Malefis: Her Thoughts are Silent

The look of dread on every teenager's face this week was so obvious the townsfolk could easily guess what was up—midterms were upon us. Ask any student and you'll find out it's a royal pain!

Not for me though. Thanks to my curse, the answers to each and every question flows through me from every direction whether I like it or not. I do make sure to get a few wrong on purpose though so as not to stand out—B's and C's are good enough since I'm not working for them anyway.

"Tommorow's the last day, huh?"

I thought to myself as I got up in the morning. The finish line was finally in sight and once that's done, we're on spring break!

Our school runs a semester system with the first from Sept– Dec and the second from Jan-June. During our second semester, we have a 5-day midterm week early April then a 1 week spring break after.

I got off my bed and got ready for school— while doing so, I noticed I had received a reply to the text I sent the night prior, as well as a rather peculiar request.

I arrived at school same as any other day while pondering the motive behind that 'request'. I was snapped out of it once I noticed the commotion at the school's parking lot.

Lots of people were clustered at that spot witnessing an argument. As for the people involved, there was far too much noise from the clustering to accurately discern their identities. I did see someone I knew leaving the cluster so I called out to her.

"Liz, Hey!"

She turned to face me assuming a defensive fighting stance. She dropped her guard after a couple seconds.

"I thought a pervert was trying to hit on me. Turns out, it's a pervert I already know"

"Hey!"

I retorted with a cautionary tone and she replied with a smirk. We started walking together

"So, what's going on over there?"

"Just a pointless squabble. Sara got into a heated argument with some second year girl"

"Sara? She always struck me as the type who puts a lid on her true emotions at all times"

"Well, your impression isn't wrong. Even now, she's still composed, forcing her opponent on the defensive. Poor girl, I almost feel sorry for her"

She says and yet she never even pictured the girl once in her thoughts.

"So, who's the girl?"

"Hmmm? Why are you asking me?"

"You were there, weren't you?"

"Yeah, but I've never seen the girl before so I don't know"

"Describe her, you little brat"

She stopped to recall the face of Sara's victim.

"Let's see..."

"Oh, never mind"

"Forcing your way into my private area again? Perv"

"You phrased it that way on purpose, didn't you?!—"

" —So, do you know the person?"

"I guess....you can say that"

I don't know which is more surprising. The fact that Michelle King who's always putting on an act lost control of her emotions, or the fact Liz said she's never seen her before despite her popularity.

"Goooood Mornin'!"

Adrian said from behind with gusto, patting us both on the head. Any guy would've been jealous seeing the budding relationship between his friend and his crush, but not Adrian.

This man saw opportunity—opportunity to get closer to Liz through me.

"Good morning, Silver"

She gave him another one of her weird nicknames— but then again, anything sounds cool when you compare it to 'perv'.

We strolled down the hallway chatting. Well, more like me holding two separate conversations with Adrian and Liz—every time Adrian tried making small talk with Liz, the conversation ended in less than 10 seconds.

We soon arrived at the first year classrooms

"By the way, Big Sis and I are hitting the arcade after school. You coming, perv? It's not like you need to study anyway."

For some reason, she started calling Rachel 'Big Sis'

"Hey, just because you don't have to study doesn't mean Rachel's in the same boat. Besides, she's a third year which means she also has to prepare for college exams"

"Big Sis was the one who suggested it to blow off steam. You know what her parents are like"

True. They banned her from playing games at home so she could study for college.

"Hmmm...you have a point"

"So, you coming?"

"Can't. I have plans"

The look of shock on Liz's face and thoughts saying "you actually have plans?!" Pissed me off a little.

"Hey, Quit looking so surprised!. You can't expect me to be free all the ti —"

She grabbed on to my arm and started rocking me back and forth

"Ditch–your–imaginary–friend–and–come–play–with–us"

"No! And she's not imaginary"

"She?"

"Besides, the only reason you want me there is to pay for stuff, isn't it?"

She stopped rocking me and turned her head whistling.

"Quit mocking me, you brat! You're not even trying to hide it!"

"So you'll come?"

"Have you even been listening! Use your own money!"

I decided to use this opportunity to play the model wingman

"Adrian's free though, you can have him pay for guys too. Just don't go too hard on him"

"Who?"

"He's standing right here!"

"Oh, you mean Silver!"

So it wasn't an act?! You seriously don't remember his name? Just how useless do you think that piece of information is if you forgot it with your almost perfect memory?

She turned to face Adrian

"So, will you come?"

"Uhm.... Yeah! You can clount on.. I mean, count on me!"

They eventually exchanged contacts after Adrian stumbled on his words repeatedly.

The two of us bade Liz farewell then headed to the second year classes.

"Thanks for the assist, bro! I won't let your sacrifice be in vain"

"What sacrifice? I actually do have plans"

"WHAT!"

"Hey!"

I retorted in a cautionary tone. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

"Besides, It's less of a favor and more of a double edged sword— if someone else is paying, that kid'll easily burn through 3 grand... And that's on a good day"

"Really?! I only have 500 bucks on me!"

"Sure sucks to be you right now"

"C'mon..... What am I goin' to do?"

He asked with a sullen expression

"Relax, I'll lend you the money"

"Really?! Thanks bro! I promise to pay you back!"

"You can pay me back by actually getting her to remember your name"

"Sure thin' bro! Just leave it to me!"

"If you don't, you're paying me double"

I said before moving on ahead. He trailed behind me trying to get me to listen to reason but I refused—At the rate he's going, I'll have grandkids before Liz becomes his girlfriend. A little motivation should speed things up.

We arrived at class 2-1 which was almost devoid of human existence— I guess everyone were watching Sara and Michelle's fight.

I took my place at my desk, further pondering that "request" and it's connection to this morning's events.

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

Our tests went by like a storm and before I knew it, we were done with our final paper for the day.

*Sighhhhh

I packed my things and headed out. The other students flocked round Michelle trying to console her after the emotional beatdown Sara served her in the morning.

At the very least, I don't have to worry about getting hounded by the queen bee today, right?

Wrong.

She forced her way through the crowd and caught up with me.

"Adam!"

*Sigh—Just great. I tilted my head to face her.

"I'm actually having a party this weekend to celebrate the end of tests.... and I'll really like you to be there..."

She pitched her proposal with puppy dog eyes. As expected from Michelle King, despite getting thoroughly crushed, she used her despair as an opportunity to try ensnaring me by targeting the protective or comforting instinct males have towards a vunerable creature of the opposite sex.

However, she wasn't actually expecting it to work..... She was basically grasping at straws with a hint of desperation in her thoughts. What a pain!

"I'll think about it"

"Huh? R-Really? T-Then let me give you my number—"

She clumsily tried pulling out her phone while more in shock than anything else

"—I only said I'll think about it. I haven't actually promised I'll come"

"...."

"I'll give you my answer tomorrow. I'm in a rush so can I go now?"

"Ohh, y-yes"

"See ya"

I walked off leaving the queen bee far too dazed and confused to cry songs of victory.

Couldn't blame her for her confusion though, it was out of character for me. Infact, I still would've ignored her if not for that request.

Shortly after, I arrived at my destination—the library. I opened the door and then—

"BOO!"

"Kya!"

—I fell on my butt after being scared half to death by my psycho club president who was waiting for me at the other side of the door.

"Fufufufu, nice reaction"

"Why the hell are you here! Where's library girl"

"Is that any way to talk to the person helping you study? Mis–ter–failed–genius?"

"I only asked you for recommendations, not to coach me!"

I was serious about breaking Liz's curse, to that end, I needed to study up on the supernatural before I could try combating a supernatural problem.

My challenge was that 90% of works on the supernatural were useless trash made to turn a profit and I didn't have time to take a full dive down the rabbit hole. I wanted to break Liz's curse as soon as possible, so I asked Sara to recommend some authentic books on the supernatural since she's actually dealt with real occult stuff before.

She sent a list of titles this morning and also cashed in on her IOU.

"Katie has to study so you're stuck with me, fufu"

"You're both in the same class, why aren't you studying?! "

"How kind of you to worry about my academic standing, fufu.... But I'll be fine. I'm a straight A student, unlike someone I know who barely passes on purpose, you think you're Kiyopon ?"

"Shut it! More importantly, what the hell is this?"

I showed her my phone with her "request " on display.

By the way, I'm calling in that favor you owe me, I'll give you the details in person. Although, if the four eyed freak's sister in your class invites you to a party before we meet, tell her you'll think about it. Thanks

—Your one and only,

Sara.

"Hmmm? What's the problem? I am your one and only, fufu"

"Not that! Well, that's a problem too but..."

She was clearly messing with me, I could tell that much from the mischievous smirk she flashed.

I cleared my throat

"Just what the hell are you scheming?"

"You came here to study the supernatural, didn't you? I'll explain the details once we've gotten a place to seat, C'mon"

"What about the books?"

"I already took care of that, they're at our table"

She led me to rather secluded spot deep in the library suitable for clandestine meetings and ecchi stuff as well. I picked up one of the books and started reading while conversing with Sara.

"You sure have a good eye, of all the books here, that one is the best to start with—"

"Quit beating around the bush and explain yourself"

"Fufufu, no need to be so guarded. It's not like I'm asking you to kill someone"

She flashed her mischievous smile before continuing

"All I want is for you to be my spy. Attend the party and observe Michelle King, then report back to me"

"Why?!"

"I want some dirt on her. Enough to ruin her during student council elections"

"Those elections aren't till the end of next month though."

"A good plan requires prep time. Besides, all I need from you is to give me a starting point"

"If you need a starting point, then here—her hair isn't originally blond, she dyes it"

"And what do expect me to do with that?! Give her a bad hair day?"

I shrugged slightly.

"Your plan'll fall apart if she doesn't run though"

"Oh, she'll run, I guarantee it"

I raised an eyebrow. She crossed her legs then continued.

"She has a sort of brother complex—no, that's not the word... hmmm? What's the right word again?"

She pondered for a bit before giving up

"Oh well, you'll figure it out while watching her"

"Hey!"

"Anyway, her big brother is the student council president so she's aiming for the same thing. She's being preparing for it since her first year— gathering allies with deception and raising her popularity all to make sure she wins those elections in a landslide..."

I took my eyes of my book for a sec to look at Sara. Just as I thought, her psycho smile was on display

"... unfortunate for her, the greater your popularity, the more damage scandalous rumors can inflict. The look of despair on her face once her two years of planning goes down the drain as she sinks to the bottom of the food chain will be priceless"

Well it is human nature. When someone seems too perfect or unattainable, you can't help looking for a flaw despite your admiration for them. Because of that, people are quick to believe unsavory rumors about such people even when there's no solid proof.

"What did she ever do to you?"

"Hmmm?"

She paused for a couple seconds to think about it. Seriously?!

"Hmmm....She pissed me off and so I want to put her in her place. Is that good enough?"

"Ofcourse not!"

"Fufufu.... Fact is, she's been an annoyance ever since our first year, I've ignored her since she was nothing more than a pebble...."

Her face turned serious all of a sudden

"....However, even a pebble can hurt a giant with enough force behind it. If Michelle King becomes student council president, there's a huge possibility she'll cause problems for me and my club. I'll much rather nip it in the bud before she gains more power"

"So what was the point of starting a fight with her this morning? You want her to suspect you when the time comes?"

"Fufufu, what are you talking about? She's the one who started the fight"

"You say it like you didn't manipulate her into doing so"

"Don't say it like that. You make me sound like an evil mastermind"

"That's cause you are!"

Michelle fell prey to something almost everyone with popularity, a large circle of friends and high expectations from said friends could fall victim to—peer pressure.

She already had a grudge against Sara but never really acted on it. However, with so many of her friends inciting her to give Sara a piece of her mind, she couldn't help but step up.

Funny story though, after a little "observation", I noticed the people who incited her all had unfavorable encounters with Sara, starting shortly after she received an IOU from me.

They wanted to get back at her but knew they'll never be able to win due to the difference in social standing. So, they turned to a friend with just as much popularity as Sara to fight their battle— the person Sara was aiming for the whole time, Michelle.

If it was only one person, Michelle could've found a way to refuse, but, with so many of her followers in agreement, she couldn't betray their expectations and risk losing their support— a downside to the persona she chose.

She originally intended to just make a slight commotion and walk away but Sara hit the right nerves to make her escalate the situation. From there, Sara made the queen bee self destruct while keeping her cool and calm disposition.

A cruel and manipulative strategy which is just another Thursday for Sara O'Neil. To what end though? Wait—

"If she tries accusing you of as the mastermind of her slander without proof during the election, you can play it off as her paranoia. You'll probably say she's trying to pin it on you because she hates you, using this morning's incident as reference"

"fufufu, I'm busted, huh? You sure you really can't read my mind?"

With the public already knowing of her fight with Sara, they'll see her accusing Sara as being petty or venting for no concrete reason. They'll get disillusioned, harbouring unfavorable opinions about Michelle making them also start believing the embellished rumors Sara spread turning Michelle's popularity into notoriety.

She isn't just going to make her lose the the election, Sara intends to make her a pariah, destroying her school life completely so she'll never pose a threat. From there, she could leave her to sink into despair or show her kindness, manipulating her into becoming one of Sara's pawns.

Even a simple strategy can be devastating in this girl's hands....or bossom.

"You really expect me to help you achieve your twisted scheme?"

"Huh? What's the problem? Is she your lover?"

"No"

"Friend?"

"No"

"Mistress?"

"Ofcourse not!"

"Then what's the problem? She's nothing to you, so my plan doesn't affect you in anyway"

"I'm not going to help you destroy the life of a teenage girl! It doesn't matter if she's related to me"

"Oh? Look at you growing a conscience. You use others, manipulating them to achieve your goals with no regard for their emotions, same as me. So why's it wrong when I do the same thing?"

"I'm nothing like you, don't insult me"

"You used Katie to break Miguel's composure and send the love of her life to prison, psychologically bullied your underclassman just because you were curious about her deductive prowess, toyed with Rachel's feelings to gather data for stalking your real target...."

"It might've started that way but I still considered Rachel's feelings during our date!"

"Did you consider Liz's feelings as well when you used the death of her police friend to set a trap for the chameleon's apprentice?"

"How do you...."

"I heard the details of the case from Lizbeth when she came to thank me for helping you. You knew she was hurting and took advantage of it to make sure the chameleon chose her as his target by showcasing her vunerable state"

"It was to catch the culprit"

"I'm sure you could've thought up a way that didn't involve toying with Lizbeth's emotions. The reason you didn't was because you simply wanted to get it over with quickly, regardless of anyone else"

I slammed my fist on the table

"Still though, I didn't ruin someone else's life for my benefit. Who knows how your plan will affect her in the long run? She's just an unstable teenager, she might choose to kill herself"

"Why do you think I'm using an IOU for this?"

"Huh?"

She leaned towards the table using her hands to support her chin with that psycho expression on her face.

"If I hadn't given you Lizbeth's location and the bike, she would've surely been killed, you could even say I saved her life. That's the weight of your IOU, one human life. If I told you to help me kill someone, that's an equivalent exchange"

"...."

"And yet, all I'm asking of you is to go to her party and watch. I'm not asking you to snoop around for info yourself, just watch and report. If she ends up dying, it's in no way your fault, all you did was watch—"

"—You really expect me not to feel respo—"

Her face turned serious as she cut me off

"—That said, I promise I won't let her kill herself, so don't worry. Killing is the one line I do not cross..."

She replaced her cool aura with a mischievous grin before finishing her statement.

"Besides, she's more useful to me as a pawn than she is dead"

"*Sigh— Fine, it's not like I have a choice anyway"

"Yippee"

"However, I am not going to do anything. I'm just going to report what I hear"

"Ofcourse. You don't have to worry about that, that blonde bimbo'll do all the work for you anyway"

"Huh?"

"Huh? You'll see what I mean. Remember, you're not doing anything— that includes avoiding her"

"Yeah, yeah"

I packed a couple of the books on the table and made my way to checkout to take them home with me.

"By the way..."

"Hmmm?"

"What were the two of you arguing about anyway?"

"A number of things actually, but the main topic of discussion was you"

I turned my head to catch her smirking

"So your other reason for starting the fight was to manipulate her into inviting me, huh?"

"Seriously, stop making me sound like an evil witch, fufu. She was probably going to invite you anyway, I just had to make sure"

It explains the hint of desperation from Michelle. Sara probably used the fact I joined the occult research club to make her believe I was enthralled by Sara and stoke her competitive streak.

She didn't want to lose the dog she's been trying so hard to tame to her greatest rival—A rival who sees her as nothing more than a pebble and who, by the way, looks kinda hot smirking at me like that with her legs crossed and face resting on her palm.

"Well? How does it feel to have two girls fighting over you, Adam?"

"*Sigh—I'd feel great... if it was anyone apart from the two of you psychos"

I retorted before walking off, leaving a grinning Sara O'Neil to her silent thoughts.