Zein's Point of View
Two choices. Both would hurt. I just chose the one that hurt fewer people but saved the rest. Us versus everyone. No regrets. I just hated that it had to happen on what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life.
I couldn't remember how I managed to shower and get dressed that night. All that crying kept me awake, and I only passed out when Mia wrapped me in a hug. I cried over every single scene, every moment we shared—moments that would be etched in my heart forever. I didn't have to forget everything, and I never planned to. I just had to accept it.
So here I was, late for class since I overslept, and my friends didn't even bother waking me. The second I stepped out of the dorm, the odd atmosphere hit me, and the darkness made it even more intense. Even though I was nervous, I kept walking until someone suddenly grabbed my arm. "Don't go out yet." It was Mia.
I was confused, but I managed to stop her from pulling me back toward the dorm. "Please. Just stay in our dorm for now," she pleaded.
"What's going on?"
The seriousness on Mia's face turned into pure worry. Before I knew it, people were starting to surround us. Mia quickly pulled me behind her. "Where are you taking that whore?" Roxane sneered at Mia, her arms crossed.
Mia didn't even give her a proper answer and just gripped my arm tighter. I wanted to ask what was happening, but I didn't even know where to start. What now? I thought everything was over after last night.
"Come on, Zein." Mia tried to pull me away again, but a group of students blocked our path.
"Stop it, please! You guys already hurt her once. Isn't that enough?" Mia cried out.
"What's your problem this time?" I asked, exhausted.
"Acting innocent, huh?" Roxane mocked. "Okay, I will help you catch up. The whole campus now knows what's been going on between you and the Supremo. How he saved you from several punishments, including death."
The crowd started getting rowdy. They were livid. "You're disgusting, Zein Shion. I bet you used some kind of spell on him. Supremo wouldn't stoop this low for someone... like you," she added.
I just stood there, with no intention of backing out. Did they really think I made the most painful decision of my life just to back out now? "Let's get rid of this pest."
"We have to save our Supremo!"
"Such a slut. I am sure she seduced our Supremo."
The girl who spoke last flinched when I caught her eye and raised an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment. At least I managed to attract the Supremo. How about you? Can you?"
"See? She seduced our Supremo! Are you guys gonna let this slide?" Roxane yelled. Pathetic. A few of them stepped closer. I stood tall, even though I could feel Mia's hand shaking against my arm.
"Wait, I just have one question." I let out a dry laugh. "Do you guys know the penalty for laying a hand on me?" Everyone froze. "I am the queen of this university. The current fourth highest. The Supreme Student Government secretary. So, what kind of punishment are you looking for?"
Some of them looked away, while others backed off. I was so tired of this shitty treatment. "D-don't be scared!" Roxane screamed.
"Th-this is wrong. We can't hurt her."
"I'm out."
In an instant, the crowd vanished, leaving just Mia, Roxane, and me. "I am sorry to tell you this, former Queen Roxane, but you are not—and never will be—an exemption to the rules," I said. She just smirked before starting to laugh. "Samantha..."
I froze at that name. "Enough now, Roxane. Just leave Zein alone," Mia snapped.
Roxane took a deep breath. "It pisses me off that I see her in you. It kills me that every time I look at you, I remember her. I see one of the only people I actually considered a friend in this hell."
I was shocked. Samantha. I never would have guessed they were friends. "You look so much like Samantha, it hurts," she said, tears welling. "A friend who left me behind. I thought she'd never leave, but I was wrong."
"She didn't leave you. They killed her—"
"I don't care! She still left me alone. I hate her! I hate you! I hate all of you!"
Roxane bolted away. Mia turned to me. "It's really sad to lose a friend. But that doesn't give her the right to drag innocent people into her mess."
Afterward, I headed straight to the SSG office. From a distance, I could see the Supremo. My heart started racing. I stopped right in front of him. "We're being called to the admin office," he said flatly, walking ahead of me. I followed him. Madame Violet, Francisco, Teacher Kath, and Vice Ty were all there.
"I am stripping Supremo Ace Craige of his power," Madame Violet said.
I looked up instantly. "Th-that's too much!" Teacher Kath protested.
"The SSG president shouldn't be involved with anyone!" Madame Violet's voice rose. "Emotions are nothing but a hindrance, and President Ace broke that rule!"
"We don't even have proof," Teacher Kath argued.
"Fine," Francisco said, looking at me. "Let's hear it from the secretary herself."
"I know something is going on between the two of you," Madame Violet insisted.
"You saw it, then. There's no sense in hiding—"
"Stop it!" I shouted, cutting Supremo off. I will do anything for you, Ace. Even if I have to hurt you. "Supremo and I were never a thing. Nothing happened between us," I lied.
A deafening silence filled the room. "Because I am his secretary. The freaking secretary of this hell!" I knew denying him would break him.
"One question, one answer," Francisco asked. "Did you ever, even once, love Ace Craige?"
"No."
I closed my eyes as the chair next to me slammed down and the door swung shut. Supremo was gone. "I believe Zein Shion," Francisco said. Madame Violet stood up. "Fine! Supremo Ace Craige is suspended for a week. Mr. Onel Ty will take over for now."
I bolted out and went to the Secret Garden. "You know what hurts more than being left alone?" I heard his voice. I didn't look up. "Being denied by the girl I am willing to scream for the most."
My tears finally fell. "Just leave me alone, please. I don't wanna hear your voice anymore."
"Am I really that easy to let go?"
"YES!"
I stood up and met his eyes. "Love you?" I laughed, even though it felt like my heart was being ripped out. "Who could ever love you? You are just a poor, pathetic, heartless man. You're a devil!"
Ace Craige smiled at me, tears streaming down his face. Every forced chuckle felt like a blade twisting inside me. "Just stop, Ace. I'm perfectly content without you."
"I can't. I'm not good at lying like you."
"Can you do me a favor?" he asked. In one swift move, he pulled me close. He kissed me.
"Fight, Zein. I want you to fight. Not for me. For your friends. And most of all, for yourself. Don't worry. I'm still breathing, and a promise is a promise. I am still your knight, your shield, and no matter what happens, you will always be my queen."
He walked away. I'll fight. Not just for myself or my friends. I'll shed every drop of blood I have for you. Until I drown in it. Until I die, my king.