Let's see where can I hide in gym today?

  Dante found a corner of shadow with an unoccupied chair. Most likely from the last student who hid in the class, or perhaps it was in fact the teachers hiding spot. The gymnasium echoed with the squeaking of athletic shoes and distant voices as other students began warming up. With a shrug, he sat down and activated his smart watch. A hologram phone appeared with a series of apps which glared brightly at him.

  “Ah damn. Aya, too bright, too bright lower holophone brightness and activate hidden mode,” Dante commanded.

  “Understood, activating hidden mode. I should inform you that your sister has said hidden mode should not be used for hiding holo touch screen from teachers during school hours,” the voice from his watch said in a soft hum.

  “Ok Aya, you're an AI, not my sister. You don't have to listen to her or tell me not to do stuff,” Dante sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Also, let me see my novel list. Any updates on what I'm reading?”

  That new novel QuillTome has a new chapter up today, nice. I enjoyed its first chapter, second not so much, I'm on the fence for the third, but hey, still too early to tell. Maybe I'll message the author to speed up chapters.

  Dante calmly read his novel as students entered the gym. He felt safe in his little corner, until…

  "Mr. Mercier, if you would please go to the locker room and change to gym-appropriate clothes at the very least before finding a hiding spot," a bald older man in his late 40's said as his hands rested on his hips.

  Dante looked him up and down—shorts, sneakers, a shirt that said "Phoenix" with a feather symbol on it, his whistle hanging over it, and a clipboard with coffee stains in his hand.

  Why are his shorts so damn short? Also why does he have that clipboard when he doesnt even use it?

  Nevermind let me just go get changed.

  “Yes sir ill go get changed now.”

  Dante stood there now in the locker room with his uniform neatly folded on a bench nearby, and turned to give the locker room mirror his attention, his own reflection stood in front of him, with a lean frame and defined muscles. His ocean blue eyes stared back as he inspected himself.

  All that boxing and weights did me good, but I'm surprised I thought I would look bigger after I hit 70kg, meh. I'll blame my 5'10" height.

  Dante played with his hair abit, giving it a messy style while also covering a small scar on his brow.

  Dante sighed as he went to open his locker and get dressed.

  By the time he left the locker room, the rest of the class were already jogging around. With a yawn, Dante joined easily, keeping up with the class.

  After the jog was finished the students stood on a tapped line on the floor. The teacher in front of them.

  “Dante since you were trying to skip out again ill have you lead the class start the push ups.”

  Of course he wasnt going to let it go.

  …

  …

  I wonder if the flirting trick would work on him.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  …

  …

  What the hell is wrong with me?

  “Alright, I guess.” Dante responded before dropping down and giving 3 pushups.

  “That's all I got.” He gave a shrug as he stared at the teacher unfazed, earning a sharp stare in return.

  “You can't be serious.” The teacher stated.

  “Completely serious, sir.” Dante gave a serious stare while nodding shamelessly.

  “Ok, tell you what - hit a number you think no one else will today and I’ll give you one day of your choosing this month to not have to do anything in my class,” the teacher said, rubbing his temples.

  “Seriously? No going back on what you said, sir.” Dante rubbed his hands in preparation.

  “Yeah, yeah, go. Let me see what you can do,” the teacher waved dismissively.

  Dante proceeded to accomplish an easy 100 pushups, 100 situps, 100 squats, and 30 pull-ups to the teacher's surprise.

  As the other students stared in disbelief, whispering among each other that beyond Dante's physical capabilities they were surprised that the teacher was able to make him do anything, the gym teacher reluctantly scribbled something in his clipboard. The remaining class time went by with Dante lounging back in the corner he had found before, while the others continued their regular exercises.

  The class quickly passed by. Waiting for Dante along the hall was a beautiful girl with fiery hair and painted nails to match. She stared at Dante with her emerald eyes, waving at him to come over. Her school uniform - a fitted blazer over a white blouse and pleated skirt - highlighted her curvy figure, the blazer slightly tight across her chest and the skirt just short enough to show off her athletic legs.

  Her full red lips parted as she spoke.

  “Dante, you coming over later today?”

  “Maybe for a bit, Alexander wants to do one of his evaluations today so.” Dante gave a shrug that elevated his shoulders slightly over the girl’s head.

  “By the way, new lipstick?” he asked as he stared down at her lips.

  “Nope, but I’ve never used it before so yes!” the girl responded.

  “Your father’s evaluations can’t be that bad, Dante.”

  Oh sweet sweet Emma, you have no clue how bad it can be.

  Dante thought while his hand instinctively went to his small scar.

  “Did you re-dye?” Dante asked.

  “Yes I did just last night!” Emma answered while running her fingers through her long silk hair.

  “By the way, I heard you were flirting hard with Miss Katari.” Emma gave Dante a mischievous grin and an inquisitive stare.

  “A gentleman doesn’t flirt and tell... Yes I did! It was the only way I could get out—had to get her off balance. Plus it’s easy, I meant every word!” Dante held his head high as though he held righteousness on his side.

  “Pfft, well then how about me? Is it easy to flirt with me?” Emma batted her long eyelashes, putting her hands behind her back and puffing out her chest.

  “Oh Emma Rain, you have eyes that can draw any man into the jade palace of the immortals of myths and legends. Your cute face makes any man desire your sweet lips.” Dante began, his voice as sweet as he could make it with a soft sing-like tone. Then came a mischievous grin of his own.

  “Your breasts bounce like mountains and your ass is sculpted to perfection from your workouts. You’re hot, and cute girl,” Dante finished with a wink.

  Emma stared at him in amusement and placed a hand on her chest, her expression one of swooning.

  “Oh Dante, your words touch my heart, my clothes almost came off! Your poetry classes really show.” She said in an exaggerated tone.

  “Thank you, thank you,” Dante responded, lightly brushing his shoulder with the back of his fingers while closing his eyes and pointing his chin high.

  “These lines come way too easy to you. Are you secretly a pervert, my friend?”

  “Secretly?”

  “You’re right. Regardless of your reason, even if it is for self-defense and distraction, you’re definitely a pervert.” Emma shook her head.

  “You use that word as if I should be insulted.” Dante raised an eyebrow.

  “Kinda? A maybe? I mean, what would you do if a naked girl showed up in front of you and asked for help?”

  “I don’t know what that has to do with the whole insult thing, but I’ll answer it anyway. I would take my jacket off and hand it to her to help. Then I would get on my knees and thank God for that day.” Dante raised a finger and looked up as if deep in thought.

  “And then I would curse myself for not having enjoyed it longer,” he placed a finger on his chin.

  “Hmm, think she would buy it if I ‘accidentally’ lost my jacket in front of her and offered to hold her in my arms to cover her instead?”

  Emma opened her mouth as if to respond and then just shook her head.

  “Anyway, enough fooling around. I’ll meet you outside the school’s gates. Walk with me to the gym at least. We can meet Emmy there,” Emma said.

  “Alright, but I stand by everything I said about your looks. As for your cute face, I blame that little button nose of yours. By the way, I know I’ve said this before, but your mom was really lazy naming the two of you...” Dante said as they separated, each going to their next class.

  Along the way, Dante saw a partially open door. The room's lights were off, yet there was a pulsing red glow coming through the door's crack.

  Huh?

  Dante, in his curiosity, walked toward the door and gazed inside. What he saw was a dark, lean silhouette, standing tall with sharpened teeth and claws, bald-headed and with glowing red eyes. The creature turned its gaze in Dante's direction.

  SLAM!

  Dante closed the door instantly with an expressionless face as he walked away from the room.

  Nope.

  The way that I see it, some guys are probably just playing a prank.

  Uh... probably.

  It's some holo-thing I’ve never heard of.

  Maybe some class thing or a play thing.

  Or some type of demonic creature.

  Either way, none of my business. I'm going to my next class.

  And with that, the door remained closed. A mystery unanswered.