I was sinking further into my spiraling thoughts... when a voice suddenly called out— "You there." It was a security guard approaching me, his tone suspicious. "How may I help you? You seem lost."

 I could barely register that he was even there, being way too caught up in my feelings of jealousy and self-doubt. My head remained down, my fists clenched as I tried to suppress my resentment.

 "M-Megan... Guevarra..." The words slipped out under my breath, quieter than a whisper.

 I barely realized that I had spoken out loud. Yet...  At that moment, the guard's tone shifted and his expression lightened.

 "Oh? Are you looking for her? You must be one of her friends."

 ..W-What?

 Panic jolted through me as I fully realized the situation. My eyes widened at the guard whose demeanor had changed entirely— His suspicious gaze replaced by a polite nod and a friendly smile, as if the mere mention of a Guevarra would be enough to let me in. 

 But... I was right.

 Before I could even process it, the grand gates began to creak, opening slowly, almost mockingly— as if they were questioning my guts to enter. My breath stuck to my throat, gulping in terror as I had already caught a glimpse of the pristine streets and beautiful homes. Is it... really gonna be this easy? Going inside a place like this? I doubted, but the guard insisted—

 "Follow me," He gestured, his voice now warm and welcoming. "I'll be giving her residence a call as I take you there." 

 I began to follow the guard in awkward silence, the unease getting to me—Technically, I was sneaking into a place I had no right to be. But the sting of irony overshadowed that guilt. Just the mention of Megan’s name was enough to grant me entry into a world that was never meant for someone like me.

 This… surreal world…

 The neighborhood was the very definition of wealth— a quiet, secluded enclave where the surroundings speak for themselves. The streets were flawlessly paved, smooth and wide, glistening under the glow of street lamps. Even the sidewalks were well-kept, lined with trimmed hedges and vibrant plants flowing in the subtle, quiet wind. Every corner exuded organization and order, not a speck of litter laying anywhere or a crack on the ground to stain such perfect environment.

 My eyes locked onto each mansion I passed— They stood like monuments, architectural masterpieces that carried their distinct design. Some houses were built with modernization and minimalism in mind, presenting rectangular exteriors with flat, clean roof lines. Meanwhile, others looked like they belonged in Europe, with steeply pitched roofs, and walls made with stone and wood accents. These homes had groomed gardens, elaborate gates, towering structures and fountains... Just beautiful. And, their sizes varied, mostly large but even the "smallest" houses in the neighborhood were rather sized and comfortable. 

 Hell, I even analyzed the apartment complexes— Their large windows just revealed how big they are- They had second floors, high ceilings... and just so much space that I won't even need but wish for. Each interior was filled with nothing but class— with chandeliers, fireplaces, marbled floors. Not to mention, their furnishings— I could see art collections, tall mirrors, grand pianos, artifacts... The things that these rich people collected for fun, of course, they caught my eye of all things.

 "Unbelievable." I sighed. It's one thing to be content with what you have, not asking for more— But it's another when your literal home has more than you could ask for. And that's exactly the norm of the people in this neighborhood. You'd have to be insanely lucky to have a life like that. 

 As I walked, feelings of resentment dawned on me by every step. Why couldn’t every other place be even the slightest as polished as this? I wondered. The sheer size of this neighborhood was overwhelming, stretching far throughout the distance. Yet, I could tell that every corner would be just as polished and organized. I wasn't even bitter about the fanciness of it all anymore, I just wish for a liveable and comforting environment! 

 ..But here are the wealthiest, keeping all of that exclusively to themselves. Even the air itself felt miles cleaner, beyond the pollution just outside the gates. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle- The bare minimum is reaches away from the common folk like me. In such a comfortable, private bubble like this, we're but a mere outsider — an intruder — a stain on this picture-perfect setting.

 The guard spoke into his radio, his voice calm and confident. "Ms. Megan Guevarra, a friend is here to visit you,"  After a few seconds of what I heard to be static, he turned to me.

 "She should be expecting you." He said, gesturing toward a road with more grand buildings. "House 74. It’s a short walk from here. You can’t miss it."

 "Oh!" He recalled, handing me a note and a pen. "and please note your time-in. Be sure to come to me when you leave as well."

 "T-Thank you, kuya." I said politely, jotting my name and time-in down. I didn't want to question why was I allowed to go on like this, or if Megan even knew I was here but I just needed to see Brielle. Talk to her for just once. I simply needed to know what was going on! 

 I took a deep breath, returning the note and pen to the guard. He gave a satisfied nod, and I began to walk down the road he pointed out. 

 Now here... I was. Alone and afraid.

 With each step, my insecurities... bitterness... and resentment seemed to grow heavier. They dragged me down like an anchor, as I slowly crept this place where I didn't belong. One by one, the grand homes loomed over me, their towering grandeur feeling almost oppressive. 

 ..Where.. Where.. Where.. 

 I kept my head low, focusing on the road ahead, my eyes darting rapidly on each and every house plate. My surroundings twisted and turned, blending into a disorienting mess, it was closing in on me.. like it knew I shouldn't be here.

 ..Is it? No.. This one? Not either...

 I quickened my pace, my heart racing faster by each step.

 !!

 Then— It caught my eyes.

 House 74. The Guevarra Estate.

 My breath hitched as I came to a halt. There's no mistaking it... G-Geez, oh god no... My heart pounded as I stood before the mansion, then.. I was struck. The memories flashed in my mind — Megan and her followers targetting me throughout junior high, the feeling of being powerless against her, getting overshadowed by her family's wealth, power and recognition...

 ..The reason why... I'm in this living hell...

 This is where it all came from.

 "..Damn it.. all..." I cursed under my breath, my whole body trembling in fear. I wanted to go home — to turn back and run away from all of this. The mansion's sheer size was only looming in on me like it could swallow me whole at any moment. 

 A sprawling structure that symbolized the relentless drive and lasting wealth of that family — their ability to sway everyone and everything to their favor, their influence and fame unstained, and their wrongdoings hidden under a polished surface. If hidden evil had a source, this place would definitely be on that list.

 Yet, this evil was beautiful. The family was seen as 'all-good', 'talented' and just 'perfect'.. by those who saw only what they were meant to see — A meticulously-crafted facade that extended to their home as well...

 A beautiful grand mansion. This masterpiece of Mediterranean architecture, a stunning blend of a rustic and sophisticated design. With stucco walls painted in light beige, the roofline added contrast with its shingles painted in a reddish hue. Arched, crystal-clear windows lined these walls, reflecting the warm garden lights shining in the evening. The lush garden, decorated with palm trees and well-trimmed hedges— testament to the country's natural and oasis tranquil. I stood, admiring by the mansion's grand entrance— complete with an iron gate and fences framed by cobblestone bricks.

 It was grand. It was beautiful. It was everything I could never be.

 Lured by the estate's beauty, I crossed beyond those gates. Stepping onto the pebbled, grassy driveway, my footsteps crunched softly. The surroundings I admired began to settle on me, with more sculpted hedges and vibrant flowers pleasing my eyes — My face softened, my breath slowed and my heart began to calm. The fountain nearby, intricately sculpted, splashed endlessly with quiet grace. While palm trees swayed above, their long shadows dancing in the breeze.

 For once... and somehow...  I could feel a sense of peace... washing over me entirely.

 But it was quickly shattered.

 Megan and Brielle...

 I found them standing by the front door, chatting sooo easily with each other... and completely oblivious that I'd managed to come here. Megan, with her confident posture and effortless elegance, looked every bit the part of someone who belonged here. Meanwhile — Brielle, though timid, had an aura of sophistication that was only growing by the second. ..It's too late now, isn't it..? Sooner or later, she would fit in with this world so seamlessly.

 My heart pounded as I watched them, Should I..? N-Not now. I've gotten used to stepping in for Brielle over the years, defending her from those who'd pick on her, including Megan who'd use her as a scapegoat to trash on me. Though if I did that now, it might cause an unforgettable scene. After all, I wasn't supposed to be here.. they'd know I stalked them from afar, following them on my way... 

 I won't deny that watching Brielle like this... was hurting me... real bad. 

 But... I can't forget what she had done.

 Megan casually reached into her pocket, pulling out an envelope. And just like that, all of my fears and suspicions came to life, a nightmare turned reality.

 "That's thirty thousand for you," Megan said, handing the envelope to Brielle. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her hands trembling as she stared at the pile of bills inside. The course of her actions... had finally hit her.

 "B-But..." Brielle stuttered, barely holding in her panic. "You've said that.. Grace will also make it in if I..."

 "Hush now. I told you, I've never said that." Megan interrupted, a condescending tone. Her eyes fixed onto Brielle, cold and unfeeling.  "Do you want to know the real reason she didn't make it in? It's about time you realize her wrongs."

 Brielle's face twisted in confusion, frozen in terror as Megan continued, "It's simply because... she didn't know her place. My dad and his faculty does background checks on all the applicants, regardless of skill, why would the Academy accept someone as annoying, arrogant and noisy as her?"

 My heart sunk deeper with every word I heard... but this was it — I finally had my closure. The bitter closure that my best friend betrayed me, disregarding our friendship and everything we'd grown. Casting aside her own morals and hard work — All for some quick cash and a guaranteed spot in this privileged world.

 And here I was, the one most affected by it all — The one who RELENTLESSLY tried to reach out for her when she never bothered to come back — The one who went ALL of this TIRING way just to see her, to just talk to her... and I end up... just seeing her struggle with the slightest hint of guilt?

 The irony of it all was suffocating. At that moment, I could feel all the warmth and love I had for her... replacing into cold and numbness.

 "No... that's wrong..." Brielle quivered, her voice breaking as she held back her tears. "I-It doesn't work like that... Grace hasn't done anything wrong! I just know her talents would've easily got her in!"

 Despite her guilt, she stood her ground, "..From the beginning, you said that our spots would be secured only if I helped you." 

 She pushed further, her voice rising as she gained strength. "But we never had a chance to get accepted to begin with, did we? Not because of our abilities, our achievements, but because of your feelings."

 With the little power she had left, Brielle hit her with the final blow— 

 "It's... family benefit, isn't it? You had your father blacklist Grace.." 

 "Because she wouldn't bow to you, because she kept fighting through everything you threw at her—"

 "Because she refused to let you win!"

 !!!

 Megan's hand flew out, slapping Brielle across the face. "Oh, shut your mouth already!" She snapped. Brielle stumbled back, holding her cheek as it reddened, her tears finally spilling down her face. 

 "Don't act all righteous now, Brielle!" Megan raged, "You've already dirtied your hands by helping me, and rigging your spot in return!"

 That's it. I can't take it anymore. I stormed in, and revealed myself into the light—

 "STOP IT, PLEASE!" My voice bursted out, a screech that shattered the silent class of the neighborhood. Megan and Brielle turned heads immediately.. coolly staring of just absolute disgust and shock. 

 The pain was stinging me by every second, but I still continued— 

 "I-I was gonna be happy for you, Brielle. I really was! But you betrayed me and work for the person who’s tortured us since junior high!?"

 "Grace! I can explain—" Brielle called, her guilt and desperation finally seeable as she shuddered towards me. But Megan shoved her aside, and sneered me further—  "And what about it, Grace? At least Brielle knows how to get ahead in life."

 "W-Wait!" Brielle protested, her plea drowned out by the escalating argument—

 "You’ll be out of my way once and for all, Grace." Megan’s gaze darkened as she walked up to me, gripping the necklace around my neck. She gave a slight, twisted smile, her eyes dark and hollow, yet filled for a desperate longing- "..I can finally make my father happy…" 

 Rain began to fall, the cold droplets splashing against our skin. We stood, surprised as the downpour intensified, almost drenching us in just a second.

 Snap!

Megan seized her chance— Pushing me away, she yanked my necklace, the chain snapping in an instant. I could barely process it- It all replayed so slowly— I was falling back on the ground, my eyes on her dark, cold silhouette looming over me. 

 "Grace!" Brielle rushed to my side, but I was done hearing her. 

 Utterly defeated, I sat on the cold, wet ground, the rain soaking on me. "This is so fucked up… everything is so fucked up…" I muttered, my voice raw with pain. Trembling in the cold, my head felt like it was spinning and still at the same time— Brielle's worried voice was echoing in my mind, the rain pouring on us endlessly. I remained motionless— numb to the world around me, my entire being crumbling to the weight of it all.

 Everything I'd worked so hard for.. every ounce of effort I'd poured into my life— just ruined by this CRUEL, UNFAIR WORLD! I did everything I could, staying strong and resilient despite everything thrown at me— BUT WHAT WAS IT ALL FOR?! I wish I had never picked up a paintbrush, if simply dreaming was going to invite such cruelty. No.. I just wished I had never been born to begin with. 

Maybe then, I wouldn’t have to endure years of pain... all for nothing.