"Here we are," she announced, but I pulled back before she could drag me forward.
"I can't go in there," I said firmly. This was the high-ranker cafeteria, and I had no business being here.
The cafeteria was split into two levels. The upper floor was for high-ranking students- luxury dining with all the amenities. The lower floor was for people like me.
There were two reasons for this setup. First, it prevented conflicts between different rank levels. A fight between high-rankers was manageable, but if a high-ranker decided to kill a low-ranker, they could do it before anyone could intervene.
Second was cost. A single meal upstairs cost more than a low-ranker's entire weekly allowance.
But for me, avoiding this place had a different reason entirely.
"Why not?" she asked, pausing mid-step. She could've dragged me in easily, no question—but she waited.
"Because I don't want to," I said, holding her gaze.
[Why are you backing out?]
'Do you even need to ask?'
[Wait… you're not running from—]
'Yeah. Eloisa.'
This... Selena was a walking wildcard. Unpredictable didn't even begin to cover it. And if she started acting clingy or "lovey-dovey" in there?
Yeah, there was a very real chance Eloisa would straight-up try to kill me.
[Well. That's… a situation. But you could always just accept my blessing, you know—]
'At this point... You sound like a dubious salesman trying to sell me a house.'
"Why?" she asked again.
"If I'm going to eat, I want to do it in peace," I said. That part was true. The place was crawling with nobles who knew me—and most of them would love to make my life a living hell if given half the chance.
Not to mention Ethan—Eloisa's twin brother. That guy had been dying for an excuse to kill me. No way was I handing him one.
"Are you scared?" she asked, staring straight into my eyes.
I said nothing. Didn't confirm, didn't deny. Just looked back.
"Don't be," she whispered, and before I realized it, she was holding my face in her hands.
Her movement had been so smooth I didn't notice it—either that, or I was too caught up in those peach-colored eyes of hers to react.
"As long as I'm here," she said, voice low and serious, "no one can lay a finger on you."
I frowned, squinting slightly. "Selena... what do you want from me?"
I needed to know. Was this some sort of revenge scheme? You know, the usual make them fall then break them.
[Honestly… that would make sense.]
'No, it won't. I'm not important enough for that kind of game. It's something else.'
"Ryan," she said softly, "I love you."
"No, you don't," I said firmly with narrowed eyes.
This ain't some fairytale, love at first sight is way too old.
She didn't flinch. Her brows furrowed, and when I tried to pull back, her grip stayed firm.
"I love you, Ryan," she said again.
I was starting to get irritated.
I always found that word, 'love' uncomfortable.
I... hated hearing it directed at me.
"Just... stop... I know there's something you want from me. Just get on with it, enough with the lies,"
"It's not a lie. I have nothing to gain from lying to you, so why would I lie?"
I stared at her, my fingers pressing against my temple.
"Then explain it to me, why would you suddenly love me?"
She smiled, sweet and calm. "I love you. I don't need a reason. That's all there is to it."
And with that, she started pulling me again.
Yep. She's definitely planning something.
I sighed. Whatever it was, I needed to figure it out before I got tangled up in it too deeply.
People were starting to notice us.
"Isn't that the guy who fell asleep in class?" someone behind us whispered. "He's a low-ranker, right?"
"Yeah. What's he doing here? And with her?"
I expected that. Still, I subtly tried to free my hand from hers.
But there was no luck. It was a fool's errand.
"Hey!" a voice called.
I turned. A guy walked up, flanked by two others. His tracksuit top was unzipped, showing off a crisp white shirt underneath—full delinquent energy.
"What do you think you—"
-BAM!
One moment he was shouting, the next he was flying down the hallway, unconscious.
'HOLY SHIT—she's fast.'
I didn't even see her move. One second he was there, the next he was gone. If I had to guess?
Telekinesis from her bloodline, amplified by a gravity-type blessing.
Yeah. I've said it before. The girl's broken.
The two others were trembling. I could see it.
"If anyone tries that again," she said coldly, "you'll be unconscious. Permanently."
Her tone had changed. Cold. Lethal. It was the first time I saw this side of her, and it hit me—I didn't stand a chance against her.
"Now," she said, watching the others scramble to their fallen friend, "let's go."
Then, just like that, her cheeky grin came back.
And I realized something terrifying.
As long as she was stronger than I, escaping her was nothing but a pipe dream.
And I wasn't the only one who saw it—others had watched the entire scene unfold.
Crap.
The rumors were going to explode.
And so would the number of people gunning for me.
I sighed again as I stepped into the cafeteria. Instantly, all eyes turned to us.
But I kept my expression blank, indifferent, professional.
That is… until I spotted Elena.
She looked at me.
Held the stare.
Then looked away.
Just like that.
'I really hope I survive until the grading exams…'