Under The Painted Sky (O/O CLOSED)

Eden’s eyes opened when whispers filled her ears, turning louder. Though she didn’t want to sound arrogant, students always stopped talking whenever she came into the room. She was feared and she liked that. That meant nobody bothered her, and she could live in silence. But she was in the room, students knew that, so why was it getting louder?

And then she felt something shuffle next to her and she turned her gaze towards the noise only to find the new student—Sterling, was it?—make himself comfortable. She almost scowled. Why couldn’t he leave her alone?

Eden rolled her eyes, turning her head away. She breathed in deeply, closing her eyes.

“Want me to give you one, too?” She questioned, voice cold and blank at the same time.

“Perhaps we can make an arrangement with a wall,” she muttered, crossing her arms. Of course she knew what he meant. She was familiar with his kind. She’d put many in their places, too. How long would it take for this one to realize it was better to leave unscathed than with bruises?

Eden scrunched her nose in disgust. Of course he managed to twist her words. What had she been expecting?

“Perfect,” she said instead. “Perhaps slamming your head into one would make you smarter.”

Eden said nothing. She didn’t crack a smile, didn’t let his witty remarks amuse her. She leaned back against her chair, her hand reaching out to touch her bruise. If her brother saw it, which he would because they lived together, he’d be furious. He always was when she got into fights, but there wasn’t anything he could do to stop her. She liked living like this. Feeling nothing, causing fear in others. Others might not like the lifestyle, but she had no problem with it.

Eden’s eyes remained closed, and there was no emotion on her features, but her fingers twitched. She breathed in deeply, wondering if she should respond or not. She decided to do it.

“Took me by surprise,” she murmured as if it was no big deal. As if it was something she was used to. Then her lips twisted upwards slightly and she let out a small chuckl. “But gave me a reason to strike back. What’s it to you, new student?”

“Does it matter?” She quirked an eyebrow in amusement, feeling his eyes on her. “When will you realize trying to talk to me is pointless?”

“Fantastic,” Eden sunk into her chair, heaving a tired sigh. She didn’t open her eyes, and she didn’t respond again, either. Get rid of one problem and another one pushes itself on you. Sooner or later, she’d be rid of this problem, too.

Eden clicked her tongue again, frustrated.

“Here’s a question, Sterling,” she opened her eyes and glared at him. “What’s it to you?”

Eden took a deep breath to calm herself down. She closed her eyes, and once she was sure she was calm, she opened them again. They were blank.

“Funny,” she muttered. “Such pure ideals.”

“What reasons do I have to answer to you?” Eden scoffed, shaking her head. “You’re being annoying, and I dislike being annoyed, transfer student.”

Eden slapped her hands on the desk, pulling herself to her feet. Upon hearing the noise, her classmates immediately quietened down. Eden paid them no attention—she simply set her gaze on Sterling, her eyes hardening.

“Ah, you really are annoying,” she breathed out, clenching her fists. “If you like your face the way it is, I suggest you watch it.”

Eden took her seat again, folding her arms and leaning back. Right before the teacher entered, another student came inside. He supported a black eye and another bruise on his cheek, along with a bandage over his nose. Upon seeing Eden, he bared his teeth. The younger girl merely lifted an eyebrow, closing her eyes as if to tell him he had asked for it. It offered her no amusement, but it was her life. She was the one who chose it, after all.

“‘Suppose that answers your question, no?”

That caused her lips to twitch a little, but she held back the chuckle. If he was surprised by that, what would he think after he learned what she truly was?

Eden chose not to respond. She didn’t have any reason to, after all. The teacher stood in front of the classroom and clapped his hands.

“All right,” he said, looking over at the students. “We have a new student today, right? Would you please stand up?”

Eden nearly snorted. Of course. It wasn’t a surprise to her. The reactions he received wasn’t, either.

“You missed quite a lot of the first chapter,” the teacher started, clasping his hands. “If you need any help, I’m available after school. For now, though, I’d suggest you get someone to tutor you…” his eyes roamed around the class, finally resting on Eden, who had her eyes closed. “Ah, Eden. Perfect.”

Eden’s eyes snapped open and she glared at the teacher. “No.” She responded bitterly. The teacher shook his head.

“Eden, you’re a star student, but your behavior is getting out of control,” he said to her. “Perhaps socializing would help. No more arguments.”

Eden gritted her teeth.