I had seen his punch coming well in advance. I had led him exactly where I wanted. Pretending the blow had hit me full force, I fell to the ground, hands covering my face — hiding my smile from everyone's view. I acted as if I was protecting myself from further attacks. Jason, seeing my smirk, screamed in fury, losing control:
— You filthy vermin!
He wanted to go after me physically. Everyone in the gym, whether playing or in the stands, was alerted by the sudden commotion. Even those glued to their phones looked up, drawn by the shouting.
Jason roared even louder:— JESSYYYYY!!! You little bastard, just wait till I get my hands on you!
On the ground, hands over my face, I smiled discreetly. From the outside, it looked like I was shielding myself — but in truth, I was savoring my tactical victory. Jason, raging mad, tried to hit me again but was held back by several students.
— Stop, Jason! Calm down!
— It's just a game — don't lose your head!
But Jason, spotting my smile, yelled even louder:
— You damn bastard! Let me go!
Mia stepped in, worried:
— Please, Jason, stop!
The teachers blew their whistles loudly to restore order. Madame Lussarieka grabbed a megaphone:
— The physical test is suspended until further notice. Everyone, please exit the gymnasium!
She walked over to us, the center of the chaos, looked at me and said:
— I want someone to accompany Jessy to the infirmary.
Then, turning to Jason, restrained by two students:
— As for you, you're coming with us to the principal's office.
Madame Samaeki, with a stern look, said:
— That's enough. Don't make this worse than it already is. Let's go.
She turned to Mia:
— Accompany Jessy to the infirmary.
Mia nodded:— Okay.
I placed my hand on her shoulder for support as we walked. We left the gym under Jason's burning glare.
Once we arrived at the infirmary, an elegant woman welcomed us. Rosalia Mendy was tall, with tanned skin, a beauty mark under her lip, brown hair, and a graceful, balanced figure. She wore a white coat over a green turtleneck, a tight black mini-skirt, and crisscrossed garter stockings.
— What happened? she asked.
Mia replied:— A student attacked him. We came here for help.
— I see. Lie down on the stretcher.
She put a bandage on me before saying:— I'll go get the attendance form.
She left the room, leaving us alone. A silence settled. Mia, sitting nearby, finally broke it, looking guilty:
— Sorry about Jason, Jessy... That he attacked you...
— It's not your fault.
— He's always so controlling… He doesn't like other boys around me.
— Don't worry. I don't blame him.
She stood and rummaged through the infirmary cupboards:
— I'm looking for a painkiller.
She found one and approached to give it to me. As she reached out her hand, I grabbed her arm, bringing my face close to hers.
— Stay with me, and I'll be healed.
Surprised, she softly fell against my chest. Our eyes met. Slowly, our lips touched in a silent, tender, and intense kiss.
A pause in the chaos of the day — a stolen moment in the quiet of the infirmary.