Naomi’s POV

The cold tile rubbed against my fingers, as I traced the small pavement between each one. I sigh, trying to calm myself as I sit against the wall, slouched on the floor, pouting in frustration. I probably look like a child.

I ignore Maya’s constant whining for me to hurry up, trying to focus on the air conditioning making the loud swooshie sound. I don’t know why I was so freaked out. It's not like I’d see it, the fight I mean.

Fear fills me, as I remember the horrible things of my past. The screams, the anger, the smell of beer. I shake my head, chastising myself for thinking about that. I can’t let them know I know. They don’t know I remember. Please just don’t remember. Tears blur my vision. This is so stupid, I didn’t even see anything. It's just a fight. Fights happen. But they really shouldn’t… especially when it's someone you're supposed to love… not when they turn violent at least.

Yuki’s POV

I saw her. She bumped into me on my way to the principal’s office. It was the girl from the restaurant. The girl Will told me about. The girl I couldn’t help but admire, and develop a small crush on. It wasn’t just her looks, though she was gorgeous beyond compare, it was the way she was. Just… the way she told off that other girl. The way she seemed so brave and courageous, knew her limits, and fought instead of letting someone take advantage of her. The way I should have been. The way I want to be. I couldn’t wait to tell Will. He’d be ecstatic. If he wasn’t mad at me for punching his girlfriend of course.

I look over at her, with the corner of my eye, wincing at how bloodied up she was. Part of me felt bad. Most of me was filled with thrill and adrenaline, excitement and bloodlust. I had to get that under control. That was dangerous of me to do, I can’t let my parents find out about this. Not after my brother got an award for being top of his class, for having perfect attendance. They’d kill me for sure.

I wipe my sweaty hands on my blue jeans, unsure of really what to do or say. I mean, what the hell do you say in these situations. I keep my eyes on the rug below the chairs. The smell of cold tea fills the air, reminding me of where I was. The principal’s office. On the first day of school. For getting in a fight. I was so dead.

“I can’t believe you two. I work so hard for this school to stay healthy and safe! I-I… this is the first day! I mean, you couldn’t just plan to fight before the year started or something? What even started this complete and utter nonsense?!” The woman in front of me shouts, sitting at her desk, her hands folded politely despite her raised voice. I wince guiltily, before clearing my voice to answer.

“Monique and I were talking. We exchanged some… impolite words. Her boyfriend walked in and asked her to be a bit nicer. She slapped him. He’s my best friend, and I really don’t like people hurting him like that. Not after-” I stop myself, clearing my throat before continuing.

“I’ll ensure it doesn’t happen again. Or at least try my very best to avoid her from now on.” I say, my voice straining as I try to keep from revealing any emotion. I hear her sigh, and I look up to see her nod towards Monique, gesturing for her to tell her side of the story.

“See, miss. All I wanted to do was have a nice day, and enjoy the lovely campus of this school! I had arrived to class late, and when I asked Yuki where my seat was, she just insulted me! And then my own boyfriend, whom I thought I could trust, blatantly called me a lying whore.” She bursts out crying, and all of my guilt melts away, getting the overwhelming feeling to punch her in the face again. Will would never call anyone that. And I would never blatantly insult someone unless I had good reason to. Before I say anything, Ms. Kaur, which I assumed was her name according to the small nameplate on her desk covered with random stickers, stood up, crossing her arms.

“That's enough. Ms. Kim, you are excused to your next period. I would like to have a conversation with Ms. Silver here about our no lie tolerance here.” She grumbles, and my eyes widen in shock. No way someone was just gonna let me leave, without hurting me first. That just... doesn’t happen. Uneasily, I stand up, awkwardly grabbing my stuff that was sent up by a student.

“Bu-” Monique starts, but Ms. Kaur shakes her head, and Monique wisely shuts up. I take that as my cue to leave, quietly shutting the heavy oaken door behind me. I sigh, rushing to class, hoping they’ll accept me as late even though I didn’t have a pass.

Naomi’s POV

I quietly wring my sweaty hands on the handle of the tote bag, before getting up to go to class. Unsure of what exactly to do, I politely follow behind Maya, who followed behind Carter, who followed behind my mother. Maya’s small hand interlaced with mine, calming me down slightly. Until I feel how sticky her hands were from the candy Ms.Kaur gave her. I grimace, but decide not to be rude, and mentally shrug it off. If I literally shrugged it off, I’m sure I would get looks. Not like I could see them though.

“Oh yes, I can have this young man send her down to her next class. They have Band, so it works out perfectly!” The lady at the front says, in an annoyingly snotty voice. Before I know it, my whole family is calling out greetings to a presence, I assume the other student, who was nearby.

“Hi! Aren’t you that family from The Clear Dairy? I was your server, thanks for that extra tip by the way. That was really nice!” A familiar voice says casually, and I immediately flashback to that day. What was his name again…?

“If you don’t remember… My name is Will? Will Rileys. It's great seeing all of you again. You really are an entertaining crowd!” He continues, and my cheeks heat up as I realize what he is referring to. Not one of my best moments.

I reach out my hand to shake his, facing the direction where his voice was coming from. A tight grip forms around my poor small hand, as my arm is practically pulled out of my socket. Never doing that again.

“So,” Will starts, linking arms with me as if we had known each other all our lives. “Are you ready? Band is pretty loud.” He murmurs, more to himself than to me. I hardswllow, and timidly nod, taking a deep breath in.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”