Zein's Point of View
I feel so weak, I can't do anything but watch as people keep attaching various things to my body. Everything is hazy, even their faces, but I can see they were in surgical masks and lab coats...
That was the only thing I could remember when I woke up in a vast white room. My eyes wandered around the unfamiliar space, and there was nothing in it except the white bed I was lying on. No windows either. A single fluorescent light was all that lit the place. There was a door, but it was shut tight. I glanced down at what I was wearing. I was still in my school uniform.
I tried to move my legs, expecting a sharp surge of pain, but nothing. There was no soreness or even a trace of being hit by a thick metal pipe. I sat up, my brows furrowed in confusion, then reached for my back but felt nothing either. It was impossible for me to be dead because I could feel myself breathing. What on earth happened? Where was I?
The door suddenly swung open, and a man in a lab gown and surgical mask stepped inside. He shot me a quick glance, then approached and started examining my legs. "Does it hurt anywhere? Even a little?" he asked, still scanning my legs as if he were looking for something.
"Nothing, sir."
But even though I wasn't in pain, my body felt weak, my breaths a little heavier than usual. This place felt suffocating, even though it was spacious. "Good. No scar nor bruise."
He was about to leave, but I called him out. "Wait!" The man stopped just as he was reaching for the doorknob. Then he turned back to look at me. "Where am I?" I asked.
"Sorry, miss, I can't answer your question."
And with that, he finally walked out, leaving me staring at nothing. I sighed and moved my legs again, unable to keep a smile from sneaking in. What kind of treatment did they give me? It was a miracle I wasn't paralyzed. But then the memory of what the other students had done to me flashed through my mind. My hands curled into fists in anger. They should be thankful I was preoccupied with Supremo's condition back then, or else I never would have let them treat me that way. Next time, I wouldn't hesitate to fight back. Fuck them.
All my anger vanished the moment I saw who was standing at the door. His deep eyes behind his glasses were fixed on me, filled with a mix of longing and worry. My chest tightened even more as I met his gaze. "Supreme..."
"You're awake," were the first words to leave his lips. A smile crept onto his face. Just like that, I could breathe again. I didn't know why this guy had this effect on me. It's crazy. Even as he walked toward me, every step he took felt like a thud in my heart that wanted to break free and go to him. I couldn't stop myself from standing up and running toward him. My knees were still weak, so they quickly gave out. But before I could hit the floor, he caught me in his arms.
"Be careful..." he whispered.
I stared at him. "Are you okay now?"
"Are you?" he asked back.
Tears started welling up in my eyes. "I'm really sorry, Ace. If I had only known—"
"No," he cut me off. "I'm sorry, Zein. They targeted you because of me."
I shook my head. I couldn't even speak anymore as my tears finally fell, especially when I remembered the state he was in the last time I saw him. His gasping. The rashes on his body. That was the weakest he had ever looked, and it was all because of me. I gasped when he suddenly lifted me and sat me down on the bed. He sat next to me, wiping away my tears. "I don't know if I could ever forgive myself if something worse had happened to you," he whispered.
I didn't know what Ace was to me, but I knew what I felt for him was different. Special. Impossible to ignore. Something I had never felt before. It even felt impossible to have feelings like this for someone in such a short time. But then again, feelings did not have a specific time to form. They could hit anyone at any moment, even in the worst place for them to grow. Or with the least expected person.
"Y-you scared me..." he stuttered, as if he was embarrassed to admit it. "I thought I would lose you."
Supremo Ace Craige? Scared of losing me? As far as I knew, he was only ever scared of cats. "Are you really okay now?" I checked his face and his arms. The rashes were gone.
He chuckled. "As long as you are good, I'm fine."
There he goes again, saying those things like they were nothing. I didn't believe him, so I kept checking his body. I held his face and stroked his cheek until I found myself looking into his eyes. His glasses were a bit crooked, so I fixed them. "S-Supremo. Why are you so handsome?"
That question came out of nowhere and just slipped out of my mouth. Damn. Maybe his eyes had some kind of power. They hypnotized me. Shit. You're embarrassing, Zein. You just woke up, and you're already blurting out nonsense.
"I don't know," he answered with a chuckle. "I didn't know I was handsome. From what I remember, Matthew's the handsome one to you."
"He is, yeah, but you're different." I tilted my head to get a better look at him. "I don't know why, but there's something else about the way you look."
"Stop it, Zein Shion!" He averted his gaze. "I told you I'm good. You don't need to compliment me just to make me feel better."
"Huh? I didn't say you were handsome just to make you feel better!" I almost rolled my eyes. "I'm just telling you what I'm seeing."
"Really, huh? You're just feeling guilty, aren't you?" He pouted.
I chuckled because I found him cute. But it seemed like he took it the wrong way. "I knew it. You're just messing with me."
"I'm not," I said, biting my lower lip. "And besides, is this the first time someone told you you're handsome?"
"Like I cared enough, until it came from you."
That made me pause. Now it was his turn to smirk. "I miss you..." he whispered.
"Fuck you!"
"I really miss you. Can I hug you again?"
Before I could even answer, he had his arms wrapped around me once more.
One of the things I learned when I entered Hell University was to never close my eyes. To always stay alert because someone out there might be after me. To never let my guard down. But right at this moment, in his arms, I felt safe enough to close my eyes, knowing no one would dare hurt me. I'm falling for him again.
"I admit it, Zein," he said, almost a whisper. "I'm not the noblest man to ever walk this place. I committed sins that I couldn't take back, no matter how much I tried. I'm not proud of them. Most of the time, I just did what I thought was necessary." He ran his hand gently over my back. "I've never felt this before. I never knew killing could feel this right, particularly with you as the reason," he whispered while stroking my hair, while I closed my eyes and leaned my head on his shoulder. "I don't care if I become the most sinful person in the world as long as it's for you."
A tear fell down my cheek. I'm ready to kill for you too, Supremo. I'm ready to become a demon for you. He turned to face me. "I hope you still remember the order I gave and the promise you made to follow it. You only listen to me. You're mine. Stay right here, please. By my side..."
I couldn't promise, but I'd try.
"That is no longer an order from the highest Supreme Student Government. This is an order from someone who cannot afford to lose you."
"I'm just here..." I whispered. "I will always be here, Supremo."
"Do you remember when you said there's no safe place in this hell? I told you there's one. But I didn't say where." I nodded, recalling the moment. It was on the last day of Bloody Week. I just didn't understand it then.
He smiled. "Because the answer is not where..." He moved his face closer to mine. "As long as I am breathing, you are safe. I am Ace Craige, your shield, your bulletproof, your knight... my queen."
He let me lean on his shoulder as silence enveloped us for a moment. I didn't know I could fall this hard for someone. I didn't know I'd find this kind of feeling in this hellhole. We both sat up straight when Madame Violet suddenly walked in. All the blood rushed to my head when her palm landed squarely on Supremo's cheek. "You are such a disappointment," Madame Violet said, her voice shaking with rage. "This is the last warning, Supremo."
Supremo just kept looking at her while holding my arm. Tightly. Madame Violet shot me a quick glance before looking back at Ace. "You're just like Luxury. It's sad, but I can see you're heading for the same fate as the former Supremo."
Supremo stood up in front of her. That was the first time I saw Madame Violet hesitate. Fear flickered in her eyes when Supremo smirked, his gaze burning intensely. "Do you really think I'd let you do what you did back then?" Supremo asked. "You're mistaken. Just try to touch this girl beside me, and I'll give you a taste of a real hell you haven't experienced yet."
There wasn't a trace of humor in his voice. His tone was serious, and we all knew he meant every word. I couldn't help but feel a little scared of what Supremo might actually do. "A-are you threatening me?" the headmistress asked, her voice stuttering, clearly intimidated.
"No. But if you push through with your plans, you really should be scared."
Madame Violet's gaze hardened, her fists clenching tightly. She turned around and quickly stormed out of the room. I grabbed Supremo's hand, making him look at me. His eyes, which had blazed at Madame Violet moments ago, now shimmered as they locked onto me. "You're the one I'm fighting for, so I'll make sure it's even bloodier," he said.
We both looked toward the door when it suddenly opened. Two men in surgical masks entered. I looked at Supremo, who was still smiling at me. I gripped his hand tighter. "It's okay, Zein..." were the last words I heard before I lost consciousness.
I woke up and realized I was back in our room, my friends surrounding me. "Zein! You're finally awake!" Mia cried out, wrapping me tightly in her arms. I smiled as they helped me sit up. Meanwhile, Dave handed me a glass of water. "Does anything still hurt?" Matt asked. I shook my head in response.
"God! You've been out for three days," Vanessa said, stroking my hair. "You smell bad now." I frowned and looked at them to see if Vanessa was telling the truth. "Seriously?" I asked in disbelief. "Do I look like I'm joking? Can't you smell yourself? But thank God, you're finally awake."
I was asleep for three days? That long? "Let's leave her for a bit so she can rest," Jerome suggested, tugging at Vanessa as she resisted. "Oh, come on! What rest? She's been sleeping for three days. Besides, I missed Zein! I want to stay by her side!" Vanessa whined like a child.
"As if she missed you," Jerome joked, leading to Vanessa pulling him out instead. Jerome groaned as she dragged him off. Dave and Mia followed them out.
Matt nodded at me and fixed the pillow behind my back. "Rest up for now, Queen Zein," he said before kissing my forehead and following the others. He called me what? My brows furrowed when I started remembering everything. The people in lab gowns and surgical masks... Was it possible Supremo brought me inside the hidden laboratory? Was that why Madame Violet was so furious? Was that why my recovery felt like a miracle? Damn! Why didn't I think of that sooner?
"Meow." I jumped in surprise when Hoy suddenly hopped onto the bed and sat on my lap. "Hoy!" I exclaimed and quickly gave him a light swat. "You really love surprising me, don't you!"
"Meow."
"Yeah, I miss you too," I replied with a laugh before picking him up and stroking his fur. He suddenly reminded me of Supremo. Damn! I missed him already. I hadn't seen him in three days. Well, I was asleep. But still.
I carried Hoy and peeked out the door. My friends were not there anymore. They'd probably gone to their respective classes. Going outside felt like a necessity all of a sudden. I knew I wouldn't find any peace until I laid eyes on Supremo. I wanted to see him so much. I squared up to the mirror, adjusted my clothes, and gave myself a sniff. I smelled okay. Vanessa was definitely exaggerating.
"Meow."
"You're right, Hoy. We're going to see Daddy Ace," I told the cat, because it felt like he was asking why I was fixing my hair. "I know you miss him."
"Meow."
Once I was satisfied, I left the dorm and started walking, carrying Hoy, who lay quietly in my arms. I frowned when I noticed that the students were treating me differently. They would either bow their heads or quickly step aside whenever they saw me. I'd been used to it since becoming the secretary, but somehow it felt different now. It made me feel like a queen.
"Meow."
"Be quiet, Hoy. I can't understand you. Just be a good boy, okay? Don't startle Supremo, or I'll hit you," I told the cat, feeling like an idiot for talking to him. Surprisingly, he went quiet. The bell rang, signaling that class was about to start. The students around me quickly vanished, leaving me alone in the hallway. They were that terrified of getting caught by Supremo, huh?
But to be fair, he is terrifying. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. A nerd-looking demon. He almost broke my arm and gave me Supreme Mark Warning Number 1.
"Don't you have class?" I froze in my tracks when I heard a voice behind me that made my heart leap. Slowly, I turned to face him. He had his usual poker face, holding his logbook where he'd record everything. "N-none?" I answered, unsure. "Am I not excused? I mean, right? Something happened to me."
"Meow."
His gaze shifted to Hoy. He cleared his throat before speaking. "You are not excused. FYI, Ms. Shion."
I swallowed hard as I met his deep gaze. Shit. I just woke up, and it looked like I was about to get punished already. "You don't need an excuse. You are the queen, after all." He smiled, making me pause. He was about to touch my arm when he saw Hoy staring at him. "Shit," he whispered softly before clearing his throat again. "Follow me," he then ordered.
I complied and followed him into the empty gymnasium. We sat on a bleacher as I placed Hoy on my lap. "How are you feeling?" he started, not looking at me.
"I'm okay... Was I really asleep for three days?" I asked, still in disbelief that I could sleep for that long.
"I intended for that to happen," he said, turning his gaze toward me. "Because you have a new responsibility as the queen of Hell University."
"Queen of—what are you talking about?"
"Roxane Allister is no longer the queen of Hell University. It is you now."
"For real?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?" he asked, sounding a bit irritated.
"No, really?!"
"I am dead serious. And Matthew is the new king."
My eyes suddenly lit up. Even though I only saw Matt as a friend, I still had a crush on him, and I couldn't help but feel a bit giddy. "You're not that happy about what you just heard, huh?" he said mockingly.
I cleared my throat and looked at him with my head held high. "Kneel before me," I commanded.
His brow furrowed again. "And why would I do that?"
"Because I am the queen and you are just the president," I answered smugly, which made him laugh.
"I am still higher than you, Queen Zein. You are only in fourth place, while I am leading the H10." He smirked, clearly showing off again.
"You're number one now?!"
He cleared his throat before nodding proudly. "That's right, Ms. Shion."
"I am so proud of you!" I squealed, making him smile. "What about Matt? Is he also part of H10?"
"Y-yeah? Rank seven—"
"He's so amazing!" I said, actually standing up in excitement. "Wait for me, okay? I need to go congratulate Matt."
I was about to leave, but he quickly grabbed my arm. "You're not going anywhere," he said flatly.
"I am the queen!"
He smirked. "And you know that I do not give a damn." Then he made me sit back down, so I had no choice but to follow.
"Oh, by the way, Supremo. Baby Hoy missed you." I moved the cat closer to him, and he backed away so fast he almost lost his balance. "Get that thing away from me!"
"Matt likes Hoy better," I muttered, pretending to be upset.
He cleared his throat again and asked in an irritated voice, "Why do you keep bringing Matt up?"
"Duh? Of course he's my friend. The first guy who caught my eye."
"But I'm the one who caught your heart."
"You sure about that?" I teased, which annoyed him further.
"Why, am I not?"
"Whatever."
I stood up when I saw Angelica rushing toward us. Her left leg was bleeding, with a nail stuck in it. "S-Supremo. Help me." She collapsed on the floor, unable to move her leg, sweat soaking through her clothes. Even though I didn't understand what was happening, I couldn't help but feel worried. "What happened to you?"
But she just pushed me away. My back slammed into the seat, and Hoy slipped from my arms. Supremo caught me before I could hit the floor. "Damn!" I looked at Angel, who was glaring at me. She screamed again as another nail suddenly plunged into her left leg. My eyes narrowed on a girl standing not too far away, smirking as she played with a nail between her fingers. Nicky.
"Are you okay?" Supremo asked me.
"Meow."
"Angel. She needs treatment," I said.
Supremo looked at Angel, who was crying, and said, "Don't worry. I had the poison removed from the nails, so you'll only feel numbness. You won't die. Not yet."
My spirit lifted as I held onto Supremo's arm. "You just got better, and she tried to hurt you again. Tsk, annoying." I saw Angel helpless and screaming as Nicky pulled her hair. And that spiteful look Angelica shot my way made me think she was up to something bad again. Psh.