Chapter 4 4

CHAPTER 4

Days turned into weeks, and I found myself settling into the rhythm of university life in Manila. Classes flowed smoothly, with professors maintaining a balanced workload, much to our relief. Mia's program had kicked off as well, though our schedules made it harder for us to meet as frequently.

One morning, Summer and Rafaela entered our room together, greeted by my early wakefulness. The clock displayed a mere 7:13 am.

"Good morning, Athena! Up and at 'em?" Summer chirped, her voice carrying the bright energy of morning.

"Glad someone is, 'cause I sure ain't," Rafaela chimed in, patting my shoulder lightly. "Seriously, Athena, your skin is like porcelain. Handle with care!"

Summer's protective instincts kicked in, "Rafa, don't provoke her. You know fair skin can be delicate. Athena, if he goes too far, feel free to give him a good smack!"

I laughed at their banter. "Don't worry, my skin isn't that sensitive!"

"See, Rafa? Handle with care!" Summer teased, settling into the seat beside me.

"Did you have breakfast, Athena? School starts at seven, you know," Rafaela inquired, genuine concern in his voice.

I nodded, "Just a little. I got a bit flustered, thinking I might be late."

"I haven't eaten yet. You're doing way better than me, Athena," Summer confessed, a playful frown on her face.

Rafaela interjected, "I didn't ask you!" earning him a playful punch from Summer.

"Where's our dear Mia? Don't you two always come in together? Let's round her up. We've got time before class," Summer suggested, and both Mia and I agreed.

As we exited, we bumped into Mia, entering the Law building. She mentioned wanting to explore the university early in the day.

"Hey, Summer!" a voice called out, and we turned to see Julius, recognizable by his green uniform, likely an engineering student.

"Yo, what's up, Julius?" Summer greeted, curious about the interruption.

Julius grinned. "You and Rafaela keep getting more stunning, don't you?" He turned to Mia and me. "And who are these two lovely ladies?"

"Ew, smooth talker," Rafaela groaned, crossing his arms.

Summer winced. "They're not available, just so you know. So, zip it," she replied, pulling Mia and Rafaela away.

"Ugh, did you see the audacity?" Mia scoffed, "We're off-limits, keeping Athena company and all."

We laughed and headed straight to the cafeteria, ready to fuel up for the day ahead.

President Hades' visits to the Law Building seemed to be on the rise, a female law student remarked one day, a knowing smile on her lips. He paid her no mind, his focus on Athena's room, where he only spotted her bag. 'Where did she go?'

Confusion pricked at him. He scanned the building, finding no trace of Athena. When he emerged, he spotted her strolling with her friends.

Over the days since classes commenced, he observed Athena from a distance, grateful that her friends promptly shielded her from approaching men. Who could resist looking at Athena? She seemed like an angel descended from heaven, radiating beauty with her fair skin, long brown hair, graceful figure, and perfect face. Her demeanor added to her allure.

His annoyance spiked when he noticed Athena tugging at her skirt hem, clearly uncomfortable with its length. In the years he'd been familiar with the university's uniform, he'd never felt more irritated.

'Why on earth are they making them wear such short skirts?'

His frown deepened when he caught some men ogling Athena's thighs. He clenched his fists, reigning in his anger.

Taking determined steps, he approached Athena. The four men, along with their ogling cohorts, froze as he passed. He paused, shooting a sharp glare at the now-aware men. 'What you were admiring belongs to me.'

He stole a glance at Athena. She was still trying to adjust her skirt. 'I'll handle this soon, so no one dares to stare again.'

He moved away.

"What did they do? Why are they kneeling?"

"They were caught by President Hades while peering into the law building."

"No one escapes the President."

"Well, he does have quite the presence."

"What's happening, guys?" Rafaela chimed in, surprised to find five men kneeling on salt, each holding two thick books and facing the sun.

"Another punishment," Summer murmured, shaking her head. She ushered Athena and Mia for a closer look.

His throat went dry as he saw the five men who had been leering earlier.

"They were caught by President Hades trying to peek into the law building. Word is, they were also gossiping about some woman they were supposed to be guarding in there," the woman informed Rafaela.

Mia covertly glanced at Athena. Nervousness played on her face as she watched the exhausted men.

"Have you all learned your lesson?" Hades' presence silenced the crowd, his gaze unfaltering.

The five boys almost pleaded, nodding fervently.

"Are you defying me?" Hades glowered. The five immediately shook their heads, bowing in submission.

"I'll be keeping an eye on all of you. Whoever disobeys will be responsible for cleaning the entire university," he warned before turning his back to them.

"That's quite severe."

"It'll take real nerve."

"No room for fear, that's for sure."

Athena tracked Hades with her gaze, her heart pounding from his actions. Her friends were right- he was truly intimidating.

She froze, her surprise evident as Hades turned to her, their eyes locking.

Athena swallowed hard, unable to hold his gaze. It felt like he was seeing straight through her.

With a small smile, Hades left.

I've corrected the grammar in the text you provided:

"I re-read the essay I wrote over and over again. I finished early, which pleased Prof. Sorelanza, so I have time to correct the mistakes in my essay. We were asked to write a 1k-2k word essay first. Only the sound of moving paper and writing could be heard inside our room, everyone was so focused.

I looked at the wall clock. There were still 35 minutes before the end of the activity that we were being asked to do. A while ago, I was still counting, maybe I was just squinting.

I can't change anything in my essay because the word count is correct. In my analysis, there is no incorrect grammar there either.

I secretly turned to Summer and Rafaela. Rafaela was quietly writing while Summer also turned to me.

"You're done?" she mouthed. I nodded, making him sneer.

"Ms. Sullivan?" I quickly looked away from him and turned to the professor.

"Yes?"

"I guess you're already done?" I nodded, making him smile. "Pass me your paper."

I took the two yellow papers that I used for the essay and stood up to give them to him.

"Uhm, can you put this box in the storage room? I'll review your paper first," I nodded and reached for the big box.

I was a little surprised when he handed me a small piece of paper. "Here, show that to President Hades in case you run into him."

He also goes around every class hour?

"Careful, hija."

The box also felt heavy when I lifted it. I was suddenly curious as to what it contained. But based on what I heard inside, it's just a lot of paper.

When I left the law building it was very quiet. Besides maybe during class time, they are probably afraid of being caught skipping.

I looked at the sky. The weather is good today. Neither hot nor cold. Just right so I don't sweat lifting.

When I reached the storage room, I put the box on the side. I took a deep breath from exhaustion. Apart from the third floor where I went down, the storage room is also far away from the law building.

"Athena?"

I stopped when someone spoke behind me. I was surprised to see the man who called Summer earlier. He smiled.

"Of all the coincidences, this is the one I like the most," he laughed.

I smiled awkwardly. "W-Why are you here? It's class time now."

He tilted his head. "Are you rejecting me?"

"N-No-"

"Just kidding, of course I was skipping," he laughed.

"P-President Hades is walking around. Y-You might get caught."

"Are you concerned?" he grinned and approached me. "That's not it, I'm good, eh."

I backed away because he was getting closer and closer to me. I'm starting to get nervous because of his smile now.

I froze when I felt the cold wall behind me.

"But do you know what I'm better at?" his grin grew bigger. He brought his face closer to mine and held my arm.

"In bed," he added.

My eyes widened and I was about to move my leg when he kicked it, causing the side of my leg to rub against the protruding nail. I bit my lip when I felt the pain.

He laughed softly. "Don't hesitate anymore. You will only get hurt more."

I couldn't stop crying when he covered my mouth with my arm and held my thigh up.

"You smell bad, What if-"

He couldn't continue what he was going to say when he suddenly collapsed in front of me. I grabbed my bleeding leg and sat down.

I looked up. A pair of cold and emotionless eyes greeted me.

I can't stop crying.

"Shh, Sorry, I'm late."