Chapter 1

Fruto looked outside and stared at the gloomy weather thinking hard about life and the shoes he’s wearing. It was quite old– the shoes, not his life. And his feet started aching just from the first five minutes of wearing it.

He let out a small sigh before sneaking his fingers on the sole and pulling it down. He’ll just step on it like he does on slippers. Anyway, he’s wearing white and clean socks. The pants he’d put on does not help, though. He had been looking absolutely ridiculous. His new uniform barely fits him. Everything was too short and tight. 

But Fruto can’t do anything about it. He was not in-charge of his daily expenses. He doesn’t even have money on his own. Going to school with free stuff was already good. He didn’t dare ask for more. He hugged his backpack firmly while waiting for the bus to reach his new destination. 

“Your new school.” His uncle said one summer day. Fruto knew that no negotiation would take place. Not when he had lost track of time and wasted two years on solitude. He just calmly accepted everything, nodded calmly, and washed the dishes calmly.

He was so calm that his uncle started having second thoughts. But in the end, they pushed through the plan. With his cousin’s old stuff, he was ready to embark on his new journey. 

Inside the bus was silence and peace. All the boys picked up from various locations were well-mannered and behaved. Of course, they should. The bus driver was a scary-looking man with some questionable scars on his face and buff muscles centered on his upper body. No one wants to be clobbered by Sir London. However, there was an air of friendliness upon the students and they all talked in small voices. Except in the middle area, where Fruto sat alone, no one across the seats and no one beside him. He looked odd from the other students the moment he ascended the stairs. And anyone who looks at him will tactfully avoid him. 

No one knows why. But Fruto always made people feel that way. It's a miracle how he’s oblivious to that fact. Lucky guy. His uncle declared. 

The skies above thundered loudly and Fruto shifted on his seat uncomfortably. He bent down to reach on the other shoe to pull it down too when suddenly, the bus came to a halt. Fruto almost hit his head if he didn’t block it reflexibly with his forearms. 

“Son of a bitch!” Sir London cussed, not minding the presence of learners inside the service vehicle. His scars stretched wide and he appeared sinister on the mirror hanging above the front. The students witnessed this and they all cowered in fear.

Fruto sighed and looked away. Just then, the door slid open with a sound and loud footsteps echoed on the bus. 

“Boy, do you want me to punch you in the gut?” Sir London threatened the student who was stupid enough to stop him in the middle of the road. He could have ran over this stupid teenage prick. 

The guy rolled his eyes and replied while shrugging, “Didn’t look like you were going to stop.” He then ignored the fuming driver. Without waiting for a response, he looked steadily ahead while choosing a seat. All the students heard their conversation and with trepidation, avoided the new guy with collective understanding. It was obvious when they shuffled around, not wanting to greet this delinquent. The guy didn't care as he spotted Fruto in the middle, looking indifferent to the current events.

Ponjie smirked. The bus ran smoothly again as he headed to where Fruto was. With a small thump, the seat beside the solitary guy became occupied. 

“Yo.”

“Hi.”

“Want a gum?”

“No.”

“Suit yourself.”

“Hmm.”

Fruto decided to rest his head on the seat after staring outside. It wasn’t a long journey. But he isn’t particularly excited to go to school. His previous quiet world gradually became filled with shuffling and small noises from the person sitting beside him.

“Wow, your shoes look cool. Is that a new trend for wearing them?”

With a frown, he looked at the guy and wondered if that was a sarcastic remark and whether to answer him or not. Ponjie met his eyes with a smile. 

“Not really.” Fruto frowned deeper. The guy seemed like an idiot. Ponjie with his black rugged hair, messy brows and pointed nose wore an annoying smirk.

“Cool.” Ponjie then bent and undid his shoes like how Fruto wore it. “Now that’s style.” He added a comment and whistled. 

Fruto, for the first time in his life, got silent because he did not know what to say. He sighed and calmly closed his eyes.

Ponjie didn’t mind. He continued chewing his gum while drumming his fingers on his lap.

Both these men are completely unaware of what the new school will bring to their lives.

*************************

The school was huge and was donned in a bright red paint. It wasn’t obvious at first but the starting point of the institution ran from turning left on the Northwest of the town, in one corner of the street where a black gate was erected menacingly to protect outsiders from coming in. It ended with sharpness that seemed to pierce the skies. Although massive and wide, the surroundings felt desolate and eerie. A normal school should be filled with students strutting in a scholarly air. Even if there are classes going on, it wouldn’t be this bleak and dreary. 

It was no wonder that both Fruto and Ponjie looked confused and disoriented. On the other hand, the students around them clamored excitedly. The two young men couldn’t understand. Fruto decided to initiate a nod to Ponjie, to which the other guy reciprocated amicably. Without any words, they confirmed a temporary companionship and were the last ones to get off the bus.

“Wait.” Just when they landed on the school ground, a voice sounded behind and Ponjie and Fruto looked back at the same time. 

Ponjie’s bag slammed on Fruto’s shoulder and the latter almost tripped. 

“What?” Ponjie said arrogantly. Sir London’s vein in the forehead twitched from the lack of respect. He started giving Ponjie a big lecture, asked his name and noted his traits and manners. He did not mention anything about Fruto, and the young man was already regretting to team up with Ponjie. He was about to leave Ponjie behind but he felt a strong force stopping his whole body to get away. Ponjie got a hold of his backpack and was still communicating with Sir London in mockery. He was so firm that Fruto worried about tearing his old backpack on the first day of school. Won’t he be a laughingstock for the rest of his years here? So, he stopped struggling and chose the winning side. 

After a full twenty-minute of scolding and threats, Ponjie finally shrugged and said one word, “Sure.” Sir London got red in the face and concluded that this was another hopeless case of male youths dominating their own little worlds. He returned to his driving seat, slammed the bus door in rage and drove away. Why did he even choose to work at an all-boys school? If it wasn’t for the headmaster…

Fruto walked briskly while trying to navigate his way around. Ponjie was just casual and relaxed, both hands clasped at the back of his neck while whistling a fine and joyous tune. Despite his slow steps, he was able to walk beside Fruto who was shorter than him. He looked at the pristine face of the young man and like an idiot, made a wonderful smile. He felt that he had found a good companion. And his intuitions were never wrong. Because Fruto was busy looking everywhere, he also did the same thing.

“This school sucks.” Ponjie declared. Fruto shrugged without giving feedback. It was really weird. Where did all the students go? There was no presence of human beings in the area. 

There was a slight breeze that sent chills down their spines and another thunder sounded from above.  A drizzle of rain started pouring. 

“Shit!” Ponjie removed his duffel bag from his shoulders and covered his head. Fruto opened his bag and got an umbrella. The two of them continued walking side by side when a person suddenly appeared in front of them out of thin air. The two boys were startled.

“What the hell, man!!!” Ponjie widened his eyes from surprise and froze on the spot.

“...” While Fruto feigned his calm. 

“Hi, I can see that you’re lost. I take it that you two are freshmen? I am your senior and I can guide you inside.” The senior smiled and laughed at their expressions. The other two, however, did not find it funny.

“W-what? Senior? How did you– Why did you– Is this a prank?” Ponjie frantically searched for the hidden cameras.

“Hi, Senior.” Fruto cleared his throat, narrowly avoiding a voice crack. “Where is the entrance?”

The senior did not waste time and he pulled their wrists to where he suddenly appeared. Fruto and Ponjie felt a powerful tug that electrified their scalps all the way down to their toes. For a second they were breathless and perplexed. They blinked a few times, but the place in front of them did not change. Still, there were now people around. So many guys have been going back and forth, wearing the same uniform they also have on, running and walking listlessly. There were noises everywhere. It was a ruckus. 

Like how a school was supposed to be.

“B–But how?” Ponjie asked the senior.

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“T-That was–Isn’t that electricity that flowed through me?” While Ponjie couldn’t find the right words to describe what he really feels, Fruto stared at the senior waiting for an explanation. The guy nodded as if understanding why they were confused and in a state of disarray.

“Oh! That! That was a barrier.” He tapped their shoulders in comfort. “People who don’t belong here will automatically get lost. But you two are students and you have been identified by the school as residents so you can pass the barriers without difficulty. You cannot see the people inside when you are out of the protective zone but it’s not the same once you’re in the other position, that is how I spotted the both of you. Anyway, you can take that umbrella away since it’s always sunny here. See that Narra tree? That is your landmark for the entrance. Don’t forget. Also, teachers don’t attend the first day of school so you guys are free to roam around. Just wear your uniform and be on your best behavior lest you get to the guidance office on your very first day. Well, then. That is all for now. In the coming elections, vote for me!” The senior winked and made a salute to them, trying to look cool in front of the neophytes.

Fruto and Ponjie, in a daze, stared at each other in amazement.

“What kind of school did we go to?”

“I don’t know either.”

Ponjie pulled out a gum from his pocket to calm his nerves. “How about we enter the building right in front of us and see if we can start exploring? Will you come with me?”

Fruto folded his umbrella with shaking hands. He wanted to say no. But considering that it was their first day, they might as well live and die together.

He nodded and Ponjie looked relieved. They walked on what seemed like the main building. Both of them were immediately in awe as they were greeted with excellent architectural structures of the institution. 

“Something like this exists in this small town?!” Ponjie exclaimed. “We’re like in a medieval castle!”

 “I don’t think it’s medieval. The design should be a modern imitation of the renaissance period.” Fruto corrected Ponjie and the other guy just scratched his head. They walked slowly while taking in the views. 

They spent all their afternoon marking locations and noting down the details of the Blue Bill Academy. The two guys did not even know that that was the name of their school. They only stopped occasionally to take a break and eat. It appalled them that the cafeteria gives free food anytime. 

“Isn’t this great? We study for free and get free food too!” Ponjie said in between eating a sandwich. That was his fifth sandwich. They were now sitting in the wide cafeteria. The atmosphere was good and the lights made the whole area bright and lively. The smell of food wafted inside which increased the appetite of the students.

“I agree with you.” Putting all his defenses down after figuring out that the guy in front of him was an airhead, Fruto sipped his lemon juice in a relaxed manner. He didn’t look ridiculous at all after observing that he is much cleaner than most of the students combined. His uniform was handled with great care although short for his body. While his peers around are all sweaty, messy, and sloppy. This time, he scrutinized Ponjie and saw that while an airhead, the guy actually cares for his image a lot. He also wore clean clothes and his movements are casual but elegant. Obviously, he was raised in a good but probably strict environment.

“What should we do next? Should we go home? We’re done wandering.” Ponjie asked. 

Apparently, it was heard by the people sitting beside them and interrupted their conversation. 

“You can’t go home!”

“Why?” Both Ponjie and Fruto stopped eating and drinking. They suddenly had a bad hunch. And like a lightning striking down their body, they received a news that thoroughly shocked their young hearts.

“The school has a dorm. We can only go home once a month, which is every weekend during the last week. You should go to the dorm building now and search for your name if you don’t believe me.” The guy waved goodbye in a sudden rush and ran away. Ponjie and Fruto were left in great disbelief. They stood up and walked fast to the dorm building without talking to each other. It was as if they had to confirm it first before reacting. On the ground floor of the 7-storey building, their name was really included on the list! 

4F - Fruto Marschelle/Ponjie Rozhen

“....”

“....”

As if that wasn’t enough proof, the two ran on the stairs, accidentally ignoring the elevator on their right, and headed to their designated room. On the way up, there were a lot of boys crowding on the corridor and making the usual commotion. Seeing that the two were running so fast, looking like they were racing, the guys cheered on them. Fruto, who was sweating a lot, felt the pressure from the cheering. And Ponjie got carried away that he increased his speed and left his companion behind.

When Fruto and Ponjie reached their room, they fell on their knees while catching their breath. The key was left on the door knobs and Ponjie didn’t hesitate to open the door like a rogue. With a bang, they went inside. 

There really was a room! And it was big enough for the two of them! The layout was simple, and the walls were painted in cerulean. There was even a bathroom on the right, two beds and two study tables with furniture. There was a shelf for things while the rest was fully furnished. There is also a refillable water jug, a mini-refrigerator for snacks, and an air-conditioning system installed near the window overlooking the view of the school field outside.

The two young men who closed the door lightly couldn’t help but gasp. Their bags went on the floor with a small thud. 

Fruto cannot fake his calmness anymore. He trembled while exploring the room. The room was equally divided into two, with a symmetrical design for things intended for two-person occupants. He noticed a small closet on his right behind a bed and he opened it. There were things inside and he couldn’t be anymore familiar with it. These were his clothes from home! His uncle has sent him away! 

Ponjie’s situation wasn’t any better. 

“My family did me dirty!” Ponjie hollered. His side was on the left and he had already discovered the truth of the matter. He was full of grudge because he loves seeing his mother everyday and now he has finally separated from her. He couldn't tell Fruto this reason, scared of being called a mama's boy.

Fruto cannot curse his dutiful uncle at all. He shook his head and sat on the foot of the bed. It’s still not sinking into him. His anxiety will get the best out of him if he can't calm himself. He should breathe properly. 

With difficulty, he chose to stand up and walk around once more. While the room seemed alien to him, he liked it upon closer inspection. There were cleaning materials beside the bathroom. A big window where he can take a view of what's outside. Everything was clean and fresh. On the study table was a copy of their schedule. He went to the sulking Ponjie who removed his shoes and was faced down on the left bed.

"Which side do you want in this room?"

"I'm fine with whatever." Ponjie answered with a resounding depression in his tone. 

“Hey, Ponjie.” Fruto called after a moment of silence. Although he isn’t sure what to do with these developments in his boring and antisocial life, at least his temporary ally is on the dumps along with him.

Ponjie groaned and sat up to face him. He looked sad.

“They did not even pack my hentai magazines.” His grief was beyond measure after he said the words out loud. 

Fruto wanted to smack him.

“Be serious. This is our schedule.” He handed the piece of paper to the guy who was completely immersed with his own bubble. Ponjie reluctantly took it from his hand. “I still don’t know what we have to do in this school. That doesn’t seem like a normal schedule.”

“I can’t make sense of this schedule. Are these supposed to be our classes?” 

“I guess so.” Fruto sighed.

Ponjie turned the paper in different directions before completely giving up on it. His now-roommate was calm so his emotions were stabilized too. As if he remembered something funny, he called out to him.

“Hey, Fruto?”

“What?”

Ponjie held the paper to cover half of his face, giggled and said, “Your name stinks.”

Fruto kicked Ponjie and his initial calmness was replaced with annoyance. “Stop fooling around. You think yours sounds better? I wonder why the schedule looked like that. What does it mean?”

“My name sounds hot! Besides, there is no use going over these trivial matters.” Ponjie flopped down on the bed again. “The best way to deal with it is to face it head on. We were left to fend for our own anyway.”

What a simpleton. Fruto ignored his remarks. “I don’t believe in magic.”

“Neither do I. But I like superheroes.”

“But that protective barrier…” Fruto was skeptical about his own beliefs. The way to excellence is to open oneself for changes and limitless possibilities. But…magic? Is he still dreaming? Maybe he fell asleep on the bus? But he can still feel his knees aching from the running they had done. And he’s pretty sure it will become sore tomorrow. That wasn’t the right decision to make. 

“That shield was cool, huh! I wish we had one at home. But then again, I have no home anymore. They threw me out for school. So heartless!!! Mom I miss you—” Ponjie's rants immediately stopped and he pretended to be dead when he realized that he just blurted the last sentence out. 

“...”