Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Yawning, I readjusted my eyes to the shining phone screen in front of me. I slowly blinked, processing the weight my eyelids were carrying. According to my phone, it appeared to be three in the morning. And I was still awake.

Why wouldn't I be awake?

Just knowing that I have extra hours that I can spend on the internet (instead of sleeping) gives me the power to stay up. At this point it might as well be daily routine… However, my eyes slowly started to give up and my body started to urge for the the softness of my mattress…

Maybe this habit of staying up was not as healthy as I thought it was.

But who can resist binging WEBTOON?

I don't know when exactly it happened, but I found myself rereading UnOrdinary for the 6th time again. It was just soooo addicting.

John being a God-Tier, and slowly getting over his past and making amends with his peers.

Seraphina, getting over her parents' and societies' expectations that had been weighing her down to be perfect.

Blyke and Isen being such a stupid pair of friends, but understanding each other and promising to never leave each other when in danger.

Remi, using what her brother had left behind to help others and make the school more peaceful and bring some optimism and genuine effort into a story full of secrets and lies.

And Arlo, who made so many mistakes and was in general such an asshole.

But him later sucking up his pride to help his friends when they needed him.

And working along with JOHN!!!!

AAAAA!!!!!

This was the part of the story that just made my heart jump out of my chest, like an excited elementary schooler playing the drums off tempo for the first time. Enemies to friends was such a good trope it made me want to DIE!

Now if only they could become lovers too…

But alas, my body was giving me signs to stop reading and sleep. My eyes were blinking a lot more than usual, and my back was yelling at me for lying at such an uncomfortable position for too long. I tilted my head to glance at my lame, bland ceiling. Tomorrow. Another boring day. Of doing so much work and taking care of responsibilities. I wish I could just escape. Reading WEBTOON at night was my escapism. 

I wiped my eyes before frowning at my phone screen. UnOrdinary. I wish I was in a world like that. Mine is too ordinary- a world where your teenage years determine your future- a world where you are expected to work a miserable nine to five job for a mediocre paycheck.

But what can I possibly do to change the route of the world? What can I do to make a difference? It almost feels like none of my actions can amount to anything. Like it’s all pointless. Including my current, despondent inner monologue that does nothing but make me feel pathetic.

And so, I slowly placed my phone down on my bedside table, raised my blankets up my body, and finally rested my eyelids.

Tomorrow.

I can deal through it, just like how I usually do…

With tired eyes, I blacked out....

.

.

.

!! DO YOU WISH TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE THE FUTURE? !!

What the hell is this. A dream? 

!! DO YOU WISH TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? !!

Huh? Of course I do. Who wouldn’t? Who even conjured society to be like this? Working throughout your youth only to finally be able to relax and retire when you’re like sixty-five. The hell. I wanna enjoy life and be young god damn it. 

!! DO YOU LIKE JARLO? !!

Oh. This is totally a dream. Hehe. Stupid mind pictures. Of course I love jarlo. Silly hippocampus of mine. 

I narrowed my eyes at the message in front of me. You know, for a dream it looked pretty damn clear to the eye-

!!!

And then, in a flash, I woke up.

!?

What the hell was that dream… 

I sighed as I noticed the early sun peaking in from beside me. Morning already? That was so fast.

Wait, beside me? I hastily shifted in bed to glare at the newfound window at my left. I never had a window here. My eyes quickly scanned the room. In slow realization, a single thought came to mind: this place was not my home...

In front of me lay a small basic bedroom with a closet to the side. I sat up fast, my eyes batting across the room in a poor attempt of being alert.

"Where the hell am I????" I say out loud, scrambling out of the soft covers that seemed way too expensive to be mine.

Nearly tripping, I recognize a mirror in the distance and dash straight to it. I hesitantly make eye contact with the glass. My eyes widen as I realize that the usual reflection I expected to see was not there. I touched my face in wonder and shock.

"This..is not me!" I somehow had this unnatural hair color, a low toned shade of blue. I was still female though and had perfectly good vision.

I gripped onto the mirror, getting an even closer look. And then I see my eyebrows scrunch in fury, as if the mirror had personally wronged me. "Something is wrong! I shouldn't look like... whatever the hell this is!!!"

I release the mirror and quickly move my fingers to my hair, pulling on it tightly with as much force I could muster.

Nothing fell. Not even a single hair. This new version of me was very, very real.

"So..this isn't a wig?" I hear myself state loudly. Except this wasn't my voice.

I slowly backed away from the mirror. It wasn't just my hair and voice that had changed. My eyes were different too with this new amethyst shade of purple. I appeared to be slightly taller in height, and I no longer had any eye bags hanging on my face. Honestly... I've never looked better.

I need to see what else changed. I think to myself firmly. This room also seems unfamiliar.

I reach my hand out to the door knob and pause.

What if I'm in a whole new world?

I shake my head rapidly. There was no way I could be in a new world right? That would be very funny and unrealistic.

But then again, this whole situation seems rather fictional.

I quickly turned the knob and walked outside. The room seemed to be a dorm as it wasn't too large, yet had all the usual necessities one would need ro survive. The room consisted of a small kitchen setup, a TV, a small couch, a table to eat, and small shoe rack next to door that probably was the exit.

However, that was not my main focus. The room has this large window with no curtains adorning it like the one inside the previous bedroom. I walked closer and peeked out the window to examine where I had woken up to.

And saw a vast, rich looking school campus. Gawking at my surroundings, I examined the sight closely. My eyes scanned to see several buildings made exquisitely and beautifully, lots of nature and large trees with benches and trash cans beneath it. I gazed upon many lamp posts, and sidewalks full of students.

There was a student laughing. There was another with headphones on and walking diligently to a what appeared to be a four story building with large letters embellishing it presenting the words "WELLSTON PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL."

And from an extremely large distance, there seemed to be a conflict. There was a girl on the ground, who seemed to be injured. From afar it was hard to tell, but it looked like she was surrounded my multiple students. And their eyes were glowing.

I couldn't take my eyes off the scene. What school would just let bullying happen out in the open? This is supposed to be a private high school too, so wouldn't this affect the schools reputation?

And why were their eyes glowing?

And why was this all so familiar?

!!

Suddenly a thought slapped my face in realization. Last night, I stayed up reading WEBTOON.

And the WEBTOON I read was unOrdinary. A story that took place at Wellston Private High School. And was a fictional world centered about abilities.

I couldn't help but wonder, was this a dream?

I couldn't be in unOrdinary... right???

I nervously laughed to myself. And then slapped my face. Over and over again. And the feeling stung.

Nope.

This is all very, very real.

Chapter Text

This was not a dream. This was reality.

It'll be temporary though right? I mean... will I be here forever???? 

I sighed to myself, "What is this huh? I just somehow end up in the unOrdinary world? You have got to be joking." I mean, I know I said I despised my own world- but hey not this much! What if I accidentally piss someone off and they pummel me into a nearby fire hydrant?!

I walked over to the bathroom to check my looks again. Not going to lie, I was still stunned by my new appearance. Then it hit me, if I couldn't recognize this girl, then they must have been a background character. A character outside the main stage, a character that stays on the sidelines far from the spotlight where only the main cast can stand tall. I am not the star of the show.

Which indefinitely means....I am probably as weak as a tree branch. A frown crosses my face.

This is just great. Really. So great. Amazing. I scoffed.

Man... why couldn't I at least wake up in a world where I was rich or strong or something? Maybe I would finally be able to buy WEBTOON merch and have those cute Pinterest looking bedrooms decked out with my favorite fictional characters.

Whatever... I might as well research and figure out who I'm supposed to be in this story. That’s what people usually do in this situation right?

I left the bathroom and quickly searched for my phone. I easily found the device lying face down on the bedroom desk. The case was a simple purple color, and better yet the phone had no password. Smiling to myself, I unlocked the phone and looked for whatever I could find.

So my name here is Alendra... interesting. She was a mid-tier, which honestly was higher than what I had hoped for. This meant that her ability was somewhere from a two to a three point four.

I can make that work. Hopefully.

I opened my closet, as it was a Wednesday (horrid day to be honest but not as bad as Monday), and changed into the school uniform. My old school wasn't as prestigious as Wellston, so this was my first time ever wearing a uniform like this. After tying the bow around my shirt collar, I walked out of my new room.

I scrolled through her photos. There were videos of her with some friends I didn't recognize. I didn't see John, Arlo, or anybody from the main cast either. Well that was, until I saw Evie in one video.

I pressed play immediately. The first thing I heard was laughter and some chatter in the background. "PFTT ALENDRA! STOP IT!" some guy playfully hit Alendra on the shoulder with a nudge. They seemed to be at the school cafeteria. Alendra replied, "No Nolan, I won't ever stop here!"

They seemed to be the friendly type, and they reminded me of my own friends....

Would I ever see them again?

I quickly shook my head out of that mindset. Let's just go to school and figure things out.

I checked my schedule as it seemed to be in Alendra's notes. She seemed to be an organized, energetic, and humorous type from what I've seen. Her grades also seemed to be rather decent as well.

My stomach suddenly grumbled in hunger. Glancing around the kitchen, I quickly propped up an apple and bit into it. Delicious as always. As much as I would rather skip breakfast entirely, I just knew that today would be a long day...

Throwing away the core, I heard a voice from behind me.

"Alendra? Why are you up so early?" a female voice murmured with a yawn. I turned behind me just to see an unfamiliar pink haired girl. Just great. Soooo great.

I chuckled nervously, "Sorry! Couldn't sleep." Please tell me that seemed completely normal. I hoped internally.

The girl yawned. "Oh really? Hm. You want some coffee before you go?" I shook my head in a refusing gesture. The girl shrugged, "Alright then." The girl then proceeded to walk into the restroom. As she walked inside, I quickly swiped open Alendra's phone to check her social medias.

Who was that???? I clicked on Alendra's Instamilligram profile and found the girl rather fast. Her name was Eliza. They both seemed to hang out with a certain group of friends a lot. There were posts of them at Kovoro Mall, drinking boba tea together, and reading and purchasing books at a local bookstore.

She kinda reminded me of a friend I had in my old real life. My heart painfully tugged at the thought. I missed everyone, from my friends to my family, but this wouldn't be forever...right?

Eliza walked out all dressed up in her uniform. She raised her brow, "An apple? Again?" I widened my eyes. It seemed like Alendra was literally the same person as me. At least things were easier now. At least something went right during this exchange.

"Well apples are delicious and healthy Eliza, don't be a weirdo." I replied casually.

Yup. Very casual. Totally not a different person entirely. I am Alendra and always have been.

Eliza pouted, "I'm not weird!" I nodded skeptically, "Mhm..." Eliza sat down on a nearby chair and chomped on some toast with jam.

"You're the weird one you know," Eliza said, directly making eye contact with me. "You always wake up at weird times. And do weird stupid things. Don't think I forgot the time you poured in salt instead of sugar while we were baking cookies."

...

Damn Alendra... this is not a good first impression of you.

Eliza checked her watch and sighed, "Seems we still have to wait a while longer to leave anyway."

I tilted my head in confusion, "Leave? Why wait?" Eliza deadpanned, "Most of the students leaves the dorms at this time. I don't wanna get into a conflict or run into Joker and get beaten up Alendra!" She scrunched her face in confusion. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head while waking up this morning? You usually are more concerned about Joker and the royals than me."

I opened my mouth to retaliate but closed it back again quickly. Joker. The royals.

In this universe, John was real.

Which means Arlo was too.

I couldn't help but smirk to myself, I'd love to meet them both in person...

While most people in the fandom stuck to John x Seraphina, for some reason I was always attached to the idea of John x Arlo instead.

It probably was because of the enemies to lovers trope, but canonly in the story there was never any romance between them. Just John and Sera like usual.

I ended up getting so mad, that I wrote fanfictions about the John x Arlo pairing to cope with that fact that it will never happen.

But now that I'm here in this world, I can finally see John and Arlo together for real.

It was like a Christmas Miracle! This was like.... a Jarlo fan's Dubai! Imagine being able to witness John and Arlo speak to each other in real time- within five feet distance- this was LEGENDARY.

Holding the urge to jump up and down like a lunatic drinking alcohol for the first time, I tugged on Eliza's clothes frantically.

"Huh???? What are you doing? Why are you pulling me!!!" Eliza yelled in a confused manner, clutching on to her phone before being yanked away.

I grin widely, unable to contain myself. " I need to see something right now that's literally right outside these dorms!!"

Eliza skeptically looked at me, "Huh??? Now?? But what about Joker-

"Who cares about Joker?? We have the infirmary if anything happens, and it's not like we'll do anything to make him angry anyway! Let's go let's go!!!" I say loudly, unable to restrain my excitement.

I drag Eliza with me to the door, quickly putting on my shoes. Eliza groans, "Okay okay I'll go with you, just let me finish my breakfast real quick."

I beam in excitement.

This was like seeing peak cinema for free. This was like.. a dream come true!!!!

I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to go to school.

Chapter Text

I smiled at the thought of meeting the two boys I totally had not fangirled over the night before.

John and Arlo… 

Eliza was definitely judging me from afar but whatever it wasn't like she was already doing that anyway.

I mean, waking up and being able to see your favorite fictional characters??? Who would be able to contain themselves??

I darted out the door enthusiastically with Eliza slowly trailing behind. I could hear my own footsteps echo throughout the smooth dorm building tiles as I ran. It was kinda fun not going to lie...

The dorm building was extravagant. I felt like a rich person whenever I saw my reflection through the clean, white shining tiles.

Finally, my eyes met the Wellston school building. My mouth dropped, how was it even better in person? The building was elegantly residing here, showcasing the most exquisite materials ever. Thats when it hit me, Isn't Wellston for the smart or strong?

My eyes widened, did I have the right amount of knowledge to pretend to be Alendra? This was a top tier school after all...

I gripped my backpack straps tighter and walked into the buzzing hallways full of students in matching uniforms.

"Lets go to our lockers! Man, I'll never be able to express my gratitude for the school putting our lockers next to each other." Eliza exclaimed. I nodded in response, "Same here."

I internally thanked Eliza. She just indirectly told me where my locker was.

Eliza you are an angel...

I strode down the hallways with Eliza further and further down, when all of a sudden I heard a hush of silence gush over me. I peered to the side to see what was going on.

!!

IS THAT...JOHN? MY BELOVED JOHN? HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT!

I covered my mouth quickly and moved to the side of the lockers to blend in with everyone.

The raven haired student passed by with no emotions on his face whatsoever. It was all blank. He was taller than me, but not too tall. And his hair was wild, freely swimming in the air, a contrast from his old gelled appearance. He was also, of course, pretty good looking (which was a must if you were a main character).

I thought I would've been able to contain my excitement more, but I could feel my fingers shaking like a five year old reeling in a fish they caught for the first time. My heart beat was getting louder and louder, and I could feel my face warm up from anticipation.

I sighed, after reading the Webtoon, he didn't seem so intimidating. In fact he looked kinda sad and lonely. I thought of how Sera used to be his friend, and how Arlo broke John down to this
point.

But since this was the past… maybe he was still friends with Sera. 

And maybe… John could heal again.

Suddenly, I heard whispers.

"Wow look at him. The school cripple. I hate seeing him stand so tall like that. Pathetic."

"Just him being here is an embarrassment."

"He thinks a change of hairstyle can make us scared? Don't make me laugh."

"I know Joker only targets high-tiers... but I'd love to see Joker beat him up."

"Right? He has too much ego. He needs to be kicked down a notch."

Huh? But John literally is Joker!!! Look at all of you talking like you are better and superior to him-

What if he gets mad and targets you next!!!

I tilted my head as I watched him pass by. He looked... distant. Like he was somewhere else. He didn't pay any mind to the whispers at all

Was he worried about Seraphina???

I thought about the whispers being exchanged around. I was transported to the time where John did snap and become Joker, but he hadn't been revealed by Isen through the press yet. And from the looks of everyone whispering boldly, it seems that the fake Jokers hadn't made their move yet either.

I stared at John one more time before he walked around the corner.

I may understand John more than his own self at the moment...

A part of me wanted to go approach John and comfort him since I loved his character so much, but attracting attention as a stupid mid-tier is a big no in my book.

Also.. he would totally be confused. And would probably think I'd want something from him.

Speaking of mid-tier, Alendra seemed to be a 2.3 level mid tier. Her ability was rather interesting. She could see the footsteps of people on the ground. She could even choose who's footsteps she would see. Her ability was called, "Spot Tracker".

I closed my eyes and thought to myself, John John John John. I peeked open my eyes just to see black dots all over the floor. The footsteps would reset every few days, so many dots were scattered everywhere. I gawked at my experiment results.

Then a thought hit me. 

It would probably be best to not use it on John though, because his ability would probably make him know whenever someone is using an ability towards him....

Stupid aura manipulation. Man I wish I had that.

Eliza pulled on my sleeve, "C'mon! I just got a text that Nolan and Rouker are waiting for us at the lockers right now!" I quickly nodded my head yes and got dragged by Eliza. My shoes squeaked quietly on the Wellston floor.

Damn… as much as I wanted to focus on John (and potentially Jarlo), I’d have to adjust to Wellston life first. Which includes meeting background characters. 

All of a sudden, we approached two boys at our supposed lockers. One boy had light mint green hair and yellow eyes (who I assumed was Rouker) and the other had an extremely dark red shade of hair and purple eyes (who's probably Nolan).

Eliza waved her hand, "Hey guys!" The boys waved back, "Sup." Eliza then opened her locker so I copied her actions. In my real life, I never used my locker. Literally.

According to my phone, my first class was science. Lame. Before I could continue my trail of thoughts, Nolan shook my shoulders side to side behind me as a jump-scare.

And it worked.

"WHAT THE FU-?" I yelled as a turned around. Nolan smiled, "Now you're talking. You've been staring in your locker in silence for awhile." Sweat dripped down my forehead, "Really?" I turned back to my locker, "Whoops. I guess I uh.. was thinking about that Joker stuff. Kinda scary you know?" I scratched my head nervously.

Wow. Very causal. Very normal. Not suspicious at all.

Nolan nodded, "Yeah. I really wonder who's under the mask... it could be anyone. I hope they don't go after us though."

Rouker suddenly got a phone call. He picked it up and nodded as he listened. He soon hung up, "Guys, Tanner is calling me along with Illena and Wenqi. Gotta run."

Nolan sighed, "Dude, when are you going to leave that group? You got spotted for bullying low-tiers by the Royals before. At this point, I don't even know how you're still alive." Rouker laughed, "But doing this makes school more exciting."

I couldn't help but disagree with this statement. Bullying? Exciting? Ew.

Should I say something?? I mean, it couldn’t hurt right? 

I stepped up to him, "Rouker, you gotta change this group thing one day. What if the person you fight one day turned out to be Joker??" He nodded in response, "I know I know. I just want to get stronger you know? And they give me good advice and pointers. So don't worry you guys, next time you see me I'll be so buff I'll be your bodyguard."

Eliza laughed at Rouker's words. "Yeah right sure." Rouker turned around and then took off into a run, "Bye you guys!"

I waved to him, "Bye!" I turned around to face Nolan and Eliza.

OK ACT NATURAL, ACT NATURAL-

Sweat was dripping off my hands like taking an AP exam as I spoke "Man, he really needs to stop doing that." I rambled.

Luckily, the two didn't suspect a thing. Thank goodness. "Reckless Rouker is rolling at it again.." Nolan commented like a poet. He seemed to enjoy alliteration. Maybe he was in the press, or something.

Eliza nudged Nolan in the head with her arm, "He may be a mid-tier, but he can't keep on skipping classes. I've been trying to get that through his thick skull but it never works." Nolan mumbled quietly, "Can't blame him though...we all want at least one taste of power."

Silence...

Fortunately, in my old world, I was the social one. "Dramatic much?" I asked as I nudged him on the head like Eliza had done beforehand.

"AcK! WOULD YOU TWO STOP DOING THAT?" He said as he shielded his hands with his head. "You guys are gonna spread your brain damage to me."

I laughed, "Whatever."

Suddenly, the school bell rang.

Eliza sighed, "That's our cue." She kicked the lockers below her playfully, "School sucks, why must I learn not useful information here!" Nolan replied, "News flash, nobody knows."

I silently made an inference that Nolan was definitely part of the press and turned to where my class was on the map, "See you all later." The two friends smiled back at me, "See ya."

I walked to class in a joyful mood. Being a mid-tier wasn't that bad. Maybe I could live like this for a while. 

I paused in my steps.

Why did I get sent to this world, anyway?

Pondering, I looked to the side of the hallway. My eyes caught the reflection in the window, an image of a girl with blue hair.

This girl was me now. I scrunched my eyebrows. The reflection did it back. This was strange. A peculiar situation. It was, ironically, like a WEBTOON plot. But why would I be chosen? 

I wasn’t special or particularly unique, I was mostly just a nerd who liked to read fictional stories on my bed. 

I stared at my fingers. I watched them fold and unfold, twist and turn. 

There must’ve been a reason right? 

I thought of John, who I saw walk past earlier. When would I see Seraphina? Blyke? Isen? Arlo? They were all real now. 

I smiled a little. 

If I got sent to this world, I may as well enjoy it. 

Little did I know, that my life from this point would change forever. 

And that there was a specific reason that I got sent here, waiting in silence to make a move. 
 

And it involved John and Arlo. 

Chapter Text

It was class after class. Boredom after boredom. I couldn't help but sigh to myself.

What was the point of sending me to a whole new world just to do the EXACT same thing as usual? Really? STUDYING? WORK? WHAT AM I EVEN HERE FOR.

I was tired. I was exasperated. Honestly, at this point everything I learned at this school just mixed together into a big group of strings that could never be untangled. No wonder John and Sera couldn't care less at this point.

As I walked out of fourth period, Eliza noticed my blood draining life force fading face. "What's up? Did you not get any sleep last night again?" Reluctantly, I nodded in agreement. She nudged me at the shoulder, "Idiot."

"Just...why are we even here again. Why am I...alive?" I sunk my head to the floor, "If I had like a one in a trillion chance of being born, WHY ME." Eliza patted my now slouched back, "There there..at least we have chocolate cake at lunch today!"

I wiped the totally real tears from my eyes, "We do?" She nodded, "Mhm. I stopped by the cafeteria on the way here. There should still be some slices left-"

The bell rang in the background. I yelled fast, "THANKS FOR THE INFO, BYE!"

I sped off running. In the WEBTOON, the author kept praising the chocolate cake as if it were some sort of holy grail. Everyone was fighting for it, Arlo, Remi, John, Seraphina... etc.

Uru.. this better be the best cake I've ever ate in my life.

I ran down the hallway at top speed before stopping in sudden realization. I looked behind me at my classroom, and then looked in front of me at the stairs.

?

WHERE THE HELL IS THE CAFETERIA?????

I ran my fingers through my hair chaotically.

Why couldn't Uru-chan ever supply me a map of this stupid campus...like I need one so bad. I looked around me for people to ask but they all looked...somewhat hostile. Yikes. How did Alendra survive this?

I quickly closed my once open mouth and just walked forward to whoever knows where. The school was like a maze with rooms and lockers and stairs and doors and JUST ABOUT ANYTHING AT THIS POINT. It all looked identical to me.

Accepting my defeat, I stepped out the school doors.

I then turned around.

ALRIGHT- I shall use Alendra's ability to find my way..hopefully?

I closed my eyes, footsteps of students footsteps of students. I quickly opened them and well, there were spots of colors on the ground everywhere.

This is great! I'll just choose the one closest to me and go!

Was there a reason I was gifted such a useful ability? 

I quickly followed a line of blue footsteps. I took one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Then a sudden stop as I looked up.

I WAS STILL OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL BUILDING.

At this point, all the cake was probably gone... the legendary cake....

Then again, I was a mid-tier so I guess there was no hope in the first place.

I mumbled to myself, "Ah..I'll just go back-" I turned around behind me just to be greeted by the sound of a yell.

"JOHN!"

?!????

Wait...is John here?

As they say, curiosity kills the cat.

My body was urging me to go and check out this scene taking place in front of me. I quickly hastened my pace faster and walked up to the side of the building. When I met the corner I took a little peek.

"Let's talk."

I squinted my eyes to look even closer.

"I have nothing to say to you."

There were two figures standing there. Then, one of the figures grabbed the other person's wrist. I gasped quietly to myself as I figured out who they were.

"What the fuck? Get your hand off me!"

My eyes widened at the scene.

"I'm sorry...for everything."

THE TWO PEOPLE THERE WERE JOHN AND ARLO.

...the two people that I wrote fanfics about in my other life.

Maybe I was sent here for a specific reason after all. 

Chapter Text

The two people I wrote fanfics about in my past life....

I shook my hands around in the air. Now wasn't the time to think about this. Maybe.

How about I just listen REALLL closely? To avoid missing any... I don't know.. important information? I can't trust my memory too well, there's over 300 chapters of unOrdinary after all!

I peered over the building corner to sneak another look.

A blond-haired student was standing there. He looked nervous, as if full of hesitation. One that a King should never have, at least ideally.

"I shouldn't have tricked you. I should've left you alone."

I gasped quietly. Oh lord. It's the Arlo apology chapter. What chapter was this? Chapter 124? Chapter 145? It was so long ago that it was hard for me to vividly recall. Good thing it was taking place in front of my eyes.

The blond figure in front of me continued to mumble, "I'm sorry." Sweat trickled down his face.

Arlo looked so goofy. But also kind of cool in person. He was known to be a stoic, serious person. So seeing him lower himself to apologize, was really damn cool. 

Meanwhile, John looked extremely angry. He was trembling slightly, an upset frown adorning his face.

I sighed to myself. John was always a stubborn character. I still love him with all my heart, but...

SLAP!

Hm?

From the looks of it, it seemed like John had slapped Arlo's hands away.

Eh. Expected. John was an impulsive person during this arc. He always yelled at Arlo (enemies to lovers trope is the best) but later on they work together against Spectre. This is true peak character development right here-

"Are you fucking kidding me?" barked John as he pulled away from Arlo's grasp.

And of course I get sent to this world when they still despise each other! C’mon John, wrong direction! Go INTO Arlo’s arms, not away!

I suddenly feel like sobbing just watching this scene unfold. Imagine how much the story would've changed if John just accepted the apology...it would be extremely unrealistic but as a jarlo shipper I'd eat it up like crazy. Oh well.

I can't change anything. I'm not the author. Just a reader.

Wait.

No I'm not...

An angry voice thundered. 

"After all the shit you put me through? 'Sorry' isn't going to change anything, Arlo!" John replied while raising his voice louder and louder by the second.

My goodness.

I'm a character now.

I can change everything.

But... how?

I started scrambling around, looking at my surroundings.

What could I do to fix things? What could I do to make John and Arlo accept each other and be cute like in my fan-made mind delusions!!

John continued talking. Except this time, it was firm and dismissive. 

"Psh. Piss off!"

He suddenly turned around and started walking away from the blond.

Huh? WAIT NO DON'T LEAVE YET!

I was just about to expose my hiding and
do something completely random with no planning, until something interrupted me from doing so.

"I'll make it up to you…" uttered a silent Arlo.

Woah. I don't remember this part.

"What can I do to make you stop?"

Shit Arlo, that was the WORST thing you could’ve said-!

John abruptly broke into dialogue.

"I knew it. You came crawling back to me because things didn't go the way you expected."

He scoffed. "You're not even sorry. In the end, you just want me to save your hierarchy."

My heart was hurting seeing my two favorite characters have so much conflict with each other. Please just be happy!

"No! That's not it-

"Shut up."

Oh no. I can't just let this happen. If I'm in the story, I want to make it the way I want. Sorry Uru-Chan.

But what can I do?

"There's nothing you can do."

I looked up in surprise. John had... strangely answered my inner thought while following the story line perfectly.

"You fucked up my life," continued John, "so I'm going to do the same to you."

"I'm going to tear this school apart.”

Shit!!!!

If there's truly an ultimate higher being out there, please provide me some insight on how to breathe and survive this!!!

Ohhh Uru-chan!!! Please don’t do this to me- at least give me a chance to fix things! To change things! To alter this timeline- if I’m in it, I don’t want it to be the same as canon! 

No good.

"And you can live the rest of your life knowing that you're the one who caused it!" John yelled again.

Arlo clenched his fists nervously; sweat growing on his face. He suddenly broke into yells.

"Why?!"

His voice broke a little, faltering due to the impact and power Arlo poured into that one, single word.

Was every chance of him saving the school gone? What kind of King was he? He wanted to fix things, not escalate them! 

"This beef is between you and me, so come for me directly! Don't drag innocent students into this!" Arlo’s fingers started to sink into his skin. He was lucky blood didn’t spill. 

Ohhh Arlo. If you're Uru-Chan's favorite character, why are you so dumb? John will just reply with another cocky smart answer.

"Even though you dragged me back into the hierarchy?" John scoffed.

SEE? I WAS RIGHT! ARGHHH THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING TO WATCH! WHY DID I HAVE TO BE A JARLO SHIPPER AGAIN?!?!

Arlo was leaped into silence by John's remark.

"..."

Arlo... ARGH I DONT KNOW HOW TO HELP YOU RIGHT NOW!

I hastily pulled out my phone and went straight to messages. Then I realized I couldn't text anyone for help. Because this was ALENDRA's phone. Not mine. I cant just randomly text someone, "Bro help me on this jarlo thing..." I would genuinely look like a crazy person.

John sighed, "Look, I don't know what you're complaining about. I'm just climbing the ranks like you want me to."

John swayed to his left, "Be patient."

"I'll deal with you as soon as I take care of Remi."

John then turned away from Arlo, and allowed his feet to take him away. I watched the black footsteps appear with each step.

DAMNIT! I COULDN'T DO ANYTHINGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

AGH ARLO WHY ARE YOU SO STUBBORN!?

JUST SAY SOMETHING! ANYTHING!

JUST GO REACH OUT TO JOHN AND GRAB ON HIS SHIRT OR SOMETHING AND GO-

"But I love you!"

I gasped. Ahh fuck. I said that out loud.

I said it pretty quietly though so I should be alright-

However, I thought wrong. 

Arlo reached up to his ears. He glanced around his surroundings. His face looked unsure.

ARLO NO- PAY ATTENTION TO THE ANGSTY TEEN WALKING AWAY FROM YOU-

Arlo scrunched his eyebrows, still touching his ears and examining the area my voice came from-

"But I love you-?"

NO

NO WAY

URUCHAN THANK YOU FOR MAKING ARLO STUPID

DID HE JUST REPEAT WHAT I SAID????

OUT LOUD????

John suddenly stopped in his tracks.

And I was about to explode.

"What?" John asked, his eyebrows raised,

"Did you just say you loved me?"

Chapter Text

“Did you just say you loved me?”

My hands immediately wrap around my mouth, dumbfounded. What was I watching?? Is this a dream?? I don’t think I’ve ever trembled as much as I am right now.

I stare at Arlo waiting for his response.

And John seems to be waiting too. His eyes are centered on Arlo, watching closely for any hint of movement. His gaze reminds me of a predator observing his prey. The silence, and the waiting.

I restrain the urge to laugh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen John so shocked and silenced in the WEBTOON.

Arlo stutters. “H-huh? What? I-I didn’t say that.” He crosses his arms in a poor attempt to stay cool. “Are you crazy?” Arlo says, a little too loud compared to the calm state he was trying to replicate.

John just stares at him in silence. He hesitantly opens his mouth to speak, but quickly closes it after seemingly losing his trail of thought.

He then slowly starts again, “No… I think I clearly heard your voice say that.”

Arlo responds in a panicked and fast manner. “I didn’t. I heard someone else say that. That was someone else.” He pointed at my direction.
“From over there.”

I quickly hide behind the corner of the wall I was standing at. I was hyperventilating. I was ecstatic. No way, did I just.. change the story??

What was going on???

John scoffs. “Really? Someone else? I didn’t hear someone else, I only heard you!" John points his hand towards Arlo. “Don't play with me Arlo! I recognize your voice by now! I’m not dumb!”

Arlo almost yells. “What? You-“ Arlo clicks his tongue. “Do you really think I would fall in love with someone like you?! Really?? Someone who doesn’t listen? Someone who can’t even solve simple problems? Someone who lies to his best friend?!?!”Arlo scoffs. “You’ve got to be joking John.”

John glares at Arlo. “Stop talking like you know me! You don’t. And stop pretending that you understand my shit! Wasn’t this supposed to be an apology Arlo? I’m sorry for everything John! I shouldn’t have tricked you- well?! What happened to that huh?!”

…

The two boys just stare at each other silently.

Arlo starts. “I-… I’m sorry.” I see sweat dripping down his face. His face even looks slightly guilty. Or maybe regretful. It almost looks like he’s afraid John is about to snap.

Suddenly, after a few seconds of shared silence, John erupts into laughter. He puts his hands on his face and closes his eyes as he laughs and laughs and laughs. Arlo looks shocked. And so do I.

“Oh. Oh- OH OH!” John barks out loud. “I see now! I understand now! I understand everything!” John slowly inches closer to Arlo with a smile on his face. Arlo slowly steps back to get away, but freezes when John places a finger on his chest.

“You’re apologizing. Because you love me. Because you have this big fat crush on me. And now you want to be close to me. Even though you were the one who ambushed me and pushed me away. Oh. I see. You regret everything now huh? Now that you’ve realized your true feelings.”

Arlo looks shocked. He opens his mouth to retaliate. “What? No-

John interrupts him.

“Or maybe…” his face suddenly turns serious and his voice sounds grave and dark. “Wow. You’re such a sick bastard. Did you separate me from Sera, break my phone, make the whole school crush me, seclude me on the Turf War field, and beat me down in hopes of me losing everything? Was that your plan? Did you want me to go mad? Lose all my friends, lose all my secrets, so you could come apologizing to me later to act like my savior? Hoping I would fall in love with you, since you would be the only one still talking to me and showing me attention?” John grins with a psychotic look. “Wow you are a sick manipulative bastard. You almost got me.”

Arlo snaps. “Do you hear yourself?! John!! Why the fuck would I do that?” Arlo’s hands tremble in anger and astonishment at such a claim.

“No, do you hear yourself?!” John yells back, clearly angry. “I was doing just fine here in Wellston. But you- you’re ruining my life! You’ve ruined everything for me. And now you expect me to trust you?” John looks angry, but his eyes show a glimpse of his real feelings.

Sadness.

“Who can I trust? I don’t know anymore.”

John continues, like a busted pipe spilling water anywhere and everywhere. He winces, as if he knows he’s going to regret what he’s about to say and admit.

“Seraphina doesn’t even trust me anymore. She keeps on asking me questions like she’s trying to affirm something. It’s like she’s doubting me. Or am I just overthinking? I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore. What’s a lie, what’s true. Shit, you really messed me up Arlo.”

John furiously pushes Arlo forward with his hand. “First you randomly apologize to me out of nowhere- and now you’re suddenly saying you love me? What are you planning? Are you tricking me- betraying me? Are you rallying the school against me, huh? Are you planning to take advantage of my stupid tangled up feelings, and humiliate me? The monster? In front of everyone? In front of Sera? It won’t work a second time, Arlo.”

John narrows his eyes furiously at Arlo. His breathing is erratic. And his expression looks like he’s about to go crazy. His eyes are hateful, but his mouth is smiling. Widely.

“It won’t work- you may fool me once- but I will never- NEVER let someone weaker than me, a god tier, a HIERARCHY OBSESSED FREAK, a phony, a FAKE, A HYPOCRITE- DO THIS TO ME!!!” The raven yells loudly, as close as he can to Arlo’s ears. He shoves Arlo strongly this time, almost making the blond trip.

“You you- YOU ALL DESERVE TO BE PUNISHED. TRASH LIKE YOU DON’T EVEN DESERVE TO EXIST. GOD TIERS- SCUM WITH POWER THAT CHOOSE TO PICK ON THE WEAK- THEY DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE. THEY DONT DESERVE THEIR ABILITY!!!”

John’s teeth bite down hard on his lips, and the taste of iron slowly starts to seep in his mouth. His grip strength tightens on Arlo’s body as he squeezes his fingers tighter and tighter with pure fury.

“WE DONT DESERVE SHIT! MONSTERS LIKE US DONT DESERVE SHIT!!!!! LOVE?”

John’s voice thunders.

“LOVE?!?”

John’s smile leaves his face. It leaves his expression open and painfully bare.

“We don’t deserve something as beautiful as love. We don’t deserve second chances. Only saints can receive that. But we are greedy monsters. We are all destined to fail.”

Arlo looks panicked. He’s stumbling over his feet as John shoves him. He’s never seen John this vulnerable and unstable ever since the day he ambushed John on the Turf War field.

Arlo tries to keep his breathing rational. He tries to take in everything John said.

Was John broken? Did Arlo break him like this? Who did this to him? Even if John was an annoying obstacle in Arlo’s everyday life, he still deserved love, didn’t he?

Why did John hate hierarchy? Why did he hate order and high-tiers?

Oh.

Arlo had never looked both ways when that thought had crossed Arlo’s mind before.

It was obvious now. The reason why he hid his ability. The reason why he hid as much as he could to as many people as possible.

The reason why John started to replace the word “you” with “we” during his outburst….

It was because he detested and resented the once Royal, powerful version of himself.

He saw all the wrongdoings he did in his past, and has never been able to forgive himself. He isn’t confident that he’s grown as a person at all.

He hated his past so much, that now it haunted him whenever he saw someone strong- or whenever something just slightly happened to resemble his past.

John could run the school. John had the ability to use his power for good.

But he was too afraid. So he only uses his ability when anger overtakes him, and he loses all rationality.

His past was teasing him, taunting him. He wants to use his ability, he wants to defend the people he loves, he wants to protect.

But he hesitates because he’s too scared he will end up seeing blood. And that the people he protected…will be scared of him.

Arlo finally had an epiphany. He finally understood John.

My eyes tear up as I see John’s current state. He’s… reverting to his New Bostin self. Rallying up students to ambush him and betray him? Not only that, but he’s starting to hide his real emotions again with that anger he reserved for himself. Pushing it onto others-

I sweat endlessly, losing physical feeling.

Oh fuck. Did I just make a huge mistake? I shouldn’t have messed up- how can I fix this? How? How? How?! I clench my fists. I completely fucked up. And now Wellston has to pay for it.

What if he snaps and hurts the students- and the royals- because of doubt and distrust-? What if this time, he can’t stop himself? And no one can stop him?

What if he hurts Arlo? Or Seraphina?

What if he hurts himself?

How would he ever forgive himself?

I shiver in fear as my next thought makes itself present in my mind.

Is this the fall of Wellston? Is this….

The fall of John’s mentality and sanity?

And apparently, Arlo thought the same thing as me.

….

Because Arlo sighs. He breathes, like trying to stay calm. It’s like… the calm before the storm.

He closes his eyes firmly before opening them. He stares directly at John. John jumps back a little, startled. He even shows hints of being scared. This was the first time since the “love confession” that Arlo has returned back to his serious confident “kingly” attitude.

It’s hard to see from where I was standing, but his body language had changed. It was like… he was going in for broke.

After a split second of hesitance, Arlo impulsively and quickly wraps his arms around John in a flash. John stares at him with wide eyes.

Was Arlo… hugging him?

Arlo closes his eyes slowly. His voice starts slow and unsure, “D-do you believe me now? I don’t know what you’re talking about, with this rally stuff- and this not deserving stuff…”

Then he finishes strongly, clutching the boy in front of him tightly.

“But I really do love you John. And I really am sorry. For everything I’ve done to you. I want to help you. Please. I’ll make it up to you, I swear. You can hit me, push me, shove me, curse and yell at me… cause it’s all my fault. Don’t hurt the school… hurt me.”

I almost fell down, but quickly caught myself.

Was Arlo trying to… relax John? Was he… helping him? Even though the “love part” was actually a lie?

Was this his attempt of calming John, and fixing Wellston’s disastrous state?

Or did he truly for sorry? And felt responsible and at fault? Did he actually finally understand John? And genuinely wanted to support him and guide him to recovery?

Perhaps it was a mix of both.

Arlo continues. “John… you are not perfect. You are not flawless. I am not flawless as well. I have made so many dumb mistakes- so many to the point where I just want to end it all- so I don’t have to be reminded.”

Arlo speaks seriously. “But I’m still here. I have my responsibilities. I have people that I want to stand alongside with.” He looks straight into John’s eyes, as if he could see everything.

“John, even if you think you don’t deserve it, I think you deserve love- no- I think… you deserve everything.”

I see sweat drop down Arlo’s face. He’s nervous. Did he do the right thing? Will John finally stop and reflect? Was this impulsive risk worth it? Is John finally listening to him? There’s someone who understands him! He’s not alone! He’s human.

John stutters in disbelief. “W-what are you doing?” He pushes Arlo away, with a slight red tint growing on his face. Arlo’s arms are still up in the air, frozen around nothing. Arlo’s gaze is completely centered on John. And it freaks John out.

“Stop. Stop. You’re lying. What are you saying? An asshole like you could never fall for something as kind as love. And someone like you could never believe in a lost cause! Especially… me.” John pauses. “What’s… your motive?”

Arlo frowns. He pauses- trying to think of something- anything.

His once open arms are now glued to his sides, confident and determined.

His eyes were a bit unsure, but strong.

Like a swirling fire, he was taking the risk into a deep, deep ocean.

Like the bright burning Sun, he was dangerously reaching towards the moon.

With the risk of destroying the whole universe around it.

Arlo leans into a kiss.

His lips connect to a flustered John. John is frozen. His eyes widening.

It’s silent.

It’s like in this moment, it’s just them. There’s no one else on the Earth. It’s just a simple feeling- the sweet aroma- of love flooding the air.

And a nasty breeze of confusion and doubt.

And when Arlo backs away. John is silent. And for the first time, John just stands and does nothing.

His body is numb.

Leaving nothing, but the ability to listen.

To what Arlo has to tell him.

Arlo speaks up. “Do… do you believe me now? I have no motive. I’m just an extremely… simple man.”

And Arlo gives John a smile.

It’s a bit fake. It’s not perfect at all. If enough pressure were to fall upon it, the weight would cause cracks to form. It’s like a mother staring at her child’s horrible crayon drawing, but still smiling and attempting to appreciate the effort.

And John, too out of it, allows himself to believe it’s real.

He backs away slowly.

He stammers. “I-I need to go. To think. To….”

John slowly touches his lips. And then he stares at Arlo.

John’s feet slowly drag away from Arlo. But his eyes are still lingering to him. Like he’s waiting for something. Confirming that it’s true.

That Arlo likes him.

That it was even possible for a monster like him to ever be loved.

Arlo slowly speaks.

“I love you John. Really. I want to… start over. What do you say? Let’s stop the violence and the anger…and just… restart. I believe in you, John. I think you can become an even better person than you are now. No- I think…”

“You already are better than who you think you are. You aren’t fake, you aren’t some reckless beast…. if you were then why would I understand you? You aren’t alone John… and I know you might not like talking to me but…”

Arlo slowly reveals a genuine smile.

“I’m always free to listen to you. To hear you out. I think I finally, truly understand you now.”

John’s hair blows in the wind. It disguises his expression. It masks his face. But slightly underneath if one were to look closely, one would see dilating eyes and a hesitating mouth. But he doesn’t speak. He just shuts his eyes and breathes.

And with that, John finally turns around and runs. His hands are covering his face, like he’s making sure his senses are even real and working.

And once John leaves, Arlo loses all his feeling. First he’s still standing, watching the black-haired figure pass. Then, his feet start to shake. And finally, he goes numb and falls to the ground.

And Arlo lets it happen.

He sighs. His hands jerk around, trying to feel the ground floor. His fingers slip slightly as he makes sure his fingertips run along every nook and cranny. It was real, it was all real. And then Arlo murmurs.

“What the fuck did I just get myself into? What did I just… do-?”

He raises his hands high into the sky. He spreads his fingers, blocking the sunlight from invading his vision.

Underneath the cool shade of his hand, Arlo speaks to himself.

“Love? Where did all this love shit come from?!” Arlo allows his hands to drop and wrap around his eyes in disbelief. “How did an apology turn into a confession? The moment I finally understand John, it’s suddenly because I’m madly in love with him??? I must be… going crazy… What am I… a child? Hah.”

His fingers then reach his lips. And he touches them, but in a scared manner. As if he doesn’t believe what he had done on his accord.

No one forced him to do this. To… kiss John. But somehow his body had just moved. It was like he was on autopilot. His heart knew what he wanted to say- and express. Even though his brain was telling him no.

Arlo’s hands clench into trembling fists. “This is not how I wanted to take responsibility for my wrong actions….”

He rambles to himself. “John has every right to not trust me. Didn’t I just lie to him again? I’m not in love with him. Am I? No I can’t be, I swear I heard someone say it. But who could it possibly be? Was it all… in my head?”

He gently punches his sweating forehead, which burns from warmth.

“Fuck…..”

And while Arlo lies along the floor, I slowly lean against the school’s brick wall, shaking from excitement.

“I don’t know how the hell I changed the story. I’m afraid. But… is it bad that I also feel excited to see how this plays out?” I whisper to myself.

Arlo hugging John to give him comfort was one thing. But Arlo had kissed John. This was… an unbelievable turn of events.

This wasn’t a simple fanfiction. This wasn’t canon at all either.

This was a completely different, alternative universe.

And I smile to myself. It’s my own little fantasy world that I can keep to myself. This was a secret, that only I knew of. I was the only one in this world, who knew what had taken place between John and Arlo. The only who knew the changes.

I was the new author. I could make a new entire script.

I shake my hands in excitement. My eyes are expanding in astonishment. I couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed. What I had just altered.

One sentence changed everything. One word changed everything.
One action changed everything.

Every little thing mattered.

Still… wasn’t it strange how everything worked out in my favor?

Even I was shrouded in doubt and disbelief. It was almost like… this timeline was pushing John and Arlo together. No matter how drastic it seemed.

It was like fate had already decided that Jarlo had to become real.

And that I had to become the catalyst.

And at the same time this thought crosses my mind, my phone flashes. It’s buzzing loudly and is painfully bright.

The screen blinds my eyes, forcing them shut. It was sort of familiar. It felt like how I felt this morning, when I woke up here.

Against my will….

Was there a true reason all along?

And when I open my eyes again, I stare at Alendra’s phone. It still appears normal. The case is still the smooth, shade of purple it was this morning. I hesitantly unlock the phone.

Then I see it. It’s blurry, the resolution low almost like it hasn’t finished loading yet. It’s glitchy, like a computer bug. Did the phone install a virus? Was there a hacker?

I pick up the phone to examine this new icon. The phone layout had changed. Alendra’s old apps and widgets were still there. But there was a new page.

A blank page with only one app icon on it.

It was WEBTOON.

This can’t be real right? I swipe through the phone, dismayed at the sight I saw. I shut it off, and then reload it back up.

The app is still there. It’s like it’s waiting for me to notice it and respond. Waiting for me to react.

WEBTOON can’t exist- it’s not in this world-

Right?

My hands firmly surround the phone’s figure. My finger hovers to press the icon, and I almost scream.

The app didn’t look like how it did in my world.

There was only one button there in front of me. Only one option.

My eyes scan the title in disbelief. They search every letter, confirming what I saw was true.

The only story in the app was unOrdinary.

I press it. I open the newest chapter I could access. It was chapter 145.

And I scroll.

And scroll.

And scroll.

It all seemed normal, like a normal unOrdinary chapter. It started off normal. But dangerously familiar and taunting.

There were two male teenagers outside a building. One had blond hair, while the other had black.

Blue eyes met vivid gold as they spoke to one another.

They started getting physical, grabbing wrists and pushing each other away.

The speech bubbles of black and yellow consume Alendra’s phone screen as I scroll.

This was what had happened earlier. This was the conflict I had just witnessed earlier.

Arlo approaching John, trying to apologize but using the wrong words. John, shutting off everything Arlo says and pushing him away.

John threatens Arlo. He tells him Remi is next.

My fingers shake as I scroll one more time.

And there it was.

Here, canonly, Arlo was supposed to yell at John and activate his ability. John would then raise his hands and tell Arlo confidently about they’ll both have to fight on his terms.

John’s eyes are supposed to look strong, confident without a single trace of insecurity and doubt.

But instead there was a yellow speech bubble. The one that belonged to the king of Wellston, Arlo. And it said the words-

“But I love you-?”

I blink rapidly. I leave the app and reopen it. I slap myself in the face. I gasp to myself quietly. I stand up instantly in shock, unable to hide my inner feelings of restlessness. Was this real? Was this-

Did I actually change the story?

The dream! How could I forget- the dream I had last night-

A message notification popped up on the top of the screen.

You like what you see?

You did it- you changed the story!

Now, will you take responsibility?

And then I see text appear in front of me. It’s floating, like a system window from a video game. It was like a pop up warning from a website or an otome game video system.

!!! YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PREREQUISITE QUEST: SWAY THE UNSHAKING HEART !!!

!!! YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A NEW MISSION !!!

!!!! IN ONE MONTH, MAKE JOHN AND ARLO FALL IN LOVE !!!

!!! WILL YOU ACCEPT? !!!

I feel my throat go dry. What was this? Was this a video game?

Was this world, actually pushing John and Arlo together? Or was this a punishment for me changing the story? Or was this a way to get what I finally desired, the chance to change the world with my actions?

And abruptly, at the same time, me and Arlo both screamed the same exact words:

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

Chapter Text

The round, full moon was shining its light on the Earth. Although the moon was not as bright and beautiful as the sun, the moon never relinquished. The moon was addicted to the imperfect Earth, and wanted to love and care for it.

The sky was black and wrapped in a blanket of darkness. The occasional stars would reveal itself between the night sky, like stage lights beaming.

And it was quiet. Nothing except the quiet chirping of crickets could be heard along the peaceful silence. Like a mirror, the moonlight reflected onto the Earth, hitting certain spots and making them beam and sparkle like treasure.

A nostalgic song was swaying in the wind tonight. The dynamic notes would make the leaves of the trees twirl and dance.

It was midnight, and usually at this time the beautiful creatures of Earth were under deep slumber.

They had a gift from the universe. The gift to imagine, the gift to dream.

And tonight, people slept peacefully with happy, joyful dreams.

Dreams of them winning the lottery, and getting their dream house.

Dreams of them with their friends, camping and giggling under the orange flames lit beneath the star lit sky.

Dreams of them meeting people they hadn’t seen in years, and reconciling with each other and laughing on a school rooftop.

Tonight, everyone was dreaming.

Well maybe except for two certain people.

Or actually three.

If one were awake to listen very closely, one would hear the patter of footsteps making their way along pavement.

And if their hearing sense was somehow god-like, they might’ve even heard the sound of a chest rising and falling. The sound of breathing.

And maybe some shivering too.

Because I was nervous. I was trembling and nervous.

I was never the type of person to sneak out. I was always the type of person to stay in bed and read pages and pages of stories until my eyes gave up.

But today, no. The world did not allow me to rest.

I was wearing baggy black pants, a baseball cap that read “U-MART”, and a black hoodie.

I was treading my way along the school campus. I was avoiding the moon at all costs, and standing in the shadows.

Every few minutes I would make sure to inhale a lot of air and tug my hoodie down to hide my face as much as I could.

I could not get caught. And right now, I needed a lot of courage.

It took awhile (mostly because I was a coward but could you blame me?) to finally end up at my destination.

I made sure to breathe slowly and as quietly as I could. My eyes darted across the hallway I was in. I looked left and right. And then again. I had to make sure I was safe.

And then with a sigh, my eyes glanced at my trembling hands.

My hand entered my hoodie pockets, and I slowly raised up a neatly folded up, piece of torn out notebook paper.

The chances of my plan working were probably extremely low. But at the same time, earlier that day, I had said one sentence and it changed the entire storyline!

So surely this would work.

Maybe.

My eyes then lingered to my destination again. I was in front of an apartment. Nothing too special. Except the fact that this apartment belonged to a god-tier.

And the fact that this was the apartment of Arlo.

My eyes stared at the paper in my hands.

The plan. What was my plan again? I suddenly was unsure about everything. But surely everything would be okay, because I had the Jarlo system at my side!

My face made secretive glances towards the pop-up screen next to me.

I couldn’t believe the Jarlo video game looking system had somehow managed to drag me out here, in the middle of the night, in front of Arlo’s apartment.

I quietly sighed to myself in the shadows, thinking about what had happened earlier.

.

.

.

Behind the Wellston school building, I was staring at the video system screen in front of me. Man, I really wanted to just scream right now!

Like a human chasing a fly, I tried swatting the system pop-up in front of me.

It didn’t move. It was still there in front of me, taunting me. The system screen resembled a little kid that took up the playground swings, and wouldn’t get off even though a visible line of kids waiting for their turn was forming.

It was kind of like a drama or a WEBTOON. Well I guess I’m technically in a WEBTOON right now-? But this is still too strange!

This reminded me of those funny villainess stories where girls would wake up in another world and would play a video game to capture all the male leads. Or those action stories about men leveling up with webcomic titles that always screamed something like “HUNTER” or “LEVEL” or “S-CLASS.”

I remember WEBTOON having stories like that (Max-level newbie was the name or something), but I was in unOrdinary!!! A world of abilities, not this stupid video game bullcrap!!

And even the few stories I read like that, it was about leveling up to gain the hearts of the male leads, or to level up and get stronger, or to level up to become some top shot idol singer.

But I stared at this stupid system screen.

There was no leveling up. There was no “capture the love targets!” It just floated there reading the same words from earlier:

!!! YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PREREQUISITE QUEST: SWAY THE UNSHAKING HEART !!!

!!! YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A NEW MISSION !!!

!!!! IN ONE MONTH, MAKE JOHN AND ARLO FALL IN LOVE !!!

!!! WILL YOU ACCEPT? !!!

I couldn’t believe the sight in front of me was real. First of all, I wake up in the unOrdinary world, next I see Arlo kiss John (still not over that by the way), and now there was some video game staring down at me being like “ayo girl. make these characters get together because I ain’t doing it.”

THE AUDACITY.

It was also asking me to accept something. However, I decided to deal with that later as I was a bit scared Arlo would find me standing here like an obsessive fangirl and would strangle me out of anger or something.

When I peered behind the school corner slowly, luckily all I saw was Arlo still lying on the floor with his hands on his face.

Hell, he resembled a corpse. The only moving part of his body that made him look alive was his chest breathing up and down. If a student were to look down at Arlo from a nearby window, they would’ve probably been confused.

Seeing that Arlo was still alive, I took this opportunity as my chance to escape. To escape and retreat to my dormitory.

That chocolate cake and school classes were the last on my mind right now.

I needed some time to think.

And so, just like John, I ran away from the scene.

.

.

.

I sat down on the unfamiliar bedroom desk in Alendra’s room. It was my first day in this world, and it seemed that I already had a million tasks to pursue.

I cautiously placed Alendra’s phone down onto the clean and organized white desk. If someone happened to see my expression currently, they would’ve thought I was deactivating a bomb or something.

I slowly unlocked the phone and opened the WEBTOON app. Once again, chapter 145 was there. I exited the chapter, and scrolled. The app seemed to only contain chapters 1-145 as of now.

I smiled to myself as the wave of nostalgia graced by me. Suddenly, I was in my messy room again and my mother was there scolding me.

“Your room is such a mess! And what are you doing still in bed?” My mother would say from outside my room.

Then I would rub my eyes, and slowly get out of the covers. My fingers would then shut off my phone which currently displayed a WEBTOON chapter before transforming into a locked black phone screen.

But now I was here. In unOrdinary. I closed my eyes in thought. Had I really changed the story? The system had said so, and so did those text messages I got earlier.

Earlier when WEBTOON somehow installed on Alendra’s phone, I received three notifications.

You like what you see?

You did it- you changed the story!

Now, will you take responsibility?

However, when I opened the message app these notifications were no where to be found. Almost like I imagined it.

But the system in front of me definitely was not an imagination. I brought my head up and stared at the message above me.

!!!! IN ONE MONTH, MAKE JOHN AND ARLO FALL IN LOVE !!!

!!! WILL YOU ACCEPT? !!!

I narrowed my eyes in thought, staring skeptically at the pop-up screen. Should I accept? Or should I reject it?

And just like the times when I would turn off my phone after reading the most gut-wrenching painful plot twist in a story, I got up and started pacing around the room, avoiding the Jarlo system window that kept following me around.

What would happen if I accepted? Clearly this world sent me here to answer this mission or whatever. If I rejected, would I be punished? Or maybe just sent back to my real world and replaced??? I thought to myself while circling my room like a dumb, thoughtless pigeon.

What if I rejected, and they just killed me or something? UnOrdinary was a fun but also gruesome story at times, especially during Season 2.

I then turned around and stared at the system window again, with its slight radiating light shining on me.

If I accept, I’ll have to make John and Arlo fall in love in a month. Can I…can I do that? I was a bit doubtful, but started tossing the idea around my mind for a brief moment. It’s not like I shipped Seraphina x John or something, in fact I wanted Jarlo to happen.

I thought of what the phone notification said earlier: Will you take responsibility for your actions?

Earlier, Arlo definitely did. He apologized to John and kept at it until the very end until he understood him. Could I be like Arlo? It was a dumb question to me, since for most of the story Arlo was some idiotic powerful guy who threw forks and smirked like a cursed Disney villain.

I wanted Jarlo to happen. It was my plan anyway. Sure maybe the system might give me stress at times, but maybe it’ll help me as well! I started producing new thoughts to myself. If I didn’t accept, how would I get Jarlo together on my own? What would I do? Did I have any strategies or advantages?

Alendra’s phone was still displaying the unOrdinary chapters on her phone. My eyes examined the device for awhile. Without the system, would I have ever received the WEBTOON app? It would surely come in handy now, if I ever needed to remember something canon that I forgot.

The system could support my goal! Of course I was still not completely trusting this idea of accepting some video game screen in front of me, it literally gave me the same vibes of accepting a sketchy deal from some man in an alleyway promising to give me fame or something.

But ultimately, I decided to give in. After all, I was planning to make John and Arlo fall in love anyway. Whether it would take seven days, one month, or a year, I’d do it!!!

I had to slap myself to stop the growing smile on my face just from imagining Jarlo finally becoming true.

I exhaled, before meeting my eyes with the Jarlo system again.

!!!! IN ONE MONTH, MAKE JOHN AND ARLO FALL IN LOVE !!!

!!! WILL YOU ACCEPT? !!!

I made direct eye contact with the words presented before me. Then I heard Alendra’s voice.

“I accept.”

And then the pink colored system window disappeared and changed into a new replaced pink window.

!!! YOU HAVE ACCEPTED THE QUEST !!!

Hooray….. oh god did I make the right decision??

!!! DUE TO ACCEPTING, YOU WILL RECEIVE MISSIONS AND WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE THEM OR YOU WILL RECIEVE PENALTIES !!!

Penalties? I didn’t want penalties… was this a mistake? Did I make the wrong decision?

!!! IF YOU SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A MISSION YOU WILL OBTAIN REWARDS !!!

My eyes gleamed at the word “rewards”. Me seeing John and Arlo interact was a reward itself. But the system was telling me I would receive additional rewards as well.

So it’s a penalty reward system….

!!! YOU HAVE RECIEVED A NEW MISSION !!!

A part of my soul left my body. I already had a mission???? Then again, unOrdinary never had filler chapters, there was always something going on.

!!! MISSION: !!!

!!! TOMORROW, BLYKE WILL FIND OUT JOHN IS JOKER. HE WILL TELL ISEN AND REMI, AND THE THREE WILL PLAN OUT A WAY TO TAKE DOWN JOHN. THEY WILL THEN CONFRONT ARLO !!!

!!! FIND A WAY TO MAKE THEM STOP !!!

!!! PENALTY: [CANON REVERT] JOKER WILL TAKE DOWN THE ROYALS, AND CHAPTER 145 WILL REVERT BACK TO CANON !!!

My eyes expanded in shock at the words I saw. Blyke was going to find out John was Joker, and Remi and Isen would help make a plan to expose John.

The penalty scares me a bit though… Chapter 145 will revert back to canon?

I opened Alendra’s phone and stared at Chapter 145. This was the chapter I changed today. The one I changed with the words “But I love you”….

And apparently if I failed, all that would be wiped and restarted back to the canon timeline.

I punched the system, knowing damn well it wouldn’t flinch or move or be in pain. Weren’t you on my side??? Was the system using penalties to make me move faster and give me courage? I had no idea.

I sat down on the desk chair that the dormitory provided. It was one of the chairs with wheels that allowed the movement of spinning. I used my legs to turn the chair slowly as my thoughts ran around in my mind.

My mission was to stop Blyke from teaming with Isen and Remi. If the three were to team up against Joker, they would probably do something reckless and pressure John to fight them early on.

In the canon story, when Joker fought Remi, he took down Remi, Isen, and Arlo who later joined in. And due to the canon revert, with Chapter 145 erased John would probably fight Arlo without any hesitation.

“I don’t want John to fight Arlo though… I’d rather him fight nobody really…” I murmured to myself in Alendra’s room.

After trying to think of a plan and failing for ten minutes, I decided to pull out my homework. I was already skipping class, so I might as well do something.

I opened Alendra’s backpack and pulled out some huge dusty textbook that honestly looked like an ancient scribe of text due to its absurd length. I pulled out the stupid pages of worksheets my math teacher gave me and was prepared to cry while solving equations with my pencil when my phone buzzed.

It was Eliza.

Eliza: Where are u??????

Eliza: I couldn’t find you at lunch :(

Eliza: u good?

Damn… what a nice friend. Tearing up at the messages I typed a response with my fingers.

Alendra: I’m good, sorry for leaving suddenly. I felt very sick….. 😭😭

Alendra: doing homework at the dorm rn

After waiting for a minute, I got a reply back.

Eliza: Oh ok

Eliza: I hope u feel better soon

Eliza: do you need any meds??

Alendra… how did you get yourself such a nice friend????

Alendra: Nah, I think I can make it

Alendra: I think

Alendra: see u later, I’ll be waiting at the dormmm

Eliza: ok!!!!

I felt a smirk grow on my face. I was so good at pretending to be Alendra. I felt like a chameleon, blending in with my surroundings.

I started to work on the stupid math problem.

Okay. Let’s start here. If segment AB of triangle ABC is the length of 7cm then-

Suddenly, the Jarlo system window reappeared in front of my face.

!!! FIND A WAY TO MAKE THEM STOP !!!

I rolled my eyes before swatting away the window like a house fly. This time it moved out of my face. Slightly. I felt like a pet owner, pushing away a snuggling cat so I could write a major grade essay.

“I’ll deal with you later.” I told the system, as if it had ears and would listen to me.

(However, during the entire time I did my homework, my eyes kept glancing at the system.)

And then, my phone buzzed again.

Eliza: I’ll deliver you some notes from the classes you missed then! I’ll slide them under ur room door :)

Eliza: I hope u feel better soon :D

Really… what did I do to earn such a nice friend??

Alendra: aww thanks :)

Alendra: ur the best!!!!

I then proceeded to spend the next three hours of my life working on miscellaneous assignments and projects (why was the world doing this to me??)

And of course the entire time the system was acting hyper.

Whenever I went out to grab a snack, the system would follow me.

!!! FIND A WAY TO STOP BLYKE ISEN AND REMI FROM FIGHTING JOHN !!!

Whenever I went to use the restroom.

!!! FIND A WAY TO STOP THEM !!!

I wasn’t illiterate!!! I can read?!?! After finally finishing my assignments (next time I get reincarnated I hope to become a cat. Honestly anything but a school student please), I flopped on my bed tired, like a sizzling fish on a pan.

And then I heard the front door unlock.

“Oh… it’s Eliza…” I murmured to myself. I turned over to lay down on the left side of my body. I felt tired after all that studying and researching. I allowed my eyes to rest by slowing lowering my eyelids when the system decided to get in my face again.

!!! FIND A WAY TO STOP THEM !!!

I almost threw my pillow at the system screen before I heard something slip under my bedroom door frame.

Oh right. Wasn’t it Eliza’s notes? I drain-fully got up and picked up the pieces of paper. I expected it to just be worksheets I missed, but on top of all this was also a handwritten paper note from Eliza.

It had words of encouragement and cute little doodles everywhere.

As simple as it was, it affected me.

Oh, this is SUPER CUTE!!! AWWW!!! I already feel energized!

I was about to immediately work on the worksheets Eliza slid (it was only like 3 papers cmon I can at least do that) when the system decided to jump-scare me in the face. I literally had to hold onto the wall to avoid falling, just to see the same stupid mission words.

!!! FIND A WAY TO STOP THEM !!!

And that's when my eyes decided to do something silly. I looked at the system, and then Eliza's note in my hands. Back at the system. Then back at notes that had just slid under my door. This… sort of ominous way of communicating.

Consequently, an idea bloomed in my mind.

Was this stupid? Yes.

Was I stupid? Also yes.

Was there someone who was stupider than me though? Yes.

And would they fall for it?

I clenched a mechanical pencil that was now wrapped firmly under the touch of my fingers.

Perhaps.

.

And now I was back outside Arlo’s apartment. Because of my new and improved Chapter 145, Arlo was probably awake right now. And was probably uneasy and questioning his life decisions.

Me too Arlo. Me too.

But because of this I could easily push him over the edge a teeny bit more and make him indirectly help me get him a lover. Makes sense. I hope.

My plan was to get a piece of paper, and write a message using my non-dominant hand, just in case the King of Wellston had the ability to get files on handwriting. I needed the message to be anonymous. If he were to recognize my handwriting and then interrogate me to find out my voice was the one that swayed him earlier today, I fear what he would do.

I wrote a message that read the barely legible lines of:

“Tomorrow. Blyke will find out John is Joker. He will press John about it. John will snap. Joker will go free. You will bleed. Bid Wellston and its hierarchy goodbye.”

Every time I read my message, I had to fight the urge of tears and unstoppable chest pains. It was so amazingly dramatic. I was literally an author.

If this didn’t make Arlo do something, then I had no idea what would. I mentioned his friend (?), his crush (?), and himself, and the school he cares (?) about. Okay, maybe a lot of the stuff I mentioned were kinda ehh, but I did say the big bonus word.

“Hierarchy.”

Uru-chan wrote Arlo like a product with the word “HIERACHY” as his trademark. The two words were like a package duo. Of course later on the two go separate ways (I imagine Arlo sobbing, as he watches John murder his beloved friend hierachy), but during this arc Arlo still seemed to care.

With trembling fingers, I used as much force I could muster to push the paper inside his house. As I sensed the paper leaving my faint touch, my ears picked up the slight sound of paper sliding along a floor tile.

And my mind also maybe melted just now. And maybe my brain was drowning and stabbing itself with a fake imaginary knife and screaming “OH IT IS SO OVER. WHAT DID I JUST DO?” in a huge panic. Maybe my brain just started to contemplate over my entire life and whatever course it’s currently taking.

But I think I did something right.

Because the entire time I slowly and quietly made my way back home, the system was quiet.

And I could finally slip under the covers, and dream.

Unlike two certain people.

Chapter Text

The dorm room was pretty silent that morning. The sun was blasting its rays through the medium sized windows, allowing sunlight to touch and dance across the furniture. The beams were so radiant that if inspected closely, one could see the floating specks of dust filling and twirling in the air.

Today was a school day, sadly. But at least before all the academic chaos, there was a moment of peace in the morning.

And during this sunrise, within the shared space of a living room, two girls were present.

The silence was deafening.

A pink-haired girl spoke up first, breaking the silence. “Hey… Alendra?”

I answered nonchalantly. “What is it, Eliza?”

A concerned voice revealed itself. “You said you were sick yesterday right?”

I thought to myself. Technically I wasn’t sick and it was just a lie, but after all that sneaking out at night and getting moved around like a puppet for the system, I got so tired that when I saw my bed I passed out immediately. Last night, on the way to the dormitory I was also shivering and shaking from restlessness- which is a symptom of sickness right?

So it wasn’t a lie. Probably.

“Yeah I was sick yesterday. Why?”

There were a few seconds of silence shared between us.

“Do you feel better now?”

Despite my mind running in circles and my body shaking from nervousness, I was physically okay. “Yeah I’m fine. Perfectly healthy. Ready to kill every damn exam we have today!!!!”

“…Are you sure you aren’t still sick?” Eliza slowly responded.

“Huh? Yeah I’m fine, why?” I stated easily.

“Well… I don’t think it’s normal to… hold binoculars while pressing your face against a window at six in the morning…”

I slowly lowered my binoculars. Very nonchalantly.

“Oh this? Ignore this. I’m just.. sightseeing.” I said calmly, ignoring the slight tug of an awkward smile trying to break free on my lips.

Last night I slipped a note under Arlo’s door, and I couldn’t sleep for hours. I had so much adrenaline that I had to do breathing exercises, pace around the room, and count sheep to finally fall asleep.

After finding some dusty binoculars in a random compartment, I proceeded to sit near the living room window and scout. I needed to see what would happen this morning with John and Arlo. My eyes rescanned the campus beyond me. Nope. Still not a trace of Jarlo in the air. I sighed.

Eliza walked towards me with a mildly concerned expression adorning her face.

“What are you even looking at? What is there to… sight-see in a place like this?” Eliza questioned. She pointed at a piece of furniture outside. “Wow, look at that bench. So beautiful. Majestic really. I saw that and thought wow what a beautiful bench. Look at how the paint is scratching off. Wow. I really wanna sit on that bench. Oh I’m just urging to go outside and sit on that beautiful majestic bench-“

I playfully tried to slap her, but she dived away masterfully. Curse her adept dodging skills. “Of course I’m not looking at that stupid bench! That thing looks older than Headmaster Vaughn!” I exclaimed. “I’m looking for something even better.”

Eliza turned her head to face me, confused. “Looking for? Who?” She leaned in forward towards the window. She mumbled quietly, “I don’t see Evie, Tanner, or Rouker out there.” Suddenly, she narrowed her eyes. And then abruptly, she smacked my shoulder. And then again. And again.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING???? WHY ARE YOU CAUSING ME PAIN?!?” I yell as I drag her hand away from me.

Eliza formed an evil grin. She looked like the incarnation of the devil.

“Your binoculars are pointed towards the boys dormitory….” Eliza then put her hands together and slowly elevated her fingers one by one in a slightly menacing way. “Who are you looking for? Is it by any chance…”

She leaned into my ears.

Uh oh. Did she find out??? She seems like the type to be a light sleeper. What if she heard me sneaking out last night????? Or me randomly murmuring about Jarlo? Or maybe the system????

Eliza grinned again as she whispered.

“someone you like?”

I never deadpanned so fast in my life.

I just stared at her eyes. Her stupid grinning eyes.

“No.”

“No?”

“No.”

And then Eliza giggled and ran around the stupid dormitory in stupid little circles.

“ALENDRA HAS A CRUSH! ALENDRA HAS A-“

“SHUT THE FUCK UP OH MY GOD”

What happened to the nice Eliza who was concerned about my health. The one who left me little notes. What has she become….

Eliza grinned again. I wanted to slap that beaming expression off her face. “Oh I’m totally using this against you.”

Evil.

So damn evil.

As Eliza walked into the bathroom with a skip at her feet (how am I going to clear off this misunderstanding one day…), I focused back on the task at hand.

Find Jarlo.

Last night I took the second step into the treacherous jungle of John and Arlo finally getting together. Despite all the risks and odds, I decided to contact Arlo in a completely normal manner. Now I just had to hope it worked.

The pink system window was hovering next to me. The only thing it said was the same stupid “MISSION: Make sure Blyke Isen and Remi don’t beat up John blah blah blah”

The only difference this time was that it didn’t jumpscare me like how it did yesterday. The system was like a constant alarm clock that broke once and now couldn’t stop ringing. Or that Halloween decoration that sometimes goes off in the middle of the night making cackling noises, even though you’re sure you took the batteries out.

However, today it was like a drowned alarm clock. Much better.

I waited for another minute until I saw something that I wanted to see through the window.

A certain black haired teenager.

I almost cackled like a witch. I could feel a smile turning my lips upward.

John was finally here. John! John! JOHNNNNNNNNN!!!

The protagonist was here! Finally the stage could be set! Behold this amazing sight!

I zoomed in on the small figure before me.

There was John walking on campus. He had this normal resting face but with a slight frown. His posture was slouching a bit, and his backpack was barely on his back. It was hanging off one of his shoulders, jumping up a little every time John took a step.

After using the binocular’s extra zoom feature and squinting my eyes a bit, I could see what appeared to be eye bags and a tired face. Basically, he looked like a hot mess….I clenched my fist.

You can do it John! You may be suffering now, but soon you will become the number one WEBTOON romance protagonist! What’s True Beauty? I only see some UnOrdinary Love! No that’s not right… uh…. UnOrdinary Romance? Uhh UnOrdinary Heart???

Okay maybe I was bad at names, and maybe I was a bit delusional. But who wouldn’t be??? John x Arlo was the BEST. Jarlo sounds like a name that God carefully constructed himself with the strings of sacred harps that angels have been playing for centuries.

Perfection.

I watched John slowly tread into the school building. I laughed to myself as I let my thoughts frolic free in my delusional flower garden that only sprouted goofy headcanons and Jarlo alternate universes.

I wonder what’s going on in John’s head right now! Is he thinking about Arlo’s confession?? Or maybe how to respond to it? Or maybe-

And then, like a lightning bolt, I saw Arlo.

I had to stop myself from jumping or running around. Suddenly, that nervousness from last night engulfed me again. What was Arlo going to do today? Did I succeed the mission, or did I fail and have to get all my Jarlo progress reset????

To my surprise, Arlo was the exact contrast to John. He walked with a straight back with confidence in every step. He had his head held up high, with no sign of doubt or fear. If a stranger were to walk onto campus, they would know instantly Arlo was the King of Wellston. Arlo emitted this “kingly” like presence on campus. It didn’t help that everyone around him also would quickly quiet down and turn away, as if afraid or in respect. Or maybe even jealously.

Personally, it made me afraid. Why? Because….

DID HE NOT READ MY NOTE.

Imagine this, you wake up and are about to go to school when you see some ominous, weirdly written note on the ground. The paper speaks things of the future. A negative future. And it talks about you, the people you know, your school, and your precious hierarchy and reputation. And most importantly, a large secret, lying underneath all the wandering eyes above. The secret that John was Joker. This wasn’t common knowledge. This was something Arlo and Elaine and Isen were supposed to keep to themselves. And of course, John wouldn’t leak it himself. So who could know this?

This was the WEBTOON fictional equivalent to being doxxed online because you dissed someone’s favorite celebrity. Usually, one would freak out, walk outside in caution thinking endlessly “Who did this? Was it them? Or maybe them?”

But Arlo was making his way to school like nothing happened. To an outsider’s eyes, everything looked normal. Just like the way everything did yesterday, and the day before that.

Did I fail? But there was no way- the system is still here so-

“ALENDRA STOP LOOKING AT YOUR CRUSH OR YOULL BE LATE!!!” I heard Eliza yell behind me.

I almost thought I could hear a little laugh in her tone of voice, but I decided to ignore it.

“ALRIGHT ALRIGHT I’M COMING I’M COMING!”

Throwing away the binoculars onto a nearby couch, I hurriedly made my way to the shoe rack. I hastily put on my shoes as Eliza closed the door and left. I wasn’t that late was I? Jumping to put on my left shoe, I hurriedly swung open the door, and ran across those familiar glossy floor tiles of the dormitory hallways.

Last night these hallways were quiet. But today, it was full of people walking out to the building.

Ohhh so I’m not late, but the hallway traffic of all these people might make me late…

As I tried to run to catch up to Eliza, my vision caught on something for a second.

A certain redhead.

Blyke.

Today was the day that Blyke would find out John was Joker.

And now I could only just wonder to myself. Did my plan yesterday work?

.

.

.

The urge to bite my nails was increasing as my anxiety built up. This plight I had gotten myself into was really not helping my studies. Focusing on the teacher was hard to do while my thoughts treaded round and round in circles. My foot was tapping the floor in a rhythmic pattern, my finger kept pressing onto my mechanical pencil-up down up down- my notebook was only full of stupid doodles instead of the notes I should’ve been taking, and my eyes kept lingering to a certain pink video game screen. I continued to give my pencil a workout with the constant pushing of my right thumb.

Click. Click.

When the hell was Arlo going to do something?

Click.

I literally told him the future in that note. Shouldn’t Arlo be changing something right now?

Click. Click. Click.

What was he doing-

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pull from behind that made my body raise upwards and almost fall out of the chair. Losing my balance, I quickly tried to settle myself back down before I felt the back of my head being pulled close to a student’s face. Using my peripheral vision, I could make out the student sitting behind me in class glaring at me. Her hand was positioned on my uniform shirt collar, and her eyes were glowing.

My eyes then raced to the teacher in a pathetic plea of help, only to see his back facing me as he wrote some dumb numbers on a chalkboard. How unlucky.

The girl behind me whispered closely in my ears. The radiant light from her eyes could barely be seen from behind me. The grip her fingers had on me was strong and threatening.

“Stop that pencil clicking before I make you regret it.” She then continued to pull me backwards even more, making the front legs of my chair tilt backward to the point where it levitated in the air. “Why the fuck are you zoning out in class anyway? Low and bottom mid tiers like you should know that education is the only thing you pricks have. Since your grades suck, I bet you wanna sabotage everyone else by your distractions. Annoying ass. If you’re gonna act this trashy, you might as well leave Wellston and start picking up scraps for money.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Act up again and I’ll make sure you leave Wellston for good.”

Then, she pushed me back down forcefully, making my forehead hit my desk. My ears picked up the quiet noise of rattling throughout the room before silence inundated it once again. After keeping my head down for a few seconds, I slowly lifted my face up. I painted a normal smile on my face. In reality though…

Damn. Already made an enemy. Honestly, after all that Jarlo stuff, being a mid tier was a passing thought. It was so forgettable compared to everything else that I forgot to stay low.

UnOrdinary was a bit…excessive when it came to school bullying. In my past life, I could pencil click all day with maybe a bit of scolding from an annoyed teacher. But here you get threatened to be beat up so badly, you would have to leave the school. So normal. Not excessive at all!

Maybe one or three times was okay, but going through this continuously everyday?

No wonder John got sick of it. I would have too.

…I wonder if Arlo actually relates to everything John has been through…I hope it wasn’t just meaningless words…

I shook my head slightly before releasing a strong sigh. I needed to lock in in order to not get killed by that oh so very gracious student behind me. My hands began to write notes here and there along with the teacher’s lecture.

It was a rather facile task, so whenever I finished early I would stare at the nearby clock on the wall. Time was ticking, and the reincarnation storyline pressure was too swelling up within me.

It was currently third period, such a lovely time of the day. However, during the passing periods of first and second period, I tried to find Arlo in the hallways. I succeeded and found him but….

/ /

My shoes were planted stiffly and quietly on the ground of the hallway tiles. My vision was centered on a certain blonde in the hallway. Trying not to giggle and skip around maniacally next to Arlo, I bit my bottom lip in excitement.

There was Arlo! And he was leaning on a wall, as if waiting for someone.

!!! FIND A WAY TO STOP BLYKE, REMI, ISEN, AND ARLO FROM FIGHTING AND BREAKING JOHN !!!

If this was the only way to stop that one chaotic, outdoor fight from UnOrdinary from occurring, I’d take it!

Abruptly, a certain red haired dude walked across the hallway. He seemed to be lost in thought as he was walking like a robot with AI predicted step layouts. So out of it that he didn’t even notice Arlo’s deep piercing stare into his figure.

My eyes captured Arlo reaching his hand out to Blyke to call for his attention.

And then falter.

And due to his hesitation, just lets Blyke walk away.

/ /

What a coward! How could I trust this idiot to kiss John if he can’t even make a conversation?! How come Arlo just suddenly got social anxiety?!

The even worse part was how after reaching his arm towards Blyke and getting left hanging out in the air like a piece of laundry, Arlo bent down and pretended to be adjusting his shoe laces as a facade.

Disgusting.

Trying to achieve some solace in this not so lucid situation, I thought of how at least over half of the school day still remained. Surely Arlo would make a move, right? Right??

Well only time can tell…. I thought to myself as I mentally shooed away the Jarlo system from blocking my front view seat of my mathematical lecture.

This was only day two of getting sent to the UnOrdinary world, and I could already tell how challenging each day would get from here on out.

.

.

.

The hourglass of my patience was slowly running out. And apparently it wasn’t just me, because the pinkish hue of the Jarlo System was slowly becoming redder as hours passed by. A bit frightening in my opinion, but could totally be dealt with.

It was lunch, and the urge to grab a lunch tray and smash it on Arlo’s head to get his brain working was really, really tempting. I was currently tailing Arlo, which was almost a habit at this point. Having this weird footstep “Spot Tracker” ability was also making the job extremely easy. It was almost like Alendra was born to be a stalker!…maybe.

Arlo was just walking around the school absentmindedly, acting like he had nothing to do but patrol the school for whatever needs he had. What a load of bull. Every time he walked near a classroom, he would keep his face moving forward but would allow his gaze to shift to the insides of the rooms. Almost like he was searching for something.

The hallways of the first floor weren’t empty, some kids were hanging around the lockers laughing, others were walking and talking, and a few were eating lunch on the ground with huge smiles on their faces. Because of this, Arlo needed to be discreet. And so did I.

I was currently holding hands with my number one, love-hate relationship, best friend Eliza and acting (hopefully) super normal. I totally was not following Arlo and staring down at him like a hawk noooo. While following Arlo with a serious gaze, Eliza kept squeezing my hand for attention.

“Oh my god look at this!” My eyes would invisibly shed a tear every time Eliza nudged me to show me another one of her weird YouTube Shorts on her phone. “It’s a cat making dumplings!”

I sighed, “Eliza that’s literally AI.”

Her face dropped. “No it isn’t. It looks real to me.”

Besides dying from Jarlo, bullies, and the system left and right everyday, another bad part of the UnOrdinary world was how their slang and knowledge was still stuck in the year 2019. Literally how do people still fall for AI images??

After Eliza stared at that dumb looking cat making fake robot pixel dumplings, she started doomscrolling once again. I finally reverted my view back to Arlo. And low and behold, he still looked dumb. He was still strolling around at his moderate slow ass pace.

JUST DO SOMETHING! ANYTHING-

Out of all people to answer my prayers, Eliza was the one who decided to do something and take action. How lucky.

“Oh my god Alendra look this is so RELATABLE!” I tilted my head downward to see the 30th video she has shown me these past five minutes.

It was some video of some ugly looking teenager in his bedroom with those pandemic looking LED lights with a viral audio and some text slapped on it.

“When that one loud ass kid finally shuts up in class for once”

The teenager in the video was beaming and smiling and dancing in delight.

I stared at Eliza. “Do you have that many annoying kids in your class?” She looked floored at my question. “YESSSSS OH MY GOD ITS SO ANNOYING. How do you not??”

The memory of that one girl in math class who insulted me and dragged me around my chair crossed my mind.

“Well I wouldn’t say I have loud people…maybe just some concerning ones that I should watch out for…”

The thought of the Fake Joker chapters on UnOrdinary fluttered through my mind. I hope that one girl in math class wouldn’t jump me in a Joker mask or something.

Eliza sighed, “You’re so lucky!!! Ugh, today for the first time in like forever, Blyke and Isen were super super quiet in my chemistry class. I could finally draw my stupid bohr models in peace-“

“WHOA HOLD ON HOLD ON-“ realizing my loud volume after receiving some stares, I lowered down into a whisper. “Blyke and Isen are in your chemistry class??” The footsteps of our shoes echoed in the halls. Eliza nodded, “Yup. I thought I told you this before! Anyway, usually they just chatter and giggle like little girls all day. Isen tries to become the teachers pet, and Blyke always asks stupid questions. Well I mean they are in an advanced upper level class with me so…gotta get that credit somehow I guess.”

I paused to think before replying again. “So how were they today?” Eliza smiled, “It was like a miracle. For the first time ever, Blyke was focusing on his work and Isen was trying to distract him like usual but failed to. It was like Blyke was ignoring Isen to focus on something else. Maybe he failed the last quiz or something? I know I did….”

Hmm…. did Blyke already confirm John was Joker without asking Isen? In general, John already acted pretty suspicious, but after the events that happened yesterday with Arlo he must have looked even weirder…

Eliza suddenly patted me on the shoulder. She then pointed at the window residing to the right of us. “Look! Speak of the devil.”

I peered over her shoulder to see through the glass. With this, I saw a red dot in the distance.

Oh, Blyke was outside. No wonder Arlo couldn’t locate him.

After examining even closer, my eyes spotted two other figures alongside Blyke. One pink and one orange.

Remi and Isen.

And just like that the puzzle pieces connected.

Arlo was in front of me checking every location but outside, Blyke was talking to Isen and Remi and slowly making his way closer to the first floor entrance,

And I had a certain mission to follow.

I glanced at Arlo again, remembering part of the note I left him at his door last night.

“Tomorrow, Blyke will find out John is Joker. He will press John about it. John will snap. Joker will go free. You will bleed.”

It was now or never.

After my eyes picked up Blyke, Isen, and Remi starting to make their way inside the main front of the building, I cleared my throat loudly.

Eliza raised an eyebrow at me. “You still sick?”

Ignoring my friend’s question, I semi-loudly blurted something stupid.

“OH WOW. IS THAT BLYKE? OH MAN HE IS COMING THIS WAY. WOW.”

My hand was stupidly pointing at Blyke outside, and the silence after my really loudly awkward speech hit my head so hard I felt like a ping pong ball getting played around by the universe and the Jarlo System. I even heard some guy cough in the newly created silence.

Eliza opened her mouth to then close it. And then open it back again. “Uh… okay?” She responded in half concern and half confusion.

I was about to grab a shovel and bury myself down into the ground to become fertilizer before Arlo abruptly turned around to face me and process what I said. He then slowly walked towards the main entrance, where Blyke would soon shortly enter along with the two other students that would fight John later on in the canon storyline.

A painful smile crossed my face. Well…maybe my social sacrifice was worth it…

At least Arlo was able to get what he wanted… yay jarlo!!!

Eliza continued walking forward beside me, opposite of where Arlo and Blyke would encounter soon.
She then started scrolling again (probably to distract herself from the newfound attention I had just gathered), with her left hand still connected to my right.

Shit. I would have to make an excuse to ditch and break free from Eliza. It’s not like I hated Eliza, I just really REALLY wanted to see the aftermath of the Blyke and Arlo showdown that was soon to unfold.

I let go of Eliza’s hand and scratch the back of my head with a smile. “Oh no! Sorry Eliza! It seems like I forgot to grab my world history textbook from my locker and I have it next period! Sorry but I really need to go get it!”

Eliza smiled, “Oh sure! I can walk with you to the lockers if you like.”

Shit I forgot our lockers were right next to each other…

I laughed awkwardly. “Oh no don’t worry about me. I gotta use the restroom too and it might take awhile so just head to your next class! I don’t want you to be late!” I then blinked and smiled widely.

Eliza beamed back. “Aww! You’re so sweet!” She nudged into me playfully. The Jarlo System stared at me judgingly, almost taunting me. I could hear its subtle silent message of “damn girl she called you a sweet friend when in reality all you want instead is to see webtoon drama …”

I coughed loudly before finally excusing myself. I waved while walking away from Eliza and towards the main entrance. “See you later!”

Eliza grinned back. “See you!”

While treading away from Eliza, I had to use extreme force to hold down a large embarrassing smile. Earlier today, I had received my first taste of the reality of being a mid tier. Pushed around, usually paid no attention to, and is an easy target for bullying. It was hard to adjust, especially considering this was my second day here but…

Thee thought of Eliza laughing and showing AI cat photos emerged in my head.

Maybe with her, being a mid tier isn’t too bad.

Maybe with her, I can survive school life.

.

.

.

And just like that, I take everything I said back.

I was standing in a stairwell, dying, because apparently these four students REALLY like walking. Why were their footsteps literally everywhere throughout the building??? Stomping my foot angrily, I ran up to the final floor of the building beneath the rooftop. This was the final floor that had classrooms, so SURELY they would be here right?

After checking every floor and running around like a headless chicken trying to find food, I was finally left breathless on the final floor. Now my only issue was finding which classroom, and the slight possibility that I already missed something important!

I mean c’mon, if I was going to lie to Eliza it better be worth it! She’s so nice it hurts my soul to even utter a white lie…

I started speed walking around the floor with the fast paced thumps of my shoes.

Room 500?

Nothing but empty chairs and desks.

Maybe Room 504?

Nothing but students eating lunch and laughing.

No dumbass blonde in sight.

As strong as my grit usually is, my legs were aching from the pain of overexertion, and the desire to lie down and never get back up was beginning to become heavily appetizing.

After checking every classroom with no results, I could feel my soul die on the spot. Where were they???

I slowly walked back to the stairwell to think of a place I had missed. Due to my brash running from the floors before, I could’ve totally had missed Arlo and Blyke.

I sighed and sunk down to the floor. I might have laid completely down as well and died but hey if no one saw it then no one knows.

Maybe I should just give up.

Yeah.

Knowing Arlo, he probably chickened out and left the school building to do whatever that man did.

Yeah.

Slowly sitting up, I exhaustingly treaded down the stairs.

Until the Jarlo System showed up and jumpscared me on my way down the stairs.

!!!!!!

I raised my eyebrow in confusion. What’s going on?

!!! CHECK !!!!

Check???? Money???? I’d take that any day, especially after all the hardships I’ve been thrusted upon.

!!! YOUR !!!!

My what?

!!! PHONE !!!

Suddenly, one of my jacket pockets started glowing. I had to quickly scan to check my surroundings making sure that no one saw this bright Heaven like beacon radiating from my jacket.

I quickly grabbed Alendra’s phone and stared at the Lock Screen.

Nothing.

I stared at the Jarlo System again.

…?

The system started having a seizure, shaking in my eyes as if to say “try harder!!!”

In confusion, I opened my text messages. Nothing! Okay my photos??? Nothing new!!!

Swiping my Home Screen, my eyes finally lightened up as I saw what the system was telling me to do.

The WEBTOON app was glitching around.

In one quick movement, I pressed the app icon and waited.

On the unOrdinary chapter list, there was a notice on top.

It read:

“New chapter in 1:47 seconds!”

I gasped out loud.

NEW CHAPTER???

This meant that the Arlo and Blyke encounter was literally ABOUT to happen. In only 1 minute and 47 seconds?!?!

Damn I need to hurry on then!!!

But where????

Suddenly, a gut feeling clenched. The last chapter I altered was chapter 145.

And a new chapter was coming in 1:47 seconds.

No way.

Could it be?

I hurriedly ran down several floors in the stairwell to floor one.

Then, I ran with all my might.

To Room 146!

And my phone buzzed in delight.

“Chapter 146 coming in…

I quickly skidded around the corner.

3…

I saw Arlo opening the door handle-

2…

I saw Blyke, Isen, and Remi in the classroom in shock-

1..!

!!! NEW UPDATE !!!

.

I hear Blyke yell, “What are you doing here?”

Right before the door slams shut behind Arlo’s entrance.

Shit shit shit!!!

I CAN’T HEAR ANYTHING!!

The phone buzzed again with the same notification.

“New Chapter Posted!”

My fingers rushed to open the app. There it was! Chapter 146!

If I can’t hear it, then I’ll just read it!

That was my last thought before my phone flashed a large light, and I was transported into the classroom right in front of Arlo’s face.

Chapter Text

Chapter 146.

“If I can’t hear it, then I’ll just read it!”

That was the last thought that crossed my mind before Arlo’s face appeared in front of mine. I blinked once. Then twice. Perhaps five times.

It really was him. His blue, azure piercing eyes; his blonde striking hair. The nearby light from the windows reflected upon it, like glass. My view was also extremely clear, clear enough to examine the sight of sweat glands embellished on Arlo’s furrowed brows.

I just stared.

Where the HELL did the reading part go?!?! WHY AM I IN FRONT OF ARLO?? I was fully expecting to just read the scene off my phone like usual… so why am I watching it live?!?

But even though I was so close to Arlo… he didn’t even gaze at me once. Confused, I walked a few steps closer to him. Nothing. No reaction.

I stared at the figures further back, Blyke, Isen, and Remi.

They didn’t see me either.

Was I invisible?

The pinkish Jarlo system was clearly delighted when hearing my question, as it answered me with a subtle “:)” on the interface.

I’ve never loved such a diabolical, devious pop-up window so much in my life.

Refocusing on the situation at hand, I observed the classroom. On the left side closer to the back of the room near the windows, Blyke Isen and Remi were stood in place. Near the front by the door alongside me, was Arlo.

Silence weighed down in the atmosphere.

Blyke, looking confused, just stared at Arlo waiting for something to happen. Remi meanwhile held a skeptical expression as she awaited for Arlo’s next move.

And Isen looked like he just got punched in the gut.

Huh. I forgot how much Isen was scared of this dumb guy.

Consequently, the dumb guy in question was standing in the classroom, feet stuck in the ground firmly. Yet, his stance was faltering. He had his hand out and mouth agape, ready to speak about something. But deep within, if one were to look in his eyes- they would see what was hidden under the veil. They would see his brain struggling to compute a single word.

Blyke, slowly regaining his thoughts, spoke up first.

“Arlo? What are you doing here? Why did you just barge in?”

His face read something guilty, something along the lines of “Did Arlo figure out what I came here to discuss?” Only just a few minutes ago did he tell the others how he suspected John was Joker. But how would Arlo know so fast?

(I almost died as I remembered my ugly, goofy note I slipped under Arlo’s door. But at least it worked well enough, considering that Arlo was here now.)

Arlo scattered to pick up an answer. “Uh…” Arlo quickly straightened his posture and moved his arms to stick to the sides of his body. He cleared his throat before regaining his “kingly” demeanor, arms now crossed on his chest.

“Well, I saw you three acting strangely fishy all day today.” He stated calmly. He tilted his head casually to the side in question. “Care to explain?”

Damn. The nerve this guy has to flip the tables on his friends (?) when he was the one fumbling all day is crazy.

I poked my finger into his face. Of course it didn’t physically go through (Where the hell was my physical body then? Passed out outside?), but it still looked funny enough seeing my finger go through his ugly smug expression.

Blyke opened his mouth to refute Arlo’s question, until Isen interrupted Blyke with a stammer. “F-f-fishy? What are you t-talking about? Haha.. what??” Isen closed his eyes with a wide smile. The smile signified his fake demeanor of happiness, while his eyes signified the opposite contradicting message of “oh I’m fucked.”

Blyke glared at Isen’s face due to his stupid response. The redhead mumbled quietly to Isen, “Dude what the fuck was that…”

Remi stepped up to face Arlo, emanating confidence. “Don’t worry about it Arlo! We were just discussing our recent science grades.” Her fingertips were intertwining with themselves, leaning together to create a triangle-like structure.

“And well they’re pretty bad, so Isen is just embarrassed.” Remi rubbed the back of her head with a slight, more genuine passing smile. She then proceeded to tilt her head down slightly. “We are so sorry for making you worried! But truly, there’s nothing to be concerned about.”

(I raised my eyebrows skeptically. You, Blyke, and Isen teaming together to fight Joker in front of the whole school is nothing to be concerned about?)

And clearly, Arlo thought the same thing. The blonde closed his eyes, dropping his shoulders with a sigh before placing his fingers to pinch his nose bridge in frustration. “The three of you huddled secretly together in an empty room is not concerning?”

Isen broke out a reply sharply, “Why would it be concerning? We do this all the time.” The orange haired teenager then grabbed Blyke’s shoulders, pushing his figure into Isen’s. “And this dude actually failed the science test. With a whopping thirty-five!”

Blyke kicked Isen’s leg.

Arlo marveled at the two, as if digesting their stupidity before taking further action.

“How can I say this…” Arlo started to tap his foot for a few seconds, before dropping his gaze to face Blyke, Isen, and Remi head-on.

“I know you’re lying. You were just talking about Joker, weren’t you?”

The trio stared at Arlo for a few seconds, before turning to look at each other. Remi seemed ready to tell the truth. Blyke seemed nervous. And Isen was going through it. He was staring at the floor, as if waiting for the dirt below his shoes to take him away on a magic carpet ride.

““You were just talking about Joker, weren’t you?””

Blyke shaked his nerves off slowly, exhaling his breath before too meeting Arlo’s gaze.

Blyke refuted, “Well who wouldn’t be? As the official Jack, I’m pretty damn concerned about my role right now. Even though I’m still Jack in name, Joker literally beat me to a pulp in front of the school just a few days ago!” Blyke clenched his fist. “If there’s somebody out there within the school who’s stronger than me but stays anonymous, then literally anybody can just pretend to be Joker to get their way! Basically, my role in this school is pointless!”

Blyke was gritting his teeth. Why couldn’t Arlo understand? Blyke was rather fawn of his position. Even though it wasn’t the highest like the King, it was more than he could have ever asked for. It was his position, his authority, his only.

And then out of nowhere, someone comes and steals it.

And they don’t even bother to reveal themselves, or take him down in the official, formal way.

It was like they were playing a joke with him. Someone was out there flexing their power, but staying concealed.

It was clear now that Blyke’s cherished position was no longer his. The students probably view him as a laughing stock now. Their judging eyes lingering, minds gossiping without uttering a single word aloud. Yet somehow, the message gets across.

He was dethroned of his position, “Jack.”

And soon Remi will be next. And then Arlo.

And was Arlo just going to take it? As the King?

Blyke glared into Arlo’s blue, drowning eyes. It’s newfound darkness swirled deep like the abyss.

Out of all of them, Arlo should understand Blyke’s perspective the most. The dark, dragging weight that pulled him down. The forced motion of comparison between abilities, being above others and being below the top.

Didn’t Arlo also yearn to be at the top? To be as close as possible? To be able to decide where to go freely, instead of being cornered down by others that were undeserving?

Arlo replied with a grimace. “No your role isn’t pointless. People still respect you. Besides Joker- who else has taken you down or mocked you openly? No one. You still hold authority, you still have your vital place. And either way, that’s not what I meant-“

Blyke pointed his finger at Arlo, before raising his tone of voice slightly, almost halfway to the point of a yell. “It doesn’t matter what you meant! It doesn’t matter that there isn’t a growing amount of bruises and injuries on my skin- what matters is how the students think! Of what they think of me, us- the royals- the people they should be trusting and having faith of as leaders!”

Blyke’s volume was increasing louder and louder by each word. “Do you really think they believe in me as a Royal anymore? Do you?! And soon that will be all of us, including you! You’re being replaced slowly god dammit- and we are just all letting it happen! Like puppets, Joker is playing our strings perfectly! Please Arlo, swear to me you’ll do something about it! If not by yourself, then with all of us!”

Blyke paused before speaking again with a grave expression.

“Are you really going to be bystander, when the school needs you most?”

Arlo, taken aback, flinched slightly at the sudden outburst. Blyke was yelling at Arlo. Blyke was arguing with Arlo. The Jack, against the King. All over the matter of Joker? Did John affect Blyke this much?

“…”

…Of course John affected him.

John affected Arlo too.

The blond, although calm on the outside, was fighting internally.

Holding back the urge to touch his lips, holding back the urge to glare at his palms and dig his fingers deep into his crawling skin- to unpack every individual line and crevice of where he touched John, moved John, made him blush, made him speechless, made him flee and run.

Holding back all his urges, desires, and senses to transport him back to yesterday. A place that seemed so far and long ago, yet so prominent and close. That space, that moment, shared between only him and John.

When met under Blyke’s serious gaze, it was an uncomfortable feeling. It was unusual; not even near the norm. Yet, even though it was so similarly uncomfortable, it was nothing compared to the boy he had hugged and kissed and treasured so sweetly yesterday.

John wouldn’t look at him like this. Even though he was an annoying piece of shit, his eyes were softer than Blyke’s. His face was rounder, younger, yet his skin rough and so intricately textured- almost seeming like a canvas with markings of both hardship and struggle, weakness and vulnerability.

Arlo hated how he couldn’t keep his mind present. He hated how much John affected him in so many ways. And he hated how different John was compared to others.

For anyone, for any individual on this Earth, the only one Arlo would be a bystander to- would be him. Arlo would allow him to thrash around, make a mess out of him, fool him, hit him-

But why?

Why was he letting John get away with so much, and leave Arlo with so little?

He couldn’t reply to Blyke at all. He was a bystander when it came to John. And he couldn’t help it- whenever he saw the raven’s face, the perfection of his features mesmerized him. And that stare, the heavy stare John held only for him, where instead of pure hatred, there lied something far more intriguing. It made Arlo stop. He wanted more, to instigate more expressions and to dissect them more.

When did this all start? It must’ve started way back then, on that Turf War field, when John’s face finally revealed his true self.

Although imperfect, beautiful.

And Arlo must’ve gone crazy, for letting it leave him in a trance for so long. With every passing day, John was gaining even more value in his mind.

And Arlo must’ve showed it, as Blyke pressured Arlo even more.

“Arlo, shouldn’t you be treating this more seriously?”

Arlo’s mind began to unravel itself.

Am I not? No Blyke is right, what have I been doing-?

“You should be finding that guy, tracking him down and stopping him with your full effort!”

I stopped him. I tried. I tried to- I apologized and spoke to him…so why did I do what I did? What was I thinking? Would a King do this? Would a King kiss his rival-

“He’s beating up students with high positions left and right and slowly climbing up the ladder!”

Of course I know his plan, he even told me to wait and watch it unfold! So… what am I doing? What is even going on? I hate this feeling. I shouldn’t let him get his way, yet I don’t know what to do when it comes to him. My mind and my body are doing different things- contrasting and switching- how do I control John if I can’t even control and understand myself-

Blyke stepped even closer to Arlo, ignoring the sharp tugs Isen was clinging onto his sleeve to go back.

“And as King, why are you letting him get away with his crimes?!”

I don’t know! I hate it as much as you do! I hate myself as much as you do!

“The Arlo I know would immediately take action, stop whoever is messing up his hierarchy, stand firm and tall, a reinstate his role rightfully and powerfully!”

He would! I wish I could! Yet instead of stopping, him- John- he makes me do things I would’ve never done rationally! I want things to go back to normal! But after what I did to him in the past? Our wishes can only be a distant dream to the reality I’ve made today! I did this-!

“He would use his calm, authoritative, straightforward thinking to solve any problem easily-!”

Stop! I know I’m NOTHING like a King- I’m aware I’m losing my touch- but I can’t- and I don’t know why! I don’t- “CAN YOU JUST SHUT UP FOR ONE SECOND?!”

The trio and I flinched as Arlo’s voice thundered throughout the room. His abrupt yell was followed with a painful silence. Remi, Blyke, and Isen looked shocked.

And Arlo too, reflected their expression. He himself, was shocked at himself.

Arlo closed his eyes before exhaling a long breath. He thought to himself for a while, reorganized his thoughts, repeating the words “I am King” to himself over and over again like a mantra.

“God damn it. First Isen, then John, now you. I’m actually losing my mind. Can’t even think straight now.”

Blyke flinched at the word “John”.

Isen raised his eyebrow in confusion. Although he was certainly scared shitless, Arlo was never the type to get angry so easily. Was dealing with John altering Arlo’s behavior? Even though it was to be expected, it was altering Arlo by this extent? What happened between them?

And what was occurring in Arlo’s mind?

Arlo, trying to force his mind still, glared at Blyke’s eyes with a pierce, powerful stare. Even though Arlo was losing his touch, losing his usual rational actions, Arlo was still Arlo. He may not be the true King of Wellston, but the label was unwanted by Joker. Arlo must still take the responsibility and place of King, like how he promised and vowed to after he accepted the position from Rei.

Rei.

Just the thought of him made Arlo sane again. How in the world did he even get distracted by someone like John?

Arlo started. “I’m sorry for yelling. It was not my intention and was purely accidental.”

Blyke stuttered. “I-it’s fine. I understand, I got too close to your personal space and everything.”

Arlo sighed. “At least you understand that. For everything else however, it seems you’ve gotten your facts messed up, and that you’ve been a bit too brazen and bold these days. I mean, raising your voice at the King. Really? I guess my role must mean nothing to you now too, huh?”

Blyke shuddered a bit at the face Arlo was making. He hadn’t been the victim of Arlo’s anger in a long time. Even though it wasn’t obvious, Arlo’s disappointed feelings were emanating through his body.

Arlo continued, “First of all, the school is already destroyed. It has been, for a long damn time. Students fighting each other left and right? It’s been like this. The stronger beating the weaker? Always. Been. Like. This. I mean look, you were just talking behind the King’s back! No normal school does this. If I were to take action now, I honestly don’t think anything would change. At least not severely enough to be counted as a breakthrough.”

Arlo clicked his tongue before continuing. “Second, of course I know I’m being passive!” He snapped furiously.

“But what the hell am I supposed to do?” Arlo declared loudly. “That piece of shit already fought against me and won long ago!”

Blyke’s eyes widened at this. Joker had already beat Arlo, the King? Joker was the strongest student in Wellston? Blyke’s eyes couldn’t budge from Arlo’s intense eye contact. It must have been a joke, a travesty of some sort- so why isn’t Arlo wavering? Why does he look so serious? Why is his expression so grave, yet his eyes so fragile as if he has already lost the war before the battle even begun?

“You… you may not be the strongest but…you’re still King! And the school doesn’t know yet- we can figure something out about who Joker is and-“

“We all know Joker is John god damn it- why even try lying to me and discussing it behind my back.” Arlo snapped while looking away for the first time, as if needing a break from all the ongoing pressure being so adamant on wearing him down.

“And it’s just like what you said. Our positions are the same as they always have been- at least officially. In reality though, John is the true king. We still have control over the general students- but him? No way.”

The royals just stood there, settling between the gaps of their figures. The sun was shining brightly in the classroom, yet the mood was sour. Blyke stuttered, “You knew John was Joker?” Arlo sighed. “I’ve known for a long time. And so has Isen.”

Blyke stared at his friends, a doomed expression painting his face. It wasn’t due to betrayal, it wasn’t due to his stupidity of being so, so slow at figuring things out.

It was because he saw a wall. A tall wall looming against him, and he had no idea what to do. He was an elite-tier, he was a Jack! Yet he felt nothing like one. Inside, Blyke always felt like an empty shell of a “royal”. He couldn’t do what Arlo and Remi could, he wasn’t good with information like Isen and Cecile was. And he could never even start to compare himself with Seraphina. What did he even have to offer? What was his purpose? How was he supposed to become King next year?

Maybe it’s a good thing he isn’t the true king. He’s too weak for it after all.

He has tried everything to catch up- practicing, fighting, staying close to Arlo and other strong royals- he was supposed to be strong. He grew up that way. His future was dictated to be that way. He did everything to knock that wall down. And yet, it stood.

Maybe he should just give up.

And now, his neighbor, the weakest, the victim, the one hiding behind Blyke’s shadow, was suddenly ahead of him? How was this fair? John? Really? He wished it was still speculation.

How is this fair? How is John better than him!?

He recalls John using his ability in ways he’s never witnessed. Multiple beams at once, cascading from each of his fingers. Such accurate precision and fast-paced movement, with good basic fighting skills to keep up stamina and throw Blyke into a loop. Blyke. Jack. Someone who was supposed to be high up. Someone who was supposed to be prestigious and untouchable, humiliated in front of everyone.

How was the weakest, the one who he was trying to apologize to and protect, on the other side of that huge, gaping wall?

This is my karma for being incompetent. I got replaced.

He stared at his fingers, another useless part of his body that could in no way compare to others. Why John? Why someone who couldn’t handle it? Why not himself? Why couldn’t Blyke be gifted? Blyke mourned the power he deserved, not the one he currently had.

That large wall.

If Arlo can’t break it down, if Remi can’t, then who can?

Because certainly I can’t.

The students in the room allowed an exchange of breaths for awhile. No words were spoken, but there was no need for one. The silence spoke for them. The silence said more than words ever could.

The wall, the unsureness, the doubt, the unfinished puzzle.

Blyke allowed himself to let out a quiet, breaking whisper.

It was like a question, slipping by in passing, under the covers of a small child drifting to sleep as he asks his mother one more question, before fading away forever.

“Then what are we supposed to do now?”

Arlo stared at his open palms, glancing down at the ground.

“I don’t know.”

“I don’t know Blyke.”

“I truly fucked up, and I don’t know how I could ever make up for it.”

Arlo rustled his hair, his eyes tilting downward in stress. He mumbles to himself a little too loudly.

“And I’m probably just as messed up in the head as John for doing what I did yesterday.”

Only ten seconds are allowed to pass by before questioning. Perhaps he underestimated how quiet a room can get under certain situations.

Isen asks first, “Yesterday? You did something to John yesterday?”

When Arlo doesn’t reply, Remi pushes forward.

“What did you do?”

Arlo’s lips are still sealed in secrecy. “I don’t even know what I did. Or why I did it.”

Blyke blinked at him, concerned. “You’re making this sound like you are some criminal. Did you fight him again or something?”

But that doesn’t make sense. There’s no injury visible on Arlo any where. Unless he went to the doctor first? But why would Arlo suddenly fight John out of nowhere?

Isen walked up to Arlo before speaking softly to him. “Did you push John again? Did you make him do something unreasonable again?”

Arlo replied. “I… don’t think I pushed him in the way you think I did. Not enough to make our situation any more worse than it already is, anyway. You could say I… pulled off a wild card or something.”

Remi, confused, reinstated Arlo’s statement. “You… pulled off a wild card on the Joker?”

Arlo met Remi’s eyes. Then Isen’s. Then Blyke’s. “Well, if we’re all working together from now on, then I guess it’d be better to stay honest with each other right?”

Blyke scoffed. “Dude. You are making yourself sound so guilty right now.”

Arlo waved his hand up and down vertically, “I know I know. I just want to make an agreement before I talk any further.”

Arlo reached his hand out to the trio, fingers extended outward in the form of an open handshake. “From now on, I’ll work together with all of you just like you wanted. All of us can start forming up plans together and taking action and reporting progress and stuff like that. However in return, all of us need to be honest and sincere with each other. I don’t want any lies to hinder us or become a huge misunderstanding or obstacle.”

“Also, stop forming stupid plans without telling me. I already bet all three of you were planning to take Joker on in hopes of beating him or unmasking him in front of the school knowing damn well how bad those odds are.”

“….”

Damn… right on target…

I swear to God Arlo’s intuition is too good sometimes….

Arlo cleared his throat. “So… deal?”

Blyke, Isen, and Remi glanced at Arlo’s hand. Slowly, they all turned to make a group huddle and discuss.

Arlo, starting to get tired of keeping his hand out, blinked dryly as he watched the group discuss in front of him in a badly formed group huddle. Honestly, it was a bit impressive of how fast the mood had changed in the classroom after Arlo introduced the tiniest slither of hope that things might change. For the better.

Maybe I really do still have my authority. Yeah. I’m a good king.

Arlo had to hide his growing smile on his face.

After hearing Blyke step on Isen’s foot with an “Ow!” noise, Remi took Arlo’s hand into a handshake.

“Deal! I knew we could depend on you, Arlo! Good job!”

Arlo raised his eyebrow at that. Didn’t Blyke just yell at him for being a passive bystander…

Isen, who started jumping up and down in curiosity (stupid journalists), proceeded to ask Arlo again:

“What happened? What did you do with John, this wild card that you speak of??”

Arlo, trying to keep his calm once again (he had the tendency to panic whenever he thought of what occurred yesterday), glanced out the window, utilizing all of his gaze on a nearby tree with gusts of wind swaying through it. “It started with an apology. I tried to apologize to him but…”

When silence continued, Isen finished it. “He rejected it?” Arlo snorted. “Didn’t even let me finish before declaring something preposterous. Something along the lines of him calling the fights or some stupid shit I don’t know it’s all a mess and honestly that was the most trivial part of it all.”

Arlo rubbed his eyes aggressively. “Maybe I should’ve never came here.”

He mumbled again. “Stupid note…”

(I giggled to myself at Arlo’s mumbling. I guess the note was a good idea after all.)

Confused, the trio pressured Arlo on. They’ve never seen Arlo so frustrated (flustered?) to the point of rambling before.

Remi gasped, “Hey! Aren’t you glad we’re a team now?! Things are starting to look up now, right! How could you ever say you regret coming here!”

Arlo nodded slowly and unenthusiastically. “Mhm. Sure.”

Isen pressed on, entering interrogation mode. “You said you were messed up in the head? Look, maybe that can apply to John, but you? What did you do yesterday, did you kill him- hug him- strangle him or something?”

Arlo deadpanned at Isen’s face. The blonde just stared into the distance near Isen’s location. His gaze was so far it seemed like it was looking right past Isen’s physical form.

Arlo always had an idiosyncrasy of being a bad liar. It was probably because of his intimidating family of high-tiers that trained him since he was young, always forcing him to say the truth when for the light of good (especially from his aunt, who worked at the authorities and believed in good morals). Unless it was to someone of a low rank, or something that would be extremely beneficial to his hierarchy, lying was easy no problem. But for people more closer to him, it was challenging.

Which was why instead of refusing or rejecting, or even maligning Isen’s ridiculous statement, he just stared.

(I had to pinch myself in the knee to not laugh. He looked like a mosquito. Thank you Jarlo System, for blessing me with this visual!)

Isen, who recognized Arlo’s rare habit, only stammered before yelling.

“Y-y-you STRANGLED HIM TO DEATH YESTERDAY?!” Isen gasped out loud. “YOU KILLED JOHN?? YOU MONSTER- HOW COULD YOU TAKE A HUMAN LIFE-“

“OF COURSE I DIDN’T YOU DUMBASS- HOW THE HELL DO YOU EVEN RUN THE SCHOOL PRESS?” Arlo replied, attempting to override his own voice over Isen’s. “Why would you yell John’s name so loud are you stupid?? What if he’s right out here!” Arlo whisper yelled, pointing near the door.

(I scratch my chin. Sorry Arlo, your boyfriend isn’t here but I am! Your nearby Cupid, Alendra! Isn’t that even better-)

Remi started. “Wait, so if you didn’t kill or strangle him then…”

“…”

Blyke gasped.

“You hugged him?”

Arlo said nothing. Even when a slight tint of red inundated his face.

Blyke ran to Arlo, placing his hands on Arlo’s shoulders before shaking him rapidly. “YOU HUGGED HIM??!?!??”

Arlo computed Blyke’s message. Opened his mouth to answer. And then died off midway like a robot vacuum cleaner getting stuck on the leg of a couch.

Isen started yelling again. “ANSWER ANSWER I NEED TO KNOWWWWW!!!”

Remi was pacing around back and forth trying to figure out what was happening while side eyeing Arlo the whole time.

The Jarlo System was dancing.

(And I died. How the hell did the mood change from sour to intoxicatingly sweet this fast?! Damn this world really is UnOrdinary.)

After Arlo shook around like a hanging fish on a fishing pole, the only thing he could do to reply to Blyke, Isen, and Remi was cover his face with his now red hands, and nod his head slowly.

Blyke laughed. So did Isen. Remi wheezed.

Isen talked between his giggles. “W-wait, isn’t this a good thing? Hugging is good right? Maybe this is the first step to Joker stepping down, and peace and love stepping up in Wellston! HAHAHAHAHA ARLO HUGGED JOHN OH MH FOD-“

Remi nodded in agreement, “Yeah this is better! More hugs and less fights! Great idea, King of Wellston!Arlo, you really do have so much wisdom! I should’ve never doubted your abilities and smart out-of-the-box thinking!”

Arlo sighed. “Even though you’re saying compliments, they sure do sound like teasing to me….”

Blyke laughed, “Maybe because we are. You can’t expect us to stay serious after you admit that you- you did something like that-!” Blyke had to bury his head in his hands to mute the sound of his laughing. “I mean c’mon, hugging was your cool wild card?! Really?!” Blyke gave up on shielding his face and laughed outwardly.

Blyke started choking on his saliva. “I-I can’t even imagine Arlo hugging John- haha-“

“Then I bet you can’t imagine a kiss either.”

“…”

“?”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Hm?”

Arlo rolled up his sleeve and stared at his bare, naked, watch-less wrist. “Wow look at the time! Time for class-“

His tactic did not work.

“YOU KISSED HIM?!?!”

There was no laughing this time, which was probably a much more scarier reaction than the former one.

Arlo looked to his left, then his right. “Huh? Did someone say that?” Blyke tugged Arlo’s hands forward and swung them. “YOUR EARS ARE LITERALLY AS RED AS MY HAIR BRO. AND THAT VOICE WAS SO DISTINCTLY CLEAR THAT WHEN I PROCESSED WHAT YOU SAID I HAD TO RESTART MY BRAIN.”

Arlo just averted eye contact. “Oh really? Wow.”

(I blinked once. Maybe twice. Perhaps five times. What in the deja vu was happening right now.)

Remi asked firmly for reassurance, “Arlo, did you actually kiss John? Yesterday?”

Arlo shrugged, “Huh? Did someone say that-“

Isen yelled at Arlo accusingly, “Hey! Did you already forget our deal? Be honest and sincere!”

Arlo, embarrassed, scratched his head before nodding. “Yeah… I may or may not have pretended to be in love with him yesterday, confessed to him, and kissed him. Perhaps.”

There was silence.

Isen coughed. “Damn. That really is a wild card huh-“

Blyke let out a grunt. A disgusted unbelievable one. “Huh? Who just does that?? To their sworn enemy??? Huh???”

Arlo replied with a sigh. “To be honest, I don’t even get it either. I felt like I was possessed and had to do anything, literally anything, to make John calm down and listen to me instead of spiraling out of control. It was… strange. It still feels surreal…” Arlo’s fingers traced its way to his lips.

“It was like… a movie. I felt like some actor getting roped into some scene, and only finally regaining sanity after the director stopped filming.”

(I giggled. I’m the director. I high-fived the Jarlo System.)

Arlo continued, “I actually feel way better after letting this all out. Last night it was killing my head. I don’t know what to do anymore. With John I mean.”

Remi pondered. “How did John respond to your confession kiss thing?”

Arlo blushed at the wording, “Uh I don’t know, his face just got flushed, he finally learned to shut up for once in his life, and kinda ran away after.”

“Yeah I don’t blame him.” Isen replied. “Like at all. Who does that. Like. At all??”

Arlo scrambled to defend himself, “I told you- it was like some sort of excessive measure happened out of nowhere-“

“Are you sure you aren’t just like in love with him or something?” Blyke blandly asked.

Arlo died.

“What.”

“Well I mean… who would just kiss someone they hate? Maybe this whole time you actually liked him?”

“Hell. No.”

Blyke waved his hands in the air, “Heyyy I’m just saying… something. Not saying it’s true or anything… just letting it hang out in the air…..”

Arlo, fully red-faced, had to bang his fist against a nearby desk. “I swear on my life I am not in love with John. I just tried to do something to calm him down and well it worked so technically you should be thanking me! I did something! Oh god I’m losing my mind-“

I was totally not obsessing over John’s facial features and expressions all night! I was being normal. A normal individual. A normal high-tier. I did my homework diligently (did NOT get distracted and stared at my walls) cooked myself dinner (did NOT occasionally space out and burn something), and went to sleep on time as usual (did NOT stay up thinking of John). I was normal. Normal Arlo. Did normal Arlo activities.

Isen, who wasn’t impressed at Arlo’s defensive measures, whistled. “Soooo what do we do next now? What’s our plan of action?”

Blyke snorted. “At first I wanted to unmask Joker publicly and beat him all together as royals. But now that Arlo is apparently pretending to be in love with John now, who knows.” He shrugs. “Maybe this can result in a peaceful panacea. A complete, nice solution. I guess, even though the move was more on the drastic side, it does bring more cards to the table.”

Isen added, “Not only that, this is totally eating up John’s mind as much as it is to Arlo, which can make him pause and hesitate, giving us more time to plan!”

Remi nodded, “Yeah! I don’t think he was at school today! Or at least, I didn’t see him in the halls. He must be lying low. And if Arlo was able to act out a confession well enough… maybe John will genuinely believe in Arlo liking him? And then maybe instead of fights, Wellston could be more peaceful as they could be lovers instead-“

Arlo argued. “HELL NO. EW. Don’t say that ever AGAIN-“

Remi frowned, “Do you like him or not man?????? Be HONEST AND SINCERE-“

“I AM! And the answer is a clear NO. Anyway, what I’m hoping for is that John can like reject me, and while he thinks about rejecting me, it could possibly change his motives and open his eyes a bit. If you get what I mean.”

Isen nodded. “So like, whenever John thinks of you now, it’s more in a positive lovey-dovey misunderstanding light. And when he thinks of rejecting you, he is forced to think of all his actions so far that he has made to spite you and ruin your hierarchy.”

Remi gasped. “Ohhh so now, Arlo won’t look like a rival to John now! Which can calm him down more and allow him to be more clear-headed!”

Blyke butted in. “And when John is more clear-headed after rejecting Arlo and realizing their rivalry was just Arlo’s weird way of expressing love and obsession, Seraphina can come in and help John heal!”

Arlo just sighed. “You guys are so weird.”

Remi poked Arlo in the shoulder. “A weird King leading some weird royals seems about right.”

Sighing, Arlo swept his hair behind his ears.

“Whatever. We can talk or text about this any time now, now that we are all on a clean slate.”

Arlo headed towards the door, his fingers on the handle.

“Do you have any semblance of a plan yet, Arlo?” Isen asks. “And by that, I mean like your next specific action.”

Arlo opens the door slightly, leaving it ajar, before turning to face the trio. The mysterious note from this morning led him here, and at first he regretted coming. But now the weight of yesterday was in the hands of the present, and could be used for the future. He no longer had regrets.

“I’m probably just going to try to meet him again. John, I mean.”

“And I’m going to hope that’s when he rejects me. And if for some reason he doesn’t… then I guess I’ll just go back to acting again. Like I’m in love.”

But what if that wasn’t acting after all?

Shaking his head to rid himself of confusing thoughts, Arlo left with a firm statement:

“Wish me luck”.

And if anybody noticed the growing redness of Arlo’s ears as he walked to his calculus class, they surely did not voice the thought aloud.

.

.

.

Suddenly, I opened my eyes. It was kinda like waking up from a dream and slowly picking up the pieces of “Oh yeah I was sleeping and now I’m here.”

Except instead of being in bed, I was met with the sight of the interior of Alendra’s locker. Confused, I scanned my surroundings. People were passing by behind me like usual, my hand was on the locker door holding it open, and my phone was in my other hand.

“Chapter 146 - End.”

I just stared at my phone screen for a long while. First, the trio argued (maybe more discussed?) with Arlo over Joker. Then, Arlo spilled the beans of what happened in order to work together to facilitate a plan to stop the doom of Wellston.

I giggled inside my locker. I just couldn’t help but feel giddy. Facilitate a plan to stop the doom of Wellston? More like facilitate Jarlo being canon!! I had to pinch myself in the ribs to contain myself from jumping up and down.

At first, I was concerned with the chapter. Blyke was yelling at Arlo, voicing his thoughts and a hint of insecurity. And somehow, Arlo reflected those some actions. Except different. It was like Arlo was conflicted, spiraling in his own mind and thoughts.

I whispered to myself. “I wonder… is it because he’s worried of the future… or if it’s because he’s starting to realize he’s in love with John? Or is at least starting to see him differently…”

I stared at the phone screen again. Chapter 146. I scrolled up a little. It was the scene I had just witnessed, but now drawn out and formatted like a WEBTOON. And of course, I wasn’t visible in the panels.

I wasn’t visible to Arlo, Isen, Remi, and Blyke either.

Was there a reason?

And as if the Jarlo system heard me, it suddenly materialized in front of my face.

!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!

!!! YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED YOUR QUEST OF INTERFERING BLYKE REMI AND ISEN !!!

I smiled. Of course I did! Jarlo deserved the world! And I was willing to do anything to make it true!

!!! YOUR PENALTY OF [CANON REVERT] WILL NOT OCCUR !!!

I let out a breath of exhaustion. Thank God!!!! If all my progress were erased now, I wouldn’t know what to do!

!!! SINCE YOU SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A MISSION YOU WILL OBTAIN REWARDS !!!

I marveled at the pink pop-up window in front of me. I had completely forgot! Penalties and rewards- they promised me I’d get rewards if I did my mission right.

What could it be?

Suddenly, the Jarlo System window expanded in height. Confused, I backed up from the locker a bit. The hallway was empty now… did the bell ring already??

Then, a bright light blinded me, making my eyes shut close. After a few seconds, I lifted them again.

In front of me was no longer the beautiful shade of pink, but was instead a plentiful amount of colors. Purple, blue, green, orange, yellow, red, and pink triangles all lined up together to make a circle. And at the top of the circle of triangles, was a tiny triangle. It almost looked like a pointer. What did this indicate-

!!! SPIN THE WHEEL FOR YOUR REWARD !!!

“…Huh?”

“I..can’t choose? It’s random???”

!!! SPIN THE WHEEL FOR YOUR REWARD !!!

Slightly disappointed, I placed my fingers on the side of the colorful wheel and rotated my hand in a circular motion.

I watched as it spun around and around, its bright colors shifting together to look like pure white due to the pure speed of the spin.

“Could you spin any faster? I’m already late to class-“

The wheel suddenly stopped in place.

Eyes widening, I moved my head closer inward to read my prize.

I gasped. No way- I won-

!! ! CONGRATULATIONS !!!

!!! YOU HAVE WON THE REWARD OF [SKILL: INVISIBILITY ] !!!

!!! YOU MAY NOW CHOOSE TO BE INVISIBLE AND ERASE YOUR PRESCENCE ANYTIME YOU WISH !!!

Anytime??? This was CRAZY. Now, instead of what happened yesterday where Arlo almost caught me, I could be invisible! Instead of sneaking and lurking around the dark at night to slip notes under people’s doors, I could just run there with invisibility!!!

I wrapped my arms around the rectangular system ahead of me. Thank you, Jarlo System!!!!!!

Beaming, I ran to class. Behind me, the Jarlo System was trailing after me. No new mission yet, but I knew that would soon change.

Although I’m a bit afraid, I’m also really excited. As day by day went by, Jarlo was becoming even more true. Arlo now has more allies and is possibly gauging how much more he loves John than he thinks, and John?

Clearly by how disheveled he looked this morning, it definitely impacted him.

Should I make a move on John next? I grinned to myself.

Happily, I arrived at my next class, inhaling and exhaling before opening the door and saying a half-assed excuse on why I’m late.

My professor, a tall lady who I already forgot the name of (well I technically didn’t meet her yesterday since I was “sick” after lunch..) quickly made eye contact with me.

She turned to face me, and the classroom got silent. All eyes on me…

Alendra’s professor spoke up, “Why are you late, Ms. Alendra? I was just about to fill out your attendance report as absent. I almost thought you were suddenly sick, just like how you were yesterday after lunch.”

Some students in the class snickered.

Damn. Rude much? In front of the entire class? Why choose to be a teacher if you hate kids this much?

“I had a really bad bathroom emergency. Sorry Miss. I promise I won’t do it again.”

The professor sighed. “Alright. However, it’s Mrs. Clarke to you.”

I laughed awkwardly, “Haha, right! My bad, must be my sickness.”

As I walked down the aisle of desks and seats, I heard some students laughing and muttering.

“Wow… pathetic mid-tiers am I right? So stupid they can’t even arrive to class on time.”

“Ugh, she barely even makes it as a mid-tier anyway… just a bit lower and she would be a low-tier. I bet I could make her unconscious in one punch.”

“Wasting my class time…”

Why the hell are these kids acting like they actually wanna be in class???? Wasting time? She was about to fill out attendance!!!

I sighed before going to the empty seat all the way in the back. It wasn’t even a window seat….

However, my tracks stop and I feel my breath hold itself.

The kid who has the window seat and sits left to me… is Blyke?!

Apparently, I left my eyes linger for too long as he meets my gaze too.

“What do you want?” He says with a frown.

Damn why so moody! You just teamed up with Arlo and found out he confessed to John- you should be smiling ear to ear and thanking me for my work!

I laughed again (why am I so awkward?). “Oh uh nothing really.”

He raised an eyebrow at me before turning away to gaze out the window.

I hurriedly sit down in my seat. Huh. Who would’ve guessed me and Blyke share the same history class.

I secretly sneak a glance at him again. Unlike all the other students, he didn’t laugh at me or insult me. No wonder he made the Safe House in canon.

Wait the Safe House?

I felt the weight of my body sink deeper into my seat. Why was the Safe House created again?

It was because of John and the fake Jokers.

Wait, but didn’t I just solve that issue by making Arlo fall in love with John and vice versa? Because if they fall in love, then John will no longer be an issue anymore.

In canon, the Safe House club was created after Evie told Remi about creating “safe spaces” in the school due to fake Jokers. And Remi proposed it with Blyke right after Isen writes an article about exposing John for being the true Joker.

Does making Jarlo come true stop the Safe House from coming true because now the royals have no more direct threats? If I just stopped John from being a threat, that means Joker is no longer a threat.

But what about the Fake Jokers? Will they exist? In order for them to not, John will need to reveal himself as Joker.

But even if John does that, what about the rest of the school?

Did I just stop the creation of the Safe House by solving the John-Arlo rivalry problem?

After a few fleeting seconds, I shook my head.

Nah. No way. There’s still a huge chance Evie will talk to Remi about the school hierarchy and its flaws. And isn’t Evie friends with Alendra? If worst comes to worst, I’ll tell her to ask. And Remi is so nice things will probably stay the same.

At least I hope so.

I snuck another glance at Blyke. Except this time, he was already looking at me.

“Do you need anything? You keep on looking at me, it’s creepy.” Blyke asked to me with a confused expression.

I laugh again (no really why am I so awkward), “It’s nothing!”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Whenever you do that creepy laugh it’s so obvious you’re lying. Spit it out.”

My smile slowly faded into a neutral straight line. “Well uh…” I scratch the back of my head.

“You’re the Jack right?”

He blinked at me before scoffing. “Huh? Of course I am. What, you think Joker is the new Jack now?”

Oh shit. My bad I forgot he was sensitive to that topic…

“What? Of course not! Joker could go fall down a flight of stairs for all I care since he’s so stupid- I wanted to ask you about something you could possibly do.”

Blyke mumbled “Flight of stairs-?”, before he tilted his head in curiosity. “Do? What can I do?”

I scooted my chair a little closer to his desk after assuring he wouldn’t laser beam me in the face.

“Well you know how since Joker is anonymous, anyone can pretend to be him and scare others right?”

Blyke nodded.

“Well, since at any moment someone could be attacked by a Fake Joker, I was thinking that you and the royals could create a safe space in the school.”

“A safe space?”

“Yeah like a club. You can dedicate a certain classroom in the school as a safe space by creating a club where anybody, no matter their ability, can chill and hang out with each other with worrying over the threat of Joker or getting bullied. And to ensure this, a high-tier or elite-tier can patrol the club at different times like shifts. If that makes any sense-?”

Blyke, eyes glued to mine, pondered about the idea for a while. “Ok, I admit that sounds like a good idea. But would people really come? And how do we know that Joker won’t come and destroy it?”

“Well first of all, Isen is in the press so he can make flyers and advertising. Remi is really nice so she can spread the word by mouth and I feel like it’ll make people trust the club more. And Arlo can probably hold the fort down if the real Joker comes to destroy it.”

(Since they both are so madly in love… god I’m a genius.)

Blyke stared at me. “Huh. Why have I never thought about that.” He moved his eyes to find the teacher, Mrs. Clarke. She was still filling out attendance.

Blyke moved a little closer to my desk. “I like your idea. I’ll talk about it with Remi and the others. What’s your name?”

I deadpan. Of course Blyke doesn’t know my name.

“It’s Alendra.”

“Alendra?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright. I’ll see if I can make your idea work.”

And just like that, Blyke went back to staring at the window.

I scratch my chin nervously. Did I just… interfere with canon again? Twice in one day?

It’s probably okay though. Around this time, Evie should be telling Remi about this idea. So me doing it also to Blyke couldn’t possibly hurt.

Huh. So I don’t only have to do things to make Jarlo come true.

I can use my actions and words to change the world.

I scoff at myself this time. The world? Please. Blyke will probably forget my name by tomorrow morning.

I lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling.

I can’t help but feel satisfied. Jarlo is coming true day by day, and the Safe House is now guaranteed to happen in this world too.

Maybe things will be alright.

However, nearby, when I noticed Blyke sitting next to me, I failed to notice the black mask in the hands of a student ahead of me, waiting to play the fake role of “Joker”.

Chapter Text

The austere bedroom was drowned in shadows, the walls faintly outlined by the oppressive weight of the night. It was a room caught between the cards of both sleep and wakefulness, suspended in a silence so deep that the only sound heard was the slight rustling of the bedsheets with each small jerk and turn.

In the corner, a dim alarm clock glowed a soft, tired yellow. It was overall however swallowed by the deep, velvety blackness that crept inside.

The only other illumination came from the window, where the blinds hung like a thick barrier between the world outside and the stillness within. The moon, pale and distant, sent its fragile beams through the narrow gaps between each fold, creating thin streaks of light that etched patterns onto the bedspread.

Underneath this shining light on the bed lies a certain someone. Usually, he would be complaining about the current situation. The nearby window of his dorm bed was always a bit old and chipped. Due to its dilapidated structure, it had always failed to keep out all the light from the outside stars, moon, lampposts, and what not. And it wasn’t like he was going to supply new window curtains to a dorm room that he would only use temporarily.

Usually, he would be shifting around his bed, muttering and maligning insults under his breath quietly. He would turn this way and that way- each movement a futile attempt to escape the complicated thoughts weaving through his mind.

The sheets beneath him would twist to this, making half-formed knots which would create a pattern resembling the tangling, unstable thoughts inside.
But tonight was different. And so was the night before.

He was lying down on his bed, allowing the upper-head lights to beam all over him as he laid perfectly still. Still. Unmoving. Unchanging.

He could hear his own breath, shallow and uneven, the only thing that anchored him in the night. But even that felt distant, disconnected, as if it were someone else’s breath in the room, not his own.
This was all John could do whenever he was left to his own devices at night. All alone and in the silence, the only thing left active and alive were his never-ending thoughts that would ramble and ramble on top of each other, arguing for spotlight in his own head.

At first, it was just plain insomnia that could be fixed with the help of staring at his phone screen until his eyes eventually quit and shut down. Although it wouldn’t be much sleep, it was enough to get rid of distracting thoughts and enough to be sustainable for daily living.

But as time walked by, the path became more rigid and challenging. Every time life happened to fight against him ever so slightly, the nightmares would come back.

His hands are held captive in hand cuffs.

He’s suddenly standing on the Turf War field again.

He’s suddenly yelling at Adrion again.

He’s suddenly feeling that crawling, distorting, ugly feeling of wetness forming near his eyes, threatening to let go and fall as his body shakes with anger, painful betrayal…and revenge.

And then the climax of the movie comes.

There’s a green haired girl ahead of him, opening her mouth to say one word:

“Monster”.

It always, always hits him hard in his chest. It hurts. Whatever it is. The feeling. The experience. The guilt. The anger. What had he done to deserve this? He asks to himself over and over again.

But it’s not his first time dealing with it. No, the nightmares are consistent.

The nightmares always come. It’s expected. John can expect it. He can brace through the pain when he wakes up again. It’s fine. He can deal with it countless and countless of times. He can stand tall and act like nothing happened.

But then, a new dream swerves straight into him that makes him finally shake and fall.

It had happened the night before. He had stormed into his bed, laid down, and allowed himself to forget about all the trivial things he had planned: the text messages, emails, homework, all of it.

John, tired from what had happened that day (that strange…weird day) found sleep pulling him closer. Tugging and tugging, urging John to fall asleep immediately.

That should’ve been the first red flag. John never fell asleep easily.

He fully predicted the beginning of the dream. His hands are in cuffs. Some tall, ugly, red haired man is scolding him and lecturing about how bad he is. How much of a failed product he is. Although it was a negative situation that John would rather not want to live out again, it was normal. Then his hair is gripped tightly, and with a strong hold of each lock, his head gets sent straight into the table below him.
And the images came back in, inundating his mind. New Boston. Adrion. Claire.

He can hear himself questioning her: “Why did you betray me?”

The girl answers, but it’s all fog to him. Her speaking is tuned down, as if it were a drowned bomb that was unable to explode.

But abruptly, the volume comes back in a flash. In one moment, it’s loud and overpowering as she opens her mouth to say one word:

“Monster.”

On a normal night, he would wake up in a cold sweat, assuring himself over and over again that he’s not there anymore, that she’s not near him anymore, that he has Sera and a fresh new start.
(Even though he knew that new start was crumbling and deteriorating with each and every day.)

But this night was not normal. It wasn’t unfolding in a way he expected. Instead, he finds himself standing outside the school building of Wellston.
John flinches at the new scenery in surprise, before quickly scanning his surroundings.

Wellston? Why am I at Wellston?

His eyebrow rises upward as he comes to the realization that this path, this boring secluded path at the side of the school, seemed familiar. He felt as if his feet had been rooted into this very ground for a very, very long time. But why? He couldn’t remember.

Confused, he makes a quick turn with the heel of his foot to leave the premises.

I should go find Seraphina. I need to protect her and teach her how to defend herself from the scum prancing and ravaging this school.

Seraphina was his safe haven. He could be himself (to an extent) with her, he felt comfortable with her.
But as he spun around to leave, he was instead met with the gaze of the person he felt most uncomfortable around.

Arlo.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He hears himself yell. Good. Arlo deserves it.

But Arlo doesn’t answer. Instead, he walks forward closer and closer to John.

John scrambles around at his spot. Why wasn’t he running? Fighting? Yelling? Anything!? Whenever his eyes had met Arlo, he froze. But he couldn’t remember why. Why was he stuck?

And then he remembers. He remembers as he feels the touch of Arlo’s lips fuse with his. It’s warm. So intensely warm. And John stays still for a paused moment. He takes it in, the feeling, the sight, before he finally makes a move in panic.

He pushes Arlo away from him with as much force as he can muster, which isn’t a lot. John stammers, “W-what! W-why are you doing this to me?!”

Arlo blinks at him before morphing his face into a soft smile. It looked so genuine. So sweet. So caring and kind and full of love.

Too much so that it doesn’t feel believe-able that it’s directed at John.

Arlo opens his mouth to reply.

“It’s because I love you, John.”

And that’s when John finally, FINALLY, woke up.

And that’s why now, he was currently laying down on his bed still and awake, afraid to even close his eyes because now whenever he did, it was that stupid asshole that he would see instead of the greeting darkness of his closed eyelids.

He mumbles to himself. “This is great. Just great.”

After he had woken up this morning, he attempted to go through the rest of his day at school normally. He thought he did a good job, as at moments he found himself completely forgetting what even happened the day before. He was able to talk to Seraphina like normal, eat like normal, and go to classes like normal.

Until he saw him. The one. The one that had been pestering his thoughts, affecting his dreams, and giving him a new habit of flinching whenever he touched his own lips.

He wasn’t even close to “the one”. It was at a total, complete distance. The one hadn’t even seen him, as he seemed focused on something else. (Was it him? Was Arlo thinking of John too? Was it confusing him too? It had to be it had to be it had to be-)

But the sight alone made John crash down on himself internally. The scene from yesterday came hurling back, echoing through his head. He felt the need to run away. Away from everything. He had to. And so he did.

But after sneaking another glance at Arlo, of course.
Later that day when he was at the dorm, his hair was dripping water droplets as he left the bathroom. He had taken an extremely long shower, cleansing every part of his body (and if he had spent more time cleaning his face than usual, no one would know besides himself).

John found the back side of his fist rubbing his lips again (fuck you Arlo), before he finally saw a red head staring at him.

It was Blyke. He was just drinking a glass of water in the lounge area of their dorm. Normal situation. Happened sometimes. Everyone gets thirsty, no big deal.

But Blyke saw John rubbing his lips. John could feel his ears turn hot. Sure Blyke didn’t know what happened between Arlo and him, but John knew! Which was enough for it to be embarrassing! Slowly, he put his hands down as he opened his mouth to question Blyke. Blyke had been staring at him for way too long in John’s eyes.

“What are you looking at?”

Blyke shook faintly. That itself, concerned John. Why would Blyke shake at the thought of a cripple questioning him? Did he know? Did he know John’s secret? But if so, which secrets and to what extent?
Blyke put the glass down next to the nearby sink in the kitchen. “Nothing. I guess I’m just not used to you without hair gel still.”

Blyke immediately made a turn towards his bedroom and closed the door with a swift, single motion.

John just stood there. Blyke, an elite-tier who was at the verge of becoming a high-tier soon, had been surprised by John’s question and immediately diverted and ran away to his room. Almost as if John was an omnipotent, strong yet fearful figure.

He could feel himself scoff. Tch. The disparity of his demeanor was too much. He must’ve figured out that he’s Joker. That, or Isen or some other rat told him. But who else knew John was Joker? Excluding Blyke now, it should’ve just been Isen, Cecile, and….
And Arlo.

John heard the soft sound of the towel in his hands dropping with a thud.

Did Arlo tell Blyke? That I’m Joker?

His head turned to stare at Blyke’s closed bedroom door.

If Arlo told him… how much did he tell? Did he tell Blyke that we… that…

John didn’t even bother to finish his thought and instead picked up his towel and headed straight to his bed.

And that’s how he had gotten to this point of lying down, still unable to sleep, but under different circumstances than the usual.

He sighed to himself before finally turning to lay on his side. His eyes met his wall, burning his vision into each individual bump that embellished it. And he, hesitantly, permitted his thoughts to extricate themselves, to untangle and finally roam free between him and the space of his room.

What am I doing? Wasting my thoughts and time on that stupid asshole. This is exactly why high-tiers are trash. I should be focusing on defeating Remi with the help of Cecile.

He brought his hands up to his face and stared at them.

I can’t get distracted. It’s about time people realize how useless high-rankers are. None of them deserve to be put on a pedestal, to be taken as a leader, to be worshiped or submitted to. I have to do this.

He watched his fingers turn downward and clench themselves into the form of a fist.

They’re all arrogant, entitled, and abusers of their power. Everyone would be better off without them.

Without them.

Without me.

And then Arlo came to mind again.

“John, even if you think you don’t deserve it, I think you deserve love- no- I think… you deserve everything.”

John blinked to himself. It was as if he was in a trance. Him? Deserving?

…No way.

He turned his body to the other side of the bed, feeling the sheets twist and turn along with him.

He could never deserve something like love from Arlo. John felt averse to the idea. Arlo had to be lying. Faking- something. He hated Arlo, and Arlo hated him. It was mutual hate. They hadn’t even shared a mere “like”. How could Arlo just suddenly be in love with him? It didn’t make sense.

But then what about the kiss? That didn’t make sense either!

“You already are better than who you think you are.” John could see Arlo, making eye contact with him, as if seeing straight into his soul. As if John were something to be cherished. Arlo continues.

“You aren’t fake, you aren’t some reckless beast…. if you were then why would I understand you? You aren’t alone John.”

John sat up and punched his pillow roughly, before pushing his head back onto it.

Exhale. Take deep breaths.

It has to all be fake. Arlo relating to him? Sure they both were high leveled assholes, but on different wavelengths. The way Arlo spoke to him as if he could read him, be aware of everything John had done, and truly understand John. How could Arlo do that, if John can’t even understand himself?

It must be fake. Everyone is inherently fake. They put on a nice front when you’re around, but the second you leave, they go right back to their roots. Same case with Arlo.

Every act, behavior, and word he made must have all been staged.

“I’m always free to listen to you. To hear you out. I think I finally, truly understand you now.”

John, quietly, moved his body to lay down flat on his back. His gaze met the ceiling as he thought over everything meticulously.

Does he even want to fight Remi anymore? Does he even want to be Joker? Should he? Should he believe Arlo’s words?

“…”

He whispered. “Does Arlo really love me or is he just this desperate to make me stop-?”

Reasonably, and logically, the latter would probably be the answer as Arlo was cunning, deceiving, and would do anything to get his way.

Yet, somewhere hidden inside, he wished the former was the true answer.

John couldn’t help but close his eyes, his lethargy catching up to him. Fine. He would allow himself to sleep again. No matter what dream he had to face, facing that would be better than facing Arlo in real life.

.

.

.

Blyke hurriedly shut his door as he plopped onto his bed. He then proceeded to turn over, and placed his face directly onto his pillow.

A few fleeting moments passed by with silence. John was Joker. He could beat up Blyke in a heartbeat. It was only this morning that Blyke still thought of him as unthreatening. But now? Everything was different.

Including his new thoughts and opinions of Joker. Although it held a large amount of disdain for his actions, it also included something new. Something humorous.

And so Blyke laughed. A lot.

John… was he just rubbing his lips??? With red ears?? His face got so flushed when he noticed me oh my god-

In one day, just a single day, Blyke found out that not only John was Joker, but that the Joker and King had shared a private kiss!

“Ohmfmfm myyy godhfhfhh…” Blyke mumbled as his face smushed his pillow. He quickly grabbed his phone and went straight to messages.

He scrolled through few contacts to get to the place he wanted. Arlo, Isen, and Remi had all decided to make a group chat to discuss what plans to take when dealing with John and Joker. Now that they were all on the same page, communicating could be way easier.

And this was golden.

Blyke: guys I have an update with John

Isen: aint no way he already did something 😭😭

Remi: what happened??

Blyke: I saw John touching his lips and blushing

Isen: AYO?????

Remi: OMG

Remi: It’s working! The “love and hugs” can save wellston plan!!

Arlo: Why would you share this. I didn’t need to know this.

Isen: LMFAOOO

Blyke: no it’s important bc it means that your amazing, well-thought out plan of kissing John worked!

Blyke: Now he’s too focused on you confessing than defeating Remi as Joker lol

Isen: omg who knew Arlo was such a genius

Arlo: Oh how I wish to die right now.

Arlo was scratching his head. He was currently working on his studies when his phone chimed with a notification. And Arlo expected anything but this.
John blushing? Even the thought itself seemed cursed. Whenever Arlo tried to conjure up an imagination of it, his mind would immediately fail.

…Why am I even thinking about John like that anyway? It’s not like I actually like him.

Remi: Did you get a picture?

Blyke: No??? If I did I’d be dead rn

Isen: sighhh I wish u took one

Arlo: Hell no. I already see you thinking of a new article. Thank God there isn’t a photo.

Blyke: Damn you don’t even care about my safety huh

Blyke: only abt a potential article

Arlo: If I can kiss John and survive, you can survive being John’s dorm-mate.

Isen: LMAO TRUE

Isen: I’m surprised John didn’t like beat you up

Remi: well I mean he has to go after me first

Isen: maybe he won’t now since he’s too focused on Arlo?

Blyke: I hope so I don’t want any of us to be hospitalized

Blyke: but that’s low key wishful thinking… I feel like he still would

Remi: yeah…

Remi: well if he fights me then I’ll just give it all I got! If he doesn’t then well the fight will just never happen

Isen: I rlly hope so

Blyke: what exactly are we gonna do next anyway?

Blyke: cuz we all agreed on not starting a fight with John first

Blyke: cuz yk… we’d die

Arlo: Well, I was planning to just try and meet up with John and talk to him.

Arlo: But I never see him, and even if I did I wouldn’t know what to say.

Isen: it’s ok, if u can kiss John out of nowhere I’m sure u can improvise anything now

Arlo: Shut up.

Isen: ok pls don’t kill me I’m very nice 😭

Remi: ngl John is probably avoiding you

Remi: ik I would run if some guy I hated kissed me and confessed

Arlo: Okay we need to stop bringing up the specific details.

Arlo: Every time you guys mention it I want to send my past self into the infirmary.

Remi: HELPP it’s okay Arlo! your plan is working!!

Remi: since John is affected it’s at least delaying him from taking action

Blyke: Yeah, John is in his room rn and I don’t hear a single sound

Blyke: he must be thinking rn of what to do

Arlo: Him? John? Thinking??

Arlo: No way.

Isen: Well

Isen: John is still friends with Seraphina. Maybe if we all chip in, we can help John go back to normal

Blyke: normal as in??

Isen: uh

Isen: more stable

Isen: and less fighting

Isen: and Remi and you not getting hospitalized

Isen: oh and Arlo too

Arlo: Wow thanks for the mention.

Isen: np I’m rlly nice

Blyke: I’ve been thinking

Blyke: should we tell Seraphina John is Jokssr?

Blyke: Joker*

Isen: idk should we tell her abt Jokssr

Blyke: stfu

Remi: Maybe? We could use her help to make the school safer, and John could help too

Remi: I feel like we’re all on the same side, we just have different approaches

Isen: yea I agree

Blyke: so we should tell her?

Arlo allowed himself to slowly spin around on his desk chair. He was lost in thought, thinking of the idea.

Should Seraphina know? She could surely, directly, change and help John.

But would it even work? John was stubborn, hell, he didn’t even tell Seraphina he had an ability for the entire duration of their friendship. Even if Seraphina asked him and tried to talk to him about it, he would probably shut her down.

And if John asked her who suggested her to believe such things, and she said it was him? John would never trust him ever again. Everything he had built up, the hug, the kiss, his confession… it would all be for nothing.

Arlo: No. Don’t tell her.

Blyke: No?

Isen: why not

Arlo: I feel like it would be better if John told Seraphina himself. If I had a secret and somebody else I knew told everyone before I could, I’d be upset.

Arlo: I don’t wanna ruffle him up even more.

Isen: Oh true

Remi: Ok, so all four of us can try our very best to push John to talk to Arlo

Blyke: this sounds like a dumb plan

Isen: well what else do we do 😭😭

Isen: if John cant stop thinking of Arlo, then the more Arlo talks to John the better cuz then he can’t get Arlo’s words out of his head, which could then influence his thoughts and change his course of actions

Isen: assuming that Arlo said good eye opening things ofc

Arlo: I did.

Blyke: like what

Arlo: I said he was

Arlo: not alone

Blyke: ??

Isen: ??

Remi: is that it??

Arlo: And that I could understand him and that I’m always there for him…and stuff like that.

Isen: aww that’s kinda cute

Arlo: Shut up

Isen: ok

Blyke: ok so now he’s gonna think that he isn’t alone, and that if he needs help he can reach out to others with words instead of actions??

Remi: that’s basically what we’re betting on

Isen: it might push him to do something like figure out his issues or reveal himself to Seraphina

Remi: and since they’re so close they can help and rely on each other!

Remi: oh and Arlo can too since he loves John!

Arlo: I do not.

Remi: hmm

Arlo: I do not.

Remi: whatever you say :)

Blyke: so I’m assuming that for the next few days we should try to amplify this new strategy?

Blyke: like leaving more words and things to confuse and make John think about in order to delay and maybe stop him from fighting us

Isen: yeah we’re basically making him reflect on his choices in order to change the future

Remi: I mean it’s better than just fighting endlessly whenever we make him angry

Blyke: true

Blyke: maybe now John will be less angry towards the school and instead lovey-dovey towards Arlo

Arlo: Oh my god I should’ve never told you guys.

Arlo: I’m already having regrets

Isen: don’t worry I won’t write an article

Arlo: Wow, I feel so reassured.

Isen: I’m so nice

Arlo leaned down on his chair. If circumstances were just the tiniest bit different, if that confession never happened, Arlo would’ve probably, no, definitely told Seraphina that John was Joker.

What changed? It was the fact that even though Arlo knew he was lying about many things regarding John…he really did understand John more.

As much as he hated to admit it, Arlo cared more about his actions toward John. John was… sensitive. Way more than he looked. One wrong word could make him angry. One wrong action could cause Wellston to pay for it.

It was even affecting Arlo in other ways. He was starting to feel a strange feeling.
Something like guilt.

But it wasn’t just guilt for his past actions, it was for his current ones. Suddenly, planning and plotting about John behind his back with multiple people… it felt wrong. Like he had crossed a personal line that only he and John shared. Like.. they both were the only ones meant to share what had happened between them.

Was he doing the right thing?

“Tomorrow. Blyke will find out John is Joker. He will press John about it. John will snap. Joker will go free. You will bleed. Bid Wellston and its hierarchy goodbye.”

The note. The note was also affecting him. Even though there was no credible source on whether it would come true, who wrote it? Who else knew that John was Joker, and that Arlo knew about it? It couldn’t be Blyke because he was mentioned in it and didn’t act guilty during their confrontation. He genuinely acted clueless. Remi would never do this, and Isen is too afraid of Arlo.

Cecile? No, Cecile would be on John’s side, not Arlo. Why would she sending a warning to Arlo under his door?

The whole situation was strange.

Who wrote that note?

.

.

.

I heard a phone alarm beep annoyingly to my side. Lazily, I raised my arm to grab my phone.

After a few poor attempts of locating the device, my fingers finally wrapped around the phone and tapped the screen to press the “Stop” button.

I laid down for a few minutes, allowing the feeling of the soft, sinking mattress to process in my mind.

This was not my bed, this was a Wellston High School bed. My eyes caught the sight of brightly colored hair. This too was not originally mine, it was Alendra’s.

This was the world of unOrdinary. And I was going to change it. Slowly, subtly, but surely.

I yawned, before suddenly gaining the energy to exert myself upward to get ready for school.

Grabbing Alendra’s uniform clothes, I walked to the bathroom to get ready and do my usual hygiene routine.

Until I saw it. A pink pop-up window, slowly sliding into my view. It was the Jarlo System, the system that probably brought me here and has been assigning me strange missions to fulfill.

Not like I was complaining. I smiled to myself. I turned my full attention towards the Jarlo System, stopping all my tasks.

What do you have for me to do today? Nothing? Something crazy? What is it-

!!! YOU HAVE A NEW MISSION !!!

Damn already?! I mean, I kind of already predicted that but still!! All this with no payment was crazy-

I remembered the invisibility I gained yesterday. I had spun a reward wheel of some sort, and was now able to turn invisible along with having “Spot Tracker”.

Okay, so maybe that was some sort of payment. A win-win for both me and the system. Touché.

What’s the new mission?

!!! MULTIPLE WILDCARDS ARE APPEARING !!!

Wildcards? What the hell was the Jarlo system talking about?

Is it… Blyke Remi and Isen? Not only am I pushing Jarlo to come true, but the trio and Arlo are also trying to make a plan to stop John. They certainly are wildcards I could use to my advantage…

The Jarlo System made another message appear to the side of my head.

!!! UTILIZE THE CONFLICT AND ASSIST ARLO IN MAKING A MOVE !!!

Assist Arlo?? IN MAKING A MOVE???

Like an opening for Jarlo?

I recalled the memory of what Arlo had said yesterday in the classroom.

“I’m probably just going to try to meet him again. John, I mean.”

“And I’m going to hope that’s when he rejects me. And if for some reason he doesn’t… then I guess I’ll just go back to acting again. Like I’m in love.”

!!!

That was right!! Arlo wanted to meet up with John himself as well!! Not just in my delusional dreams, but in real life!

The bad thing however, was that Arlo was hoping for a rejected answer from John. Because he still wasn’t truly in love. At least, not yet.

So… I need to make sure Arlo guarantees a meeting with John, but also make sure that John doesn’t reject Arlo but instead falls in love??? And not just John, but I also need to assure that Arlo’s feelings are real too…

Damn. This would be hard.

And I don’t even know what Arlo himself is thinking right now, his specific plan of action with Blyke, Remi, or Isen, or what he’d do on his own accord.

Shit.

But of course, the system had even more to spout out of its mouth.

!!! IF THERE IS FAILURE, YOU SHALL RECEIVE A PENALTY !!!

Not again! It better not be another canon revert-!

!!! PENALTY: JOHN WILL BELIEVE ARLO’S LOVE TO BE FAKE AND AS A PLAN TO STOP JOKER !!!

I stared at the screen. My eyes lingering on each letter, slowly tracing each curve and line. Fuck.

If John comes to believe that Arlo’s love is fake and a lie… isn’t that the same as a canon revert?! It’ll be viewed as another sick plan used to betray and take down John…except that Arlo isn’t even planning to fight John at all!!! And neither is Blyke, Isen, and Remi! They just want peace.

Sure maybe the love part was a lie, but everything else wasn’t! And even the love part could become true if I tried hard enough! Even Arlo could fall hard enough.

I grabbed my toothbrush and began brushing my teeth. While doing so, my eyes read the message again.

!!! MULTIPLE WILDCARDS ARE APPEARING !!!

!!! UTILIZE THE CONFLICT AND ASSIST ARLO IN MAKING A MOVE !!!

One word was able to make Arlo confess to John. One note was able to push Arlo to interfere the trio’s plan to fight John, and their futile plan to reveal his identity.

Any move, any action, could change the future dramatically.

And this time, all I need to do is assist Arlo, Blyke, Remi, and Isen.

This was nothing compared to all the hurdles before. I got this.

I heard Eliza’s voice call out to me from the living room.

“Alendra??? Are you ready yet?? Hurry up, or we’ll be late!!”

I hurriedly finished brushing my teeth, “I’ll be out in a second!”

/ /

John, with a frown adorned on his face, stands outside the school building, leaning against a wall. He was currently waiting for his friend, Seraphina, to leave the girls dormitory. And so, he stood outside the dormitory, close enough to see Sera, but far enough to not seem like a creep.

He sighs to himself as he waits. He counts the seconds, slow and heavy, to distract himself from the horrible day awaiting for him.

His irritation grows as he feels people’s stares on him. Eyes, the opening to the soul. With a gaze so powerful, it feels as if it’s drowning him. He can read their words- their condescending thoughts. Their negative feelings around him.

They probably think I’m trash. That I should just be discarded and forgotten. Nothing new. Everyday, I find more proof that everyone here is worthless.

He glances upward, making eye contact with the passerby observing him. He can make out their faces of disgust, a message screaming something along the lines of “why is he still here?” and “why won’t he just leave?”

Leave.

And disappear.

Like the problem he was.

John gritted his teeth. Fuck. He was letting his emotions get to him. (Like the unstable monster he was).

But he couldn’t help it. Recently, he just felt so…open. As if someone had broken down his shell, exposing his insides- everything that composed him- his organs, flesh, bones, and all the sides of him he wished to hide underneath. The ugly. Like blood slowly dripping along a butchered human body, he could feel himself gradually losing something.

All the hard work he had put into hiding. All the effort he had devoted into playing as a cripple…only for it to be outed as Joker? What was he even doing? How did he let himself lose his way so much?

Shit shit shit shit he was so damn pathetic! He could never change as a person- he could never do anything he wished or desired- he would always just be a living walking reminder of the kid- the beast who rose up by killing others and breaking them down!

How could he ever change?

How could I ever change?

Shit-

“Aww look at Johnny boy looking so stressed! If you’re struggling that much here, just leave! The door is always open~”

John quickly spun his head around to meet the voice he had heard. Zeke.

His eyes narrowed as he watched Zeke smirk and laugh to himself. Oh how much John wanted to punch him- show him- reveal how despicable Zeke was. It was so, so damn tempting. He had already done it before- as Tuesday. But clearly Zeke would never learn.

“John, what’s up with that frown? Is it hard? Is it hard to be here, and fit in?” Zeke was slowly approaching John, inching closer and closer. “If it is, then I wholeheartedly support your decision in leaving! Really, someone as weak as you shouldn’t even be here in Wellston, walking all proud and mighty as if you own the place. Don’t you know that you’re inferior?”

Zeke reached his hand to rest on John’s shoulder. John slapped it away, dragging his body toward the left, where the girls dormitory was.

“Shut the fuck up, Zeke. I don’t have time to play your weird fucked up games.” John wanted to display his ability so bad. He wanted to harm Zeke, to show him how he was nothing. To teach him how people with high power were nothing.

But what would that get him? Temporary relief and happiness? How would Seraphina react?

“Monster.”

Zeke clicked his tongue. “See, this is your problem. You always act so… fierce. As if you have the ability to back up your attitude. Maybe I really just need to show you, to show you your real place.” He brought his arms into shrugging pose. “This is what happens when you attend Wellston and pollute it with your presence.”

John flinched. Shit, he messed up. Already receiving a beating this early in the morning? He should’ve just shut up and taken it. What was Seraphina going to say when she found him bloody and bruised again?

Zeke’s mouth curled upward into a grin as his eyes brightly burned a green glow. “Johnny boy~ are you ready?”

John quickly examined Zeke’s aura. His ability was a weak one- a mere 4.2 level. Yet, when John was ability-less it always managed to somehow land a hit on him. Zeke’s ability was “Phase Shift”. It was an ability that could raise someone’s stats in return for lowering another. For example, Zeke could up his defense to lower his offense, or vice versa.

And this time, Zeke was going on the offensive form: sacrificing his defense and recovery for power and speed. Fuck.

Zeke suddenly rushed towards John’s body with a punch from his right fist. And in his offensive form, it was scarily fast.

John read his movements. He could parry Zeke’s punch with his left hand, and use his right to uppercut Zeke’s arm, successfully breaking his low defense form.

But with no ability copied… what could he do? He didn’t have the strength needed.

John found his head swiftly moving backwards with a pivot as his left foot spun aside. A successful dodge, but how many more could he make?

Zeke smiled, “Quit dancing around me, John! C’mon, let’s see how your face looks after I completely demolish it!”

Another reckless punch aimed towards John’s face. John quickly lowered his body underneath Zeke’s arm and futilely attempted to land a hit on Zeke’s body.

But it was no use, as Zeke just quickly dived away from John’s fist with his newfound speed from Phase Shift.

“Looking at you trying to fight me like that is funny. Let’s go again- round two!” Zeke exclaimed.

John scanned his surroundings. He needed to utilize his environment if he couldn’t use his ability. His eyes processed each individual thing: grass, rocks, bench, tall slim wall behind him.

And so, after little needed comparison, he went with rocks. John quickly grabbed stones as he ran further away from Zeke.

And with as much force as he could muster, started throwing them straight at Zeke as he ran further and further away from the fight. John hoped to slow or divert Zeke’s path, but Zeke was catching up regardless. Fuck this was pathetic. A powerful high-tier like him was using fucking rocks? Was this really worth the struggle?

“Rocks? Really? That won’t do anything!” Zeke screamed as he suddenly placed himself quickly in front of John, throwing yet another swing.

John parried the punch, using the rock in his hand to lessen the damage of Zeke’s offensive form.

The rock crumbled into pieces.

Maybe this was it. Maybe John just had to suffer again. To be beaten. To be hurt. Maybe this was his penance.

John turned to glance at his surroundings one last time. That’s when he saw a surrounding crowd of students watching Zeke fight him.

He saw a student grinning, enjoying the show and snickering with his friends. Snickering at this wondrous spectacle of a cripple being crushed by the weight of the hierarchy.

He saw another, sparing John only a glance before turning their attention back to walking to class. Fucker.

He saw a group of kids, low tiers, keeping their head down as they meekly watched the scene from the distance. Bystanders.

John could feel his hands clench tightly. All these people, yet none of them did anything to interfere. Yet none of them held any sympathy or semblance of empathy.

Fucking trash.

And then his eye touched a peculiar sight. He could see Zeke punching him, the man’s fist slowly enclosing his vision. But his focus was elsewhere.

He could spot a duo of two girls. They had just left the dormitory. One girl who had pink hair was just staring at him, looking concerned and worried. He could tell it was a low-tier by the way she carried herself.

She probably thought she felt a somewhat close understanding to him, as someone who was also weak. He wondered how she would feel if she were to find out he were Joker. Would he still receive those pitiful looks?

But what was even more intriguing was the other girl. She had blue hair that flowed down her shoulders with a hairpin, and a look in her eyes that spoke to him. Her gaze was confident and determined as if it was completely sure and believed that John could fight against Zeke. That he could break free. It was almost as if she could see straight through him, as if she could read all of his secrets clearly. Did he know her?

Or did he just recognize that look?

But from where-

And then the image of Arlo’s face came to him again. Unmoving, stood firmly in place, and with a gaze that swept into John’s mind like a current.

“I think I truly understand you now, John.”

And as those overflowing thoughts hit him, a flood of pain also met his cheek with a burning sting.

John wasn’t going to recover from Arlo easily, huh?

He could feel his body succumb to the weight of gravity as it pushed him onto the hot cement.

John tried to sit upright, but as he met Zeke’s eyes he could only see one thing. Behind those green eyes, past the blood dripping from his face, he could only see a vision of Arlo instead.

Suddenly, every face he laid his eyes upon looked like Arlo. His blonde hair, his reflecting blue eyes, and those sharp features of his face that mesmerized John.

So much so that when a certain red-head and a magenta-haired girl with green highlights came to his rescue, he hadn't even noticed.

A red beam of light and power abruptly penetrated the air. Zeke flinched in shock before finally realizing what this red beam meant.

Blyke was here.

Zeke powered down his ability before meeting Blyke's eyes. Blyke started, "What are you doing so early in the morning, Zeke?” Zeke stammered, "O-oh. I was just putting this cripple in his place since he disrespected me.”

Zeke surrendered his hands upward (like the coward he is). "I'll be getting back to class now. After all... " Zeke glared at John, still siting on the floor.

"I think I taught him a proper lesson.”

Blyke powered down his ability with a sigh.

If only Zeke knew who he was truly messing with.

"Just leave." Blyke said, with a look of tiredness.

"Yessir.” Zeke replied with a rhythm in his step as he walked away. This fucker.

Seraphina, who was standing alongside Blyle, hurriedly assisted John in getting him back on his feet.

"Think you can stand?" Seraphina asked with her hand reaching out.

John nodded as he accepted Serphina's offered hand, "Yeah, it was only one punch."

And it only happened because I was…distracted.

Seraphina snorted. "What did you do to make Zeke pissed off so fast?”

John shrugged, rubbing the growing bruise on the side of his face. (He ignored how his fingers brushed his lips.) "Nothing. I guess just seeing a cripple stand is enough for these guys to fight like crazy."

John switched his gaze to Blyke, who was intersely staring at him.

Blyke quickly averted John's gaze.

He must know that I'm Joker then.

He turned his head back to Seraphina.

But she doesn't know (yet). That's good. She doesn't know how much I've fucked up.

John exhaled a heavy breath.

"Thanks Sera, you too Blyke. For helping me." John said awkwardly.

Seraphina patted John's back. "It's no problem." Blyke quickly followed suit, "Yeah, I don't mind." The red-head scratched the back of his head while he mumbled off to himself "Really, you should be thanking Alendra".

John tilted his head in confusion. "Who?"
Seraphina chimed in "Oh, is that the name of the girl who called us to help John?" Blyke nodded. "Yeah. She seemed worried."

Seraphina nudged John's arm. "It’s nice to know that even strangers care about you, isn't it?”

John let out a small smile to appease her. "Yeah, it is.” Seraphina grabbed John's arm, "Blyke, I'll take John to the infirmary," she quickly stated before dragging Jonn off. Blyke nodded before turning away. John stuttered, "Sera! It was only one punch!" She nodded, "Which also means that it'll be easy and quick to heal. Let's go before class starts."

John, reluctantly, gave in to her demands.

As they walked to the infirmary in silence, John was left to his own thoughts. He stared at Seraphina's hand, clinging to his arm as she dragged him down the halls.

Even though her hold on his sleeve was strong, her touch was faint on his skin. It was so different than Arlo's.

He had to refrain the urge to slap himself.

Don't think about that blonde jerk! Shit, why am I letting him get to me...

His eyes lingered on the passing windows.

Who's Alendra? The blue-haired girl maybe? If so, a mid-tier caring about me? That’s strange.

The sound of his footsteps got louder.

Something was even stranger though. When Blyke used his ability, he had less aura than usual. He must've fought someone else beforehand... but who?

He felt a sharp tug interrupt his thought as the sound of a door opened. Seraphina called, "Hey Doc!”

John shuddered as he felt Doc (Darren)'s anger direct itself towards him.

"Oh John... setting new records of getting hurt fast I see..." Doc's face twisted to a smile as a few veins popped out. "You're lucky I'm so adept at making tonics because of a certain SOMEONE! Now sit your ass down!"

John quickly abided as Seraphina let out a giggle. Seraphina sat next to John, watching Darren make a tonic in the distance. After a few moments of silence, she spoke up.

"You know John, when I lost my ability I was so scared. But with you, I know I'm not alone, and that we can get through this. Together. Ability or not.”
John smiled.

If only she knew the truth.

"After school, I'll teach you more self-defense moves." John said, thumbs up. Seraphina grinned, "I'm looking forward to it."

John’s eyes traced Seraphina’s. An uncomfortable feeling was bubbling in his body.

At moments like this… I feel guilty for lying to her. But what can I do? Just confess to her what I’ve been hiding? How I’ve been a phony…a fake friend.

He was too scared of what expression her face would contort to.

Would she understand?

Unlike Claire, would she understand him? Maybe even forgive him?

Like Arlo did.

Doc walked over to John, tonic in hand. "Drink up, brat. And once it's healed, get out. I have other students to deal with too.” He mumbled to himself under his breath. “Damn I hate this job."

John raised an eyebrow before gulping down the tonic. He could feel the pain ease down on his cheek.

Seraphina questioned, "Why not quit and find a better job? Your tonics are great." Doc grunted. "Trust me, I'm trying."

After John's bruise fully healed, Semphina stood up. “Let's get going then. Don't wanna annoy Doc any more than we have to.” John agreed, “Yup.”

As they walked throughout the infirmary to make it to the exit, John eyed down the patient beds. Oddly enough, two were already occupied.

This early in the morning? That's weird.

As Serphina left the room, John's eye caught one last thing.

One concerning last thing.

On the table near a bed, there was a mask.

A mask that resembled the one of Joker.

John froze, sweat forming on his forehead.

There's no way that was his. That mask must be completely unrelated. It must be- it must be- it must be- "John? Hurry up!"

John snapped out of his trance. "My bad.” He had bought that mask on a whim in a store nearby- maybe someone had done the same thing. But in Wellston, that mask meant Joker. Was it on purpose? Was someone pretending to be him? But who would ever want to be him-

The warning bell chimed (ring ring ooo), and he could hear Seraphina urgently call for him.
“Johnnnnn let’s go!”

He slowly left the room, with more questions than answers.

.

.

.

My fingers traced the lines of the wooden desk in front of me. The windows to my left had its blinds open, allowing light to pour into the empty classroom.

I sighed before leaning back in my chair. I had just finished demolishing my lunch (Jarlo system has me working like a dog for real what are these twenty-four hour shifts-) and was now in my history class. Early. I was there early.

I’m here early for Blyke and he’s not even here… does he want to talk to me or not??

I sighed again as I thought about what had happened that morning. Eliza and I had just been leaving the dormitory, and suddenly a huge commotion took place. Confused, we walked outside to see a crowd starting to form.

Around Zeke and John.

Eliza watched over the scene worriedly. “I always feel bad whenever I see him… I already hate being a low-tier, it must suck to be a cripple.”

Eliza lowered her voice to mumble. “I wish I could help him.”

I nodded in agreement. “Me too.”

I turned to face the Jarlo system.

!!! UTILIZE THE CONFLICT AND ASSIST ARLO IN MAKING A MOVE !!!

Was this… my chance? If I could find Arlo right now… then could I make an opening for him?

I clenched my hands. It was now or never-

I spun into a run. Eliza, taken aback, flinched and yelled to me while I ran. “Alendra???? Where are you going??” I replied with a yell, turning back to face her for a second. “I’m going to find help! Just stay there! I’ll be back!” I then continued to scan around the people strolling outside.

Where was Arlo? I only had enough time to search the areas outside. If he was inside the school building I wouldn’t be able to make it!

I was in the middle of searching when a hand grabbed my arm and stopped me. I quickly looked to see the owner of the hand. It was Blyke.

“You- Alendra right? Hey, can we talk for a second I need to ask you something-“

“Nope! Sorry. I need to go- I need to find Arlo.” I was about to dash off when he tugged my hand towards him in a pulling motion. He questioned me, with an eyebrow raised. “Whoa. You need to find Arlo? Why?”

I sighed, the cat was out of the bag now. “John and Zeke are fighting, and I was hoping I could find Arlo to help stop the fight.“

Blyke yelled. “What?!” He then turned around to glance at the area I came from. “Is it over there?”
I nodded, “Yeah and I need to find Arlo!”

To make an opening for him!

Blyke shook his head. “Arlo- that nerd is already in class. He won’t make it. Shit.”

Blyke adjusted his tie, “I’ll go.” He nudged his head to the direction of the commotion. “Lead the way, Alendra.”

And as I pointed the direction out to Blyke’s view, before the red head departed he said a few final words:

“I want to talk to you about something. In Mrs. Clarke’s history class, I’ll meet you there.”

Alendra felt a laugh bubble up her throat.

He said he would be here… so where was he??

Not only that, but her opportunity to make Arlo save John was ruined!

I scrunched my eyebrows. Why the hell did Arlo have to be such a nerd over his studies?? He probably has perfect attendance and is valedictorian of his class or something…

As much as I love the unOrdinary cast they are starting to slowly piss me off. They do say to never meet your heroes…

My ears caught the noise of a door swiftly opening.

I quickly shot up into a sitting position, fixing my slouch and hoping that my posture didn’t look like a shrimp curling over a gaming monitor.

And my eyes finally met Blyke’s. Finally, for the first time, I was able to take full notice of his appearance.

He looked identical to the WEBTOON, but with the lighting from the classroom, his red hair looked ethereal. His yellow eyes, unnatural in the real world, resembled the stars piercing the night sky.

As we met eyes, his mouth opened to replicate a small “o” shape.

“Alendra! You came early. Sorry, did I keep you waiting?” Blyke asked as he closed the door with his foot.

I smiled. “I’m gonna lie, you just came at the right time!”

Blyke let out a small smile while making his way to the back row of desks where we both sat for class.

“Okay that’s good- wait did you just say-“

“So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked, my head tilted as my fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk.

Blyke (after a moment of hesitation) sat down on his desk which was placed to the left of mine. While pulling out his thick history textbook, he kept his gaze on me.

“Yesterday you said something about make a safe place for students right? Well I was really considering it last night and I was wondering if after school in the library, you, me, and Remi could all discuss this idea together?”

He slammed the textbook on his desk.
“I told Remi a bit of your suggestion, and she really loved it. And we want to make it a reality for the school so people can focus on their studies instead of getting hurt.”

He surrendered his hands upward with a small shake. “You don’t have to go discuss with us though if you don’t want to. I just wanted to offer since it’s your idea and all.”

An inner part of my body stung.

Technically, this wasn’t my idea. It was Evie’s. But if me mentioning it earlier made conflicts in the school end faster, then isn’t this better?

I thought of Eliza. She was a low-tier. What would I do if she got hurt? Her face all bloodied; bruises crawling up her legs and arms. I couldn’t imagine it.

Maybe if I created the Safe House faster, her safety could be ensured.

After some contemplation, I answered Blyke with a stight nod. "I'll go meet with you and Remi in the library. After school right?" Blyke assured me, "Yeah, after school. It won't take too long- we're just brainstorming."

I gave Blyke a corny thumbs up. "Cool.”

Blyke then continued to pull things out of his backpack for school.

Slowly, more students trickled into the classroom. I watched them from a distance (like the experienced reader I am) and touched the sides of my history textbook. Each paper edge slid acros my fingers as I absentmindedly watched students pull out their textbook and a packet of paper.

Wait, a packet of paper?

My focus zoomed in on students holding this moderately thick-sized packet in their hands. I felt sweat build up on my forehead as I realized this packet had work on it- completely filled written words!

I opened my history folder in a quick panic and searched through its contents.

And there it was. A history packet full of history questions.

Blank and unanswered.

Shit.

My fingers tentatively flipped through each page. Still no damn answers or work anywhere.

Alendra must’ve been a procrastinator huh…

How was I supposed to complete this if I literally had no recollection of ever being assigned it?

Slowly pulling the papers out of my folder, I placed a large, innocent smile on my face. And turned straight to my left to view Blyke. I eyed down his packet on the table. “May I perhaps take a look at your packet?"

Looking slightly amused, Blyke glanced at his watch before placing his paper on my desk.

"You have five minutes. Go wild."

I don't think I've ever copied an assignment as fast as I did today. And even if the handwriting sucked, at least Arlo couldn't connect it back to my sketchy door note I left him.

The second I finished, I handed it back to Blyke. After all, Mrs. Clarke was horrendous when she was mad.

"Thanks." I let out while passing Blyke his paper. "You saved me." Blyke grabbed his stapled group of papers, rearranging it back to the front. "It's no problem. Isen does this all the time.” He paused for a moment, before looking at me. "You know, you kinda act like him. A bit."

I frowned. “What's that supposed to mean?”

Is that an insult or a compliment?

Blyke scratched his chin. "Well he's kind of chaotic. You seem a bit like that too - no offense."

"None taken."

How could I deny those claims?

I literally live life abiding to a Jarlo system.

He continued. "But Isen's also kind of smart, he notices a lot of things I don't. I guess you could call him obsevant? He also has a strong sense of justice too. Like your idea of this Safe House club. He's also a bit dumb when it comes to schoolwork-" He glanced at my history packet, tattered.

“No offense. I’m dumb too, anyway."

I nodded. "Oh yeah, didn't you flunk your last chemistry quiz or something?"

Blyke stared at me, eyes accusing, "Who told you that?"

Eliza…

"No one. Just a lucky guess."

Blyke narrowed his eyes at me. "See? Observant. You ever thought about joining the school press?"

I pondered over the idea of me pushing out school articles. Knowing me though, all of the headlines would probably be "New Jarlo Sighting” or "THEY HUGGED?!"

I scratched my neck,"No thanks, I think the press doesn't need two Isens running in the background."

Blyke snickered. "No, do it. I wanna see Arlo's face as he reads our unserious school articles."

The red-head leaned down towards his desk, allowing his hand to prop up his chin. "Who knows though, maybe you’re an amazing writer.”

I reminisced about my past, real life. The one where there was no Alendra, and I was instead writing Jarlo fanfictions online.

I remembered the late nights and hours I had devoted. I grinned, "Maybe."

The bell abruptly chimed (ring ring ooo), causing Blyke and I to sit up properly as class began. I gazed at my assignment, fully plagiarized answers shining.

Even outside the main WEBTOON storyline, the unOrdinary characters acted super cool. Always saving the day, whether it be fighting against EMBER or just allowing a student to copy their homework.

I glanced at Blyke who was now fully focused on Mrs. Clarke (or maybe not since he appeared to be doodling a cat in his notebook).

Blyke was always such an amazing character, shining his own special light underneath the grand one John shone. If only he had more fans. He too had an outstanding sense of justice, and cared so much for his friends and people at school.

He would do anything for them.

I smiled to myself. Observant. That's what I'll be then. If Blyke ever notices my stunning characterization of him, I'll play it off as being observant.

Wellston was starting to be a lot more fun.

.

.

.

I felt my hand enclose my mouth with a yawn. I had just left my last period, and as much as I wanted to sink into my bed and rot, a certain red-head and pinkie were awaiting me. I activated my ability, "Spot Tracker”, and followed a path of red glowing footsteps. Obviously Blyke’s.

This ability was the only reason I haven't had to search for a map yet. I wonder when I'll be able to utilize my newfound ability, invisibility.

I rounded a corner before seeing a large room greeted with two wide open doors, the smell of paper books emanating trom the room.

I deactivated my ability. This place must be it. I strolled inside, scanning the tables and shelves for any trace of red and pink. Huddled over in a far corner, I found the two I'd been searching for. I exhaled a long, heavy breath. This would be my first time speaking to Remi.

I peered over from a shelf, observing.

Shit, she was so pretty! Her glowing pink hair and her perfect facial structure was seriously downplayed in the WEBTOON! How could someone like her even exist?? And I would be talking to her shortly??

I relaxed my heart rate. It's okay, be fine. Don't get nervous!

The Jarlo system glided my way, its pastel pink color radiating as if supporting me with all of its might.

I made my way towards the duo, who seemed to both be texting passionately on their phones.

Maybe a group chat or something, I thought to myself as I took a seat across them. Clearing my throat, I announced my arrival.

“Hi, my name is Alendra. It’s nice to finally have the time to talk to you two. You wanted to discuss the Safe House, yes?”

I beamed. That was so smooth. Sooooo smooth. Casual.

Remi’s beautiful red colored eyes peered into mine. Damn, it was beautiful. Like a gem.

Remi returned my smile. “It’s nice to meet you too! My name is Remi! And you probably already know Blyke.” She said as she made a small point towards the boy beside her.

She then extended her hand toward mine, reaching for a handshake. “Let’s have a nice discussion this afternoon!”

I had to try my very hardest to not explode at that exact moment. Remi. Was. So. Nice.

Ignoring how bright Remi’s aura was, I took her hand in mine. And after a short handshake, her arms swept back to her sides, hands resting on the table.

The library had a decent amount of students, but few were sitting near Blyke and Remi. Blyke had an empty notepad on the table, with a mechanical pencil spinning between his fingers. Probably to jot down some notes of our discussion.

Remi started, trying to avoid any awkward tension. “So, your idea was to create a club or space for students of any tier to hang out without any fear of danger or violence?”

I nodded, “Yeah. You could call it a Safe House, something to make every student feel at home. I know this may not really relate to you, but low-tiers and mid-tiers always go through their school day in fear.”

I thought back to some WEBTOON chapters. What could I use to drive my point home?

“Some people force those lower than them in ability to do their schoolwork, threatening them to do so in order to not get hurt. Others get hurt and threatened just by simple accidental touch when walking in the hallway.”

The girl who sat behind me in class yesterday came to mind. After fiddling with my pencil for too long, she snapped at me. Reasonable, but she had also told me she was gonna make me leave the school. Maybe not reasonable.

Alendra was a mid-tier, but only by the smallest, tiniest difference from a low-tier. And even though she was a mid-tier, her ability wasn't attack focused at all. All she could do was see footsteps, and her passive made her detect people’s presence more often. That was it. That’s all her kit had.

Good for a detective, but solo-work probably wouldn’t cut it. I would need someone to help save me when things go wrong physically.

I eyed down the Jarlo System. Technically, the system was saving me in my case.

I continued. “Trying to avoid conflict all day and stay on the low can be a huge distraction for people wanting to focus on their studies, or just hang out with their friends. That’s why I think it would be great to have a Safe House.”

Remi bowed her head downwards in understanding. “I get that. And I agree with you.” She leaned back into her chair, arms crossed.

“Even though I’m usually not a target for violence because of my high tier and status, I frequently see fights and violence all the time. It would be nice if students could do whatever they wanted in a safe place without being scared.”

Blyke joined in, jotting down notes while speaking. “I think a lot of students would support this club. Highschool is something that’s already stressful enough. Making a club where people can just chill and play games or do homework… I can get behind that.”

He then stopped writing, slightly pointing the mechanical pencil at me. “We should make some basic rules for the club. You have any ideas already?”

I nodded, “First of all, no violence and no fights. Nothing will be tolerated as this should be a safe club. Second, every student is welcome.”

Remi hummed. “I like those rules. However, if a student hurts another, then they can no longer be welcome. So even though all students are welcome, they can be kicked out if needed.”

Blyke added these ideas to the notepad. “And how are we going to ensure that students won’t fight others? Alendra, I think you said something about officer shifts?”

“Yes I did.” I felt my elbows rest on the table as my body leaned forward, clearly demonstrating my passion for the Safe House. Uru-chan was cooking when she made this.

“Whenever you or another high or elite-tier has a free period, they can spend their time in the Safe House as officers, making sure no one gets hurt. Kind of like shifts, except in the club you can do whatever. So even though high and elite-tiers are technically watching students to see if they behave, they can also chill and hang out too. Win-win.”

Remi couldn’t stop a small grin from embellishing her expression. This plan and this idea…it was something Rei would’ve wanted. Something he would’ve done. Her brother was always so caring to everyone. Wanting everyone to feel appreciated, and to know their self-worth.

The Safe House was something Remi could tell him, delighted and ecstatic. And he would return those feelings, ruffling her hair and telling her “Great work. I’m proud of you.” Like a soft warm blanket, wrapping around Remi’s skin.

And she’s sure that Rei would’ve whole-heartedly supported the Safe House. He would’ve supported Remi and Arlo. He would’ve supported Alendra.

He would have.

“I love this idea, Alendra. Really. I’m so glad you decided to speak up and tell Blyke.” She turned to Blyke’s notes. “I’m sure we can get officers. Me and Blyke for sure. And we can easily drag Isen into this too.” Blyke laughed, “Totally.”

Remi pensively laid her finger on her chin. “And I believe Arlo could become an officer too. As stiff and strict as he is, he still cares for Wellston. Especially after…”

Her words faded.

?

After what?

My note?

I had to block the gasp bubbling up my throat. I couldn’t just make baseless conclusions like this. Arlo has always cared for Wellston, if he didn’t then he wouldn’t have become King in the first place.

I saw Remi and Blyke make eye contact. They had a look on their face, as if sharing a mutual thought that I didn’t know. And it was a grim look.

Especially after what?

The Jarlo System ringed in my head. Wildcards.

Was it Jo-

Blyke coughed. “Alendra, do you have anything to add to these notes?”

I snapped to full attention. “Oh. Well I don’t know what budget we have, but for now we can just have a basic classroom. Maybe later we can add some board games and some bean bag chairs. Something comfortable. And maybe some pencils because people somehow forget them.”

Blyke snorted. “Concern over pencils. I told you, you’re like Isen.”

I raised my eyebrow suspiciously, “See, the way you word that sounds like an insult.”

“I know I’m right though. And technically it’s not an insult,” Blyke replied, “if I’m friends with Isen, then I think that shows that his weird tendencies have charm.”

“So you’re calling me charming?”

“In a way.”

Remi added, “I think you’re plenty charming Alendra! Where did you get that hair pin from? I’ve been staring at it this whole time.”

Taken aback (REMI LIKES SOMETHING IM WEARING??) I answered. “Oh this? Just the nearby mall from here…” I had no idea where it was from.

Blyke groaned. “Ughhhh not that malllllll.”

Remi giggled. “Blyke has some beef with that mall. After we shopped there too much and Isen kept buying pens.”

Blyke frowned. “And that strange man with those strange ass teddy bears! Yeah, we do need a Safe House here, because I can’t stand having to deal with more weird lunatics thinking that one funny eye roll is equivalent to a bloody beat down.”

“Anddd that’s a tangent.” Remi concluded.

“A good one. That makes sense.” Blyke paused. “To the topic, anyway.” He leaned down on his chair, slowly sinking. “This school has a lot of mid-tiers and low-tiers that get looked down on. I really think this Safe House will work. And with Isen, we can promote it pretty easily. We can probably get a budget to get some cool stuff too.”

I agreed. “I think my friends will really enjoy it too. If no one comes on the first day, you can bet I’ll be there with my friends!” Remi smiled, “It should be a hit. I stop so many fighting scenes with low-tiers involved, and now I can finally recommend and lead them to a proper solution.”

I nodded my head. “Oh, like this morning? With John? Man, a cripple like him could use a Safe House. To keep himself sane. Wellston can be a toxic environment sometimes.”

I then largely grinned, teeth exposed. Oh yeahhhhh. Full circle plan. John + Arlo + Seraphina + Safe House was like the perfect dream plan to stop the downsides of season two of unOrdinary almost entirely. With some added romance, of course.

Remi and Blyke sat in silence, staring at my nonchalant grin. Oh I know they were feeling my words.

Remi clapped her hands quietly, “Yes of course! I’m sure John will love it.”

Blyke groaned again. “Ughhhhh I can already imagine Zeke trying to barge in and ruin everything. We have to give him one chance, and knowing him, he will probably blow it. So annoying.”

Remi patted Blyke’s back (with forceful hits), resulting in Blyke sitting back up straight again. “No need to groan and frown already. It hasn’t even started yet! Anyway, we can make it work. As long as we stop thinking of it as a chore and truly enjoy the process, I’m sure we will be done before we know it!”

I beamed. “Yes! I’m excited too. I’ll help you guys set up anything if you need me. After all, I’m already shaking from anticipation!” I showed my twitching hands, raising it above table level. “Imagine John and Arlo in the same room. Two people at complete opposite sides of the spectrum. I wonder what would happen. Maybe they could play a card game or something. That’d be funny to watch.”

Blyke almost choked on his own spit.

Remi had to stop herself from making any noise, a laugh clearly trying to break free.

Oh this was hilarious.

Blyke started first, “O-oh yeah. Totally. This could be a unique way to make friends from different groups and cliques.”

I continued, “Totally! I mean, I never even imagined I’d ever be able to talk to you guys.” Remi and Blyke, clearly content with this, agreed. Remi chuckled, “Yeah. This is an amazing start.”

I stood up, pushing myself away from the table as my chair slid slowly behind me. “Well, I must go now! It was nice talking to you!”

I need to give them time to tell Arlo and maybe kickstart a plan for operation Jarlo! After all, there seems to be some sort of group chat maybe-?

“Oh, can I get both of your numbers if you need anything else for the Safe House?” I asked, suddenly realizing I’d probably need my own Safe House planning group chat.

“Oh sure!” Remi exclaimed. After an exchange of numbers and contacts (and me sneakily taking photos for profile pictures), I left with a goodbye wave.

“See you some other time!” I whisper-yelled, trying to stay quiet in the library. Blyke and Remi, still sitting at the table, waved back. “See you!” Remi farewelled. Blyke nodded. “Thanks for coming, Alendra.”

I ducked my head moderately before turning to leave, a tiny melody hopping in my step.

After glancing around my surroundings to ensure no one was around, I pumped my fist. Hell yeah! Successful talk with two royals! I exhaled a heavy breath. I could feel it- from my fingers to my toes, the system and my plan were starting to form together; a puzzle slowing completely a perfect picture.

It was all like a game of chess. I was moving several pawns: Blyke, Isen, Remi, and Arlo. All of these pawns slowly making their way to checkmate the king.

I thought to myself, who else could I utilize? Maybe Seraphina perhaps? I turned outside the library, making my way through Wellston’s hallways. How could I include Seraphina into my plan? Maybe allow her to also become a wingman? If she could just possibly view a scene or a small hint of Arlo’s feelings for John then maybe-

My body was suddenly pushed back by some slight physical force.

“Oof!”

Shit, did I just bump into someone?? Who am I- John bumping into Arlo every time he rounds the corner?

I straightened my posture, spitting out a chain of words as fast as I could. “Hey I’m so so so sorry for bumping into you please don’t kill me-“

?!?!?!

The boy I had pushed shoulders with looked oddly familiar. Almost like he was someone I was supposed to recognize but didn’t.

Because this wasn’t my body-?

In an instant, almost like a photograph being captured with a swift flash and a shutter, I could see the faint blur of the past. Alendra’s past. This vision was blurry though, like a camera whose lens weren’t adjusted quite right.

A name spilled out my mouth smoothly. “Nolan?”

Now I remember. I had met him at the lockers the day I had arrived in this world- this alternate timeline. He was Alendra’s friend and locker neighbor. It was honestly a surprise this was just my second time seeing him. I recalled the memory- me, Alendra, Nolan, and Rouker. Out of all these characters, Rouker was the only one with screen time in the canon WEBTOON. And not for good reasons…

Nolan permitted a small smile to adorn his lips. “Oh, Alendra! Yo! Don’t worry I won’t kill you- did you recover from your sudden illness yet?”

I laughed to myself, praying my nervousness wasn’t showing. “Yeah, I feel good as new!”

In this world, I spoke the same way I did in my past, real world. I didn’t fake my personality to be more like “Alendra’s”, it was more like we were a mirror of the same person. Instead of having to act like her, it was like Alendra was just me. A trace of me in the unOrdinary world. It worked with Eliza, so why not Nolan? Just act nonchalant-

“You wanna walk back to the dorm buildings together?” Nolan offered, shoulders raised in an optimistic manner. I returned a smile. “Sure!” As we walked our way out the building, Nolan questioned me. “Did you just leave the library?” I nodded, “Yeah. Had to do something.” Nolan glanced at my hands, noticing how they were empty but didn’t question it. He continued with the casual conversation, “Oh, did you hear that the algebra quiz got moved to tomorrow?”

I gasped. “You’re joking!” He shook his head, “Bro I wish I was! I heard it at the press today when I was trying to submit my article- shit I’m so screwed. I don’t even remember what a rational root theorem is.”

I made a mental note to myself. Nolan is in the press. Interesting…

“Oh don’t worry, rational root theorem is so easy I can teach you that! It’s literally just p over q-“

“What the hell is a p. And a q.”

I stared at Nolan. “Aren’t you in the press?” Nolan frowned. “That means I’m good with writing. Not math. I don’t know what the hell math is and I hate every single person associated with it.” I laughed. “Yeah I get that.”

Nolan raised a suspecting eyebrow. “Hey, last time I checked, you weren’t the greatest either. How the hell do you know what that is?” I grinned. “I just did the homework for it at lunch today with Eliza. I’m literally a pro.”

He rolled his eyes, “Of course you learned with Eliza. She's in the top ten in our class ranking.” My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. What the fuck. She’s not only nice- she’s academically gifted? Made sense, she could really pour effort into things that mattered. Too bad all of mine was poured into making a pairing come true.

Nolan sighed. “Tomorrow I need to study with you and Eliza at lunch. I’m done with my article anyway, so I should have enough time.” We both walked down the stairs, each step emanating a small thump as we approached the flat ground.

I glanced to my far left. Just this morning, John was fighting Zeke right there. Noticing my gaze, Nolan came to a stop. “Something going on there?” I shook my head. “Nah, I just remembered what happened this morning.”

Like a light bulb gaining full power, Nolan understood what I meant. “John and Zeke right? I overheard people talking about that fight.” He crossed his arms. “So many fights are happening these days. I used to think Wellston would be different due to its prestigious background, but I guess not.” I nodded. “I get what you mean! And I barely ever see teachers stop one either.” Nolan wearily agreed. “Yeah…I’m starting to think it’s because they’re scared of the kids here too.”

I started to pick up the pace of walking again. “Nolan, me and Blyke and Remi are starting a club to stop this bullying- so don’t worry.” Nolan, his news-seeking brain, burst with curiosity. “What?!” He exclaimed loudly. “You did what?? With the royals?!” He hushed his voice down, realizing the scene he was starting to make. Eyes were starting to set on us.

“Dude, I can’t even bring myself to talk to Isen for more than two sentences! And you’re starting a club with the school Jack and Queen?!” I scratched my head. “Yup. They liked my idea- I said it on a whim. But basically we’re planning to make a Safe House, a place where people of all tiers can hang, work, study, and just chill without the constant worrying of violence and getting beaten up. Literally just a safe place.” Nolan placed his fingers on his chin, grabbing the bottom with a slight pinch. “And they supported this? They’re gonna protect the club themselves?” I nodded. “Isen and Arlo too. From now on, anyday, like tomorrow for example, we can busy ourselves into the rational root theorem without a single fear dragging us down.”

Nolan smiled. A wide, genuine one. “Holy shit Alendra. You just did a huge game-changer for us- no the school!” He placed his hands on my shoulders. “If you need any word in the school press- an article or a flyer- I got you!” I grinned back. “Thanks!”

Nolan laughed, “No problem! I’m really so hap…py..”

His eyes turned serious as his dialogue trailed off, a grim look appearing on his face.

I nervously asked a few words. “Nolan? You good?”

His eyes weren’t even looking at me anymore. Instead, his eyes met a launching fist, smashing against his face in a swift, single motion.

?!

I felt my feet trail backwards with uneven weight on each foot, almost like a sudden fall. My eyes widen as I see a figure-

A figure with a Joker mask.

But the eyes weren’t emanating the usual golden glow of John’s, it was green.

A fake joker.

And it was after Nolan.

“!!!MULTIPLE WILDCARDS ARE APPEARING!!!”

Was this what the system was warning me of?

I quickly scanned the scene around me, only to find no Royal or teachers around. Shit. The fake Joker placed their right hand over their left fist, applying pressure with a loud cracking snap. A green aura was flooding my eyesight, along with the sight of Nolan, touching his bruised face with dilating eyes.

What the hell do I do?? In this situation??

Spot Tracker. A useful ability, but not one for physical assertions. If only I had something like John or even Zeke. Something- something I could possibly do-!

Wham!

Struck by fear, Nolan stood frozen as he took another hit. It sent him backwards, falling onto the ground.

Shit shit shit! “NOLAN! Get up and activate your ability RIGHT NOW!” I screamed. The fake Joker turned around, making direct eye contact with me. And with only a single pause, rushed straight towards me. I activated my ability, a futile attempt to do something useful. The “Joker” came at me with a left swing, aiming towards my face. I ducked down, before pivoting to my right and throwing a punch back.

Barely any pain was transferred. Hell, my form and posture was so ass that even if something connected, I could barely pour my full force into it. The “Joker” twisted their body to my new stance and came in again. They grabbed my left arm, pulling my body closer to theirs. I could only momentarily see their knee popping upwards to my chest before feeling a scorching pain hit my abdomen.

“AGH!” I yelled, falling backwards onto unsteady feet, my posture uneven like a bad case of kyphosis. This ability was fucking useless when it came to combat! I quickly looked up, only to find the fake Joker rushing in again, clearly blood- hungry. With my slow reflexes, they easily gained another hit on me, right on my face, making my body fall backward and slam into the concrete. Like threads snapping, I felt a strong pressure on my tailbone. They then came in with a kick, their foot raised and ready to slam back down. I quickly dodged, rolling to the other direction as fast as I could.

The “Joker” snickered. My ears caught a mumble. “Motherfucker.”

The voice resembled one of a girl. And it was familiar too.

No way. Was it the girl I pissed off with the clicking of my mechanical pencil? The girl who sat behind me in class? I almost laughed at the peculiar situation. But she was definitely after Nolan, not me. I was like a side dish, the appetizer of breadsticks before the full meal. What was her motive?

She dived into another punch with her right, centering on me and grabbing my shoulder to keep me in place with her left. Her speed increased. Did she have a speed related ability?

Suddenly, before the punch could hit me, I saw a condensed beam of energy fly to the Joker. She tried to dodge, dropping my body and moving backward. It still grazed her. My eyes widened as I realized what I saw.

Nolan was an archer. He had his hands in the position of someone holding a bow, and was slowly regenerating a beam of energy that resembled an arrow.

This was cool as fuck! Nolan was clearly a low ended mid-tier though, as this regeneration seemed to have a large cooldown, leaving him open and vulnerable a lot of the time. An ability that only works when someone is caught off guard, huh? Maybe he was a 2.2?

The arrow still forming into a reload, Nolan cried out. “Alendra? Are you okay? I’m so sorry for hesitating- shit! Rouker is gonna kill me if he hears about how much of a coward I am-!”

The “Joker”, seemingly giving up on this anonymous disguise, yelled. “Shut the fuck up!” Okay, she was definitely the girl that snapped at me yesterday in class. She backed away from me, ignoring the fact that I was standing back up, and came running at Nolan.

Nolan, his arrow finally recharged, shot another one at the girl. His aim, although not the best, hit her around the upper right quadrant of her chest. “Ugh!” She yelled, blood slowly starting to drip down her clothes. Nolan smiled, already starting the process of recharging. “I shouldn’t have even been scared. The real Joker would never have attacked a random mid-tier, he’s after Remi right now!” Nolan met my eyes, “Let’s do this!”

I nodded, hopping straight into action. My ability was still activated, a low purple swirling in my eyes. I exhaled as I focused on my next plan of action. I could see it all- Nolan reloading while the “Joker” was getting ready to load another punch. She was getting faster, her ability gradually aiding her more and more. My eyes caught onto footsteps, appearing onto the ground with each movement made.

Then, I saw it. The footsteps were appearing a second before anyone moved. I could predict her movements! But her speed was so quick, unparalleled to mine. I felt my teeth bite down heavily as I tried my best to interfere with the fight. She was gonna move left! I saw it! I moved that direction, while yelling out to Nolan, who was clearly starting to panic again about his arrows. “Left! Shoot left!” Nolan moved his aim to the left, the exact same time I predicted the fake Joker girl to move to the left.

He shot it. It was too early- a premature shot. But it was good enough for me. It hit her, not strongly, but enough to catch her off guard and make her slightly fall back. Into my arms. And it wouldn’t be an embrace that would greet her- it would be a barrage of fists instead. I honed down on her, pulling her mask off her face and hitting her as much as I could.

Too bad none of my passives matched this decision of mine, as she quickly grabbed onto my hair and dragged me down while using this force to help push herself upward. A reverse of stances. “Shit!” I yelled, as I tumbled back onto the burning hot concrete.

I could never fight like John or Arlo. What was I thinking? My heart, rapidly beating through my ears, beeped like a countdown for the girl to kick me with her foot.

A premature shot came flying again. But her speed ability, now clearly in its prime, allowed her to evade it easily. Her face was now fully exposed, her angry expression contorting into one of full disgust. She had her red hair tied up in a messy ponytail, her green eyes shining. “Why did you have to get the top article this week, huh?! I try harder than you- I deserve it!”

Oh, she was envious of Nolan. Still, that didn’t excuse her actions of wanting to fight Nolan! I felt a small amount of pain stinging on my skin. And she beat me up over my pencil clicking! That isn’t excusable either! I mean, maybe I’d let an insult go, but kicking me on the ground and punching my face? Hell no! Now I have to go see that doctor Darren guy! And he’s kind of scary in the WEBTOON…

Nolan surrendered his hands, ability still activated just as a precaution. “I’m sorry Vanessa! You know I’m not the one who decides who gets the top article- and I really enjoyed yours! Truly!” The girl, whose name seemed to be Vanessa, scoffed. “I don’t fucking care! I hate seeing people weaker than me do better at things I’m passionate about!”

Did she have an inferiority complex? Nolan must have caught on, as he started spewing compliments. Except, his eyes looked genuine. “Usually you or Isen get top article- so it was really surprising to see mine on the front cover. And to be honest, I thought you would’ve gotten it because your writing is just so moving. The way you convey stories and people’s emotions, it’s always so beautifully painted. I loved your article this week. I love your works every week.”

She hesitated for a second, the glow in her eyes flickering like a swaying boat. She clenched her fists tightly, a bead of blood slowly dripping down as her fingernail pierced skin. It seemed that after she had gotten this far in, her pride wouldn’t allow her to stop and back off. Her yelling turned into soft words, being spoken like a little kid confessing a crime.

“I’m sorry…but I’m just not satisfied.”

She grimaced.

“With myself.”

She came running in again at Nolan, getting ready to throw a punch. Nolan carried his arms upward, getting ready to take the hit while minimizing the pain and blocking his vital spots. I quickly locked in, making sure to focus just right to predict her steps.

Unexpectedly, a large red beam shot through the air, penetrating her arm.

“URGH!” Vanessa howled in pain, her left hand reaching to touch this newfound pain spot. She wrapped her fingers around the pain, only for her eyes to greet the sight of blood. Nolan and I flinched at the spectacle, before slowly turning our heads to see the culprit of this beam.

And of course. Red beam equals the one and only Jack of Wellston. Blyke. And following from behind him was a visibly concerned Remi. She appeared to be holding some checked out library books, hinting that they probably both just now left the library.

I sighed. “You know, I’ve been seeing you a lot today, Blyke.” The red-head was clearly not feeling my humorous attitude and instead replied, “Alendra! Your face looks seriously bad! You need to go to the infirmary instantly.” His facial expression resembled one of a stern father. I shook my head. “I’ll go with Nolan. After all, it’s seriously not that bad. I barely feel a thing!”

Blyke pressured on. “That’s because of your adrenaline stupid! You have some extreme looking bruises and even some blood.” He pointed at my cheek. Confused, I wiped the blood off my face. “Oh, I think this is her blood,” I gestured my head towards Vanessa, “not mine.” Her shoulder was still slightly bleeding from Nolan’s arrow. Nolan deactivated his ability, solace inundating his body. “Remi and Blyke! Thanks for helping us!” He tilted his body moderately as a thankful bow.

Blyke waved his hand. “Oh, no need to thank me or Remi. I just want all of you three to go to the infirmary.” He then paused before continuing. “What even happened here anyway?” I fiddled with my fingers. “Uhh. I was walking with my friend over here, Nolan, and I was talking to him about the Safe House we were making when…”

Instantaneously, Blyke and Remi caught the sight of the Joker mask on the ground. It was folded and dirty, lying on the ground like a piece of gum staining the sidewalk while being baked by the sun. Remi sighed, “Another fake Joker, I’m assuming?” Her eyes met Vanessa’s, as she slowly nodded her head while tears began to stream down her face. “I-i.. I’m s-so sorry Blyke, Remi, Nolan, and uh…” She looked at me. “You”

Damn. She fought me on the courtyard without even knowing my name. “It’s Alendra.” Vanessa nodded. “Right.” She picked herself up, wobbling from the sudden movement. She winced as she touched her arm. “I just wanted a chance to vent my anger and my frustrations, even though they were so stupid and trivial. I feel like such an idiot.” She looked down at her shoes, as if wanting to avoid all gazes due to her shame. “I’m sorry.” Remi stepped in front of her, forcing Vanessa to look back up. “It’s okay. You know now right? What you did wrong.”

Vanessa displayed a remorseful look on her face. “Yes.” Blyke picked up the Joker mask, clenching it in his hand. “You go on and head to the infirmary. I’m confiscating this.” Vanessa nodded again before ducking her head and leaving straight to the school building.

Blyke watched her go before looking at the mask again. With a groan, he slouched his back while muttering. “I hate Joker so damn much. Whenever he isn’t beating me or my friends up, the mess he leaves behind is always left with me to clean up.” Remi agreed. “This is the fourth one today.” Nolan and I exchanged glances before Nolan spoke up. “Fourth one today?”

Blyke replied. “Yup. People have started buying masks and impersonating Joker now.” His eyes scrunched up as he brought the mask up for everyone to see. “Another reason why I hate the mall. I bet the seller is wondering why this horrid mask has started trending.” Blyke unwrapped his backpack, allowing the shoulder straps to fall off as he set his bag on the floor. He opened the front pocket and dumped out its contents.

Two Joker masks fell out. “This morning, the first thing I had to do was stop a fake Joker fight.” Blyke said with an annoyed tone. “Confused me so much since I saw it out my bedroom window in the morning. After I stopped that fight, I had to walk back to my dorm and get ready. I was so exhausted, and then finally after I left I saw Zeke beating up John.” He placed out the three Joker masks together on the floor, lying alongside each other. He pointed to the one in the middle. “And this one I got at lunch, when I saw some kid falling down the stairs after getting pushed by a fake Joker.” Nolan and I winced. Ouch.

Remi widened her eyes. “Uh oh. Was I supposed to confiscate the mask? I don’t think I did this morning… I think the student took it with them to the infirmary. Shoot, I should’ve been more careful.”

Blyke shook his head. “It’s fine. You probably scared that student from repeating their actions. And if you didn’t, just get it next time. We should definitely start confiscating them though.” He suggested, packing up the masks back in his bag along with his new addition. “The faster we make the Safe House, the faster we can stop this problem and discourage students from even attempting it in the first place.”

Remi nodded, “Right.” While Blyke put his backpack back on, I asked a question. “From now on, these fake Joker fights are probably going to happen every day right?” Remi reluctantly dipped her head in agreement. “Yeah. And I’m not sure if me and Blyke can stop them all. We probably have to get Isen and Arlo involved too. Hey, if you two see a Joker fight, send me a text alright? Or at least find a royal. Or Isen.”

Blyke snickered at the end of Remi’s sentence. Remi kicked his leg.

Nolan accepted Remi’s request. “Okay, I’ll do that.” He touched his face, the place where Vanessa had launched her attack. “I just experienced it first hand. I’ll totally help anyone out who also faces this.” I raised my hand. “Me too. I mean, imagine a cripple like John or a somewhat resented but now defenseless person like Seraphina. They could be easy targets.”

Remi and Blyke snapped their heads into full attention. Remi mumbled. “That’s true…a fake Joker can easily go after Seraphina. Just for the feeling of being superior to someone who used to be at the top…” She exchanged glances with Blyke. They were totally going to discuss this later.

Nolan shuddered at the thought. “I am definitely writing my next article about the Safe House. I am going to go crazy if this happens to me again.” An expression of doom took over his face. “And what about Rouker? He’s so into fighting that someone might go after him- or Eliza because of her amazing grades!” I gasped. “No! Not my beautiful Eliza!”

Blyke interrupted. “Alright alright stop worrying about all these what-if scenarios. The truth is that you two are both hurt. You need to go to the infirmary. Dr. Darren is really scary sometimes, but his tonics are so well-made that you’ll be in and out no problem.”

Nolan agreed. “Okay, we’ll go.” He sighed. “There goes the few minutes I had left aside to study rational root theorem…” Blyke raised an eyebrow. “That’s like the easiest thing this whole unit. It’s just p over q.”

“Why does everyone know what this p over q thing is?? They are LETTERS. Not MATH, LETTERS! I use them to write papers, not to find random numbers!”

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, let's go now. I'll teach you on the way there.” Nolan sighed. “How is Blyke better at math than me?” Blyke frowned. “How does everyone know my grades suck?” With a snort, Remi replied. “The answer starts with an I and ends with an N.” Blyke sighed, “I’m gonna get back at him for this, I swear!”

On the way to the infirmary, I taught Nolan all the troubles he had with modern highschool algebra. (“Ohhh! This IS easy. Thanks!”)

As we both walked into the infirmary, we met eyes with an awkward Vanessa. She apologized again, and we both forgave her. She even apologized for snapping at me for my annoying pencil clicking.

As she left, Dr. Darren gave us a solution to drink in order to heal our wounds. As I drank it, I found a peculiar mask sitting on a forgotten bedside table. Grabbing it, I showed it to Nolan. “Isn’t this the mask Remi was talking about?” Nolan answered. “She did say the student took it to the infirmary. They must have really been paralyzed with fear to forget it.” I took out my phone to send Blyke and Remi a text. “Remi’s probably really scary when she gets mad or uses her ability.” Nolan shrugged. “I guess I could see that.”

I shot them a text in our Safe House group chat.

Alendra: I found the 4th Joker mask.

*Alendra sent an attachment*

Remi: Oh yes, that’s the one!

Remi: Can you give it to me or Blyke?

Blyke: omg yes I need to add it to my collection

Alendra: Okay, I’ll keep it for now.

Blyke: 👍

Remi: 👍

Smiling, I placed my phone back in my pocket. Lethargy hitting me, I allowed my body to fall down onto the soft infirmary bed, which was probably not fully sanitized yet. Feeling the sinking of the plush mattress, I groaned. “I swear everyday here at Wellston gets more and more chaotic each day.” Nolan grunted, laying down on another infirmary bed beside me. “Yup. One day I’m fighting to submit before a deadline, next I’m getting punched in the face for said thing I was fighting to submit.”

We both turned our heads to stare at each other before giggling to ourselves.

Yeah, maybe I wasn’t originally from this world.

Yeah, maybe I really did steal Alendra’s body.

And yeah, maybe I did sometimes long for my real life back.

But along with this unfamiliar world, this stressful Jarlo system, this growing urge to change or take action-

I was having fun.

Eliza, Nolan, Blyke, Remi, Arlo, John.

How many more friends could I make? How many more characters could I find myself caring about?

How many more unOrdinary cast members were here in this story- working through their life outside the main storyline? People like Vanessa who had stories to tell and problems to face.

I looked at Nolan, still giggling at today’s funny timeline of events.

I couldn’t wait to learn more.
.

.

.

It was currently 6pm. And Arlo was in a bad mood. Ever since he had woken up this morning, every little thing was getting on his nerves and setting him off. When he was in class, trying to achieve perfect attendance like a King should, he received a text from Blyke.

Blyke: dude, john was getting demolished from zeke outside

Blyke: he looked rlly bad

Blyke: that was ur perfect opportunity man

Arlo almost snapped his pencil. He was up for at least an hour last night, pondering over what smart actions or plans he could possibly do to interact with John. But John was an unpredictable force, someone who would never act according to Arlo’s plan. John was reckless. And of course the perfect time arrived when he was in class, working on his stupid warm-up question on the board.

Arlo: Oh.

Arlo: What happened?

Blyke: Well I ended up saving him, and Seraphina was with me

Blyke: He seemed pretty chill talking to seraphina

Blyke: not me but like i dont think he ever liked me anyway

Arlo: He probably knows that you know he’s Joker.

Blyke: Oh. Yeah ur prolly right

Arlo: It’s okay, I’ll figure out another way.

Arlo: I don’t need to meet up with him just yet, I need to time it correctly.

Blyke: ofc u do

Arlo: Tell me more updates if you see John again

Blyke: alr

That was the end of their conversation that morning. And now, Arlo was currently sitting on his chair, allowing his legs to rotate the chair into a slow spin as he sat. His mind wandered about other topics instead of the essay he was trying to write on his laptop. At lunch, Remi explained to Arlo this new problem occuring. “Fake Jokers” and a possible solution: a Safe House.

Arlo understood the concept at the time, approving of it rather easily. But now at home, all his thoughts were scattered and intertwining.

He inhaled a huge breath, preparing his mind to digest each problem in an orderly, comprehensible fashion.

Number one, fake jokers. He spun one lap around his chair. “Okay. If I see one I’ll stop the fight and take the mask. Give them a stern warning. Done and easy.” That should be plenty enough to stop the trend. After all, everyone either feared him or respected him at Wellston. (Well…except one…)

Number two, Safe House. “A club just for people to hang out and study without conflict or fights arising. Pretty straightforward.” Arlo might have to stay there during his free period in order to watch the students to ensure there was no violence. But if he could just sit at a desk and do his schoolwork with no one bothering him like usual, then it made no difference to his past schedule. Easy changes, great idea to repel fake Jokers and an aggressive John.

Finally, number three. The aggressive John in question. He slumped in his office chair, feet no longer rotating the chair. The plan was for Arlo to allow John to reflect over what Arlo had told him. Arlo felt himself cringing. That day, he had told John that he understood him, wanted to help him, and was sorry for what he had done.

And that he loved him, of course.

Arlo permitted his hands to cover his face. He had the intense desire to scream. What was he thinking? Arlo, the Arlo that he knew, would never have done something like this! It was not orderly- not properly planned- and it did not even make sense!

If someone had told Arlo that he was going to hug and kiss John a week ago, he would have maligned them and called it preposterous.

He felt his body sink into his chair; feet sliding onto the carpet floor. The other two things were easy to digest and create a solution for, but John required special mental gymnastics to wrap around. The plan sounded good on paper. Allow John to reflect on Arlo’s words (since Arlo’s discovered crush on him totally made Arlo sound credible and genuine!), make John realize that Arlo was right about him not needing to fight and needing someone to talk to and heal with instead (once again, Arlo’s love totally made this persuasive!), and John hopefully rejects Arlo’s eccentric confession and seeks help from Seraphina or another close relation. Done.

It sounded good on paper. But what were the chances of this even working? And what was Arlo even going to do next time he saw John again? Act lovestruck? What was Arlo supposed to say? Would he be corny like, “Oh John…How have you been? How can I help you?” or would he act like a nervous freak, “John! Do you have an answer for my confession yet-”

Arlo seriously wanted to vomit. Or do anything. Anything to free him from this newfound Hell hole he put himself in.

I seriously hope from the bottom of my heart that John rejects me.

What would Arlo do if he didn't and Arlo had to speak first? Would he say “I’m not into you anymore”? But even if he did, what justification would he have? It was unrealistic! Just like how this entire situation was! God, this was mortifying.

This might be the worst thing I have ever dealt with my entire life.

Arlo groaned. He just had to have faith that John would take Arlo’s “pure words from the heart” and utilize it to change himself. Arlo did have some faith. Maybe around 60% with Seraphina around, but what about that 40%? Arlo stared at his laptop, his essay patiently awaiting for him to continue typing his MLA citations. He pinched his nose bridge with an exhaled breath.

I need to refocus. I have tasks to do. And I should not be letting John interfere with them.

And so, he started working again. He implemented unique sentence patterns and tried to work in accurate and exquisite words to help embellish his essay and support his thesis. He was in the middle of writing his conclusion when his phone emanated a familiar notification chime.

Annoyed, he finished typing his sentence before picking up his phone. It was the stupid “Arlo + John Operation Group Chat”. Oh how he hated that name. Any moment he had peace or finally forgot about his stupid issue, this group chat would ring and remind him of how idiotic Arlo was. He reluctantly opened the chat, calming his mind.

Isen: bro istg i didnt tell anyone abt ur grades man

Blyke: bro two ppl told me today that they thought i was dumb

Isen: well i mean

Isen: they arent wrong so idk the issue??

Blyke: ITS UR BIG MOUTH THATS THE ISSUE

Blyke: my reputation already plummeted after joker bro u are NOT helping

Isen: if u care so much then just raise ur grades man 😭

Blyke: im going to tell everyone ik that u got a 0 on that alg test

Isen: NO PLS

Isen: DONT DO IT

Isen: ITS NOT LIKE I WAS DUMB I JUST GOT VAUGHT CHEATING THATS WHY ITS A 0

Blyke: THATS EVEN WORSE????

Isen: STOP

Isen: it asked for rational root theorem bro i had no idea what that was

Blyke: are ppl at wellston dumb

Blyke: i thought this was supposed to be the best highschool in the nation

Arlo: Me too.

Blyke: oh arlo

Blyke: u finally came omg me and Remi had smth to say

Remi: Hi Arlo!

Arlo: Hi.

Isen: finally bro i was so curious to hear this new plan thing

Arlo: Another plan?

Remi: No, just something to add onto the old one!

Arlo spun another lap in his chair, staring at his phone screen. What else could he do regarding John?

Arlo: I’m listening.

Isen: reading*

Remi: ok, so remember how I told you all abt the fake Jokers at lunch?

Arlo: Yeah, I remember that.

Arlo: Stop all fake jokers and confiscate the masks right?

Blyke: yes

Isen: do i do this too

Blyke: ??? yes??

Isen: ok

Isen: sorry bro i needed clarification 😭

Remi: Well, me and Blyke came to the conclusion that fake jokers are probably going to target Serpahina next

Isen: ohhh bc of her fallen status

Isen: and the anonymous part is appealing bc then we can’t give them proper repercussions if we dont know who they are right?

Remi: yeah, like if Seraphina gets her ability back she can’t get revenge when it happens due to the anonymity.

Arlo: This makes sense, after all people already attacked Seraphina without a mask on.

Remi: Yes! And you know who else is with Seraphina all the time?

Isen: oh

Arlo: It’s John…

Remi: Yeah, so basically now when we look out for John we need to look out for Seraphina too

Remi: Because if she gets hurt john will probably get hurt too

Arlo: Yeah, he cares for her a lot.

Isen: aww u complimented ur man

Arlo: You are getting on my nerves, Isen.

Isen: I apologize.

Arlo: So basically I can stop the fake Jokers from hurting John and Seraphina, and I gauge his reaction toward me to make a move?

Blyke: yea, and add a romantic flare to it too so maybe seraphina can get in on this peak entertainment

Arlo: Oh my god.

Blyke: wellston lowkey becoming more fun man idk abt u

Arlo: Being in love is not fun.

Arlo: The media is lying to you.

Arlo: This sucks.

Blyke: surprisingly, this might be the most informal thread of texts youve ever sent

Arlo: I’m so tired.

Remi: I think you need to sleep in today Arlo.

Remi: You need some proper rest

Remi: and tomorrow we all need to get up a little early to scout for fake jokers, john, and seraphina

Remi: just in case they both get attacked

Arlo: Yeah, you’re right.

Arlo: This could be a good opening for us.

Arlo: I’ll go to class a bit later too.

Isen: Whoa, what a daredevil!

Arlo: So crazy indeed.

Blyke: bro got so tired he started agreeing with u instead of getting mad 😭

Isen: Goodnight Arlo. You really need it.

Remi: Gn!!

Blyke: sleep tight dont let john bite

Isen: ???

Blyke: way more effective than bed bugs

Arlo sighed as he closed his laptop. He had skimmed over his essay, decided that it was adequate enough, and submitted it. It probably wouldn’t be as good as his others, but he was too tired to care. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, staring at his reflection. It was 8pm now.

As he got into bed and sank into his mattress, his hands clenched the blanket above him.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day. And he was just going to have to deal with it.

With a resigned expression, he closed his eyes and allowed slumber to take him.

.

.

.

A bird was chirping outside. Blyke, feeling extra tired that morning, tried to tune it out. Stupid birds. Always singing ugly melodies in the morning. At least sing something soothing. He was about to fold a pillow and wedge his head into the middle of it to block out the bird sounds when he caught the noise of a door creaking.

Creak….

Oh, it must have been John’s door. John usually woke up and left the dormitory earlier than him. Blyke yawned as he checked his alarm clock. He could squeeze in a few more minutes. A bit dangerous of a decision, but he’d probably be okay. He laid his head down on his pillow when he felt a twinge of something. A feeling. But what? Did he forget something?

What was he forgetting? He stared at his clock, confusion overlapping his thoughts. Was it his chemistry homework? Algebra- oh the quiz got moved to today that sucks. But that’s not what he was missing.

Then, he saw it. Three pathetic Joker masks lying next to his clock.

Blyke immediately jolted upright in shock, a surge of adrenaline overtaking him.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

He immediately grabbed his phone and sent out a text message.

Blyke: JOHN JUST LEFT THE DORM

Isen: OK THANKS

Shit, even Isen remembered to wake up early! How did Blyke forget?

Arlo: Are you tailing him?

Blyke: ok so funny story i just woke up

Isen: BRO???

Blyke: I THINK I FORGOT TO MAKE AN ALARM

Blyke: IM GETTING UP RN

Blyke was stumbling on his feet, opening his door with his phone in one hand and his uniform in the other. He headed straight to the bathroom. No breakfast for him today.

As he hastily brushes his teeth, Blyke’s phone continues to chime with updates.

Remi: ISEN activate ur ability and find him!!

Isen: OK but if he beats me up later for using my ability on him u guys better defend me with a barrier and some electricity

Remi: OKK I WILL

Arlo: Whatever, just do it!

As Blyke washed out his mouth with water to rid of the toothpaste, a few seconds went by silently before Isen sent an update. Blyke was hastily taking off his clothes to change.

Isen: He literally just left the boys dormitory CAN ANYONE WATCH HIM BESIDES ME??

Arlo: Where are you Isen??

Isen: so u see i ran up the stairwell and im watching john from a nearby window at school

Arlo: ?????

Arlo: Why are you so far away?

Isen: I don’t want him to detect me man! I used my ability to find him in my range and immediately ran!

Arlo: Oh my god you are so lucky I’m outside right now. I’ll watch him.

Isen: THANKS

Remi: Seraphina hasn’t left her dorm yet.

Remi: Currently making small talk with Elaine rn as a facade.

Isen: u are so smart omg

Remi: ik

Blyke ran out the dorm, adjusting his backpack as he speed-walked.

Blyke: OK IM OUT

Blyke: WHERE SHOULD I BE?

Arlo: I need you to patrol the school. Look for any suspicious figures that might be hiding something like a mask.

Arlo: Isen, you do that too. You two need to search different areas. Remi and I are outside.

Isen: OKKK I CAN DO THAT

Isen: I’ll activate my ability and check people’s heart rate if they seem suspicious

Arlo: Good.

Blyke: Ok, isen look at school, ill patrol inside the dormitory.

Isen: damn do we have to do this every morning now?? 😭

Arlo: At least until someone attacks Seraphina or John.

Arlo: Truth be told, it should either be today or tomorrow as Seraphina is a huge target.

Remi: Seraphina just left. I am tailing her from behind.

Arlo: Good.

Isen: Second floor seems to be clear of Jokers.

Blyke: Nobody here is acting fishy at the dormitory. I think I’m gonna leave and patrol outside as well.

Arlo: Alright, that should be fine.

Arlo: John is leaning on a wall, probably waiting for Seraphina.

Remi: She’s coming down rn

Isen: this lowkey looks like Arlo stalking John if u take this out of context

Arlo: I hate how I can’t refute that.

Arlo: They met.

Remi: OK THEYRE TOGETHER NOW

Blyke: I’m gonna watch from behind them.

Arlo: I’m taking right.

Remi: I got left then.

Isen: then ig im in front cuz im at school

Arlo: They're walking up the stairs to the first floor of the school’s main building.

Isen: OK IM WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS

Blyke exhaled a long breath. This was getting really intense. This nervousness wasn’t good for his overall quality of life.

Blyke: I’ll head into the school building first, it'll be strange if all the royals came at once.

Arlo: I’ll go in second.

Remi: Third.

Blyke walked into the building, his eyes caught the sight of Seraphina and John talking while rounding the corner.

Blyke: He’s around the counselors office rn

Arlo: Alright.

Blyke stepped up his pace, walking faster to the corner. He turned only to see Seraphina and John gone. Confused, he looked around hastily. Where did they go? He eyed down the stairwell. Second floor? Most of the first floor was for freshmen, which none of them were.

He needed to catch up! His speed-walking transformed into a run- this sudden change made his vision so blurry that he didn’t even notice another person going in the same direction. A collision took place.

“Oof!

“What the-”

Blyke had bumped heads with a blue-haired girl with a hairpin and purple eyes.

“Shoot, I’m so sorry- Alendra?!”

Alendra, a girl he had met only two days ago and kept crossing paths with, touched her head wincing at the sudden ringing pain.

“Blyke?! Why do we keep bumping heads with each other-!” She paused, laughing at herself a little. “No pun intended.”

Blyke grinned, she didn’t seem too badly injured from their collision. He offered a hand to her, “Need help?” She took the hand, straightening out her body. “Yeah, thanks a lot!” She then proceeded to dash up the stairs. Flabbergasted, Blyke followed. “Why are you running so fast?”

Alendra yelled back a reply, “Trying to find something! OH, I have the fourth Joker mask, don't worry I’ll give it to you in history! Bye!” She ran off into a hallway, clearly with a mission in mind. Almost like how Blyke was too.

Blyke, confused, tried to catch up to her. “Wait- I’m looking for something too-”

Blyke heard a loud crash.

Like the sound of lockers getting smashed against a much larger mass.

Could it be?

His phone rang in his pocket.

Isen: DUDE IM ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND I HEARD SMTH RLLY LOUD UPSTAIRS HELP????

Isen: SOMEONE PLS CHECK BRO I JSUT CAME DOWN FROM THE SECOND FLOOR WHAT ARER THE ODDS 😭😭😭😭

Blyke: I’m on the second floor, checking rn

Arlo: I’m entering the building.

Remi: Me too! I heard the crash from outside!

Blyke darted down the hallway, just in time to catch the sight.

The sight of Seraphina bloodied, slammed into the locker so hard it looked like she had fused with it. Blyke had to try to keep his composure. He needed to type something- anything-! He saw Alendra just a little bit ahead of him, shocked at the sight. She looked behind her, locking eyes with Blyke. It seemed like they both had the same idea.

!!! MULTIPLE WILDCARDS ARE APPEARING !!!

!!! UTILIZE THE CONFLICT AND ASSIST ARLO IN MAKING A MOVE !!!

“BLYKE, TELL ARLO TO COME HERE!”

Blyke abided.

Blyke: A Fake Joker just slammed Seraphina into a locker. John is beside her and is currently taking a defensive stance, trying to shield the attacker away from Seraphina.

A few seconds of silence passed by.

Ding!

Arlo: I am on my way.

Chapter Text

One day ago. 

The distant sound of cicadas echoed across the grassy floor as the evening sun rained down. The now orange-tinted light indicated that soon nightfall would arrive. The day was coming to an end. 

It was natural order; the sun would shine, and then eventually falter to the moon. Twenty-four hours a day, with the sunlight for working hours and the night for rest. This cycle was expected, predicted, and studied in textbooks. Yet, living beings would choose to stay up anyway, despite this designated time reserved for sleep.

And so, the orange evening sun, although a warning for incoming nightfall, was mostly ignored.

Whoosh!

“HAH!” 

“Close, close, put more force into it!”

“UGH!”

Her foot twirled in the air as her leg moved in a swift circular movement, aimed upward. John, with a grin adorned on his face, brought his arms close to his chest. Like a shield, he parried Seraphina’s kick. 

They were currently at the park, practicing self defense like John promised he would. They were on the grass (perfect for soft landings), and were taking turns on offense and defense. On the side was an empty wooden table, with two half-empty boba drinks placed side by side. Water was starting to seep into the wood as the drinks dripped water from its exterior. It was a hot day, but was gradually getting cooler as minutes passed.

John met eyes with Seraphina. He could feel sweat building up on his forehead, and his breath starting to get heavy. Seraphina was definitely getting better.

He smiled, “Ooh, I felt the energy in that one!” Seraphina grunted. “Well, not enough!” Preparing for close contact, she stepped closer while throwing a fist to the boy ahead of her. He quickly dodged before taking a new stance. “You’re taking this seriously!” John teased. “You been wanting to beat me?” Seraphina snorted. “I want to at least land a good hit today!” She lunged forward again, aiming to give John a quick jab. He snickered, “Let’s see if I’ll let you!”

John ducked underneath Seraphina’s arm before countering with a quick hit to her ribs. Her feet  stutter for a moment, as her body gets slightly pushed. Alarmed by the sudden shift in balance, Seraphina tries to high-kick John, but gets blocked by his forearm. 

“Don’t make reckless, unplanned moves!” John shouted. “Cause if you do, I can do this!”

He sweeps Seraphina’s legs, sending her to the ground. Her body drops to the grassy floor with a delivered thud. Frowning, Seraphina blows the hair out of her face.

“Okay. You got me there. Damn.” John chuckles, before offering a hand to her. She frustratingly takes it, aiding in her action of getting back up. “Don’t sweat it, Sera. This is only your fifth time sparring.” She sighed, “That’s five times too many. I thought I would be better by now.” She glanced at her fingers, now sprinkled with dirt and grass shavings. “I guess not.” 

John patted her back, gleaming with reassurance. “Hey, it takes a lot of practice. And I’m a pretty tough opponent. Been fighting without an ability for years!” Seraphina, happy to see John in a delighted mood, decided to share that positive feeling. If she wanted to get through this difficult obstacle, then she needed to be resilient mentally as well as physically. No depressing feelings or lack of motivation. She had to bounce back, because if she didn’t, her progress would stop. And John would worry. And John already had enough to worry about. He had so many struggles on his plate, he didn’t need to add Seraphina’s issues to it. Being a cripple was harder than Seraphina initially believed.

“I guess you’re right. Maybe I’ll beat you next time. I’ve only successfully connected my blows on you a couple of times. I wish it were more consistent.” Seraphina stated, a slight smile tugged on the upper corners of her lips. John nodded. “I’m better than the average Wellston student, so at this level I’d say you could get some hits on people.” She raised an eyebrow. “How are you so sure? They’d have an ability while I don’t.” John shook his head, clicking his tongue with a quiet “tsk” sound. “You’ve seen the amount of damage I’ve done to people before. A basic ability doesn’t mean anything if you can’t fight right.” 

He started demonstrating certain punches and kicks to the air, visualising a fake punching bag in front of him. He felt the wind swim along his movements, feeling clean on his skin. He felt good today. As if he could easily take down an opponent. 

So why couldn’t he do that with Zeke earlier that day?

After fully comprehending that annoying thought, he chose to swat it away. He couldn’t linger on something like that for too long. It was the past, it would never change. No matter how much he wanted his past to. 

Seraphina hummed. “That’s true. An ability isn’t everything. I’ve never doubted your physical prowess, and I don’t ever plan to.” 

As much as Seraphina hated bringing up the topic of ability so often, it was one of the main things she had dedicated her life to while growing up. And having a taste of that god-tier power before being forced to let go…it was the only thing she could think about in her waking hours. Her memory of having an ability was so close to the feeling of having her ability, that sometimes when she woke up from bed she would forget she lost it in the first place. And then reality would set in, dreadingly reminding her of her fate.

To Seraphina, John was a beacon of light. A beacon of hope. A real piece of evidence that being ability-less was okay. That she could get through this. Which is why she always felt so bad when she brought up her ability again. To someone who would never have one, and would never experience it. How could she complain about her situation to someone who had been dealing with it his whole life? She didn’t mean to stain him with her baggage, but he never seemed to mind anyway. Always offering her a smile instead of disgust or envy. It was intriguing to Seraphina, while also not too surprising. After all, they were best friends. And that friendship would never go away. She intended to hold onto it, no matter the circumstances. Their bond was simply just too strong. 

John grinned, confidence emanating from Seraphina’s prior compliment. “I know, I’m just so good. Physical combat is something I really enjoy. And you’re getting really skilled too.” He paused for a moment, pondering over an idea. “Hey, I’ll teach you the move I just did.”

Seraphina brought all her senses to a halt, focusing on John and John entirely. “Alright.”

John lectured, “Earlier, I disrupted your balance and made you fall. This action is pretty good in a fight, as it gives me the perfect opportunity to create further attacks with an advantage and ultimately end the fight.” He walked up to Seraphina, slowly demonstrating this move while allowing Seraphina to get a clear look. “There are various ways to do this, but the basis is simple. Use your foot or leg to either lift or push your opponent's leg. This will make them lose their footing and fall.”

His right leg wrapped around the outer side of Seraphina’s right while he placed his left hand onto her shoulder. John raised his foot, allowing the lower part of his calf to meet Seraphina’s. He swiped his foot upward in a backward motion, his foot now extended behind him, which consequently made Seraphina’s leg forcefully push upward into the air in front of her chest. Her body tilted slightly backwards. She did not fall this time due to John’s calm demeanor, but in a fight she totally understood its effectiveness. 

John backed away, “Obviously it's supposed to be carried out faster than that, and with proper timing and technique it can really make your opponent tumble. More fun than a simple hit, right?” 

Seraphina agreed, nodding her head. “What’s the name of this move?”

“It’s called a leg sweep.” John answered. Seraphina blinked in realization.

“Ohh, that makes sense. Like when people say they sweeped a girl off their feet. Except instead of love, it's a physical move.”

John winced. “Yeah. Like that. Analogy. Or whatever.” Seraphina chuckled. “Hey, I didn’t just randomly come up with that saying! It’s common, haven’t you heard it?” John shrugged his shoulders. “I mean… maybe?” Seraphina continued, “Really? You’ve never swept someone off their feet?”

John grunted. “How would I even do that?” Seraphina, looking slightly amused, replied, “I don’t know. Say a flashy pick up line, flash your abs, and kiss them.” 

John had to restrain all the disgust he felt internally from coming out, only allowing a gag to seep through. “Ew! Fuck no- and what the hell did you just say about my abs-!?” Seraphina raised her shoulder innocently. “Hey, you asked a question and I answered.” She surrendered her hands upward. “Who knows, maybe one day instead of a leg sweep, you’ll sweep someone off their feet romantically. Or maybe have it done to you.”

John froze. Seraphina turned around, walking to pick up her boba drink. As she took a long sip, John stood still, feet rooted in place. 

She had no idea how much that sentence resonated with him.

Have I…gotten swept off my feet? By…by him? 

It made sense. The way John couldn’t stop thinking about him or dreaming about him. The way whenever he touched his lips, he could feel his ears ring and fingers tremble. The way that whenever some topic along the lines of romance were brought up, the first thing he thought of was him. 

But who wouldn’t be swept off their feet by some random school confession!

Especially by someone like Arlo!

That guy seemed to always be stoic, orderly, and formal. He seemed like the type of man who didn’t see any significance in a highschool relationship, let alone a love confession!

So how did John end up being the receiver of his love?!

He must have been lying to me. I mean- he hates my guts! The odds of him suddenly being attracted to someone like me is crazy low! Is this all a ploy? Am I falling for it? Shit, now I can’t stop thinking about him again!

I need to block it out. I can’t have him messing with my plans. With my head and my thoughts-

“Helloooo? Earth to John?” 

John snapped out of his dilemma, refocusing on Seraphina. “What?” 

The girl frowned. “You were zoned out for quite a while there. Something wrong?” John shook his head (almost a little too quickly for Seraphina’s liking). “Nah. Nothing’s going on.”

Her eyes narrowed as she noticed John’s body turn stiff. “...Alright. But if you have an issue or concern, let me know. I care, no matter how trivial it may seem to you.” Like a fluffy warm cloud being wrapped around his body, John melted with these words. 

“Thanks. I mean it.”

Seraphina smirked. “No problem.”

She grabbed his drink, handing it towards him. “Most of the ice has melted by now, but it’s still pretty enjoyable.” She shook the cup a little, allowing the liquid to slosh around. He accepted it, muttering a small “thanks” before taking a few sips. Mango really was the best flavor.

After a few seconds of silence, Seraphina cleared her throat. “Ahem..” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ears. “John, I just want to say thank you. For all this I mean. You didn’t have to, but you chose to spend time with me to help me learn how to fight. It means a lot to me.” Her gaze directly met John’s, unwavering. “I know you probably have a lot of your own issues and hardships to deal with, so I really appreciate your help. You’re an amazing, kind person.”

John felt his face turn hot. Why were so many people giving him positive compliments lately? He shook his hands in a rejecting motion. “Huh? Nah, I’m not really. I’m…just doing what I want to.”

How could John be a kind person? Did Sera really see him that way?

Seraphina laughed. “That’s exactly why you’re so awesome. You help me so much, and you don’t even find it the slightest bit bothersome.”

John sulked. “I could never find you bothersome.”

Seraphina smirked. “Me too.”

John sighed. How could he ever doubt Sera? She probably did see him that way. After all, the way he viewed Sera was true to his word. He really would never find her bothersome. Their friendship was one of the few things John had that felt real.

No matter what happened to John, no matter what had changed between him and Arlo, as long as he had Sera by his side, he would be okay.

He would protect her from danger, aide her when she needed help, teach her how to defend herself, and would indulge in her tangents and issues. 

And maybe, just maybe, even someday be honest with her. Because she deserved better. A friend better than him. Someone who wasn’t a fake, a phony, or a pending beast. He wished he could be a better friend toward her. 

He hoped. 

Because she was just that important to him.

He heard a voice whisper in his ears. 

“John, even if you think you don’t deserve it, I think you deserve love- no- I think… you deserve everything.”

He clenched his fists.

Arlo… I wish I could think that too. I wish I could believe that too.

I want to.

But I don’t think I can. 

He watched Seraphina’s figure blend into the shadows as the evening sun faded away. 

I feel too guilty to believe in that. I’ve been hurting others in secret, and lying to the one closest to me. The one that trusts me and confides in me most.

How could I ever be deserving?

But as Seraphina smiled, it shined like a light repelling the darkness. 

A genuine smile, directed towards him and only him. John felt something churning inside. Something like a desire. 

I want to be deserving. 

I want to deserve this friendship.

“John, let’s get going. We need to be back at Wellston before curfew!”

John reflected her smile, allowing true happiness to show on his face. 

“Yeah, let's go.”

Arlo’s words about me aren’t true. They’re all lies, like false hopes and dreams Arlo wished to become reality.

But…if I could paint those lies to become true… then maybe.  

I can change.

That night, when John was in bed, he fell asleep rather fast. He was in the usual situation. He was face-to-face with Keon, his expression laced with disgust towards the teenager. Yet, when John looked down, his hands were no longer in cuffs. 

They were free.

And Seraphina was there, celebrating with him. Over what? He had no idea. But that optimistic feeling was contagious, and even though this dream had no clear structure or realistic attributes, John found himself celebrating too. 

And when he saw Arlo, waving at him from a distance, with an open smile and an outrageously huge bouquet of flowers-

For once, John didn’t feel averse. 

He felt loved.

And when he woke up, the spell was broken once again.

He was not deserving. 

At least, not yet.

.

.

.

“Why do you look so serious? Keep scrunching up your face like that and you’ll get wrinkles.” Seraphina teased, pointing at John’s face while walking up the stairs. 

John frowned. A new day had started, and his weird dream from last night kept weighing him down. 

Inside, a part of him wanted to truly change for the better. He could admit that now, but he also knew deep down that he just couldn’t. He didn’t know how. And he honestly didn’t know if he could pull it off. Joker was a character he had created after reverting back to his past tendencies. How could he ever reveal to Sera that he was Joker? That he was planning to go after Remi? That he had an ability? That he was hiding, the whole time. 

And even though he knew Sera reassured him, saying she would listen to his issues…it wasn’t guaranteed that she would stay. She could leave him. Would she hate him? Fear him? Feel betrayed? And if she left him…

What else would he have?

The pressure of being honest and disconnecting himself from his past seemed far too much for him. Like an impossible task. The risks were starting to outweigh the rewards in his eyes.

This huge mess all happened because of Arlo….fuckkkkkkk-! 

How did I let him get into my head this much? I must be tired or something. 

I mean seriously, telling Sera I’m Joker?? Things are fine enough the way they are right now.

He rubbed his eye with his enclosed fist. “Sorry if I look grim. I’ve been kinda stressed lately.” He slouched. “And the algebra quiz being moved today reallyyyyy did not help.” Seraphina smiled, “Hey, it’s okay. I won’t judge. And that quiz being moved was honestly some diabolical work. I’m tempted to skip.” 

John narrowed his eyes. “Heyy, no more skipping! School classrooms are like the only time during the day where a cripple’s safety is ensured, you know!” Seraphina nodded, her feet standing still after one last step off the staircase. “I know I know. Man, I miss the old days.” She stretched her arms with a yawn. “I used to be on the school roof by now. Instead, I’m on the second floor heading to class.” John snorted. “Now you know how I feel.” 

They both turned to the left, walking at an average slow pace of a typical high-schooler dreading the day awaiting them. “How’s your new phone so far?” Seraphina asked, making small talk. “William sent you some money for a new one right?” John raised an eyebrow. “Are you seriously going to keep on calling my dad William? It sounds so weird.” Seraphina shrugged, “He said I could, and who am I to refuse a request?” A pause momentarily went by. “It was an offer, not a request.” John clarified. Another fleeting pause. “Whatever, same difference,” concluded Seraphina. 

With a small pout, John continued. “Anyway, it’s been pretty decent. Its camera quality is better, and the features are way more updated.” He grumbled. “I only wish it kept all my previous mobile game high-scores.” He thought of all those pig-related games he played, competing with Sera.

“It’s alright, you can just restart.” Seraphina replied. “It's not like only using wood was gonna get you anywhere. Add glass this time. You need some change to get successful.”

They rounded the corner of the hallway, taking a smooth right turn. “Yeah,” John contemplated, “I guess I do need some change.” 

But to what extent? 

John had a hunch that his thoughts weren’t being pertained to a mobile game anymore.

He coughed, shaking off the conversation. “This reminds me, now that I have a better phone, next time we go to Woaba Boba, let's take some pictures.” Seraphina narrowed one of her eyes skeptically. “We were literally just there yesterday.” 

“Who said we can’t go again today?” John joked, a smile peeling itself to light.

Seraphina hummed. “Hm…maybe if you do well on that quiz.”

“What are you? My mom?”

“Well if you’re my combat tutor, I gotta be your academic tutor. I’ll treat you to mango boba this time, if that’ll encourage you.”

John grinned. “Okay, now you’re talking-”

He froze.

His mind completely lost track of his train of thought, as his body sensed something. 

Someone just activated their ability. He could feel it. The aura was starting to make its way toward him, prancing like a predator chasing after their prey. 

“John? Are you okay-”

“WATCH OUT!”

John didn’t shout those words. It was a girl, with long blue hair and hair clips adorning its figure. She looked familiar to John. What was her name again? Elena? Alenda? 

Whatever it was, it didn’t matter to him.

Nothing mattered to him.

Because the moment he saw someone make physical, aggressive contact with Seraphina’s skin, 

His vision turned red. 

/ / 

!!! MULTIPLE WILDCARDS ARE APPEARING !!!

!!! UTILIZE THE CONFLICT AND ASSIST ARLO IN MAKING A MOVE !!!

I dashed up the stairs, leaving no time to waste. I had to find John now! Ignoring a slight slip in my step, I hurriedly stood up straight and examined my new surroundings. 

From behind me, I heard the scattering of footsteps. It was Blyke, who was obviously flabbergasted by my sudden change of pace. “Why are you running so fast?” I hear him ask, his voice raised. It’s a bit louder than usual, probably because of my newfound distance from him. I scramble to yell back a reply. “Trying to find something! OH, I have the fourth Joker mask, don't worry I’ll give it to you in history! Bye!”

That was smooth, right? 

I then sped off once again, turning to my left. Before bumping heads with Blyke downstairs, my ability took notice of magenta and black footsteps left behind from John and Seraphina upstairs. They must have just turned the corner by now. 

I glanced at the Jarlo system window alongside me, gazing at its pink appearance. It was slightly paler than yesterday, which was both comforting and frightening. Was I doing something right? But what did I even do yesterday, besides yap about the Safe House like a door-to-door salesman?

Last night, the only memorable thing I had accomplished was the deciphering of the mission. I had finally understood it all. 

!!! MULTIPLE WILDCARDS ARE APPEARING !!!

The multiple wildcards were the Fake Jokers. 

!!! UTILIZE THE CONFLICT AND ASSIST ARLO IN MAKING A MOVE !!!

And I was supposed to help Arlo save John from a Fake Joker. 

It seemed straight-forward at first, but how was I supposed to locate John AND make sure Arlo resolved it? 

I heard a yell from behind catch up to me. 

“Wait- I’m looking for something too-”

But before I could even process what Blyke said, I saw it. 

The spectacle of a Fake Joker. 

It wasn’t the true Joker, as they were wearing a skirt and their eyes glowed an ominous shade of red. 

But still, I saw John hesitate for a second when he noticed the mask. The mask that presumably was in his nightmares of Seraphina ever encountering it.

And I saw his anger. The anger he held for even hesitating in the first place.

“WATCH OUT!” I hurriedly yelled, not thinking straight. Fortunately, the Fake Joker didn’t even bother to spare me a glance as they ran towards Seraphina from behind with a huge swing of their arm. Seraphina, shaken by my sudden shout, tilted her body backwards with a swift dodge. 

It was a moment too late. The incoming swing grazed her, causing a small cut to form on her left cheek. Blood started to drip down her face. 

And John started to tremble. 

Shit! Was he starting to become unstable? 

Whenever Seraphina got hurt in the WEBTOON, John would become so intensely mad that he would lose his smart edge and would instead rely on pure instinct. And this situation was no different.

I need Arlo to come fast!

John, clearly struck with resentment, immediately swung at the Fake Joker. His feet spun backwards, facing my direction, targeting the Joker standing slightly ahead of me. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his fists were clenched so tightly that his nails broke his skin.

This isn’t me! This mask isn’t me! They’re just pretending to be me! 

As his punch slammed into the mask causing their head to swerve downward, a stinging pain ached in his own head.

So isn’t this technically my fault?

He couldn’t ponder on that idea for long though, as the “Joker” immediately launched a counter attack. In fury, they immediately jabbed John’s body multiple times. And due to John’s impaired mindset, his reaction time worsened. His body got pushed back. Further away from Seraphina. Luckily, his arms moved fast, resisting damage from the barrage.

He grit his teeth, examining this anonymous figure. 

Shit shit shit! They have too much strength compared to the average person. A super-strength ability? They must be a high-end mid tier! Not only that, but their aura travels quickly through their channels. An agility-based passive? What a fucking horrible match-up for me!

The “Joker” proceeded to swap places, moving to aim at his back area. John grimaced, spinning his body around to a stance where the “Joker” and Seraphina were now ahead of him instead of behind, Oh no you won’t! Suddenly, a barrage of fists pushed inward and inward into John’s body. He was able to block and dodge some hits, but due to the absurd quantity of them, some still connected. John winced. 

Barrage, huh? That’s gonna bruise me. An ability that focuses on speed and power. It’s effective, but lacks variation! It focuses too much on the hands, but not the feet!

He grabbed onto one of their shoulders, pivoting to his right. Seraphina, recognizing what John was about to do, immediately got closer, ready to further attack after John finished. Trying his hardest to evade the “Joker’s” arms, he tugged their body close to his and-

Calf-to-calf. Lift up their foot, disrupt their balance, and push them downward with gravity!

Leg sweep!

He pushed them backwards, utilizing gravity as much as he could to make this delivering fall hit harder. It worked. It caught them off guard. They fell backward, and as they fell their body was pushed further out, resulting in a sliding fall. Panic was ensuing, as their movements became uncoordinated and fast. A barrage of fists couldn’t do anything if they were pinned to the ground.

However, as a last ditch effort, the “Joker” grabbed onto Seraphina too. Tightly.

John gasped. 

Shit!

The Fake Joker was after Seraphina, not him. 

How did I forget?! 

With their super-strength grip being entirely focused on Seraphina, as they launched backward, they pushed the weight of gravity onward to Seraphina as well. And Seraphina, who was too used to relying on her ability, was completely open to this strong, balance-disrupting force. Like a trailing chain of dominos, her body was slammed against the hallway lockers. And because of this distanced push, John was too far to save Seraphina in time. 

CRASH!

John, snapping straight to action, immediately acted as a barrier between Seraphina and the “Joker”. He moved to a defensive position, while lingering his eyes over Seraphina’s state.

The lockers were severely damaged. There was blood. More blood than before. Somehow during the fall, her body twisted more to the right, leaving the right side of her face the point of impact with the locker. And with her head absorbing most of the pain, he knew a fracture and a few bruises were the luckiest effects Seraphina could reap from this.

Fuck.

I failed. 

I let her down. 

I hurt her. 

He stared at the Joker mask, now glaring directly at him. It was taunting him. 

If I never became Joker… would this have never happened?

Seraphina, wincing in pain, used her hands to prompt herself up into a proper sitting position. She laughed a little. “Sorry, John. I think I got in your way and ended up as collateral damage.” Even though Seraphina was smiling, it was obviously a painful one, and John couldn’t find it in himself to reciprocate this action. John bit his lip, the taste of iron flowing between the crevices of his teeth. 

“You don’t need to apologize. Ever.”

I caused this. 

I should be apologizing. 

And you don’t even know it.

His ears caught the noise of a girl yelling. He thought he could make out the words “Tell” and “Arlo”, but knowing his deluded mind that could’ve been false. His ears were starting to ring as his vision focused on one single thing…

The Joker mask.

The leg sweep was effective, as the hard fall impeded the Fake Joker’s attacks. Their tailbone must have fractured, as their legs trembled as they attempted to stand up. 

But John wasn’t going to allow them to stand. If Seraphina couldn’t stand, why should they be able to?

Trash. These people- they’re all trash!

All they do is hurt others with their ability! They don’t deserve it-! They aren’t worth anything-!

He leaned in, running straight at the Fake Joker, getting ready to stomp on them, kick on them, punch them, hurt them, do anything- EVERYTHING possible to show them how he felt inside.

How ugly he felt inside. 

He wanted to hurt himself. To strangle himself and watch his face turn blue. To break all his bones and watch them shatter one by one. To make himself pay for everything he had done. He was so frustrated at himself- who was John? Who was he, really?

A perpetual force of chaos, leaving destruction in his wake.

How come all he ever did was make things worse? Why did he keep hurting those close to him? Why? Because of his pride? Because of his fear? His irrational fear of others finding out how unpleasant and repulsive he really was? 

He should have known better. There was no point in pretending anymore. People would see through it eventually. No matter how much he tried to hide it all away behind a shushed curtain, prying eyes and clever hands would always look and look and tear and tear- and rip his body all apart. And when they did, there would be nothing left of him. 

Because there was no way John had a heart. He must have an empty ribcage, a hollow chest, where his soul should’ve been.  An empty ribcage hosting the true being he really was. 

Someone who lacked empathy. 

Because all he could ever see was rage. 

And instead of taking it out on himself, turning that rage inward and cutting and cannibalizing his flesh to make himself look presentable- he instead chose to take it all out on others. To make them look as ugly as him.

And who else would do that, but a monster?

But I don’t want to be a monster. 

Even if he couldn’t help his lack of heart, he still had dreams and aspirations. Even if his ribcage was empty, he still wanted a flower to bloom through them when he was dead and nothing but bones. Even if the stars he looked up to were falling down endlessly, he still wanted to believe in them. He wanted to feel full. 

Am I… an idiot?

He saw his fists aiming downward, getting ready to land a massive blow.

I don’t want this. I don’t want to do this. 

I don’t want to hurt. I don’t want to be the cause of it.

If it brings me this much pain, then why do I continue to do it?

I want to change too.

He thought of Seraphina, someone who broke free from the expectations of others and started to truly express her free self, despite what others thought.

He thought of Blyke, someone who viewed John negatively at first, but slowly tried to warm up to him as roommates, despite John being portrayed as a cripple.

He thought of Arlo, someone who hated him and had so much self-pride…yet chose to stand on equal ground with John, apologizing to him and confessing his ashamed love.

And he thought of himself. The first day he arrived at Wellston. He was cheerily gelling his hair in his bathroom, humming along to some stupid song he was playing aloud to help hype himself up. He was all alone then. He had no friends, and his dad was hours away in New Bostin. And yet, he didn’t regret moving away at all. Why?

Because he wanted to change since the very start. It was a new foundation, a new start, a new leaf finally turning.

And did John really want to let this chance he gave himself, crumble into nothing?

He stopped his fight. His fist, frozen in air, hung just a few centimeters away from the Joker’s face. 

What do I want to do?

Not John, the monster. 

Not John, the cripple.

Not John, the Joker.

Just me. 

What do I want to do?

…

But…

What can I do? 

I’m a bad person.

I'm not brave. I’m not compassionate. 

I hurt a lot of people.

I’m a bad person. 

His mind then abruptly pulls him somewhere. He suddenly remembers the dirty, dilapidated, run-down concrete floor. 

For a top school like Wellston, even they had imperfect outside floors. Though, it was probably due to the amount of fights and abilities that took place. And John had probably also added damage to it.

But that wasn’t what he was focusing on. 

He remembers touching his lips. He remembers being quiet. And he remembers listening to the one standing before him. 

“I love you John. Really. I want to… start over. What do you say? Let’s stop the violence and the anger…and just… restart. I believe in you, John. I think you can become an even better person than you are now. No- I think…”

“You already are better than who you think you are. You aren’t fake, you aren’t some reckless beast…. if you were then why would I understand you? You aren’t alone John… and I know you might not like talking to me but…”

John vividly remembers Arlo’s smile. He has replayed the scene multiple times in his head, studying that one picture over and over again to the point where he could probably draw it from memory. 

And he memorized the exact line Arlo said next: 

“I’m always free to listen to you. To hear you out. I think I finally, truly understand you now.”

Do you? 

Do you really, Arlo?

And that’s when he saw gold. 

John blinked, before unraveling his fist into free fingers. He moved them toward the gold color he saw. It was solid.

He blinked. He was not dreaming this time. It wasn’t like when he fought Zeke. He was not hallucinating and playing mind games on himself. The thing he saw in front of him was real.

A gold barrier encapsulated the Fake Joker, who was sitting on the floor looking dismayed. Stunned, John straightened his posture, before finally looking to his right.

Arlo was there. 

He was tired, panting a multitude of breaths as he extended his right hand outward, hastily casting a barrier between John and the Fake Joker. 

John could only stare. This person. This one person somehow muddled up John’s thoughts so much. It was peculiar. It was odd. 

He felt a presence behind him towering over him. It was Seraphina. She was clutching her right shoulder, hissing quietly at the painful sting. John closed his eyes, inhaled, and then reopened them.

His senses zoomed back, his ears catching onto the sudden silence that inundated the hallway. His eyes caught Blyke and the girl, who he now recalled to be Alendra, standing behind Arlo. Blyke was visibly nervous, and Alendra was watching the scene with open, curious eyes. John’s adrenaline finally faded away.

It was dead silent.

And so of course, the King moved first. 

“You.” Arlo’s voice thundered, as he made his barrier shrink inward onto the Fake Joker. “Reveal yourself.” The Fake Joker, heavily trembling, immediately raised their hands upward to lift the mask off their face. The identity of the Fake Joker was a girl with purple-hair which was tied up into a bun. 

(I examined her appearance. The attacker was basically a background character with no actual significance to the canon unOrdinary plot. Just another extra who would remain nameless. Just like how Alendra would be. It was unfortunate that John and Seraphina had to be physically damaged from someone who would only contribute to the story once, but that’s how the WEBTOON world works. Sacrifices had to be made for the storyline to continue. And in this case, the end result would be Jarlo. Hopefully.)

Arlo continued, allowing his confidence to be fully displayed. He was the King of Wellston, he knew how to radiate his strength when needed. “Surrender your hands and stay still.” Usually, somebody would shout or yell this command, but Arlo was different. He never needed to yell or force his voice louder. All he needed to do was to state things clearly and seriously.

Because to the average Wellston student, a serious Arlo was way more scary than a random domineering student. 

The student stayed still, her hands raised as much as she could towards the ceiling as she was still trapped underneath a golden barrier. With the tattering of a few footsteps, Arlo made his way towards the attacker. He was alongside John, who was clearly focusing on Arlo’s face instead of the Fake Joker and Seraphina, but Arlo would deal with that later. The blonde snickered when he saw the Joker mask, lying on the ground with multiple folds and pulled out threads. He swiftly picked it up from the ground, clenching it in his hands. 

“I’m confiscating this,” declared Arlo. He raised an eye,  “I’m honestly disappointed. What was so appealing to you about this new trend? Pretending to be Joker? Hurting others anonymously? Is it really that thrilling to you? Because I don’t find it to be so.” The girl sat on the floor, looking at Arlo’s eyes, frightened. She didn’t dare move. That ticked off Arlo. 

“Stand up. Now.” Arlo deactivated his ability, turning off his barrier, and watched the student frantically pick herself off the ground. After she adjusted her skirt and flinched from a few jolts of pain, she met Arlo’s gaze again. Arlo sighed. “What do you have to say for yourself?” She squeaked. “I-I’m sorry!” Arlo raised his eyebrows, before folding his arms to his chest. “You shouldn’t be saying that to me.” Arlo glanced towards Seraphina and John. John immediately averted his gaze. 

Huh. Wasn’t that interesting.

I guess it is affecting him? The confession?

Arlo scoffed. Why wouldn’t it affect John? If it affected Arlo so badly, of course it would work the same vice versa. 

Don’t be stupid, Arlo. You can’t fully say this plan worked. I need to talk to John more. Examine him more. Watch how he reacts.

The girl immediately flipped her body to face John and Seraphina. She bowed slightly. “I’m very sorry for attacking you two. I didn't mean to!” Arlo felt his mouth frown. Didn’t mean to? How do you attack someone, fully planned with a Joker mask, and say you didn’t mean to? The girl quickly caught Arlo’s displeasure and urgently corrected herself. “N-no- I’m sorry--” She shook her hands. “I…really went after you guys. And I wanted to harm you. I’m sorry. I just wanted to get back at a high-tier so bad…” 

Seraphina sighed. “It’s fine. I get it.” John, appalled, turns to meet Seraphina’s eyes. “What do you mean fine? You’re bleeding!” Seeing John’s concern, Seraphina touched her face, and watched the blood drip on her fingers. She laughed a little at the reddish sight. “I’m fine. This isn’t that bad. Won’t kill me or anything.” She then faced the girl who attacked her. The girl flinched in fear. Seraphina exhaled a breath. “I don’t blame you. I used to act really snobbish, and treated others as inferior to me. It can be irritating. I can fully see what caused you to do this revenge act. As long as you establish that this idea was genuinely wrong and promise you won’t do it again, then I forgive you.” John, stuttering, tried to utter a remark but was interrupted by the Fake Joker. 

“Yes! I’m sorry, Seraphina. I shouldn’t have taken advantage of your…situation like this.” She bowed her head down, and stared at the gleaming floor tiles. She was folding her lips inward and licking them, trying to beg for forgiveness. “You too, John. I shouldn’t have provoked you like that- and I wasn’t even angry at you. I just…wanted to be strong.” 

John didn’t say anything to that. Arlo noticed. 

Arlo interfered. “You’re aware of what you did wrong now?” She nodded. “Yes. I shouldn’t have used Joker’s influence and reputation like that, and I shouldn’t have attacked Seraphina and John since they don’t have abilities.” 

She’s…on the right track. 

Arlo sighed, not wanting to waste time during his golden opportunity. “Just go to the infirmary. And don’t do this ever again.” He raised his hand up, showing the Joker mask dangling from his fingers. “If you do, you’ll receive more than a cheap scolding from me.” The girl nodded again, and dashed away without a moment to waste. After she left, the only people in the hallway were Seraphina, John, Arlo, and a watching Blyke and Alendra in the distance. A silent pause flew by.

Seraphina huffed. “Well. At least that’s over and done.” John snorted. “You should’ve done something more. Why’d you forgive her so easily?” He looked directly at Seraphina. With a shrug, she replied, “I mean, I used to be like that. Attacking people for the slightest annoyances and problems. As long as they can recognize what they did wrong, I don’t see why I can’t forgive them and let them go.” 

John shouted, anger clearly starting to return. “You can’t just do that! How do you know they really learned what they did wrong?! They hurt you! What if they do it again? No way it’ll just stop like that!” 

John grimaced at the potential sight of Sera being heavily injured to the point of hospitalization. Meanwhile, Seraphina stood still before answering. She knew John was concerned for her health, and didn’t take the anger to heart. She made sure to reply slowly to John, an attempt in calming him down. 

“I let them go easy because I have faith in them. I believe that they can change for the better.” 

John jolted. That word again. That damn word. It was pissing him off.

“Change? People can’t change like that- They can NEVER change!” 

I wanted to change- But look what happened! I became a fucking manifestation of what I resented and wanted to change from- Joker! It’s impossible to change! I tried so hard and yet- I’m stuck! 

He stepped closer to Seraphina. He didn’t know exactly why, but his impulses were leading him to do things again. To say things again.

“They’ll just eventually go back to their old, hateful selves and torment others! There’s no use in offering second chances, they’ll blow it! Always- Without fail-”

“I don’t think so.” 

John froze. He turned to the voice that spoke. It came from behind him. A familiar voice that John heard in his dreams, in his waking thoughts, and in his ears whenever he touched his face. A voice he dreaded to hear, yet sometimes seeked for deliberately.

 It was Arlo.  

John, although his face was painted blank, held much concern. 

What the hell is he spouting?

Is this going to chase my thoughts too? Impact them too? Make me feel things I don’t want to feel-?

The blonde continued, “I believe people have the ability to change. They can grow and improve. Sure, they might slip back into old habits now and then, but with perseverance and strength, real progress is possible.”

To an outsider, it might have seemed like just another carefully crafted sentence, thrown out to appease others. But John knew. He knew better. He had come to understand Arlo, studying his every expression and movement until they were etched into his memory. He could see it clearly—Arlo was being genuine. His eyes held a quiet, hopeful light, a beam that seemed to shine directly at John.

He hated how it felt like Arlo was speaking only to him, as if he truly understood John—his thoughts, his feelings, even his beliefs.

It gnawed at him, that sense of being seen so deeply. He loathed the feeling of being spoken to as though he were beneath Arlo, as if, in that moment, he was being forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that maybe, just maybe, he had been wrong all along. Arlo always had this uncanny ability to get under his skin, to stir his mind into a chaotic whirl of overthinking.

John knew he was complicated. He knew he was a constant source of irritation to Blyke, a never-ending concern for Remi, and a thorn in Arlo's side when it came to his plans. Yet, Arlo spoke to him as if he was something more—something worth cherishing. As if, despite everything, Arlo believed there was something in John worth saving, something in him worth redeeming.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding. 

And so of course, instead of listening, his body panics and goes on an outburst.

After all, how could John change? 

“Shut the fuck up! That doesn’t even make sense- It’s all just wishful thinking!” John snapped, relieving his frustrations onto Arlo. He walked towards Arlo again, his finger pressed against Arlo’s chest. Arlo trembled a little. It was just like the incident that had taken place a few days ago. When Arlo confessed his love. And now, whether it was intentional or not, John was slowly remaking that day.

“So many people aren’t worthy of forgiveness! They’re all shit! They’ve all gone to shit- And you of all people should understand this!” John remarked. He smiled crazily again, something that Arlo noticed he did during his outbursts toward him. “Some people- no matter how many chances you give and how much hope you pour into them- They all remain hopeless failures! Flawed! Imperfect! Useless!!”

John could tell he was causing a scene. Blyke was watching in awe down the hallway, looking concerned. And so was that Alendra girl. 

Fuck-! Do I look that pitiful? Why don’t these people understand? Why do they treat me like someone who has a chance at redemption?! I don’t! I’ve fucked up too much!

John bit his lip. He turned to look at Seraphina for a second. 

She stood firm behind him. There was no hatred on her face. Just concern, and a lingering look of helpfulness. The urge to help John, and to comfort him. John could feel blood still stirring from his bitten lip. 

I messed up again. Did I scare her? Did I lose her?

Arlo, noticing John's continued silence, spoke once more. He gripped John's shoulders with a firm hand, applying just enough pressure to make his presence known.

Slowly, John turned to face Arlo again. 

For the first time in what felt like two agonizingly long days, their gazes locked.

Their eyes met, and nothing else seemed to matter.

And John didn’t fully understand why, but he always found himself listening to Arlo in a way he didn’t with anyone else.

Arlo opened his mouth, his words slow and deliberate. His voice was soft but steady, as if carefully crafting each sentence to ensure John absorbed and digested every word. He spoke as if everything he had—every piece of himself—was offered solely to John. 

Arlo exhaled slowly, maintaining his calm demeanor. “Yes, people are flawed. I don’t think anyone can argue with that,” he said, his voice steady but firm. He made sure to keep his tone measured, not wanting to push John too far. But there was a flicker of uncertainty—he knew John was prone to impulsive outbursts. The challenge was keeping this conversation grounded.

“I’m not saying people can’t change,” Arlo continued, leaning forward slightly. “But perfection? It’s unattainable. We all have our flaws; we all carry them, and no matter how much we try to hide it or pretend otherwise, we’ll always fall short of perfection. That doesn’t mean we stop striving, though. We have to keep trying, even if the idea of perfection is always shifting.” He paused, searching for the right words. He needed a perfect chain of them, one suited for the teenager in front of him. “Perfection’s a concept, John. A subjective one. No one’s version of it will ever line up with someone else’s. That’s why, when we aim for it, we’re ultimately on a personal journey.”

John’s eyes flickered, the intensity in them showing he was listening. Arlo could tell John was struggling with the weight of the conversation, trying to balance his own anger with the rationality being offered. Arlo pressed on.

“We need people in our lives, John,” Arlo said, quieter now. “We need connection. The kind that forces us to face challenges, to face our flaws, to face each other. No one ever learns from just one mistake. We need multiple failures, multiple chances.  Moments where we can evaluate ourselves and what actions we want to take to get it right- Or at least to get a little bit better. And yeah,” he added with a faint smile, “sometimes…it’s hard. Really hard.”

John’s breath hitched, and Arlo could see the storm brewing in his eyes. But he wasn’t shouting. Not yet. He wasn’t pushing Arlo away, maligning him and darting away. Not yet. That in itself felt like a small victory.

Arlo smiled a bit, relaxing his shoulders as his tension faded away. “It’s really, damn hard. Sometimes, like an endless maze, it’s hard to see what the right action is. What to do in this situation, what to say in another. How to move forward without hurting someone else, and how to satisfy your own desires simultaneously. And that’s when the human connection hits in. We need others to help us learn. That’s where we need people—other perspectives, other voices. And when we mess up? We need forgiveness. Not because people are weak, but because we all need a shot at redemption.” Arlo’s voice softened. “It’s not easy, but it’s part of the process of living. Of living as a flawed human being.” 

“…”

John remained silent for a long moment, his face a mask of restraint. Arlo waited, eyes fixated on John, letting the silence stretch. He was surprised. John wasn’t shouting—wasn’t making a snap judgment. This was new territory.

Arlo had to restrain a small laugh. When’s the last time he had spoken to John this much without interruptions?

John opened his mouth tentatively. “Okay.” 

Arlo, shocked at John’s response, stared at John expectantly.

Arlo was expecting more, and more came his way. 

John spoke. “Okay, I get it. Forgiveness is part of learning. But does that apply to everyone? Like… criminals? Reckless assholes who destroy lives? Monsters? If everyone’s just supposed to change and learn and get second chances, then why do we even have punishments? Why do we have consequences? You can't just let everyone off the hook because they say they’re sorry. That’s not forgiveness—it’s irresponsibility. Life isn’t that simple!” His voice grew louder, and Arlo instinctively took a step back as John swatted his hands away. Arlo held his ground, but the energy in the air shifted.

John’s eyes burned with intensity. “What about that, huh? What about real consequences? You can’t just throw out all the rules because we’re all flawed! The real world doesn’t work that way. It’s messed up!”

Arlo let out a soft sigh, his face unreadable as he met John’s fierce gaze. “You’re right, the world isn’t perfect. No one’s pretending it is. But, John… you’re asking the wrong question. Consequences are needed to keep people accountable, but they don’t just punish—they offer the possibility of redemption, too. People can change. People do change, even after they’ve done horrible things. But it starts with them believing they can.”

He paused, softening his tone. “And to be honest, I’m not talking about everyone else right now. I’m talking about you.”

John snorted, brows furrowing. “Oh, so now you’re some kind of mind reader who knows me so well? How convenient.”

Arlo’s gaze hardened, but his voice stayed calm, his words measured. “Just listen to me, John. It’s not about being a genius. It’s about understanding that forgiveness isn’t some pass for bad behavior… It's a chance for growth. A shot at doing better. And I know, deep down, you’ve had moments where you’ve stepped back from doing something you knew was wrong. Moments where you’ve chosen not to hurt someone, even when you could’ve. Maybe you don’t even see it that way, but you’ve had those moments.”

Like walls finally falling down, John recalled how earlier against the Fake Joker, he stopped himself. He was about to throw a punch, but stopped himself. Only a few centimeters away from the hit. 

He really did change. Even if it was slight, barely anything, baby steps compared to other people… That wasn’t something he usually did. It was different. 

Arlo… do you actually understand me?

No- There’s no way he can-

But he’s speaking to me so calmly! He’s not even panicking- He’s just… talking to me. There’s no hatred or anything. 

He met Arlo’s eyes again. Arlo’s eyes were slightly squinted, as if treating John with care. 

Is this love? What is this? Why isn’t he yelling at me- Blaming me-  Berating me- Why is he trying to make me feel better?

Making me feel worthy? 

“I’m always free to listen to you. To hear you out. I think I finally, truly understand you now.”

John’s expression flickered, and for a brief instant, Arlo thought he saw the walls crack. But just as quickly, they closed again.

“You… why do you always know what to say?” John let out, hesitantly. His pupils were dilating, his face sweaty, and his fingers jittery. His words were expressed in a grim, accusative tone.

Arlo, confused, watched as John backed away from him. “…Huh?”

Arlo’s calm, understanding demeanor made John panic. John felt raw, open, exposed, and vulnerable. He despised that feeling. 

Arlo… that motherfucker read me like a book.

He knows how to push my buttons, what to say to make me think this, what to do to make me feel that. But how does he know how I feel? How a monster feels? How does he know when I don’t even know myself?! I’ve been running in circles, grasping onto severed opportunities and hopes. I’m lost, yet Arlo acts like he can help me. But how? He started it: broke my phone, isolated me from Sera, made me reveal myself on the Turf War field out of anger. Now he wants to redeem himself and turn around to fix things? While reaching out to me?

When I can’t even do that myself-? 

John could feel himself grit his teeth. 

I’m so jealous…

It must be some ploy- something! Anything! 

I wish I could heal too.

Things are never that easy! Resolving the things I’ve done just like that? The solution isn’t clear- things won’t turn out the way I want! 

So admirable. Being able to not give up. 

This is a plan! A plan to stop me and get in my way! Like all high-tiers, the moment someone they resent is on top, they do anything to take them down! 

Kind.

Selfish! Greedy!

Caring. 

Destructive! Manipulative!

I wish I was like that.

I’ll never ever go along with something like this! 

Never!

Once again, John snapped, his anger taking over as he shoved Arlo backward, forcing him to stumble.

"I fucking HATE talking to you!" John shouted, his words laced with raw frustration. "Everything you say, everything you do—none of it makes sense! The way you treat me differently every time we meet, like I'm some kind of mystery you're trying to solve. The way you watch me, talk to me like you know something- Just stop! Stop it all! Don’t you get tired? Ever? You never quit—are you never satisfied?! All you do is get in my business—Fuck this, fuck me, fuck YOU!”

He turned on his heel, fury seething through his words. He was done thinking for the day. If he kept going like this, his brain would surely melt from the sheer willpower of trying to converse with Arlo.

"I'm done. Let's go, Seraphina."

John tugged onto Seraphina’s arm, dragging her down the hallway. At least, until Seraphina broke away from him. 

“John, I think I’ll go to the infirmary by myself.”

John felt something crack. 

“What?”

Why? What did I do wrong? What did I do wrong? Why? Why? Why?

Seraphina rushed to hug him, ensuring he wouldn’t spiral again. She made sure she hugged him tightly, her hands rounding around John’s body. They didn’t hug often, so this wavered John, resulting in him standing stiffly. He didn’t dare move. 

“Don’t misinterpret this. You are still my best friend. Always my best friend.” Sera reassured. “You mean so much to me. I’m going to still talk to you, every day and always. But that’s exactly why I’m separating us right now.” 

She stepped out of the hug, and met John’s eyes. She spoke firmly. “I’m not mad at you, John. But I can tell that these days something has been worrying you. And if this has anything to do with it, then I think you need to talk it out. It hurts to bottle everything up.”

John trembled. Seraphina held on to him tightly. She feared that if she were to let go, John would crumble away like a fragile glass vase. Shattered, broken, and with shards scattered all over the floor. Just waiting for bare feet and skin to touch, tear, and bleed. Her grip tightened as she felt him open his mouth to speak. 

“No. NO! No-no-no, I don’t need to talk to Arlo! I only need you-!”

“John.” She repeated firmly. 

“You need this. It’s okay. You don’t need to lie to me. Or feel shame. I understand. Let’s talk later okay, meet me in the infirmary after you sort this out. I trust you.” 

I trust you. 

He felt his rapid breathing and train of thought finally still.

When’s the last time I’ve trusted myself? 

John exhaled. He stood still for a couple of seconds, before throwing an air punch at nothing. He then proceeded to throw two more into the air, imagining a punching bag right in front of him. He needed to let something out. To allow his fighting, angry spirit to finally calm and settle. He sighed.

He could never resist Sera.

“Okay. You’re right Sera. I’ll meet you later, okay? You’ll wait, right?” John asked, in a tone so curious and hushed that it resembled a child. 

Seraphina smiled. “Of course.” 

“…”

John watched Seraphina’s figure leave. He couldn’t see Blyke or Alendra either. Did they leave too? He hoped so. He wasn’t really acting like how he used to. 

He pinched his nose, closing his eyes and calming himself down. He had just spoken to Arlo a few moments ago, what was so bad about some more? 

He reopened his eyes with a long, dragging exhale. He needed to do this. He needed to at least try. For Sera. 

Definitely not for himself. 

Arlo cleared his throat. “Ahem…” He had his fist curled up into a ball, resting on his chin. Almost like he was fake coughing into his hands. John quickly snapped to face him, full of discontent. “What do you want? I’m only still here for Sera.” Arlo sighed. “I know I know. Only here for Sera.” Arlo switched the weight of his feet from his left to his right. He did this a few times, before moving suddenly. He peeled his face up from the floor, his eyes daring and assertive. 

“But I’m here for you.” 

John felt his face turn hot. He could feel the warmth from his body sprout to the surface, the sensation flooding his face. He bet his ears were red by now. His fingers were slightly trembling, a shake that he was sure would make them numb. John opened his mouth, spewing words without proper thinking. “You- what’s up with you and your love bullshit?! Seriously freaks me out.” John yelled. Class was definitely already taking place now, as no one was around to witness this foolish scene. Luckily, the classrooms alongside the two were empty, waiting for miscellaneous clubs to fill their place. 

Arlo laughed at that (slow and awkwardly). He pondered for a moment, as if wondering what to say. “Sorry, can’t really help that.” Hesitantly, he added. “It’s just what I feel.” 

Now John really couldn’t figure out a response. Luckily, Arlo spoke first. “I’m sorry for making you so heated earlier. To be honest, you had some good points. It really showed me how narrow-minded I was. Even I need human connection to recognize my own flaws.” 

Pissed off by Arlo’s strange demeanor,  John rolled his eyes. Arlo must have some intense mood swings for his behavior to switch up so fast. “Yeah yeah sure. Whatever.” John checked his phone. Two minutes had passed since Seraphina left. Surely that was good enough.

“I’m gonna leave now. I have literally nothing else to say to you.” John stated before turning around to leave. In truth, John also just didn’t want to stay with Arlo because of his knowing eyes. He was afraid that Arlo would somehow make John feel things again. 

But he should’ve known that he couldn’t leave Arlo’s grasp that easily. 

“Wait!”

John stopped. He spun his body around once again, after hearing Arlo’s tone of urgency. His eyes caught the sight of Arlo’s new expression. 

An expression John hadn’t seen before. 

Arlo’s golden hair was the usual mess it was, twisting and curling in all its perfect directions. His earrings were shining in the light, sparkling in a way that looked like a diamond. But Arlo’s eyes were different. They were frazzled and panicked, as if desperate for something. John swore he could hear Arlo’s breath hitch, but Arlo’s lips were curved upward. He was smiling. 

John mumbled a response. 

“What?”

As much John hated to admit it, Arlo made John feel uncomfortable these days. Usually it would be resentment because of all the things Arlo did to him, but now it was just a weird sense of discomfort. 

And what Arlo proceeded to say did not help John’s case at all.

“…Can you meet me at the rooftop later today after school?” 

John raised an eye at that. 

Hell no. I don’t ever want to see your fucking face again! 

Next time I see you, I want it to be when Remi’s face is completely demolished. When your hierarchy is completely demolished! When you’ve finally lost everything! When you finally get what you high-tier, fake-faced monsters deserve! 

That’s what John wanted to say, but instead all that came out was a simple: 

“Huh?”

Why did he hesitate so much these days?!

John noticed Arlo clenching and unclenching his fists. He was nervous. Arlo opened his mouth tentatively to reply, fumbling out words as if he was coming up with them on the spot. As if they were just simply overflowing from his mouth.

“Please… give me an answer, okay? Reject me or… accept me. I…need closure.” 

John stared at Arlo, dumbfounded. John, never, ever, in his life, would’ve ever expected for Arlo to say that. 

And Arlo, who appeared to be calm on the outside, was equally astounded, crashing out on the inside. 

What did I just say?! Why do I keep burying myself in a deeper hole?! Shit shit—did that even sound remotely realistic? What does somebody say after confessing to someone? Am I even portraying the role correctly? Fuck!

I needed to say something clever- And that was all I had??? Arlo! You’re losing your touch! If Rei saw what I was doing right now I’d be a laughing stock- more than when I threw forks! 

It’s okay Arlo. Salvage this. You can’t take back what has already been done. The only thing you can do is move on. 

“I’d appreciate it a lot, John.” Arlo ended, trying his hardest to keep his gaze on John.

If Arlo needed to make John finally understand an easier, and overall better, alternative to wrecking the school and attacking Remi, the rooftop was the perfect place. Its serene, quiet atmosphere made it open for genuine thoughts with no lingering passerby. And…

It’s where we became friends. 

Friends might have been a stretch, but for a while they were on speaking terms. Going out to drinks, eating lunch together, engaging in useless banter in between classes. Hell, John even agreed to run a random errand with him. 

This was where it all started. 

And this is where it all needed to desperately end.

However, Arlo’s pleading eyes were not enough. John hesitated, before shaking his head. “No. I’m not going.” 

Arlo was already messing with his head enough. John had motives. He had a clear plan of what to do- And now he was losing his grip on it. Suddenly new words were impacting John, words such as love, change, and deserving. 

And it was all Arlo. Somehow, of all people, Arlo was the one that reached him the most. 

And John was afraid of what he’d do, when he truly accepted it all. What Arlo told him. 

“I’m… not going there! You can’t change my plans Arlo! You can’t force me to do anything anymore!”

John expected a yell, or a disappointed remark.

However, he was greeted with none of those.

“That’s fine. I won’t force you. I’ll be waiting though. Just in case you change your mind.” 

Arlo couldn’t push John any further. If he did, it would all result in an exchange of yells and curses in the hallway. It would be better to accept the current circumstances, and let his offer hang in the air. Waiting patiently. 

Arlo decided to leave first. If he wanted John to listen to him, he needed to respect John first. Sure Arlo could push his boundaries a little, but not too much. Not ever again. 

The blonde walked away slowly, before giving John a small smile. “I’ll see you around John. After school on the rooftop today…or maybe not. It’s okay. I understand no matter what choice you ultimately make.” Arlo gave John a last, meaningful glance, before fully turning and walking away. He would be late for class, but that’s okay. Stopping a fake Joker was more than enough for a good excuse. 

Meanwhile, John stood still and watched Arlo’s figure become smaller and smaller until finally leaving his sight. After a good thirty seconds of staring into nothing, John exhaled a heavy breath before walking to the infirmary, not paying any attention to what was around him.

Not paying attention to me and Blyke, stuck to the wall hiding in separate lockers. 

“…”

After a good minute, we both finally swung the locker doors open, exiting the small cramped space. 

Blyke and I exchanged a final glance, before intensely sighing in relief. After a few moments of shared collective breathing, he spoke first. “Man. That was intense. God, I was too scared to even move an inch.” I nodded, “For real! All that arguing, then Seraphina walking away alone, and then John rejecting Arlo’s weird proposal. What’s up with that?”

Blyke scratched the back of his head. “It’s…a long story. Basically though, Arlo is getting really close to John in order to make him stop.” 

I perked an eyebrow. “Stop what? Isn’t he just a cripple?” 

Blyke froze. After watching that spectacle unfold, he had completely forgotten that to students like Alendra, Arlo was a domineering king, and John was just a sassy cripple. This must have looked like an odd situation. 

Blyke stuttered. “U-uh.. well—“

A voice interrupted him.

“It’s because Arlo is in love with John!” 

Struck by surprise, Blyke and I whirled around to see who said that. And from the locker next to us, an orange-haired student swung the door open, sweat dripping from his forehead. 

“Holy shit! That locker was hot as hell!” Isen yelled, fanning himself with his hand. Blyke, disgusted but overall shocked, raised his voice. “Dude?! How long have you been in that locker!” 

Isen gawked at him. “Uh, since forever! I was here before Arlo arrived!” He pointed at Blyke’s face. “Remember? I told you, I had just gone downstairs, barely missing you going upstairs, when the fake Joker appeared. I immediately ran back up here! Shit I’m so tired, this has been such a long morning!” He rubbed his eyes. “I could’ve slept in longer, but nooo Arlo wanted us to get up! I’m not even a Royal, I should just be relaxing in my class right now! Instead, I had to see,” Isen rolled his hands out in the air in front of him, “whatever the hell that was!” 

Blyke blinked. Seeing Isen’s frustration however, he slipped a trivial comment. “You have to admit though. It was kinda funny.” Isen revealed a smile. “Oh it definitely was. If I had just a bit more courage, I would’ve taken a photo of Arlo’s face.”

I spoke up. “Woah woah woah woah, are we gonna ignore what Isen just said before coming out of that musty locker?” Blyke sighed. “I was low-key hoping you forgot.” Isen shook his head. “The cat is way out of the bag now bro. Might as well be open with it. Arlo was saying so much lovey-dovey stuff I had to use all my willpower to make myself not cringe and die and shrivel into a rotting tomato. Anyways.” Isen turned to face me. He clapped his hands together, before summarizing the situation. 

“Basically, Arlo is in love with John. I know it sounds crazy, and to be honest when I first found out I thought I was hearing funny voices. Anyway, what you just saw after Seraphina left was Arlo trying to force John to answer Arlo’s confession. Apparently he confessed to John like two days ago, which is something I can not imagine to be completely truthful.”

I took a glance at the Jarlo System. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to imagine. 

“That’s surely something. But Blyke said that Arlo was making John stop? Stop what?” I made sure to blink innocently, acting like I didn’t actually know everything already. 

In response, Isen grinned aggressively, sweat dripping from his brows. “To make John stop avoiding Arlo! That’s it! All it is!” Blyke rolled his eyes. “Yeah, what he said.” 

I had to hide a frown. These people are horrible liars…

I nodded my head. “Ohhh I see.” I paused. “I wonder what will happen if John says yes to the confession. Like, would they be dating now?” 

Isen’s face contorted to one of pure horror. “You..you’re right! I haven’t even thought about that possibility.” Bursting into laughter, Blyke choked. “Oh my god that would be so FUNNY.” He elbowed Isen. “Yo, that would make a killer article too! New couple! The king and the cripple-“

“Don’t give me ideas that you know will make me wound up dead!” Isen swatted. Isen coughed, before continuing. “Anyway, Alendra right? You need to keep this information on the low. Nobody can know, unless you want your last sight ever to be a golden barrier suffocating you.”

I shook my head affirmatively. “Got it. Oh, I might as well give you guys this now.” I picked up my backpack, thrown hastily into the locker behind me, and zipped the front pocket open. I grabbed the Joker mask from yesterday, and shoved it into Blyke’s arms. “Here. Another mask for the collection.” Blyke grinned. “Thanks. I mean it.” I shrugged. “It’s fine. You gave me your history answers yesterday, so we’re equal now.” 

“Damn!” Isen yelled. “Blyke wouldn’t even give those history answers to me! I was struggling during my free period, hurriedly trying to locate a quizlet with all the answers pre-written and copying it!” Blyke grunted. “No wonder you got caught cheating on your algebra test, you cheat on everything…”

After a few more minutes of bickering, the three of us separated ways to go to our classes.

As I waved goodbye to Blyke and Isen, I turned to focus entirely on the Jarlo System. It was a glowing pink hue now, radiating its light onto my face. 

!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!

!!! YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED YOUR QUEST OF ASSISTING ARLO !!!

I pumped a fist. Another mission done. Surprisingly, I didn’t even have to use invisibility. At least, not yet. 

!!! YOUR PENALTY WILL NOT OCCUR !!!

Thank goodness. If John thought Arlo was lying about his love and broke out into a fight, what would’ve happened?

!!! SINCE YOU SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A MISSION YOU WILL OBTAIN REWARDS !!!

I watched in awe as a familiar wheel sprouted into place. 

!!! SPIN THE WHEEL FOR YOUR REWARD !!!

I placed my fingers on the side of the colorful wheel and rotated my hand in a circular motion.

I watched as it spun around and around, its bright colors shifting together to look like pure white due to the pure speed of the spin.

What would I get this time??

As the wheel stopped, I read my reward with widened eyes.

My jaw dropped. “No way… what is this?!” I exclaimed loudly. 

.

.

.

Arlo + John Operation!

Remi: sooooooo

Remi: How did it go? 

Remi: I was in class so I couldnt check :(

Isen: it was funny 

Isen: like REALLY FUNNY 😆

Arlo: You know, someone with your grades would usually be focusing in class right now. 

Isen: Hey! You’re texting too!

Arlo: There’s a substitute teacher today, and I finished all my work already. 

Isen: ok well ur just weird

Isen: nobody pleads for thier crush to answer their confession and just goes to class and does all thier work like that

Arlo: Okay I hate you. 

Remi: ????

Remi: pleads??????

Remi: PLEADS???

Arlo: I did not. 

Arlo: It was like one sentence. 

Isen: SO YOU DID

Arlo: That was not pleading. I was formally asking. 

Isen: whatever same difference! Changing the verb doesn’t do anything! 

Arlo: I can’t wait for this day to end. 

Remi: can somebody pls tell me more!

Remi: I need to know!!!

Isen: OK so on the 2nd floor Seraphina and John got attacked by a fake joker, and Seraphina got rlly hurt and John was abt to pummel the fake joker to death until Arlo came with his barrier 

Isen: and after Arlo scolded the fake joker girl and confiscated the mask, John and Arlo got into a huge argument abt forgiveness or smth

Arlo: John was arguing that people don’t deserve the chance for forgiveness as they never change, while I argued that people could change and can be forgiven.

Arlo: I then tried to apply my stance to John, saying that he could change his ways and heal as well. 

Remi: OHHHH

Remi: That’s smart!!

Arlo: Honestly, thank you for saying that. I surely had my doubts. 

Isen: after that tho, Seraphina left to the infirmary and John and Arlo talked with just themselves 

Isen: that’s when Arlo started 

Isen: “formally asking” 

Arlo: I merely suggested that we meet on the rooftop after school to discuss further. 

Isen: you literally asked him to reject or accept ur confession cuz u needed closure 😭😭😭😭

Arlo: I was on the spot! I had no idea what to say so I just said whatever!

Isen: okkkk I understand 🤣🤣🤣

Arlo: I want to kill your emojis.

Isen: I am so sorry. 

Remi: did John say yes to meeting on the rooftop?

Arlo: No

Isen: in what universe would John ever say yes 😭

Remi: oh 😭😭

Arlo: After school I’ll just do my homework on the rooftop and wait for like two hours.

Isen: Two!? That’s crazy!

Arlo: Well John is unpredictable. He could come at like 9pm and then yell at me for not showing. 

Isen: oh true LMAO

Isen: It’d be funny if he actually showed up tho 

Isen: Even tho it’s like a 10% chance 

Isen: omg imagine if John accepts the confession 

Arlo: No

Arlo: I’d rather not. 

Isen: new hot couple in Wellston ❤️

Arlo: I am begging and praying he says no. 

Remi: omg Isen u getting flashbacks rn?

Isen: of what?

Remi: remember when u were in Arlo’s shoes

Isen: NO

Isen:  OH HELL NO

Isen: DONT BRING THAT UP 

Arlo: Since when was Isen in my shoes?

Isen: REMI PLS DONR SAY IT PLZZ

Remi: 😂

Isen: 😭😭😭

Remi: when Isen was like investigating and finding John’s files online to figure out his ability, me and Blyke were interrogating Isen on why he was so interested in John 

Isen: Remi if u say anymore I’ll die 

Remi: he ended up saying that he liked John as an excuse LMAOO

Isen: REMIIIIIIIIIII

Remi: so basically me and Blyke tried to back Isen up all wingman like by leaving a note in John’s locker and setting them up to meet outside ❤️❤️ all confession-like

Isen: Remi kys

Arlo: wtf.

Arlo: This is way too damn similar to what’s happening to me right now wtf

Arlo: When did this even happen???

Isen: before u even brought him out to turf wars bro 😭😭😭

Isen: it was so ass Remi and Blyke made me meet up with him and I was so confused since they decided to BLINDFOLD me and I had to get rejected by John super super awkwardly KMSS 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Arlo: wait that’s good.

Arlo: John will reject me too then probably.

Isen: glad you got smth out of my tragic backstory 😭 

Isen: it wasn’t even in the webtoon uru-chan posted it as an extra side story on her social media all the way back in 2019 😭😭😭

Arlo: Huh?

Isen: dw abt it 

Blyke: ok u guys are making my phone explode. aren’t u all in class????? esp you Isen lock in 

Isen: bro I missed u where have u been 💔

Blyke: doing my work???? like I should???

Arlo: Blyke, you give me hope in this dark world. 

Blyke: uhhh thanks?

Blyke: omg u guys typed sooo much I had 80 notifs 😭😭😭

Blyke: wth 😭😭😭

Isen: my bad 

Remi: Blyke if u scroll up and read it you’ll know why 

Isen: NO DONT 

Blyke: k

Isen: can I die 

Blyke: OMFGGGG I REMEMBER THIS HAHAHAHAH 

Isen: STFUUUUUU

Blyke: how have I just now noticed the parallels between this and what Arlo is currently going thru LOLL

Isen: I was hoping you'd all forget……

Arlo: Like I said before, the media is lying. Love is not fun. 

Isen: and suddenly I understand 

Remi: it’s pretty fun in my eyes idk…

Blyke: FRRR maybe after today John can tell Seraphina the confession thing so she can also see this wonderful story

Arlo: Oh the urge to leave this group chat. 

Arlo: On a more serious note, did anybody else see me talk to John in the hallway? Besides you two.

Blyke: nope

Isen: well uh…

Isen: oh

Isen: nope!

Blyke: bro U ARE NOT SLICK 😭😭

Isen: STOP I THOUGHT I SAVED IT 😭😭😭😭

Arlo: Okay so someone clearly did.

Isen: yeah this girl named Alendra 

Arlo: Who?

Blyke: just a girl who sits next to me in history