Zein's Point of View
There was no one to blame. It is what it is. I'd just be happy knowing he wasn't as miserable as I was.
The next day, I wasn't surprised when I got to the SSG office and Supremo wasn't there. Only Teacher Kath and Onel Ty were in the room. I went straight to my desk and started organizing documents, trying to stay busy to avoid thinking about the person who, as it turned out, wasn't coming back.
Then the door opened, and Supremo walked in. Our eyes met for a second, but he quickly looked away and headed to his table. I tried to act normal, but I was so tense I accidentally stapled my finger. I hurried to put it in my mouth to stop the bleeding. Supremo's gaze met mine for a split second before I jerked away.
I watched him from the corner of my eye. He was tearing up the logbook. Eventually, I finished my tasks and risked a look at him. He was slumped over his desk, sleeping. His glasses were crooked, and he looked absolutely exhausted.
I want to go to you. To fix your messy hair and take off your glasses so your neck won't get sore. But I know I can't. You're happy now, and I don't want to mess that up.
The door swung open, and Angel walked in. She spared me a glance before heading to Supremo. I wanted to stop her—he clearly needed sleep—but I could only watch. She tapped his shoulder, and he stirred awake, looking drowsy. The moment he saw her, he got up, and they walked out together without a word.
"Classes are suspended," Vice Ty suddenly said. "General meeting."
At the cafeteria, I broke the news to my friends. "Classes are cancelled. General meeting at one o'clock in the gymnasium."
"What's this even about?" Vanessa asked. I just shrugged. Months had passed since the last one, and that didn't end well. I had a bad feeling.
When we reached the gym, it was silent. I walked to the front with the other SSG officers. I glanced at Supremo; his eyes were closed again. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. I wondered if he and Angel had been together all night. I did my part to save his position—the rest was his choice.
Then the admins arrived: Madame Violet, Francisco, Nurse Cha, and a man who looked terrifyingly familiar. My eyes widened. It was the man from the hidden laboratory. Why was he with the admins? He caught my eye and smirked.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," Madame Violet began. The air felt suffocating. "I have been waiting to say this. The end is here!"
Cheers broke out, but the tightness in my chest worsened. "Are you tired of this hell? Just a little longer, and you can finally be free. The formula that can bring back the dead is soon to be completed."
I knew it. We were too late.
"Once this is finished, this university can finally open. You can finally go out," she continued, her face turning deadly serious. "But I need your cooperation."
The gym doors burst open. People in lab gowns marched in and locked the exits. Madame Violet and the admins put on gas masks.
"For now... just get some rest."
In an instant, thick smoke spread through the room. People began screaming, coughing, and struggling to breathe. I tried to reach my friends through the haze.
"Zein!" I heard Matt and Mia calling out.
"I'm here..." I whispered, clutching my throat. My lungs felt like they were collapsing.
Just as I was about to hit the floor, someone wrapped their arms around me. Even in the chaos, I knew the feel of him. Ace. We hit the floor together, but he didn't let go. He held me as if he'd never let go again.
I was so scared last night. Scared that I'd lose control and be selfish enough to fight for him. Hurting him was stupid. I had said things I couldn't take back. But I was willing to get hurt now. It might be too late, but I couldn't lie anymore.
His grip on me tightened.
"S-Supremo?" I forced the words out through the smoke.
"Darling... please come back," he whispered.
That was all it took. The tears came, hot and fast. "I am here now."