Chapter 1: Those at the Peak

Let me ask you an easy question. Who gets hurt the most? The ones at the top, or the people who are at the bottom? This might sound very easy for you to answer but I guess we have a different opinion. You might be thinking that those at the bottom experience hard time more than those who are living their lives at the top. But let me tell you something, those at the peak experience more hard time than people who are in below. People would always lambast them, envy them, they spread illogical rumors, and they would even make them look like the bad guy

. Do you believe me now?

No matter where you go, there will be always a top and bottom spot. Yeah, the source is me. I am an honor student who always experiences these kinds of things. And yeah, really, I am having a hard time dealing with them. Rumors would always spread saying I cheated on exams that is why I made my way up, or I used money to climb all the way up to the top spot of the academy but no, I am no rich. I am actually a scholar in this academy.

The Rizalian City Academy, an educational institution provided by the Philippine government to nurture students who will become a leader of the nation someday. This academy was named after the national hero of the Philippines – Dr. Jose Rizal – and placed at the erased part of Manila. Manila was the capital city of the Philippines but then, a large tsunami occured and erased almost the whole city in the map. The government then decided to place the school above the underwater city like a floating sun in a cold sea. However, even in this school, hierarchy still exists. Students pay higher ups just to take a spot for top students, rich people feel superior and make these so-called “inferiors” kneel. This academy was said to be built as a city for students who are aiming to get a high social status and to be a part of the rulers of the country.

“Kuro, what do you think of this problem?” Devin pointed his long index finger to a math problem. We were having our lunch at the cafeteria, where most of the students who don't have enough money go because the food is cheap.

“You can’t solve it?” I asked with a wide grin coming from my face as if I am mocking him. Del’Vin or Devin is my only friend in this academy. I could actually consider him as a ‘Dugong Bughaw’ or a royal blooded student because of his wealth. We would always hang out after the class. He’d always ask me to eat in other places with him but I refuse, people must be thinking I’m a gold digger. He has a long face and a pointed nose. His fair clear skin would always make me wonder if he was really a pure one. His hair was pitch black, making his black uniform suits him well, and his ocean-like eyes that seemed to be glowing would always draw your attention.

“I can solve this one, I am just asking your opinion. Idiot.”

His expression turned flat and the line of his lip turned straight. This expression of him always makes me want to laugh loudly but sadly, I can’t in this academy because noise pollution isn’t allowed and it always made me think that some of the rules of this academy is against the human rights.

“Then don’t ask me. Idiot,” I said in response to him.

“You’re right,” he sighed. “I really am an idiot because I asked you.”

“You–“

His scornful expression is what pisses me off. I just found him cute a while ago and now, his face is really pissing me off. Please take him away.

I met Devin in an event called ‘junior’s debate’ where junior students argue about a particular topic in informal but logical way. We faced each other with the topic regarding the issue of which is better, the homogenous sectioning or heterogeneous sectioning? We both argued logically and the four judges ended up having split votes. In the end, our informal debate turned out to be a draw. After that day, we would always compete to each other and treat each other as a rival. I can even say he’s my first best friend. There was also a time where competed in a science experiment and almost set the lab on fire, we were called by the higher-ups and end up with a punishment to clean the whole Higher-ups building. And right now, we are at our first year of senior high school.

“Kuro, can we hang out again later?” As I said, we would always hang out after the class. He’d always be the one to do the first move and I always end up saying yes because of his persistency.

“The same place again?”

“Yeah.”

After the class, we were always heading to the same place over and over again – the bus stop. It was where his dog died in a car accident. The waiting shed was where we always sit until the sun sets down and always eat everything we want. Devin would always buy something to eat and offers food to his dog.

“Why are you always doing this, Devin?”

“Y’know, he’s my first best friend.”

I could see his ocean-eyes getting blue and his face is having a cold smile that won’t wear off. He said that his dog is the only friend he had when he is still living in the white palace. White palace is a place where Dugong Bughaws live.

“It’s getting dark now, Devin. We should go.”

I said to break the ice of the atmosphere.

“Let’s go.” His eyes were giving off cold vibes as he says these words.

***

“Ahumm…”

The emcee coughed to convey that he was about to say something. We are in the center of the Rizalian City Academy or RCA where the large hall resides. The top view of the academy will remind you of the sun in the Philippine flag. The circle center hall is residing at the middle of the sun and the eight main buildings were positioned like sunrays surrounding the center hall. It was 8:00 o’clock in the morning when the teachers called us and said we should go the center hall and listen to the announcement that they are about to say.

“Good morning our dear students, we called you here today to make an announcement regarding the weeklong top student’s camp. We said that this event will happen next month, but the higher-ups decided to move it next week for a certain reason.” Everyone was surprised from what they have heard. The ‘weeklong top student’s camp’ is an annual event in this academy. It is an event where students compete in different events and contest to determine who will be taking the top spot of the RCA. Devin and I decided to join this year but this is rather early. We just entered Senior High School.

“Isn’t it too early for us, Devin?”

“No, I think it’s about time for us to join.”

I could see the excitement in his ocean-like eyes. His lip was waving out of excitement.

“Well, it’s not like I don’t want to join anyway. Let’s see who’s gonna take the top spot.”

“Yeah.”

Murmurs were everywhere. Students are seemed surprised from what they’d just heard. Some were full of energy and excitement and some appeared to be uninterested. Some people were gazing the direction where I resided with their sharp eyes like a predator marking their prey. However, gaze wouldn’t be enough to penetrate me.

I couldn’t care less either.

The weeklong top student’s camp is composed of five activities. These activities use some of our subjects as the basis. The camp will happen in the campus and only honor students can participate. This annual event is what makes students competitive and greedy. No one will help you when you are having a hard time because your certificate and medal will serve as your entry. You won’t want someone you helped surpass you, right?

Well, that is not the case between Devin and me.

We are rivals but we always help each other when someone is having a hard time. However, this time, this annual event will make us different. We should continue our rivalry in this event.

“Are you ready, Kuro?” His eyes were giving off vibes that no one could ever resist.

“You don’t need to ask me.”

Right, I should not let our friendship get in our way. I should take this one seriously. I need to put all my feelings aside and make my parents see my worth.

The weeklong competition is about to start.