The Heir - Stay ll

Chapter 25: school

Harper has never been to school before. He knows what takes place in one, but never bothered entering it. If ever he had class once in his life, that would be shooting or horseback riding sessions.

"Just act normal okay? Like a cool, quiet person." Zyle said. "I guess you can do that effortlessly"

Harper nodded, while oddly staring at his clothes. He's used to wearing his black jumper. This time, he's wearing a so called uniform which is somewhat comfortable for him too. But still, he liked his old fashion better.

"If someone tries to pick or cling on you, don't be shy to kick them in the air." Zyle grinned. "Just joking, I'm afraid you'd actually do it."

"I will." Harper said without any hesitation. "Why aren't you going to the classroom with me anyways"

"Broo, you miss me already?"

"I was simply asking."

"Ah, didi my friend, I will miss you too" Zyle patted his shoulders. "I study in Maple Leaf so I can't really look after you. I wish you luck!" He bid a goodbye and went to leave.

.....

Harper find it awkward seeing girls suddenly chuckle when he pass by. The boys giving him glares didn't escape from his eyes too. He ignored them.

It was easy for him to find his classroom, thanks to the labels on top of the door steps.

It has been hours since the class started. He leaned his back on his chair, starting to be lazy. He never expected school to actually be so boring. For once, he started to feel homesick. He missed the quiet surrounding that only noised when shots of gun are fired.

"I see that you are rather not interested, Mr. Zuo"

"That's not my name" Harper whispered but the teacher actually heard it.

"Yes, it is your last name"

Right. He stood up to face the teacher.

"Since our subject is about philosophy, may I ask, what are your thoughts about end of the world?"

"He'd be terrified, surely. He's going to lost his fame." Someone suddenly answered. It was one of the boys Harper caught glaring at him as girls were charmed by his appearance.

"I am not bothered, nor do I care about fame." Harper deadpanned, looking straight into the attention-seeker boy who spoke. "I feel numb about it, to be honest."

"And why is that?" the teacher asked.

"Because mourning over it will not do anything. I'd rather live in the present instead of the future's uncertain hope and predictkon." Harper said.

"So you believe in Taoism then. Living in harmony and simplicity"

"I don't think so either." Harper answered. "My life is not very much simple."

"Oh yeah? Because you have thousands of girls drooling over you, is that it?" The boy again spoke.

"It is not my fault that their dopamine and norepinephrine gets stirred upon my existence and you, not even able to increase their estrogen levels." Harper's eyes started emitting coldness.

"Ulol, philosophy to hindi science."

"And I was the one called to answer, not you."

The room was silenced. Even the teacher stood there, looking at him. "You are very strange today Zachary. Sit down."

Harper sat down, thinking that there's nothing strange about what he's said and done.

....

Physical Education subject and everyone is on the school gymnasium. The lousy boy still didn't stop picking on him. Harper wondered how Zachary handles these people.

A ball suddenly bounced to his back.

"Oi! Zachary!" The boy laughed . He seems more confident now that he's together with his friends.

If Zachary is the one in this situation, he's probably going to keep silent. Harper thought, remembering the small infos and lectures Zyle gave him about Zachary's personality.

"Staying quiet huh? Can't think of any science-y words?" They laughed.

"Wag niyo nang awayin, absent nga si Zeiri na tagapagtanggol nya eh" They laughed once more.

So he relies on Zeiri to save him? Fuck that.

Harper was slightly relieved when their male teacher finally arrived.
He's worried about his patience shortening in the left span of time.
Also note the fact that the insecure boys were still behind him.

"As you all have been informed since last week, the game for today is basketball. Boys and girls are separated. Each category, half yourselves into two."

"Wag niyong isasama yan si Zac dito sa grupo natin, mahina yan sa P.E!" The insecure boys shouted.

The other left out male classmates then chose to be in the second group with him.

"Zac, kung ayaw mong maglaro okay lang. Tulungan mo nalang kami sa pagplano." A seemingly more sensible boy said.

Harper thought about doing as he said. If Zac is in this situation, he probably would just sit in there and observe people. He would let haters bark at him and not even care.

"Sadly, I am not Zachary." Harper said to himself and decided to enter to the game.

......

"So, how's school?" He found Zyle waiting for him near the school gate.
His tone seemed half happy and half worried that Harper messed up.

"Normal, I guess" Harper said, remebering everyone's stunned expressions and the insecure boy's fuming face when Harper almost owned the ring.

"That's surprising" Zyle said, amused. "I called daddy this morning and asked where they are, he said na mag-a outing siya with mommy. He didn't say where. As for Eri, we'll look after her."

"Eri?"

"Yep, Erielle, princess of the family. Our little sister."

"I didn't know you have a sister."

"Well now you know. Anyways, she's probably waiting for us in the public library."

"She stays there all alone?"

"That's her hobby, to be honest. Like Kuya Zaczac. Luckily, she inherited her cleverness and beauty from me" Zyle said with raised chin and confidence. Harper thinks otherwise though.

.....

They reached the library with the motorcycle. Just after entering the library, Harper already feels sick. The books surrounding him makes him remember about school. In the mansion, the chairman teaches him visually. He doesn't understand how mere words on a paper could actually teach him something.

"There she is," Zyle points to a little girl sitting on the floor with mountains of books around her.

"She's seriously reading all those stuffs?"

"Books are her life. Same as dumplings are father's life." Zyle describes. "Anyways, I guess you can handle her."

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Meet my Coleen. I asked her to meet me in a restaurant. Eri is not very hard to handle, trust me." Zyle smiled. An evil smile, rather. Eri will show you everything you don't know. Zyle thought and finally stepped out of the library, leaving Harper not knowing what to do.