"Hurry up, or he'll be gone soon!" Amir and Reena scrambled after Remy, while I casually trailed behind them.
Pap!
I frowned at the loud thud coming from inside Mr. Aizat's office.
"I wonder what Amir is saying to that old man," Remy paced nervously outside while Reena sat calmly on a bench.
"No idea, but I'm pretty sure Amir will use a little force if that old man is stubborn," Reena remarked.
I slowly pushed the slightly open door to peek inside.
"Watch your mouth, Amir!"
Mr. Aizat's face was red with anger as he glared at Amir.
"So what, I'm just supposed to keep quiet when you're in the wrong? You know it's against the rules to make students do a teacher's work, right? The room you asked us to clean isn't small—it's huge! Even I wouldn't listen to a teacher who orders students to clean up a mess like that!" Amir stood his ground, unfazed by the teacher's sharp gaze.
"You're getting too bold, Amir. Remember, this school has rules. Don't you dare challenge or question your teacher's actions. Remember, I'm your teacher, and you are just a student!" Mr. Aizat slammed his fist on the desk.
"Say whatever you want, but all I know is—you need to take back your accusation against Fariz and Remy in front of the principal." Amir's tone was firm and unwavering.
I closed the door again, not interested in listening anymore. Let Amir handle it.
Fifteen minutes later, Amir walked out, looking completely calm and composed.
Reena immediately jumped up and rushed toward him.
"So? What happened?" Remy asked impatiently.
"Well, at first, he refused. But after I threatened to make my dad withdraw his donations to the school… he had no choice but to agree." Amir smirked proudly.
"Thank God! Thank you, my dear Amir!" Reena hugged Amir's shoulder while Remy grinned and nodded approvingly.
"You're welcome. Fariz, don't you have anything to say?"
Everyone turned to look at me.
"Say what?" I replied coldly. It's not like I asked you to help me.
"Just say thank you," Remy whispered beside me.
"Hmm. Thanks."
Amir nodded, smiling.
"Alright, let's go ditch class," Reena grabbed my hand, and Amir followed.
"Hey! You guys are just leaving me behind?" Remy pouted.
"Sorry, Remy! I'm only going with them. Hehe. Find yourself a girlfriend so you won't be lonely! See ya!" Reena waved at him as we walked away.
Remy sighed in defeat.
---
"Where's Nara? I haven't seen her at all lately."
My question made both Reena and Amir stop in their tracks.
"She got chickenpox. Not like we can visit her anyway—it's contagious," Amir said nonchalantly.
"Oh, I see."
"Okay, let's stop talking about this. It'll make me sad…" Reena pretended to wipe away tears.
"Hahaha, you're such a bad friend!" Amir chuckled.
"Please, I may look like this, but deep inside, I'm crying my heart out!"
I stayed silent as they continued chatting.
"Alright, enough. Where are we going now?" Amir lightly nudged my shoulder.
"Huh?"
"Where were you and Reena planning to hang out?" Amir's question was met with silence from me.
"I was thinking of taking my boyfriend on a date somewhere special. But now, there's an annoying third wheel tagging along," Reena teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I chuckled softly.
"Come on, I just helped you guys!" Amir pouted.
"Yeah, yeah, I was just joking!" Reena rolled her eyes playfully.
"Ahem, if I want to go somewhere, is that okay?"
I raised an eyebrow at Reena and Amir, who were now staring at me eagerly.
"Just say the word, babe! I'm all for it!" Reena replied cheerfully.
"Let's go."
I walked toward the bus station and climbed onto the bus.
"Are we seriously taking the bus?" Amir frowned.
"Why? Are rich kids disgusted by it?" I gave him a sarcastic look and pulled Reena onto the bus with me.
"No, I'm not!" Amir quickly followed, his face stiff as if he was forcing himself.
"Hurry up, old man, you're so slow!" Reena stuck out her tongue at Amir, who was struggling to get on.
"This is hard…" He tried several times but almost fell.
"Ah, Fariz, go help that rich kid… What if he gets left behind?" Reena pushed me toward Amir.
"It'd be better if he did." I smirked, earning a sharp glare from Reena.
"Just help him already!"
With a sigh, I walked over to Amir.
He stretched out his hand toward me.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Come on, pull me up. What's the point of you standing there admiring my handsome face?"
Rolling my eyes, I reluctantly grabbed his hand.
"Hurry up!"
Amir gripped my hand and tried to climb up.
"Pull harder! Aren't you supposed to be a strong girl?!"
That was it. He wanted me to pull hard? Fine!
Using all my strength, I yanked him—
Thud!
Instead, he pulled me down, and I landed on top of him.
His eyes locked onto mine.
"You know… you'd be really pretty if you were a girl." His voice was soft, almost a whisper, right next to my ear.
My face burned. Is this guy insane? Flirting at a time like this, right next to a moving bus?!
I quickly stood up and slapped away his hand as he tried to touch my cheek.
"Oi! Are you losing your mind? If you don't shut up, I swear I'll leave your head on the road and let the bus run over it!" I glared at him.
"Now, make a choice. Are you coming or getting lost?" I asked, my tone sharp.
I saw Reena waving eagerly from inside the bus.
Amir chuckled and shook his head.
"Fine. Since Reena's waiting for her lesbian partner, I'll listen to you this time. Let's go."
He grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the bus with him.
I frowned.
Smack!
I hit the back of his head hard, making him blink in confusion.
"What?"
"You did that on purpose, didn't you? You never had trouble getting on the bus, did you?"
Amir chuckled.
"Well, you just figured that out, babe?"
Ignoring him, I walked past him to sit next to Reena.
"Idiot."
Reena gave me a puzzled look.
"What's up with you?"
She patted the seat beside her, signaling me to sit, and I did.
"Nothing important," I muttered, not in the mood to talk.
That crazy guy completely ruined my mood!
"Eh, where's Amir?" Reena craned her neck, looking around.
I just shrugged and stared out the window.
The bus started moving, and I sighed in relief.
"Amir, why are you sitting so far back?" Reena waved at Amir, who sat at the very back, looking sulky.
"No seats left, it's full," he mumbled.
Reena nodded in understanding.
I closed my eyes, trying to get some rest until we reached our destination. I ignored Reena beside me.
"Hey, wake up…"
I opened my eyes to see Reena shaking my shoulder.
"We're here?" I rubbed my eyes and looked outside. Reena nodded.
"Let's get off, or do you want to stop at the next station?"
I shook my head.
"Then let's go. Amir already got off."
The two of us stepped off the bus just before it drove away.
"Finally, we're here. So, where exactly are we going, Fariz?" Amir and Reena followed behind me.
"You'll find out soon," I replied shortly.
They didn't ask any more questions and just kept up with my pace.
---
A smirk formed on my lips as we reached our destination.
"Wait, what is this place?" Both of them frowned, looking around.
"Well, this is where I wanted to go," I said with a sly smile, stepping toward the deep mud in front of us.
"Do you know what this place is, Amir?" Reena's sharp gaze shifted toward me.
Amir shook his head.
"This is the place where the girl you loved… was brutally murdered."
I grinned, watching their expressions shift.
"What are you talking about, Fariz? I don't understand!" Reena stepped closer and tried to grab my arm, but I pulled away.
Honestly, I was sick of playing this game. I didn't want to pretend to be normal anymore.
I just wanted freedom.
"Do you know, Amir? This is where your beloved Laura was killed."
Amir froze before suddenly rushing toward me.
"What the hell are you saying?! How do you know that?" He bombarded me with questions.
"Because…" I laughed.
"I'm the one who killed your precious Laura. Hahaha! Who would've thought that foolish girl was actually your missing lover all this time?"
Amir clenched his jaw, his fists tightening as rage filled his eyes.
Reena stood frozen, her body trembling.
"Why did you do all this, Fariz? Why? I've protected you so many times from getting caught for your cruel acts. And this is what I get in return?!"
I chuckled.
"Hahaha, Amir, you're hilarious. Did I ever ask you to do all that? No, right?"
Amir lunged at me, attempting to strangle me. But I had already prepared for this.
In a swift motion, I grabbed the karambit tucked behind me and slashed his arm.
Zapp!
"Arghh…"
Amir collapsed to the ground, blood gushing from his wound.
"Fariz, stop… I'm begging you, please stop all this. You love me, don't you?"
Reena sobbed, clinging to my arm.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself to you."
I smirked.
"My name is Farah Aida. Or just call me Farah."
Reena let go of me, shaking her head frantically.
"Yes, Reena. I'm actually a woman, just like you. But I disguised myself as a man to hide my true identity. Do you want to know why?"
I lifted her chin, forcing her to look at me.
"Because women are weak. Pathetically weak. Just like you. Easily blinded, especially by love and sweet promises."
Reena ran her hands over her face in frustration.
"So stop calling me Fariz. Because I'm Farah Aida, not Fariz. I'm done pretending to be nice to all of you. It disgusts me. Disgusts me."
Amir, still lying on the ground, began to sit up, holding his wounded arm.
"What a game you played, Farah. I never expected you to be a snake in the grass."
He clapped his hands slowly, laughing sarcastically.
Reena quickly ran to Amir's side, standing behind him.
"What a pity. You just figured it out, huh?"
I sighed dramatically.
"Alright, let me be honest. I played nice with all of you because I knew Reena's father was a police inspector. I mean, I couldn't let my secret get out, right? But who would have thought that her dad was just as dirty as me? Taking bribes just to cover up cases."
I chuckled.
"So, Reena, I should really thank your dad. If it weren't for him, I would have had to keep up this act for much longer. Maybe even until I married you."
Reena clenched her fists in rage, ready to charge at me, but Amir held her back.
"And just so you know, I dumped your half-dead girlfriend right in this mud."
I laughed, stepping toward the murky pit.
"She was quite feisty, wasn't she, Amir?"
"You… you're a monster, Farah. I regret ever loving you. I regret trusting you!"
Reena screamed and ran toward me.
"Too late, my friends."
I smirked.
"I just wanted to tell you the truth. I'm done pretending to be your 'good friend.' So this is our last meeting."
I took a step back.
"Don't miss me too much. Chow!"
Without looking back, I walked away calmly.
But suddenly, I felt a hand grip my throat from behind.
"If you move, you die."
Amir's sharp voice rang in my ear.
I smirked.
"Oh no, I'm so scared."
Zap!
I spun around swiftly, twisting his arm until he dropped the knife he was holding.
The blade clattered to the ground.
"Amir, just let her go. Why are you stopping her? Let that crazy woman leave!"
Reena shouted from behind. She froze when she saw the fire in Amir's eyes.
"You're just going to let her go? After everything she's done? After all the people she's killed? Do you really want to let a monster like her roam free and find more victims?"
Reena shook her head rapidly.
"Let her go. Let God deal with her. We have no right to pass judgment on others, Amir. As long as she doesn't bother us again, just let her leave…"
With tears streaming down her face, Reena rushed forward and hugged Amir from behind.
"You're too kind, Reena. That's exactly why your happiness slips away so easily."
Amir gritted his teeth, trying to break free from her grip.
I smirked.
Slowly, I stepped back and walked away, leaving them behind.
"Goodbye, weaklings. Cowards."
---
Finally, my fake world was over.
Relief and excitement filled my heart. It felt so good to be free.
But Amir's words, his warnings—they still echoed in my mind.
"Ugh, why am I even thinking about that crazy guy?!"
I had already left Reena's house. I was done dealing with her whiny, annoying self.
I wandered through an unfamiliar area. The place was eerily quiet, with barely any people around. Not even the sound of cars passing by.
Why was it so deserted?
I kept walking, my eyes scanning for a potential target.
But just as I was about to step into an empty alley—
A strong hand yanked my shoulder.
I spun around quickly, startled.
"Rayqal?! What the hell are you doing here?!"
My voice rose in shock as I met his gaze.
Rayqal scratched his head, looking just as confused as I was.
"I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing in such a dangerous area?" I frowned at him.
"Dangerous area? What are you talking about?!" I asked impatiently, not in the mood for a long conversation.
"Ugh, if you must know… this place is actually—" His words trailed off as his eyes fixated on something behind me.
"What are you looking at?" I waved a hand in front of his face.
"Ray, what are you still doing here? Didn't Chan tell you to take care of the new job?!"
I turned around to see who had spoken.
Rayqal went silent, looking a little nervous.
"Hey, why so quiet? I'm asking you something."
The man, who had a scorpion tattoo on his neck, looked irritated. He shoved Rayqal's chest, making him stumble backward.
"And who the hell are you?!" I narrowed my eyes, scrutinizing the man's face.
"Whoa, this chick is hot. Is she yours?"
The man bit his lower lip, flashing me a sleazy grin.
"Oh yeah? And if she's not mine, then what?!" Rayqal glared at him, his eyes burning with hostility.
I was getting more and more confused.
"Okay, fine… so, have you done what Chan told you to do yet?"
The man's gaze still hadn't left my face.
I shot him a sharp glare.
"Rayqal, I need to talk to you."
I grabbed his hand and pulled him aside. He followed without resistance.
"Explain to me right now what the hell is going on!"
I stared him down.
He sighed.
"Okay, but promise me you won't judge me. Got it?"
I nodded absentmindedly.
"That guy earlier? He's my friend. And for your information, this place is actually a hideout for dangerous criminals. Just by being here, you've basically put your life on the line."
I slowly nodded.
"Then what are you doing here? You're not afraid of dying?"
He responded with a smirk.
"Afraid? I'm actually one of the criminals in this place."
He puffed his chest out, proud.
"Oh, really?"
I asked sarcastically, my mind already scheming.
Why not take advantage of this situation?
"So, you'd better leave now. Before my other friends come and capture you. Even worse… turn you into their little plaything."
I laughed loudly at his warning.
"What if I want to join your gang? Would you let me in?"
I said, my mind working on a cunning plan.
"What? Are you insane?!"
His eyes widened at me.
"No, but I am impressed by you. Who would've thought that you're even more dangerous than most men? Hot, dangerous, and tempting. I like it. I'm attracted to you."
I removed my cap and let down my slightly grown-out hair.
Rayqal's lips curled into a slow smile as he swallowed hard.
"So, I wasn't wrong all along. You really are a woman. A very pretty one, I'd say."
His hand reached for my shoulder, then began to slide down my arm.
"So, is that a yes?"
I looked at him with a flirtatious gaze.
Slowly, he nodded.
"You're too tempting for me to say no."
I smirked, satisfied.
He leaned in closer, his eyes closing.
Wow. Looks like Reena's brother is pretty desperate.
His face was just inches from mine.
I smirked.
I was ready to slit his throat if he got any closer. My hand was already reaching for the knife hidden behind me.
Pap!
"Oi! If you guys wanna do that, don't do it here. At first, you were just talking, but now it's turning into something else…"
The other man grinned, standing with his hands on his hips.
I immediately let go of Rayqal.
"Ahem, sorry, bro. You know how it is… she's just too tempting!"
Rayqal shot me a playful wink.
"Ugh, so can we get on with the introductions now?"
The man folded his arms and stepped closer.
Rayqal nodded.
"Meet my love…"
"Farah Aida. Just call me Farah… or Ara."
The man grinned widely and nodded.
"Alright, and this is my friend…"
Rayqal gestured toward him.
"Alvin. You can call me Vi. Or, it'd be even better if you called me honey."
I nodded, faking a smile.
"Ahem, behave. She's mine."
Rayqal swatted away Alvin's wandering hand from my shoulder.
"Oh, relax, bro!"
Alvin raised his hands in surrender.
"So, here's the thing. Farah wants to join our gang. What do you think?"
Rayqal looked at Alvin, waiting for his reaction.
"What?! Do you want Chan to lose his mind when he finds out you smuggled a woman into our gang?!"
Rayqal ran a hand down his face in frustration.
"Which is why I want us to bring Farah to meet Chan. Get his approval. I know he'll let her in."
I grinned widely.
Finally, I had a chance to infiltrate this gang from the inside.