(Akina's POV)I had no messages from Serco the next day, but I still sent him a Good morning text. I hope he's okay. It's normal for him to be busy for days at a time, but that doesn't stop me from missing him.
For breakfast, I had a blueberry muffin and hot chocolate before meeting up with Nacina. She seemed dazed—quiet, which isn't like her at all. Another odd thing: her phone kept vibrating every few seconds. She'd smile weakly and reply, then immediately get another message. Her smile stayed, but every so often, she'd roll her eyes or snort.
"Is it Cameron?" I asked.Nacina jolted like she'd forgotten I was there.
"Um… no... Oh! I had an epiphany last night," she declared.
"About what?"
"I think Shion's brother really likes me. Says he and Shion have family stuff to do for the next three days, but after that, he wants to go on a double date. We might even become sisters!"
I laughed. "Can that really be considered an epiphany?"
"Yes! I was going to ignore him, but then I realized this would be a good way to spend more time with you two."
I laughed awkwardly. "Well… I don't really know what to say, but that seems kind of cold. You haven't even said you like him. I don't want you marrying someone just to stay close to me."
When we arrived at school, Nacina clicked her tongue and rushed off. She's not acting like herself lately.
In first period, Will waved at me. Kriss, sitting beside him at his desk, ignored me.
"What are you doing?" she scolded him, forcing his hand down.I gave a weak smile in Will's direction, then sat at my desk and stared out the window for thirty minutes.
That's when the announcement came:
"There's an assembly for all third-year students. All third years, please gather in the gymnasium."
I didn't rush and ended up one of the last to arrive. I found an empty spot on the bleachers near the back, and not long after, a stranger approached.
"Is it okay if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the seat beside me.
I looked up and saw a boy with turquoise eyes, light brown skin, and dark brown medium-length hair. He had three small moles on his face—one between his brows and two beneath his eyes—forming a perfect equilateral triangle. His teeth were flawless. For some reason, he reminded me of Serco.
"Yeah, that's fine."
At my word, he sat beside me. Even as unobservant as I am, it was odd that I'd never seen him before—he stood out. His hair was a few shades darker than his skin, but there were golden strands scattered through it, like natural highlights.
"I hope this assembly doesn't last long," he said, probably trying to make conversation.
"Yeah, me too… What's your name? Oh—sorry, I'm Akina."
He chuckled. "My name is Jeremy. You can call me Jey, if you want."
Jey was so friendly it felt... off. But I didn't want to be rude.
"Okay... then you can call me Aki," I mumbled.
"That's cute. It fits you."
His offhand compliment made me blush, so I put my head down and hid my face against my knees.
"Thank you..."I had nothing else to say, so I stayed quiet.
Across the gym, I spotted Nacina. She looked my way and smiled, but didn't come over. That hurt a little.
"Welcome, everyone," the principal began. She stood in the center of the court, holding a mic."You've all noticed the rise in attacks lately, so all after-school activities are canceled. You should go home in groups. Afarions tend to target loners, so don't be alone. Also, next Monday will be our job fair. Classes will begin an hour later than usual. I'll announce it to the rest of the school later, but I'm telling you first because, as third-years, you should help keep the younger students in line. The faculty can't do it alone, and this is important, so I'll say it again: Do not go anywhere alone."
I hadn't realized how serious things had gotten... but Afarions really are showing up more. Serco even called in his brothers for backup. How was I so blind?
"This is so boring. Want to leave and go somewhere fun—with me?" Jey whispered.
I looked at him. He locked eyes with me.
"No... I'd rather not," I whispered back, quickly looking away.
He laughed. "I can tell you're bored too. You're not even worried about what she's saying."
I wasn't looking at him, but I could feel his smile.
"What do you want?" I asked, finally turning to him.
His smile only grew, which wasn't the reaction I expected.
"What do you mean?"
"Why are you acting so familiar with me... Why me?"
He reached toward me, almost cupping my cheek, but stopped and pulled his hand back.
"You were sitting alone. I'm new. And you seemed... easy to approach."
I only half-believed him but hid it.
"I see…"
"And I want to be friends. Is that okay?"
His voice was so smooth, the words like music.
"No thanks. I have enough friends," I answered.
"You are dismissed! Please head to your second-period classes," the principal announced.
She'd been talking the whole time, but I missed some of it... because Jey was being so distracting.