Viewpoint: Hérèse
I truly regretted giving him so much freedom.
Since she had managed to escape, she seemed to regard my body as property that she could use as she pleased; luckily she was kind enough to leave me enough control so that I could then bear the consequences of her decisions and above all pain everywhere, a reputation I did not want and a class that seemed to have forgotten how to behave normally.
And now what do I do? I should never have started.
You could at least admit that I saved you
she said to me in an exasperatingly calm manner.
– (I didn't ask you for any of this)
Asked? Are you serious?
Only you matter, and what about me? I remind you that you created me to save your idiot ass. Did you ask for my opinion? You even dared to get rid of me. Do you really think I'm helping you? Hahahahaha, don't make me laugh.
You overestimate yourself.
Silence
I turned my head towards the students who had gathered near the door this time. The twins were a little too involved.
– How do we stop this?
She gave a little laugh before falling silent, which was probably her way of letting me enjoy the situation.
I looked away, preferring to play it cool and let the fire go out on its own.
My attention naturally turned back to my notebook, but I had no more exercises to complete.
Unfortunately, the commotion in the room continued to grow. Conversations broke down as soon as I looked up, while other students approached my desk under pretexts so unconvincing that they deserved better preparation.
How awful.
At the bell, I packed up my things with the intention of leaving the room to take refuge in the toilets before a new admirer came to grab me by the collar, their insistent gaze is too creepy but once again I had not yet reached the corridor when a boy from the neighboring class stood in front of me.
– Hérèse , do you have a minute?
– No.
He blinked, visibly surprised by my answer, before I moved him aside enough to get through.
I could have considered this encounter a personal victory if I hadn't crossed paths with this group of students who obviously seemed to be there by pure coincidence.
I slowed down and turned on the tap at a sink, hoping they would eventually leave because they were watching me wash my hands, but one of them still came forward, his hands gripping the straps of his bag.
– We wanted to talk to you about what's happening at school.
I raise my hand and cut him off with a clean gesture.
– I am not the management
– Then let's talk to management about it.
What a naive person!
– Do as you wish.
My response was immediate, almost bitter.
Behind him, a girl nodded before casting a worried glance at the older students who occupied the end of the corridor.
I wasn't very familiar with the unwritten rules of the establishment, but I don't think this girl should be here.
– You're already their target, we just want to stop their dictatorship, we can help
Ironic
– And you think I can fix this? Why didn't you revolt, or do I look like an easy target?
They lowered their eyes, then raised them again with a determination that seemed to me dangerously misplaced.
– no
– You beat Jack, you're new and you have the authority of a leader. If anyone can stand up to them, it's you.
I stared at him for a few seconds, unable to decide whether to laugh or advise him to see a doctor. He had clearly forgotten that I hadn't won this duel thanks to a brilliant strategy, but because…
– and damn it, you've got the wrong person, I finally said.
I am not seeking to lead anyone and I do not want to fight against upperclassmen.
"You don't need to do that, we're behind you," a voice interjected from behind me.
Jack
– They have already decided to join our party
I turned around.
Maëva was also at the meeting with her hands in her pockets and her usual expression of boredom deeply etched on her face.
– You're being too modest, you think you're better than us, or do you just want to join the oppressors?
–...
Justifying myself will lead nowhere
Maëva gave me a look that clearly encouraged me to choose a side.
"Several students want to meet after class," she explained. "We want to discuss what we can do to change things. We'd like you to come."
– You won't come, will you?
– But don't worry, you don't have to
My jaw was open, this girl is dangerous
– You want me to become your leader just because I beat a boy in an arena. I think I've heard enough nonsense for one day.
I plunged into the crowd and left the toilets without waiting for their reply.
Maëva followed me first, accompanied by Jack who was dragging himself along on one leg, and I even heard him stifle a laugh when we were far enough away that the others could no longer hear us.
– Is it a school or a center for madmen?
She burst out laughing, but her amusement subsided when we arrived near our classroom.
Two older students were standing there, arms crossed. I had already seen them around Alex before the duel
One of them detached itself from the wall to block our passage.
– Are you hérèse ?
– Damn, it's the guy behind here coming
Then, ignoring him, I tried to slip between the two of them to get in. But he ignored my reply and examined my face with unpleasant attention.
– You've made a lot of noise these past few days.
My brain is really starting to overheat.
Students were starting to gather behind them, and some were even commenting on things that were none of their business.
– I didn't ask you for anything.
My teeth were grinding against each other.
The musclemen were getting a little too big for my liking.
"If you have a problem, make an appointment, I am not free today," I replied.
– You'd better remember that.
He finally moved aside, but his gaze remained fixed on me as I passed. I continued on my way without speeding.
Maëva waited until everyone had left the path before rushing towards me and trying to whisper in my ear,
I cover his mouth.
– move away
She frowned and glared at me.
– I hope they break that beautiful face of yours
– Would you mind shutting up?
Maëva leaned forward slightly, then a slow smile appeared on her face.
– I advise you not to have me as an enemy.
I nodded without promising anything.
I just wanted to go home now.