Veiled Intentions

In the cafeteria...

"Did you guys hear the news? There is a new transfer student in the school," one of the students said to the others.

"Yeah, I did. I also heard that she is incredibly pretty," one of his friends replied, emphasizing the new transfer student's beauty.

"If I remember correctly, her class was Grade 8-B, right?" a third person joined the conversation, creating a trio that resembled the Three Musketeers.

"Indeed," the first person nodded affirmatively. "I wonder if she's already in a relationship," he pondered aloud.

It wasn't only them who were talking about the transfer student. The majority of the senior classes in the school were abuzz with discussions about her. Chaos ensued, but amidst it all, a few kept to themselves, including someone nursing a bruised wrist inflicted by the transfer student. He happened to be sitting not too far away from the table where the trio was engrossed in conversation.

In truth, it would be incorrect to say that he lacked interest in her. However, his interest in her was unique compared to others.

To him, the girl appeared as a captivating enigma. Their earlier interaction had left an air of intrigue and suspicion, and that was why he was avoiding any discussion about her. Instead, he chose to observe how others perceived her.

After listening to the three students for a while, he realized their conversation wouldn't yield any useful information. He ceased listening but was interrupted at that moment.

The doors of the cafeteria swung open, revealing a flawless beauty. Clad in the school uniform like other female students, she radiated a certain charm that was unaffected by the attire. If anything, it enhanced her cuteness.

Her slender figure, fair skin, and wavy, long white hair accentuated her beauty, while her golden-yellow eyes resembled the sun, giving her an ethereal appearance that could captivate anyone.

Moreover, her apathetic expression added a mysterious aura to her. Her aloof personality and composed demeanour made her seem more mature than her peers, unapproachable yet exuding confidence.

Gasps and awestruck murmurs rippled through the cafeteria upon witnessing such beauty. While some students were too mesmerized to speak, others couldn't help but feel indifferent. Among them, one student sat as if he were in a separate room, detached from the chaos.

Though he seemed uninterested, he couldn't help but appreciate the girl's presence. Her arrival seemed to cast a spell over the cafeteria, rendering it utterly silent. Deep down, he felt a sense of gratitude toward her, despite expressing it prematurely.

Suddenly, a student couldn't contain their surprise and exclaimed, "Wait, what the...?"

The collective gasps of surprise diverted Shroud's attention, and his gaze fell upon the girl who had positioned herself before him. It was no wonder the students reacted in such a manner, considering the girl now stood gracefully, balancing a tray filled with food.

Shroud pondered, his mind filled with uncertainty. He glanced at the girl and noticed her gaze fixed elsewhere, not directed at him.

Realizing that she meant no trouble, Shroud redirected his attention to where she was looking. His gaze landed on an empty chair next to his occupied table.

"Ah, I see," he whispered to himself, a flicker of understanding illuminating his thoughts. "That's what she was looking at."

Now that Shroud understood what Luna, the girl, intended, he felt more reassured. However, his worries were not entirely alleviated, as engaging in a conversation now could disrupt the entire school year for him.

To prevent misunderstandings from the prying eyes of onlookers, Shroud consciously avoided making eye contact with Luna. Recognizing his need for privacy, she respected his space and proceeded toward the solitary chair on the opposite side.

Anticipating that Luna would merely occupy the chair without causing any disturbance, Shroud heaved a sigh of relief. However, he soon discovered that his premature celebration was in vain. Contrary to his expectations, Luna boldly pulled her chair beside him, shattering his assumptions.

Witnessing her bold move, both Shroud and the other students were momentarily stunned and paralyzed. Shroud shook his head slightly, regaining his composure first. Holding up his nearly empty cup of tea, he whispered in a soft voice that only Luna could hear.

"What are you doing?" Shroud asked, his displeasure evident. In response, Luna answered monotonously, "Nothing, I'm just sharing a table with my senior." Shroud cursed internally, thinking, 'Bullshit!' but refrained from saying it aloud.

"Senior just cursed, didn't you?" Luna pointed out, catching Shroud off guard. He thought, "Cheeky woman," as he was about to mentally label Luna as a brat, but abruptly stopped himself.

Somehow, it felt wrong to use that term to describe her, even though her appearance and behaviour matched the characteristics of a brat at that moment. "You just called me a brat, didn't you, senior?" Luna whispered again, exposing Shroud's train of thought.

"You are mistaken, Miss Luna. I cannot entertain such disrespectful thoughts, and I believe you wouldn't tolerate that level of disrespect either," Shroud whispered in response.

"Oh, are you sure about that? I mean, isn't it common for senior year students to call their juniors brats?" Luna asked, raising an eyebrow. Shroud sensed it was a trap, relieved that he recognized Luna's intentions early on.

"Bah, the age gap between seniors and juniors with just one grade difference isn't that significant. Besides, calling someone who isn't much younger than me a brat makes me feel old, like a grandpa," Shroud responded to Luna.

However, deep inside, he couldn't help but cringe after uttering those words, considering he was a 500,000+ years old individual. His mind was in turmoil due to the sudden presence of this new junior who had recently transferred.

Taking a deep breath, Shroud sought to calm his racing thoughts. "Keep calm, Shroud," he reassured himself, recognizing the futility of engaging in an argument with someone of such a mindset. However, before he could fully regain his composure, Luna playfully dubbed him with the nickname "Grandpa."

"Alright, I take back my previous thought. Even though it may not be appropriate to label her as a brat. At this moment, she truly is acting like one!" Shroud concluded silently.

Just then, Luna stood up from her seat and left, but not without leaving one final remark directed at Shroud. "See you again, senior Grandpa." Shroud was about to break his stoic outlook.

*Ting *Ting *Ting*

The bell rang, signalling the end of the lunch break, and all the students returned to their respective classes. However, before dispersing, they cast lingering glances at Shroud.

*Sigh*

Shroud let out a sigh of defeat and reluctantly made his way back to his classes. The remainder of the day proceeded without any notable incidents, and after school ended, Shroud hurriedly left the premises, determined to avoid any encounters with the bratty junior.

*Tap *Tap*

"Is that him?" remarked a tall figure to a fellow student donning the school uniform. The student possessed a noticeably muscular physique and emitted an aura of strength.

"Yes, that's him, big brother," said a familiar voice. It was Raphile, the same bully who had been knocked out by Shroud.

A few moments ago...

Even after the break ended, Raphile had not regained consciousness. It was only when the school day was about to end that he finally regained his senses. After waking up, he felt a sharp pain in his lower jaw.

He looked in the mirror and discovered that his lower jaw was swollen and bloated. The swelling gave him the appearance of having a double chin. Feeling embarrassed about being beaten up by someone he considered weak, he couldn't bear to see his comically distorted face. Filled with frustration, he punched the mirror, unable to confront his reflection.

"S-H-R-O-U-D!" he growled in rage. His anger boiled inside him, but he wasn't an idiot. Although he knew that Shroud was the one who knocked him out cold, he didn't know how Shroud did it.

All he could recall was seeing a terrifying demon before blacking out. Therefore, he came up with an idea. *tic-*tic-*tic, *toon-*toon*—"Hello." "Yes, hello brother, it's me, Raphile." The idea was to gang up on Shroud and teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget.

Back to the present...

"Oi, oi, oi, are you serious that this weak-looking skeleton knocked you out?" The tall figure said mockingly to Raphile. Raphile's cheeks reddened with embarrassment, but he remained silent.

"He is more than what he may seem on the outside, big brother. Otherwise, there is no way he could ever beat me in a face-to-face fight," Raphile said indignantly.

Seeing such childish behaviour, the person whom Raphile called brother shook his head. However, it wouldn't be false to say that he wasn't interested in this person named Shroud.

"Alright, alright, don't whine like a kid. We will help you get your revenge," the tall figure said. Hearing this, Raphile's eyes lit up with anticipation. A crazed smile formed on his face, which earned him a smack.

"Ow! Why did you do that?" Raphael asked the tall figure who had just smacked him.

"You look ugly. Don't make that expression," the tall figure said straightforwardly.

While the two were engaged in their conversation, Shroud had walked away, putting some distance between himself and the others. Not wanting to lose sight of Shroud, the tall figure, along with Raphile and a few others, followed Shroud stealthily.

To be continued...

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A/N: Hope you enjoy the chapter and feel free to comment. Your thoughts and criticism are valuable in helping me improve and stay motivated to write more.

Here is some ai generated art that one of my friends made using the character description from the auxiliary chapter. Check the comments.