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nA piece of chalk zipped through the air, striking a young boy squarely on the head, causing him to stumble.

n“Pay attention and stop staring at the clock, Atticus!” A deep and stern voice echoed through the classroom, eliciting laughter from the other students in the class room.

nAtticus, rubbing his head in pain, turned his gaze toward a middle-aged man with a rotund figure.

n“Sorry, Mr. Solder,” he offered an awkward smile as he scratched his head.

n“It better not happen again!” Mr. Solder scolded, then resumed teaching the class.

n“Damn, that hurts,” Atticus muttered irritably.

nHis annoyance grew when he heard a chuckle beside him, and he turned to find his friend, Max, struggling to stifle his laughter.

n“Yeah, yeah, laugh at my pain, you bastard,” Atticus grumbled, which only seemed to amuse Max even more.

n“What’s wrong with you today?” Max inquired after his laughter subsided. However, Atticus simply smiled and faced forward, not offering a response.

nBeing friends with Atticus since childhood, Max could easily sense when something was up.

nSuddenly, a look of realization crossed his face. “Oh, you’re finally getting some action today!”

nMax’s voice was meant to be a whisper but carried throughout the entire classroom, earning him a few smirks and giggles from their classmates.

n“Is there something you’d like to share, Walker?” Mr. Solder asked with a stern expression.

nRealizing his blunder, Max immediately covered his mouth with his hand and shook his head.

n“Maybe detention will change your mind then,” Mr. Solder remarked, causing Max’s expression to turn somber.

nAtticus couldn’t help but chuckle, but his amusement quickly faded when Mr. Solder continued, “You too, Atticus.”

n“Bu-” before he could complain, a stern glance from Mr. Solder silenced him. He shot Max glare who turned his face away in embarrassment.

nAtticus sighed and he resumed his impatient watch of the clock.

n‘Since I already have detention, I might as well do as I like,’

nAfter one excruciating hour, the bell rang, signaling the start of the break.

nAtticus wasted no time, he leaped from his seat and bolted out of the classroom, leaving behind a furious Mr. Solder, “Atticus!”

nHis voice echoed in the hallway, but Atticus didn’t slow down or even glance back. He moved swiftly through the corridor, wearing a broad grin on his face.

nAtticus passed by fellow students, ignoring their greetings entirely. His sole focus was on reaching his destination as quickly as possible.

nToday was a special day for Atticus, the day he had been eagerly waiting for – the day he would finally kiss his girlfriend, Kira.

nBut how had their story begun?

nIt was in a very classic way; in one of the most frequently used romantic plots, they bumped into each other, and their hands brushed while retrieving her scattered books from the floor. 𝑖.𝘤ℴ𝘮

nAtticus was generally laid-back, approaching life with logic and straightforwardness.

nAs a senior in high school, he held popularity among his peers, but he had never been drawn to having a girlfriend due to his lack of interest in anyone.

nHowever, when he laid eyes on Kira, something within him stirred. It was an unfamiliar sensation, causing his heart to race.

nHe couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Is this because it’s the first time I’ve held a girl’s hand?’

nGathering his composure, he mustered the courage to ask her out. Surprisingly, she agreed, setting into motion a relationship that had continued to thrive.

nAlthough Atticus had made attempts to progress their relationship physically, Kira’s shyness and reluctance had often put a pause on their romantic advances.

nYesterday, they had made a bet – a wager that, if Atticus won, she would have to kiss him.

nAs fate had it, he emerged victorious. And today, he anticipated that the promise would be fulfilled. He would make sure of that!

nHe and Kira had separate class schedules, so they planned to meet during break, and he was moving towards their meeting point as if his life depends on it.

nAfter a minute of brisk walking, Atticus finally arrived at the location, beneath the chairs in the football stadium.

nHe wasted no time and pulled a breath spray from his pocket, administering it five times into his mouth.

n“Cough, cough. Damn, that was too much,” he muttered, taking a moment to regain his composure.

nHe then tried to position himself in the most attractive way he knew, he leaned against a pole with both hands in his pockets, attempting to give what he deemed a ‘hot look’ with his face.

n“Damn, i look good” he muttered. He chuckled a bit and decided to wait for Kira.

nHowever, despite waiting for a good 20 minutes, Kira was nowhere to be seen.

nAtticus had been maintaining that position for the entire time and was beginning to grow tired.

n“Where is she?” Atticus wondered aloud, growing increasingly impatient.

nDetermined to break his “lips virginity” today, he resolved to search for her.

nHe headed to her classroom but she was no where to be seen. He approached one of her classmates, inquiring if they had seen her.

nThe classmate mentioned having spotted her near the lab earlier. “Thanks,” Atticus replied before hurrying in the direction of the lab.

nDrawing closer to the lab, hushed voices reached his ears, and curiosity got the better of him.

nHe peered through a window, only to witness his beloved girlfriend, Kira, locked in a passionate kiss with another guy, Jackson – the notorious delinquent of their year, known for his charm.

n“Damn, so feisty. Is this how you kiss your lovely boyfriend?” Jackson asked jokingly, grabbing her b*tt.

nKira chuckled and replied, “You mean that nerd? I’m just using him to gain a little popularity. I didn’t even allow him to kiss me. He’s probably waiting for me now, thinking I’d come and give him a kiss. I’ll just tell him I had to do an assignment or something.” Jackson then pulled her close for another kiss.

nAtticus stood there, his head blank, watching them for a good minute.

nThen he just left.

nHe walked back to class and sat down. Max noticed that something was wrong and approached him.

nBut Atticus forced a fake laugh and said, “I’m fine,” his voice sounding hoarse.

nMax could sense that something was off but respected his response and left him alone.

nThe teacher walked in and continued the lesson, but Atticus was lost in his thoughts, barely registering anything being said.

nAs the school bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Max walked over to Atticus with a concerned expression.

n“Hey,” he began softly, “I know something is wrong, and I understand if you don’t want to talk about it, but cheer up, okay?”

nAtticus simply nodded in response, his eyes still vacant.

nMax’s concern deepened, his brow furrowing as he wondered about the source of Atticus’s distress.

nThe two of them proceeded toward the detention classroom, where Atticus continued to wear a distant expression throughout the duration of their punishment.

nAfter an hour had passed, signalling the end of their punishment, Max approached Atticus and spoke softly,

n“I have something important to attend to today. You’ll have to go home alone, buddy.”

nHe placed a reassuring hand on Atticus’s shoulder and added, “Cheer up,” before giving him a gentle pat and then walking away.

nCarrying his bag, Atticus started his journey. As if in sync with his feelings, the sky above began to weep, raindrops falling in a gentle cadence. 𝑖.𝑐ℴ𝑚

nThe rain matching the desolation he felt. Unperturbed by the rain, he continued to walk, his mind consumed by his own thoughts.

nHe didn’t know how, but his legs carried him to Kira’s house.

nHe knocked at the door, and she answered. Conveniently, she was the only one at home.

nHe entered the house, rain-soaked and lost in thought. Kira greeted him with fake concern, “Hey, babe! Are you okay? What are you doing in the rain?”

nKira noticed Atticus’s distant expression and felt a hint of unease. “Wait, why are you here?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

nAtticus stared at her for a moment. Sensing his unease, Kira took a step back, feeling a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

nAtticus took a step toward her, and he suddenly threw a punch that connected with Kira’s lips, causing them to split.

nShe fell on the floor. “Atticus, what the hell! Help!!” she screamed.

nBut Atticus didn’t listen, he punched her a few times then rose to his feet, his expression stony and his voice devoid of warmth as he addressed Kira,

n“We’re through.”

nThe words hung in the air, heavy with finality, as he turned and left the house.

nAtticus continued walking through the rain, lost in his thoughts as the heavy raindrops fell around him.

nThe area was deserted due to the downpour, creating a sense of isolation.

nAfter an hour of walking, Atticus finally arrived home. He stepped inside, completely drenched from the rain.

nDespite his broken heart, Atticus couldn’t help but notice the unusual quietness that hung in the air.

n“Right, Mom had that double shift today,” he reminded himself, a hint of concern in his voice. “I should make something for her before she gets back.”

nWith that in mind, Atticus headed to his room to change his clothes.

nHis home was modest, a two-bedroom apartment with an open layout that combined the kitchen, dining area, and living room.

nWhile his mother wasn’t wealthy, she provided Atticus with everything he needed, working tirelessly after his father had left when she became pregnant.

nAfter drying himself off and changing into dry clothes, Atticus headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal for his mother.

nAtticus was undeniably a ‘family guy,’ his love for his mother was unwavering.

nAs he contemplated what to cook, he settled on making stir fry. Atticus opened the fridge to retrieve some vegetables and reached for a knife to start cutting.

n“I’d love some,” a voice suddenly spoke from behind him.

nA chill ran down Atticus’s spine, and his body tensed.

nThe voice was calm and composed, as serene as a tranquil lake, giving off an air of nonchalance as if this were an ordinary occurrence. The knife he had been holding froze in midair.

n‘Who?’ Atticus’s mind raced as he attempted to identify the source of the voice.

nHe prided himself on having a sharp memory and being able to recall even the smallest details about people he had met. Yet, despite his best efforts, he couldn’t place the voice or remember anyone he knew who sounded like that.

nHis grip on the knife tightened, and he swiftly turned to confront the source of the voice.

nThere, sitting at the head of the dining table just a few steps from the kitchen, was a man.

nThe man appeared to be in his forties and was impeccably groomed. He had a cleanly shaven beard that emphasized his chiseled jawline, and his attire exuded sophistication. He wore a well-fitted jacket that draped elegantly over his frame.

nAlthough Atticus had no idea how to fight, he knew one thing for certain: the knife in his hand was sharp.

nWith a cautious and guarded look, he raised the knife a bit higher and slightly bent down.

nHe asked, “What do you want?” Atticus was under no illusion that this man had broken into his home with good intentions.

nHe wasn’t foolish enough to think that reasoning with him was an option. His heart raced as he wondered how he had failed to notice the his presence earlier.

nA chilling smile spread across the man’s face, a smile that sent shivers down Atticus’s spine.

nHe suddenly stood up, causing Atticus to instinctively back away.

nThe man continued to approach, each step sending shockwaves of fear through Atticus’s body.

nDespite the tense situation, the man’s voice remained oddly calm and peaceful as he replied, “As much as I would love to answer your questions, I’m a bit pressed for time.”

nHe continued to speak, and his words sent another shockwave through Atticus’s mind. “Honestly, I was a little bit reluctant when master chose you. But after seeing what you did to that girl, I understood why. Although, I’d never hit a woman, watching you take your revenge was a bit… thrilling.”

nAtticus’s thoughts were in disarray. ‘He was following me?’ he wondered, unable to comprehend how it was possible.

nWhile it had been raining, and he had been lost in thought, what he had done to Kira had taken place inside her house. How had this man seen it all?

nAs the man closed in, Atticus realized he had no room to back away any further. He tightened his grip on the knife, ‘I’ll attack if he gets closer,’ he decided.

nThe man simply chuckled as if reading his mind.

nHe stopped a few feet from Atticus and from his jacket, he retrieved a gun and aimed it at him, causing his heart to race.

nHis words followed, “Be sure you entertain us,” he uttered.

n“Wha-” before Atticus could react, the man pulled the trigger, the bullet sliced through the air and pierced Atticus’s head without mercy.

nUnhurriedly, the man coolly blew on the gun’s muzzle and returned the weapon to his jacket before walking away with a contented smile.

n“This should be good,” he murmured to himself.

nOnly silence pervaded the house, and the sole remaining presence was the lifeless body of a high school boy.

nAtticus was dead.

n***

nAN: Hi ?? . I truly hope you enjoyed this chapter, it’s my first attempt at writing. If you did, while giving golden tickets might not be possible, I would truly appreciate powerstones or comments. They’ll motivate me and also help this story reach more readers. Thank you for reading ????

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