The Clash
SS1 Classroom – Afternoon
The classroom was buzzing with noise as students chatted, laughed, and passed notes. The air was thick with the usual energy of a school day, but something felt different today—something tense, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
At the back of the class, Peter sat quietly, his sharp eyes fixed on the front of the board. His expression was unreadable, but his clenched fists betrayed the anger simmering inside him.
Suddenly, a hand tapped him from behind.
It was Josiah, his closest friend. Josiah leaned in, his voice low and serious.
"Brother, please… relax. Don't do anything stupid. Remember, she's a new teacher—she doesn't know anything."
Josiah's words were pleading, almost desperate, as if he knew something terrible might happen if Peter lost control.
But Peter didn't respond. He only glanced at Josiah with silent intensity, then stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. The noise made a few students turn their heads, but Peter ignored them. He was about to walk out when—
A figure stepped into the classroom.
The room fell into a hush as Nelly, a beautiful girl with a soft smile, blocked Peter's path. She looked up at him with gentle eyes, her voice sweet and inviting.
"Hey, Peter… can we meet after school? Please? Same place as earlier."
As she spoke, she reached out and touched his chest lightly—a small, romantic gesture that sent shockwaves through the class.
Gasps. Whistles. Laughter.
Some students whistled teasingly, while others clapped and cheered.
"Ooooh! King of girls!"
"Peter and Nelly sitting in a tree!"
Josiah, seeing the tension ease slightly, quickly stood up with a grin. He walked over and playfully poked Peter's ribs, trying to get him to smile.
"Hey, Nelly! Hi, I'm Josiah. Don't worry—I promise he'll be there."
Nelly giggled and gently ran her hands down Peter's arms, her touch lingering for just a moment. And then—something rare happened.
Peter smiled.
It was quick—so quick that no one else noticed. But Josiah saw it.
The class erupted again, louder this time.
"King and Queen!"
"Boyfriend and girlfriend!"
The noise was deafening, the excitement electric. But just as the laughter reached its peak—
Silence.
A cold, heavy presence filled the room.
Everyone froze.
At the door stood Luke—the SS3 Senior Prefect.
Tall. Muscular. Dangerous.
Josiah's smile vanished. He grabbed Nelly's arm and pulled her back to her seat, whispering urgently.
"Sit down. Don't move a muscle."
Luke strode into the room, his boots thudding against the floor like a drumbeat of doom. He stopped right in front of Peter.
The two stood face to face, eyes locked in a silent battle. No words were needed—their stares said everything.
Nelly, confused and scared, turned to Josiah.
"Um… Josiah, right?"
Josiah nodded, his eyes never leaving the standoff.
"What's going on? Who is that?" Nelly whispered.
Josiah exhaled sharply.
"That's Luke. Also known as Creed. The Second King of this school."
Nelly's eyes widened.
"Woah… He's huge. And… kind of handsome?" She blinked in disbelief. "Peter told me about him, but I thought it was just a story. But now… it's real."
Josiah nodded grimly.
"Yeah. Very real."
"But why is he here for Peter? What does he want?"
Josiah hesitated.
"He… didn't tell you, did he?"
"Tell me what?"
Josiah took a deep breath—
CRACK!
Before he could answer, Luke's leg shot out in a lightning-fast kick—aimed straight at Josiah's head!
But just before impact—
Peter moved.
In a blur, he appeared in front of Josiah and caught Luke's foot mid-air!
The entire class gasped.
No one dared to breathe.
Peter's grip was iron. His voice, though low, cut through the silence like a blade.
"Luke… if you're here for me, then face me alone. Leave them out of this."
Luke smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Wow, Peter… I never took you for someone who cared about others. Or… are you getting weak?"
The word "weak" hit Peter like a punch.
His body stiffened. His fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white.
"Me… weak?" he murmured to himself, his voice trembling with rage.
Nelly, now terrified, grabbed Josiah's shoulder.
"Josiah! What's happening? Why did he attack you like that?"
Josiah, still shaken, whispered back.
"Luke… is one of the Kings of this school. And his number one enemy… is Peter."
Nelly's mind raced.
"But why? Peter shouldn't be a threat to someone like him… unless…"
Josiah's eyes darkened.
"Nelly… some things are better left unknown."
She wasn't satisfied.
"Josiah, tell me the truth!"
But before he could respond—
"ENOUGH!"
A deep, commanding voice boomed through the room.
Everyone turned.
Mr. Henson—the Physics teacher and Disciplinary Master—stood at the door.
His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Peter and Luke.
"Peter. Luke. That's enough. Luke, go back to your class. Peter, sit down. You both know better than to cause trouble here. Save it for… you know when."
Luke smirked, gave Peter one last look, and walked out.
Peter slowly sat back down, his body still tense.
Mr. Henson then addressed the class.
"Now, have these two new students introduced themselves?" He gestured to Nelly and another girl, Fortune.
The class nodded.
"Good. Make them feel welcome. Help them if they need anything."
Then, he walked over to Peter and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
Leaning down, he whispered so only Peter could hear:
"Be careful, Peter. Control your anger. If I hadn't stepped in, people could've gotten hurt… or worse. Be smart."
Peter gave a single nod.
Mr. Henson left.
Silence lingered—until footsteps echoed again.
All eyes turned to the door.
Miss Tina stood there, her finger pointing straight at Peter.
"Peter. See me after school. Don't make me look for you. Understood?"
Peter nodded again.
And then—
DING-DONG!
The school bell rang.
Class was over.
But for Peter… the real battle was just beginning.
To be continued…