Reyna Hustisya: Righteous Outlaw (Dauntless Series #1)

Chapter 6: Maniacal Mystery

With uncanny accuracy, computers predict behavior by sifting through mountains of data about customers collected by businesses. Called predictive analytics, this automated crystal ball gazing has become a $2.3 billion industry in the United States and is on track to reach $3 billion by 2008
- Chicago Tribune
(The Broken Window)

We became the subject of the different intensities of nosy stares coming from the students. Sure, there were people loving the scene but I knew some eyes who were dying to kill me.

"Go back to the States," utos ko sakanya pagkatapos ng isang buntong hininga.

"I won't. Let's talk first," he insisted.

"We shouldn't be talking right now," I told him na pinanlalakihan siya ng mata. I wanted to shout it on his face!

I was about to walk away when he spoke.

"Do you want these people to think you're the bitter one in this break-up?"

Napangiti ako ng pilit sa kanyang sinabi. A fake sweet smile sa gagong to. He really knew how to get on my nerves.

"At 4PM, pick me up," I said, still wearing the stupid forced smile on my face as I turned my back on him and walked away.

But even before I could make a distance, I heard him giggle. I could feel his stares and his pestering smile following me until I turned around a corner and disappear from his sight.

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makapasok sa restroom na nadaanan ko. Para akong nakatakas sa isang mainit na hearing kung saan ako ang nasasakdal. All because of one pair of blank eyes from the crowd of nosy students earlier. He was there, staring... only at me. And that made me feel an unexplainable feeling. Something wrong. Something close to guilt. I can't fucking decrypt! Ang sigurado lang ako ay ang kabang naramdaman ko kasabay nun. Bakit ko ba nararamdaman 'to in the first place?

I took a deep breath before composing myself.

I went straight to my last class at nakitang wala pa masyadong tao roon dahil may lampas trenta minuto pa naman bago magsimula ang klase. Tumungo ako sa upuang katabi ni Jade na nandito na kanina pa and sat there this time. She looked at me, gulat at nagtatanong ang mga mata.

"I'm sitting here from now on, you're the only one I know in this class," I said to which she gave a nod.

My classmates glanced at her. Some girls rolled their eyes subalit hindi iyon nakita ni Jade dahil hindi pa rin siya tumigil sa paninitig sa akin.

"Ask away," I spoke.

"Huh?"

I looked at her, raising a brow.

"You look like you have something to ask."

Nag-isip pa siya bago ngumiti at sinabing, "Uh, nevermind. Baka di mo gusto ang itatanong ko. Sorry, chismosa lang talaga."

"Is it about Luke?"

Alanganin naman itong tumango, "Nagkabalikan ba kayo?" sa huli ay nagtanong rin.

"Nope. We remain friends, he's just generally sweet," I reasoned out.

Well, totoo naman yun. Magkaibigan kami ni Luke and he's naturally sweet to everyone. He's caring kahit kay Zarine.

Tumango ulit itong si Jade at ibinaba ang tingin sa bulaklak na binigay ni Luke. "Sayang," sambit niya.

Tiningnan ko siya nang masama na tinawanan niya lang. "Biro lang," she said.

Umirap ako at unti-unting ngumiti. Atleast she's joking around me now. Komportable na nga ata siya sa presensya ko.

Heeding to my words, I saw Luke outside the room just when the prof was already discussing some reminders for dismissal. Paglabas ay naabutan ko siyang nakasandal sa railings with both of his hands inside his pockets. He instantly gave me a sweet smile when his eyes landed on mine. Inirapan ko lang siya and gestured him to lead the way.