Wherever I turn around, I caught everyone looking at me. Their scrutinizing stares boring holes behind my back.

So much to believe that the crowd didn't seem convinced. I thought.

Contrary to what Ashton said, and based on how they look at me, I am confident that the students of Costados believe the nonsense show that the ex-golden couple pulled early this morning. Some students who never talk or even look at me before trying to strike up a conversation with me. Which I find both exhilarating and strange.

I blend in to the jostling crowd, which is quite a difficult task because wherever place I go, the big toy draws too much attention. When I decided to give it back, Ashton insisted that I should bring it with me. I cannot leave it to the locker because it's too big for its own good.

When I arrived at the cafeteria's entrance, my eyes ware directed to the fiery-orange head girl. Mia does not appear to be her usual cheerful self. Her usual smile pulled into a frown on her lips. She appears to be completely dejected.

I walked in their direction when suddenly a tall figure stood in my way. When I looked up, I was greeted by a pair of dark brown eyes.

"Hey," Phillip said.

"Hi..." My brows lifted as I moved forward. Phillip would take steps forward, and if I sidestepped, he would also sidestep, preventing me from passing through. He scratched the back of his head and bit his lip. "Um, could you accompany me to the SC office? I have some stuff to run for the school festival."

"But the festival isn't until next month..."

"Please?" He pleaded, I sigh in surrender.

"Is Mia okay?" I asked, looking back behind us.

"She... She will be all right." he said, "I guess."

Phillip led the way to the SC office, which was located on the west side of the school. Mia's face flashed before my eyes. I wonder what makes her feeling so down. Is she upset with me because of what she witnessed this morning? What if she never speaks to me again? Is this FO for the both if us? I shook my head vehemently. Mia isn't that shallow. But what if? Phillip nudged my shoulder, pulling me out of my trance.

"Nice bear," Phillip started, motioning to the toy that was bigger than my arms. I adjust it on my arms.

"Phillip?" I asked softly. "I have something to tell you." He glanced at me, motioning me to continue.

"I know you heard the news early this morning, and I apologize for not telling you."

"What news?" he clarified. I blinked repeatedly, my mouth agape. He chuckled, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Of course I heard about it; at this school, news travels as fast as light waves," he explained. "I understand your reasons for not telling us, but it's sad to know that you don't trust us enough to keep your relationship with him hidden."

There is no relationship to tell actually, at least not in romance sense. But I still lied and hid my past encounters with him. Which adds to the guilt nibbling me inside.

"I'm sorry, I just... "

"Friends are supposed to tell each other's secrets, even the dirtiest and filthiest secrets. We're here to understand. Trust is the most valuable element in friendship, Anna."

"Why do you always have to give such good lectures? You should study theology and become a seminarian someday."

He chuckled, fondly ruffling my hair in a sisterly manner. "If that makes you happy, I'll consider it."

"Are the guys upset with me?" I inquired hesitantly. Silence engulfed us. The only sound I could hear was our shoes clucking against the pavement. When Phillip gave me a grim look, my heart constricted.

"It will ease off. Just give them some time. They're just hurt especially Mia because it's sort of a slap of betrayal for her." He offered me a sympathetic smile. "Cheer up. They will get it over soon. Just wait for me here, okay? I'll be back."

I nodded. I know Phillip brought me here with him to keep me from the awkward lunch and dreadful interrogations. He pushed the door and went inside the beige room with a sign written in uppercase 'STUDENT COUNCIL ORG' above the door.

The west side of the school is strangely quiet; there are no students milling about. I inhaled sharply, taking in the fresh air provided by the old trees around me. In front of the building is a landscape garden full of blooming roses, daisies, tulips, gerberas, chrysanthemums, and other flowers. A man-made waterfall surrounded by large rocks sits in the garden's hub. This place is breathtakingly beautiful. I sat down on the wooden bench provided on the eastern side of the room when I heard a loud thud not far from where I was sitting.

I stayed silent, waiting for another sound to follow if I had simply misheard something. My heart dropped when I heard the ruffling of trees and grunts. With a frantic beating heart, I cautiously approached the bushes a few meters away. "Who's there?" my voice echoed nervously as I advanced toward the noise.

I peered through the bushes and saw a man sitting on the freshly mowed grass, his back to me. He picked out the dried leaves stuck to his spiky hair one by one. I narrowed my eyes and backed away when I snapped a twig beneath my shoes and the guy jerked his head at me. My eyes squinted in recognition.

"Jeffty? What are you doing there?"

"That's a very bad landing," he murmured, standing up and dusting his shirt. He stretched his arms like a cat, then rubbed his aching butt. A looked at him and then up to the fence. It's no surprise that he had to jump over the barrier. The incident in which Ashton and I both have to jumped off the wall flashback. It was one of the most memorable event that happened in my life and I can't help but smile when I think about it.

Jeffty picked up the gig bag not far from him.

"Hello Annathea, nice to meet you here," he said, beaming.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

He looked at me and placed his hand across his chest, feigning hurt. "You don't seem pleased to see me."

I giggled. "That's not what I mean, but okay," I cleared my throat, "nice to see you too."

He grinned. "Ha-Ha. Nice bear, by the way," the fluffy thing was complimented for the second time.

"Uh, thanks. Ashton gave this to me." I hugged the Teddy even tighter, a warm feeling spreading across my cheeks. Jeffty burst out laughing. "Typical Ashton," he said, shaking his head. "That guy never changed. He's still the same old hopeless romantic shit. I'm glad he got rid of that Victoria girl. I don't like her guts."

He slung the gig bag over his shoulder and walked beside me, so we were side by side. "Do you play guitar?" I inquired.

"Not at all; I came here to return it to Ash."

"Ashton knows how to play?"

"Why, that guy is full of surprises, and even when he's full of crap, he's a good and talented boy," Jeffty said, making a funny face. "I know I sound like a fan right there, but I hope I scored him for you," he winked.

"You don't have to score him to me because I'm not a ring." A smile emerged at the corner of my lips. I thought Ashton as a person who's cold, unexpressive and insensitive, not the cheesy type. Hearing that he plays guitar sparks something within me. I have a soft spots for boys who play instruments.

We stopped in front of a cottage near the SC Room. I could hear faint conversations from here, and it appears that the people inside are having fun. Jeffty twisted the doorknob and the smell of strong lemon and musk scents filled my nostrils. What happened next was unexpected.

Three good looking guys on their mighty shirtless forms greet me. The twins, Nate and Noah were sitting on a couch, controllers on hand. My eyes trailed on their strong biceps as it flex on the movements. Ashton was standing at the edge of the table. My eyes moved down to his toned abs and I can't help but gulp. It's so unfair of how the world grant them such strong physique and attractive Adam-face at the same time. My eyes set back to his face and his mysterious eyes luring me, pulling me close to him.

The world seems to stop for not one of us dared to move. I can't even tell if I'm drooling or if my jaw has dropped until Jeffty clears his throat.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I could feel my ears turning bright red. I immediately covered my eyes with my hands and turned around. "Oh my... Oh my... I'm so sorry!"

I heard Ashton cursed under his breath. "Put your shirts on. Quick!" He said. The twins grunted.

Jeffty laughed. "I apologize for the late notice, but this place is not used having a female visitor."

"What- what is this place?" I questioned, still mystified. Jeffty sat down on the sofa, his feet on the coffee table. The three boys emerged fully dressed from the door, which I assume led to the bedroom. I quickly averted my gaze, not wanting to make eye contact with any of them.

"This is our resting place. Our father is one of the major stakeholders of the school, and with all the charitable work our family has done to improve the school, it is not impossible for us to demand and pull some strings to have our own little private area," one of the twins boasted, probably Noah from the mole above his brow.

"So," Nate started, "You're the controversial girlfriend."

Noah checked me out and I squirm in my shoes. "You have a fashion sense of plain Jane. You seem boring. I wonder what Ashton sees in you."

My jaw dropped. A little bit offended with his comment. I look down on my outfit. There's nothing wrong the way I dress!

"The face maybe." His twin commented, rubbing his chin like he's in a deep thought. "You know the word 'make over', bro?"

They both grinned and exchanged knowing looks. I was taken aback when their mischievous eyes set on mine and they began advancing in my direction.

"Hey, stop messing with my moo." Ashton said, reaching for my hand. Everyone cocked their brows at him.

My brows furrowed as I looked up at him. Moo? The sound of a cow? Mooo!

"Moo? You mean—"

"My one and only." He grinned, dimples popping on his cheeks and pulled me close to him.