sit." Aniya habang si Taeyeon naman ay walang imik at nakatingin sa akin.

Iniwas ko ang tingin ko sa kanila. "Bakit niyo pa ako hinintay? I can eat alone and I don't want to eat with both of you." I mumbled.

The smile from Yuri disappeared. Silence filled all the side of the dorm. And when I said those words, Taeyeon glanced at me.

"Ikaw na nga iyong inaaya, ikaw pa ang nag-iinarte." The tone of her voice rise up.

"Taeyeon..." Suway ni Yuri sa kanya at hinawakan ang braso nito para pigilan sa ambang pagtayo.

Hindi ako nagpatinag sa inis niya. Humalukiphip ako at nagsalita.

"Did I told the both of you to wait for me? Thanks for the waiting but I don't trust all of you so I can't bear myself to interact with the two of you."

Natahimik siya. Nangangapa yata ng maari niyang sabihin sa akin. Ngunit ilang sandali lang ay nagsalita siya.

"Then we don't need your trust too so you better shut up your mouth." She said wearing an irritated face. It looks like she broke the mask she was wearing.

"Taeyeon.." Pigil sa kanya ni Yuri.

Nanatiling blanko ang ekspresiyon ko habang si Taeyeon naman ay nagtagis ang mga ngipin na nakatingin sa akin. I can feel the tension in the air between us. Yuri was holding Taeyeon's wrist to stop her from fighting me.

But an idea came up into my mind. If Yuri wants me to eat with them then I can make her spilled out everything that she knew. I would make her to agree with my conditions.

I averted my gaze to them and I spoke.

"Fine. I will eat together with you in one condition..."

I saw Yuri's eyes twinkled when she heard what I said. Then, she happily clap her hands making the tension in the air lessened.

".. you should tell me everything that you know about this school, from least details up to the lead. And the murder that I happened yesterday." I continued.

The smile upon Yuri's face disappeared. I noticed that Taeyeon stiffened. Silence filled the four corners of the dorm.

"Are you going to take my conditions?" I asked her, ignoring the silence between them.

Nakita kong nag-aalinlangan pa siya sa pagsasalita. Nanliit ang mga mata ko dahil sa pagtataka. Why is she hesitating, anyway? She's just going to feed me some information, is there something wrong about that?

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong about my conditions?"

Hindi ko napigilang magsalita. Nakakainis na talaga. Parang pinagmumukha nila akong tanga sa lugar na ito. Bakit ba ayaw nila sakin sabihin?

"Uhmm.. Puwede bang iba na lang?" Her voice was dripping in hesitation.

Nagtataka ko silang tinignan. Hindi sila makatingin sa akin. Na para bang sa oras na malaman ko iyon ay tiyak na katapusan na nila.

Seriously, what's wrong with them?

"If you won't agree to my conditions then I should leave this dorm to buy my meal."

Iyon ang naging turan ko sa kanila bago ako lumabas ng dorm.

"Wait!"

Huminto ako sa paghakbang nang marinig ko ang boses ni Yuri. Napalingon ako sa kanya.

"Pumapayag na ako." Napipilitang tugon niya. I even saw the worried look flashed through her eyes.

I grinned at my thoughts. I win. I didn't know that my plan would work on them.

"But, I'm warning you to keep yourself on-guard. You might be their next prey especially you are not a member of gang because you knew everything. This might lead you closer to your death."

Nanatili akong kalmado sa kabila ng mga banta niya. I've seen it coming. I'm ready to die.

Like I really don't care about dying. The important is, I have the clues that might help me to avenge my bestfriend. Iyon naman talaga ang ipinunta ko dito.

"Will you take it or leave it?" She asked.

I couldn't help myself but to take it. No one can stop me from what I want. I can't stop my curiosity to roll all over my mind. What I want is what I get even though it cost my life.

My eyes filled with determination and courage to speak out on what my heart says.

"I will take it."

I stared blankly at my notebook while my professor is discussing something. My mind was filled with black and I felt like my soul was drifting apart from my body after I heard that things from Taeyeon and Yuri.

I can't believe it. I can't believe such those things were existed. And why did my bestfriend keep this as a secret from me?

"Miss Smith? Miss Smith?"

My thoughts were cut-off when Miss Cantiga called me. I even noticed my classmates were also looking at me, curiosity filled into their eyes.

"Yes, Ma'am?" Out of nowhere I asked.

"Are you with us? It seems that you were down. Are you okay? Are you sick?" Sunod-sunod ang naging tanong sa akin nito.

I tried to put a smile on my lips. "No. I'm fine. Thank you." Even though I am not okay.

She nodded as she continue on discussing about our lesson. Nawala na rin sa akin ang tingin ng aking mga kaklase at nagpokus na sa kanilang harapan.

Hindi pumapasok sa isipan ko ang naging discussion ni Miss Cantiga sa harapan. Lumilipad ang isipan ko sa mga oras na ito dahil sa mga nalaman ko.

We are in the middle of discussion when someone open the door without knocking. Miss Cantiga stopped from giving us lectures and her gaze lifted upon the person standing to the door. He even stole the attention of his classmates.

I could even feel the air of tension rising up from my body. I couldn't stop my knees from shaking.

Why the hell I am feeling this kind of nervousness, anyway?

In fact, I should be mad at him. He was just  like the gangsters from the different side of this school. Merciless. Inconsiderate.

Kris Wu, also known as 'First'.

I clenched my fists as I thought about what I heard about the things that he and his gangs done. They act like a ruler of this school, treated some students so harshly if  they were messed up with them.

Yes. He was also a member of a gang that is one of the elite gangs called Black Ravens. In fact, he was their leader and the rank one  student of this university. Kumbaga sa larong chess, siya ang itinuturing na "king".

He was not just like a person who always got a failing grades. Aside from being a son of a rich businessman, he was also have the  highest rank in terms of an academic excellence. I must say he was incredibly amazing despite of being a gangster. This damn kiss stealer was also a monster!

"Oh. Mr. Wu, why are you late again?" Nakataas na kilay na tanong ni Miss Cantiga.

"None of your business." Tipid na sagot nito at walang pasubaling naglakad sa kanyang upuan.

Naalala ko na iyong una naming pagkikita. Kung alam ko lang na isa pala siya sa mga gangsters ay hindi na sana ako umupo sa upuan niya. Dapat ay sinapak ko na siya ng todo noong hinalikan niya all! Damn him!

Pero napansin kong ibang-iba ang aura niya ngayon kumpara noong una naming pagkikita. It looks like he was mad at something and being serious was painted all over his face.

I don't know how many minutes I've been wasted on staring at him. I couldn't help myself but to keep my eyes pasted on his face caused by my own curiosity. When I already knew about his whereabouts from Yuri I can't stop my self from investigating him. It looks like he's hiding something beneath his handsome face.

Natigil ang paghinga ko nang nag-angat siya ng tingin at nagtama ang aming mga mata. Umangat ang gilid ng kanyang labi at napangisi. Itinaas niya rin ang kanyang kilay habang nakatitig sa akin. Iyong tipong nang-iinis.

Napatiim-bagang ako at inirapan siya sabay iwas ng tingin. Mukhang nahalata niya yatang kanina ko pa siya tinitingnan kaya nang-iinis.

Ang kapal talaga ng mukha ng lalaking iyon. Sa sobrang kapal baka kung ano pa ang isipin niya. Damn! Dapat pala hindi ko na lang siya tiningnan para hanggang ngayon ay seryoso pa rin siya. Mukhang nakatulong ako sa pagbabago ng mood niya.

I shooked my head and cleared all the nonsense thoughts on my mind. I shouldn't forget the reason on why I am here.

Even if I already knew all of the information that I want to know, I should not let my guard down. I should focus on thinking about what would've be my next move.

The classes was ended peacefully. Kinuha ko ang mga gamit ko at lumabas na ng classroom. Nakita kong may mga estudyanteng nag-uumpukan habang pinagmamasdan ang bulletin board ng university.

Out of curiosity, sumali ako sa umpukan upang tingnan kung ano man ang naroroon.

ATTENTION!

Want to be a part of a gang? White Wolves Group is now looking for a new member. Want to join? You should have a potential to be a gangster -- you should be strong and had a strong principles in life. Look for Miss Yuri Kwon for more information...

Dark Ravens is now recruiting for a newbie. If you know that you are qualified, look for Miss Seohyun for an interview or else you'll be dead...

I scoffed. So, they are now recruiting more members, huh? Hell like I care.

"Oh? Ano? Sasali ka?" A girl from my back mumbled.

"Hmm.. Sure! It's a must right?" Sabi ng isang babaeng kausap niya.

"Sana naman matanggap na tayo!" The girl exclaimed.

I shooked my head. Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng fame sa panahon ngayon. Kahit na alam nila  na manganganib ang buhay nila kung ang kapalit ay ang kasikatan ay wala silang pakialam basta makasali lang.

In this university, there are rules that you should follow. One of those policy is the golden rule---you should joined a gang or a fraternity. And if you joined a gang and has an undefeated wins against the other groups, you have a possibility to be one of the rankings known as "The Great Twelve."

If you are one of "The Great Twelve" you will own the respect from the headmasters, school officials, and from the student council. They will treated you like a ruler of this university. Aside from that you can do whatever you wanted if you are one of The Great Twelve.

Kumbaga sa university na ito, hindi nasusukat sa talino ang pagiging magaling kundi sa lakas. That's why all of the people who have ranks are those who joined or part of a mafia association. They have a greater role in their group than the other original members. And this explained why all of The Great Twelve are damned rich!

Napagpasyahan kong umalis na lang sa mga umpukan. Ano ba ang mapapala ko sa pagsali doon? Mababalik ba nito ang buhay ni Tiffany? I highly doubted it so I am not interested.

I don't need to be a ruler anyway because from the start I am really a ruler. I can do whatever I wanted. I have the freedom to do anything I want. I own myself and I don't need the help of some stupid gangs.

Tinahak ko ang daan patungong gym. Kahit pa nasagot na ni Yuri ang mga katanungan ko may mga bagay pa rin ang gumugulo sa isipan ko tulad na lamang nito.

POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS.

Basa ko sa signage na iniharang sa gymn. Mula pa kahapon, wala pang nagtangkang gumamit ng gym. I'm sure some of them are now shaking in fear on what they saw yesterday kaya walang nagtatangkang pumunta dito. That thing will be a blessing in disguise.

I want to fish for some answers to my unanswered question: Why did this kinds of things happened in this school?

Pumasok na ako sa loob ng gym. Maingat at tahimik na naglakad patungo sa pinangyarihan ng krimen. Wala na ang bangkay roon, marahil ay kinuha na ng mga pulisya pero hindi pa nalinis ang gym, bagay na ikinatuwa ko.

If I observed it properly, it screams that this 'murder thing' also happened to my best friend. The position of the victim, the location of the stabbed part was same to her even the gang that they joined. It looks like this thing was connected on her death. At iyon ang gusto kong patunayan.

Hindi pa ako tapos sa paghahanap ng magiging clue sa paligid ko nang marinig kong may mga nag-uusap sa labas.

"Nakakatiyak po akong malinis ang pinangyarihan ng krimen at sigurado akong walang mahahanap na butas ang mga pulisya."

Sumilip ako sa siwang ng pintuan ng gymnasium. Nakita ko ang isang lalaking nakacap at may kausap sa hawak nitong phone.

Napakunot-noo ako sa nadinig. It looks like there is something fishy about the man said.

Agad akong nagtago sa likod ng lalagyan ng mga cleaning materials nang mapansin kong papasok ito ng gym.

"Huh? Bakit bukas ang pintuan?" Litong tanong nito sa kanyang sarili.

"Bakit?" Dinig kong tanong ng na sa kabilang linya.

"Boss, mukhang may nakapasok dito. Bukas po ang pintuan e."

I gulped. Damn! I'm dead! He noticed that someone's there. Mas lalo akong napasiksik sa sulok nong igala ng lalaki ang kanyang mga mata para mag-obserba.

I accidentally elbowed the cabinet causing a noise that caught the man's attention.

Crap! I cursed myself repeatedly on my mind. I want to blame myself for being careless and I think I will going to caught by him in few minutes later.

"Boss, mukhang may nakapasok nga. Titingnan ko lang." He said.

My heartbeat is beating so fast. I can feel my knees trembling in nervousness. I keep myself calm as possible and think of a way on how to get rid of this situation.

Maybe I should fight him then escape? I can't think straight because of fear. Damn! My head was completely blank now.

I heard his footsteps coming towards my direction and I was about to get out to fight him when someone from my back held my body closer to him as he gripped me tightly.

He covered my mouth before I could scream.

"Sshhh.." He whispered to my left ear.

Napatingin ako sa mukha ng lapastangang iyon. Oh! Luckily enough, it was Kris Wu. The first rank.

"Keep quiet.." Pabulong na utos nito sa akin habang seryosong nakatingin sa lalaki.

A black cat jumped from nowhere infront of the man.

"Boss, pusa lang pala. Baka naghahanap lang ng makakain dito." Sabi ng lalaki sa kausap.

"I see. Then leave the gymnasium now. We're dead when someone saw you in the crime scene." A baritone voice from the phone said.

"Yes, boss." Tumango pa iyong lalaki bago pumanhik paalis ng gymn at isinara iyon.

I sighed in relief. Good grief. I am not dead.

"Kailan ka pa kakalas sa akin? Mukhang nasarapan ka yata sa paghawak mo sa braso ko."

Awtomatiko akong napalayo sa kanya. Hindi ko namalayang napahawak pala ako ng mahigpit sa kanya sa sobrang kaba. Uminit ang pisngi ko sa kahihiyan.

"Tss.." Irap lang at asik ang naitugon ko sa kanyang pang-aasar.

"What are you doing here?" Naging tanong niya. "You shouldn't go in this kind of place." Sumeryoso siya.

"Why do you care? I just want to check out something." Nagkibit-balikat ako at akmang aalis sana nang pigilan niya ako sa braso.

"If you are planning on something that may harm you, please cancel it instead. You shouldn't let yourself involve into this situation."

Base sa tono ng pananalita niya ay mukhang may alam siya. At ngayon ko lang siyang nakitang seryoso.

Hinawi ko ang kanyang kamay. "I don't care if it may harm me, so please leave me alone. This shouldn't concern you."

Humakbang ako paalis. Nakakailang hakbang pa ako nang magsalita siya.

"Join my gang then." He offered.

I frozed on what he said. Napalingon ako sa kanya. He was serious to his offer.

Pumamulsa siya at unti-unting lumalapit sa akin.

"Join my gang and you can do whatever you want under my sleeves." He whispered on my ear.