"It's because I really need you to tutor me today…"
Of all things, the excuse he came up with was tutoring. Aaron started to doubt whether he had always been such an idiot. Even at the mention of tutoring, Kim did not so much as flinch.
Why are you crying like that? It's so annoying…
He had decided not to care anymore, but wasn't crying kind of unfair?
Her tear-streaked eyes were one thing, but her cheeks were especially red, flushed like plums. The redness stood out starkly against her clear skin, and for some reason, it got on Aaron's nerves. Clicking his tongue inwardly, Aaron took a few steps closer.
"There's a geometry quiz tomorrow."
Even though he was planning to score zero on that stupid quiz anyway, which made all her efforts pointless, he emphasized it because it was the only excuse he could hold on to.
"…Alright. I'll summarize the key points for you."
From the sound of her voice, it seemed she wasn't crying anymore. At that, Aaron turned around. He was about to head straight to the locker room when it suddenly occurred to him—
"I'm going to wash up, so wait for me in the lobby."
If he didn't say it that firmly, she would probably just leave, so he made sure to sound forceful.
"Got it?"
When he asked again to make sure she'd answer, Kim gave a small nod. He couldn't be completely sure if she'd actually nodded or if it just looked that way because her head was lowered, but Aaron decided to take it as a yes.
* * *
"Alright, that's it. Memorize mainly the formulas I showed you."
After finishing the impromptu tutoring session for the quiz at a cafeteria table, I slung my bag over my shoulder weakly.
"Then, even if you mess up, you'll still get at least a C."
"Hey."
Suddenly, Eisenhower looked straight at me. His hazel eyes were filled with discontent.
"Why…"
I didn't even have the energy to argue with him.
"Why were you crying earlier?"
Telling him that I cried because the guy I liked basically saw me as nothing more than a goose that lays A's hurt my pride too much.
"…It's nothing."
I gave a vague answer, but an unexpected question followed.
"Did those kids bully you again?"
Again? My brow furrowed instantly.
"I know… that the kids have been picking on you."
Eisenhower continued.
"Are they making things hard for you—"
"Mind your own business."
The words came out sharper than I intended, and even I was startled, but I kept my face straight.
"What does that have to do with you?"
At that, Eisenhower sneered.
"You're right. It's none of my business, but I still acted all high and mighty. Sorry for being disgusting."
Then he suddenly stood up.
"Come on, I'll drive you home."
"No thanks."
"Then how are you planning to get home?"
Walk, sleep at school, whatever. It didn't matter. Anything was better than getting in a car with Aaron Eisenhower in this mood.
"Hey, still, it's basic courtesy—"
"Chloe!"
Just then, I heard Scott's voice.
"Scott!"
I'd never been so happy to see those round glasses before.
"You're still here?"
When I asked, Scott scratched his cheek and replied, "Ah, yeah… Something came up…"
"Perfect. Then give me a ride home."
Eisenhower let out a short, humorless laugh. Without saying another word, he walked straight through the cafeteria and out into the lobby.
"Uh… Well, that's no problem."
Scott hesitated, sensing the strange atmosphere, then asked, "Did something happen with Aaron…?"
"No?"
"…Really?"
Scott nodded belatedly and said, "Let's go, then."
"Yeah."
And just like that, I got into Scott's car and headed home.
* * *
The next day.
"During today's recess, all juniors and seniors, please gather in the indoor auditorium."
Before the first period began, the student council president, Derek's voice came through the speakers. Instantly, the girls started whispering to each other with excited faces.
"They're probably doing it today."
"I'll vote for you."
"What's the point? Brittany's going to win anyway."
…What on earth were they talking about? I was just wondering that when I heard snickering from behind me. It was Kyle the clown and a few of Eisenhower's lackeys. Whatever they were planning, they were laughing so hard they could fall over.
"Hey, that's awesome. You're really going to do it that way?"
"Of course."
Not understanding what their little scheme was, I tilted my head in confusion when the teacher struck the podium.
"Quiet down. Class is starting."
With that, the first period began, and the students' chatter subsided, only to return in full force after the third period ended.
"Let's go."
"I'm so nervous."
"Don't worry, you're definitely going to be one of the candidates."
"Hey, you too."
Following the groups of students laughing and chattering as they headed toward the indoor auditorium, I slipped in behind them and took a random seat near the back.
"Alright, thank you for gathering here. During this break, we'll be voting for the Homecoming Princess and Queen candidates."
The moment the student council president finished speaking on stage, the students erupted into cheers.
"Juniors, please write down the names of three classmates you think are suitable to be the Homecoming Princess, and seniors, write down three classmates suitable to be the Homecoming Queen."
As soon as Derek finished his explanation, student council members began handing out sheets of paper.
"After you finish voting, please drop your papers into the ballot box in front of me according to your grade."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the students began scribbling names on their papers. Ah, so this was what had everyone so excited. I finally understood why the girls had been buzzing about it all morning.
Hmm, then who should I write?
The only girl I really knew here was the female lead, Brittany Anderson.
Alright then. I'll just write Brittany three times.
Without much thought, I wrote down Brittany Anderson's name three times, stood up, and walked toward the ballot box. I could feel Derek Pearson's persistent gaze on me, but I purposely avoided looking in his direction. I dropped my paper into the box and left the auditorium, staring at the floor the whole way out.
After a busy day, the last class, World History, was almost over when it happened.
Ding-Dong-Ding~
"We have a brief announcement."
At the sound of the principal's voice, the girls clasped hands with their friends and looked up at the speakers. Bri and her entourage did the same.
"We will now announce the candidates for Homecoming Princess and Queen."
"Kyaa!"
"Bri, don't worry. You're totally going to make it."
Bri sat pretending to be calm, but I could tell.
Bri, you're really excited, huh.
Her flushed cheeks said it all. Of course, I already knew she would become Homecoming Princess, but Bri didn't. No wonder she was so thrilled. She looked so cute that I couldn't help but smile like a proud mom.
"The first candidate for Homecoming Princess."
The classroom went dead silent at the principal's words.
"…Brittany Anderson."
"Kyaa! Bri!"
"Guys, quiet down. There are more candidates."
"Still!"
Over the noise of her excited friends and Bri's attempts to calm them, the principal called another name.
"And the final candidate for Homecoming Princess."
Oh, so there were three in total. I was waiting absentmindedly for the announcement to end when an unexpected name reached my ears.
"Chloe Kim."
What? For a second, I thought I'd misheard.
"Wow! Congrats, loser!"
Thunderous applause burst from the back of the classroom. It was the boys who acted as Eisenhower's lackeys.
"Hey, I voted for you."
They all grinned at me as they spoke.
"I voted for you, too. Aren't you grateful?"
That's when I finally realized it. They'd put my name down just to make fun of me again…
"Don't worry, nerd. Homecoming Princess is practically yours already."
"Quiet down!"
The announcement for the Homecoming Queen candidates wasn't over yet, so Mr. Heinz stepped in to calm the rowdy boys.
"…That concludes the announcements. Good luck to all the selected candidates."
When the broadcast ended, the teacher dismissed the class. The students squealed and congratulated Bri. Of course, I received "congratulations" too, but they were mocking.
"Hey, do your best, loser."
"You can do it!"
"Guys, our nerd is aiming for Homecoming Princess~!"
Seeing the boy talking loudly right there in the hallway, I sighed. My eyes stung with tears. What had I done so wrong to them? Why did they seize every opportunity to make fun of me? I didn't even have the courage to go to my locker. If I went, they'd definitely tease me again…
Just then, someone knocked on the classroom door.
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