20 Tingles 0.2

"We—Well…" Vivian says, hesitating.

My eyes narrowed at her.

"What? Why is it called an elite's building? What does that mean—what's in there?" I continued to ask.

I could see Vivian fidgeting in place.

'What is she so jumpy about? It's just a simple question,' I thought, 'What is she hiding…?'

"Well-uh- you see—" she scrambles for words.

'Well this is new; I always thought that she was good at hiding things. Seems like today she's not that well prepared,' I thought to myself.

"Oh! Uhh, it's a building where almost all military personnel are authorized to enter. They say that only the best of the best soldiers are allowed access inside," she explains in a hurry.

Naturally, I was finding it hard to believe her words, but her reason is very much logical. I wouldn't doubt her that much if it weren't for the slight quivers and small shifts in tone that she does when she explained that to me.

I am a keen observer, that much, I can say. The way she talked told me that she wasn't saying the whole truth. But her words are true.

'Hmm… leaving out some parts, huh? What are you hiding from me, Vivian?' I wondered as I looked at her indifferently, trying my own best not to look suspicious.

"Is that so…?" I said in a somewhat probing tone.

She may or may not have noticed my tone, but she neatly shrug it off with a nervous laugh and a scratch on the head.

"Actually, we aren't supposed to be talking about that building in such an open area," she mumbles.

This peaked at my interest.

"Oh? Why is that?" I asked curiously.

She looks around before leaning a bit closer to me and quietly whispers.

"Because that building is top secret," she says, a soft "shush" leaving her lips while she leans right back.

I gave her one more curious look before I looked back at the building.

'Seriously? That building is supposed to be top secret?! How ironic,' I thought 'They should've built it into something more subtle and less eye-catching, other than building something that ginormous and imposing.'

'But… still, I can't shake this feeling of mixed emotions. I can't determine what and why I'm feeling this way. But I'm almost certain that it's not something good,' I wondered to myself, unconsciously getting lost in my own world of thoughts.

After a while of staring at the building, Vivian decided to pull me out of my thoughts and points out to what looks like a small covered court in the far off distance.

"Hey! See that building over there?" she enthusiastically says.

"That's the area where students can play any kind of sports that they want. Do you play any sports in particular?" she asks with a grin.

I looked at her curiously.

'I say, this girl can be as random as randomness could get…'

I shook my head at her as I replied.

"No, I don't play any kind of sports," I said.

This put a frown on her face.

"Aww, seriously?" she asks in a childish tone.

I gave her a shy nod and habitually scratched my head.

"I don't go out so often whenever I'm in the orphanage," I said, honestly.

My response seemed to deepen her sunken lips, a childish pout slowly forming.

"How lonely," she suddenly utters.

Her words caught me off-guard.

"W-what? How is that lonely?" I asked, genuinely confused why she thought that.

"I mean, being an orphan, what is it like?" she asks, looking straight into my eyes.

Her eyes were filled with sadness, but her tone was laced in mystery.

'Is she pitying me?' I thought, feeling a bubble of fury growing slowly.

"There's nothing much to it, I get to live naturally don't I?" I said in a low grumble.

Instead of letting my emotions get the better of me, I decided against it and dismiss this topic as best I can.

Nobody likes being pitied.

Instead of seeing Vivian's expression, I looked elsewhere.

I was so sure that she still had that pitiful expression.

'How could my life be lonely? I-I mean, sure, I don't tend to get myself involved with the other orphans at the orphanage. But, that's just because I much rather read a book or accompany Mrs. Melrose most of the time. I didn't need them, I didn't need anyone other than Mrs. Melrose,' I thought to myself, feeling my face contort as I thought further.

I shook my head to halt this train of thoughts.

An awkward silence suddenly befell me and Vivian as none of us spoke. I couldn't help but fidget in place and play with my fingers, clearly unable to offer a new topic that involves crucial outcomes.

I decided to scan the area for a bit, desperately trying to find an object of interest.

Just as my eyes were about to turn, Vivian suddenly grabs my arm and yanks me up to stand.

I looked at her in shock, only to see a grim plastered on her face, yet again.

"Hey! Tell you what—I'll teach you a sport I think you might enjoy," she says in excitement.

Her glee, making a grand comeback.

Before I could even answer, I find myself getting dragged by Vivian in the arm once again.

I sighed helplessly as I let Vivian lead the way, a smile creeping up my lips unconsciously.

As soon as we arrived at the court, I couldn't help but stare at the inside. It was wider inside compared to its outside appearance. The covered court had two courts for what I guess was for a volleyball play and a badminton play. Rows of benches aligned both sides of the court.

At the far-off end, there were three stone tables standing in another row. I then noticed little objects placed on the tables, chess pieces.

"Woah! Cool, chess!" I said excitedly.

It's been awhile since I've last played chess, so I could't really help contain my delight.

"Oh? You like chess?" Vivian asks, seeming to be happier.

I nodded courtly as I continue to admire the little play area.

I heard Vivian giggle as she grabs my arm again and leads me to the exit gate.

'Uh—How rude!' I thought in irritation.

'And I was getting excited too,' I added as I sulked silently.

With a quiet sigh, I lifted my head and looked at where Vivian and me were going. Beside the covered court, there was another building.

Vivian opens the door to the building and I nearly had my jaw drop at the sight before me.

Inside the room, there was a chess table—no—not just a chess table, but a life-sized set. I stared in astonishment at the room. It was neat, the chess pieces were complete, and all of it had a height that reached just above my shoulders. I also noticed more stone tables surrounding all four corners of the room with the life-sized chessboard sitting at the very middle of it all.

"This is the chess room, chess players of the academy go here to play," Vivian explains.

I couldn't help the grin that had made its way onto my lips.

"Wanna play?" Vivian offers with a chuckle.

My smile grew wider as I nodded frantically.

Quote of the Chapter!!!

"A secret is what makes life more intriguing."

-Author-