POV: Hex
(Flashback — earlier that morning)
School was closing.
The bell rang and everybody rushed out like the floor was on fire. I walked beside Mila, my bag hanging on one shoulder. The sun was bright, but my head felt heavy.
"Charles," Mila said suddenly.
"Umm?" I answered.
She looked at me carefully. "Why do you let Marco do that to you?"
I frowned. "Do what?"
"Not bully-bully," she said quickly. "But… spreading rumors."
I stopped walking. "What rumors?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "There's one that you're only here because of a scholarship. And another that you walk home every day because nobody wants you."
I laughed softly. Not because it was funny—but because it was stupid.
"False rumors don't become true just because people repeat them," I said.
"They just show who likes talking too much."
Mila smiled a little. "You're weirdly calm."
We kept walking.
Then—bam.
We bumped into someone.
A smoothie almost spilled, but the cup tilted back just in time.
Marco.
He stared at me like he was waiting for me to react.
I didn't.
I just walked past him.
Because if his mom is my mom…
Then that means—
He's probably my little brother.
"Wow," Marco said loudly. "No manners now?"
Mila turned. "You guys should stop."
One of Marco's friends laughed and shoved Mila.
That's when something inside me snapped.
I pushed the boy back—not hard, just enough to make him step away.
Mila fell, and I quickly helped her up.
"You okay?" I asked.
She nodded.
Marco sneered. "Look who's trying to be a hero."
My bag slipped from my shoulder and fell.
Before I could pick it up—
Marco stepped on it.
My heart jumped.
"No...no....no ," I whispered. "Not my bag."
Jay gave me that bag.
I pushed Marco back, just enough to free it.
Then—splash.
Cold smoothie poured down my hair.
Mila gasped. "Hey, Marco! What was that for?!"
I didn't answer.
I picked up my bag and walked away while Marco shouted behind me. The Washroom
I locked myself in the washroom and tried to wipe my hair with tissue.
It didn't work.
The mirror showed sticky stains and messy hair.
I stared at myself.
Ignore him, Hex.
Don't cause trouble.
Don't make Jay worry.
A knock came.
"Hex?" Mila's voice. "I'm sorry about what Marco did."
I opened the door.
I shook my head. "It's okay."
She looked at me. "Is it okay if my dad drops you home? He'll allow."
I thought for a second.
"…Okay."
I texted Aunty Luna that I'd go with Mila's dad and that she should go home straight.
Going Home
Mila's dad arrived and let me sit in the car.
"I'm sorry for the seat," I said quietly, looking at the stain.
He chuckled. "It's nothing, son."
When we reached my place, Mila looked around.
"Wow," she said. "Your house is cool."
"It's actually my sister's house " I said.
She smiled. "Still."
Before I went inside, she called my name.
"Hex?"
I turned.
"Can I come over this Saturday?"
I nodded. "Sure. I could use some company."
She waved as I went in.
Home
Aunty Katherine was in the kitchen.
"Good evening," I said from the stairs.
"Welcome back, dear," she replied.
I went straight to my room, took a bath, and changed into a top and shorts.
I sat on my bed.
"Mom…" I whispered.
"How could you have such a bad son?"
My eyes burned, but I didn't cry.
I picked up my phone.
The wallpaper was me and Jay.
I stared at it for a long time.