Chapter 2. None of Your Business

I felt electricity.  

I have never seen him here. Is he a new student?  

He just walked away and my brother just raised his eyebrows at me and said, “Look at where you’re walking sis,” He ruffled my hair and waved at me, “I’ll see you at lunch,”  

“Don't bother, I'll eat in the bathroom.” I retorted.  

“I’ll find you there and force you to eat with me. You're not going to say no to me.”  

I just shook my head and went to my biology class. It's a good thing that I hopped in my brother’s car as I just arrived on time. It was boring as usual, as I’m not some genius, I’m just on the average level. The next period was physical education, and I went to the locker room to change.  

“Bitch.” I rolled my eyes as I heard the familiar high-pitched voice from behind me.  

“Oh Stef, what a lovely day to see you.” I sarcastically said, and she pushed me to the lockers. I felt the sharp metal graze my skin, and I could feel it was going to bruise later on.  

“Stop lurking in my boyfriend's room.” She warned, and I laughed.  

“You are what? Boyfriend? Bryce? Did not know you were this delusional.” I said, “He’s just my brother, don't be jealous.”  

She gritted her teeth, “You promised not to get near Bryce, don’t forget that,” she said snarkily, and the bell rang, time for the next period.  

“Well, promises are meant to be broken,” I replied, and she was about to attack me when I pushed her face away, throwing her face into the lockers.  

My eyes widened, surprised at how strong I was. It seemed that Stef also didn’t expect that I would fight back. She was taken aback.  

“Oh, my hand slipped.” I sarcastically said, grabbing this opportunity. “So you have any more things to say? I’ll be going now.”  

She breathed hard, glaring at me, “How dare you!”  

But I was already walking away and flashed her my middle finger, not bothered now. To hell with it. Report me all you want, I have nothing to lose now. I’m done with everything.  

I muttered a curse as I got to my physics class, knowing I’m late. “I’m sorry I’m late Mr…”  

“Mr. Jones. I’m the substitute teacher.” A deep voice said. Seeing his green eyes under his glasses, I remembered he was the man I bumped into earlier…  

I dropped my gaze, cursing under my breath. So he’s our physics teacher.  

“And why are you late, Miss? Care to tell me your name?” He asked, crossing his arms in front of him so that I could see his white long-sleeved shirt hug his muscles intricately. He’s also too tall for me, so I have to look up.  

I cleared my throat, remembering he was asking me a question. I was just a bit distracted by his body. I’m Kira Ityzayana Fernandez. I apologize, Mr. Jones, I just happened to run into someone outside.”  

“Alright, Ms.Fernandez. Go to the detention room.” He said, handing me a yellow paper. I sighed and went to my seat.  

The rest of the class ended up not going well. I somehow got Mr. Jones annoyed as he kept on calling me.  

As soon as the bell rang everyone ran outside for lunch. I waited for them to leave before approaching Mr. Jones’ table.  

“Excuse me but do you have a problem with me, Mr. Jones?” I asked bravely. Better discuss it now as I'm afraid I won’t survive the rest of his class like this.  

His gaze went up from the paper he was reading and looked at me, “Don’t be late next time and we won’t have any problems, Miss Fernandez.” 

I sighed. Why is it a big deal? He could have let this slide now… but I won’t let someone just do me like that. “Yeah, and as if that’s a big deal.”  

He must have taken it as a challenge and stood up, towering over me, “Do you want to add some disciplinary hours or clean the entire school, miss?”  

I wanted to glare at him but stopped myself. I placed my hand on the table, intentionally glazing my hand over his, and he suddenly stopped, his eyes widening. His gaze matched mine, as if in a trance, and I dared to meet his gaze, not backing down.  

He blinked, averting his gaze to the ground. “L-leave. Make sure not to be late next time.”  

What was that? It felt strange, but I didn’t comment further as I just turned around to leave and rolled my eyes.  

I wasn't able to eat lunch properly with Stef glaring at me from the popular’s table and all the way to my table.  

I have never even seen my step-brother who promised to have lunch with me today. He must be busy with his friends as Stef is not with him now. Time flew by, and as the rest of the periods finished, I went to the detention room but ended up meeting with Stef for the millionth time now.  

I rolled my eyes, “Why do you always look for me? You’re so obsessed.”  

She then quickly marched to me and harshly threw her hands on my face, hitting me. “That’s payback for earlier.”  

I stood there with a stinging cheek and said, “Wow, cool.” I mocked, “Who knew you could throw a slap.”  

She put her hands on her hips as she looked at me disgustingly, “Why are you surprised at my fighting spirit today?”  

“Why are you being extra bitchy today?” I replied back, expecting her hand again on my face, so I quickly stopped her. “And no, I just let you hit me earlier. I don’t have time for this stupid thing.”  

I quickly left her there, her mouth widened, and I made my way to the detention room. I hissed a bit, covering my cheek so no one would notice the red mark on my cheek.  

It’s a good thing that the place was empty, except for a student I am not familiar with.  

“Hi!” he greeted me as soon as he saw me, “I’m Mark. I’m new here.”  

I nodded and just quietly sat there, not in the mood to talk to anyone now.  

It seemed he didn’t get my gesture as he continued talking, “I got lost at this school, ended up late so now I’m here…What about you?  

“Got late too,” I replied curtly.  

“That’s cool!” His hands were in the air to give me a high five, but I just ignored it. He pouted, looking disappointed, but then Mr. Jones arrived.  

He looked at both of us and sat down on the desk. His gaze trailed on me longer, his eyebrows furrowing, “Those kids are hurting you?”  

‘That’s not your business.”  

I wanted to say that but stopped myself. He seemed to have heard it enough or I was readable enough for him to know what I was thinking.  

I expected him to intimidate me, but what he did surprise me. His eyes softened and he looked at me as if he really cared. “I’m your teacher, Miss Fernandez. Tell me who did it, and I’ll punish them.”  

I sighed, “As if the school system has something new to offer. Students will always be bullied, and teachers won’t care.”  

As soon as I was finished, Mark beside me burst into laughter. Mr. Jone gave him a glare and he mouthed an apology, but still kept on laughing.  

He threw a thumbs up at me, “That was epic!”  

“Quiet there, Mr. Mark. Start to write down your apology letter.” Mr. Jones responded, which wiped the smile off his face.  

Mr. Jones motioned for me to follow him, “I’ll get you to my personal office.”  

I furrowed my eyebrows. Why did I need to be at his personal office? Despite feeling a bit off, I still followed him.  

Now that I noticed it, he seemed to be in his late twenties, somehow ten years older than me. And if he dared to do something weird, my hands had already done some training earlier from slapping so I guess we’re good to go.  

As soon as we arrived at his office, he closed the door and made me sit on the chair in front of the desk. There was a pizza lying on the desk.  

“Eat.” His voice said as he loosened his shirt. I gulped, looking at how his biceps were clearly evident under his white shirt with every move.  

“Why? Is this still detention?” I dared to ask, wondering why eating pizza had a connection with my “punishment for being late”.  

“Yes.” he simply said, opening his folders and signing some papers. I blinked, finding this oddly strange but still following what he ordered. I could argue with him, but I mean, it’s a free snack. Since I hadn’t eaten my lunch properly earlier, I guess I could call this a blessing. And blessings should not be ignored.  

I munched on the pizza and I caught him stealing some glances while focusing on his paper.  

“Put a cold compress on your cheek.” He suddenly said, breaking away my thoughts and stopping me from munching the pizza.  

“What?”  

He pointed at the red mark on my cheek, making me know that he was talking about it, “Does it sting?”  

I wiped my hands with the tissue and answered, “Does this bother you that much?”  

His soft eyes that seemed to care for me were gone and turned angry at me, “You keep on muttering fiery retorts at me. I’m your teacher, Miss Fernandez.”  

“Then act like one.”  

Both of us were surprised by my retort.  

Okay, that’s it. My heart clenched, instantly regretting what I had just said. I kept on pushing his limit. I'm surprised I’m not being called by the principal now...  

He took a deep breath, trying to control his temper as I could see his jaw clenching and unclenching.