Arrogant

...

'Transmigration is not real.'

I always believed that.

It is a concept that is only found in fictional works and fantastical tales.

However, I was forced to reconsider my beliefs when I woke up in a different world, inhabiting the body of a weak demon.

Ever since that day, I thought that my mental illness had taken a toll on my sanity and I was simply hallucinating.

I believed that... one day I will wake up from this bizarre dream and return to my ordinary life.

But as days turned into a week, I could no longer deny the reality of my situation.

On that day I created a set of rules for myself.

I vowed to adapt and survive till the end of this fantasy novel I had been unknowingly transported into.

I also promised to myself that I would try to cause as little harm as possible to the humans of this new world, despite being a demon. Even if it meant that I would have to fight against my own kind, not like I like them anyways.

And finally, I made a pact with myself to avoid the protagonists of this novel at all costs. Their path was filled with danger and turmoil, and I knew that aligning myself with them would only invite more trouble into my already complicated existence.

But it might be harder than I thought at first.

...

"Hello, can I sit here?"

A stunning girl with short dark hair and obsidian-like eyes was standing just beside me.

The sandwich I had in my hands almost fell out of my grasp as I looked up at her in surprise.

Lily...

I felt my stomach churn with dread, but I managed to compose my expression.

I think?

"Sure, go ahead."

I replied, trying to sound casual.

As she settled down beside me, I took the first bite of my sandwich.

It was a simple turkey and cheese sandwich, but at least it was a distraction from the person sitting just a few feet away from me.

'She doesn't know I'm a demon right?'

"..."

By the time I was halfway through my sandwich, I felt a gaze burning into my side

Peeking sideways, I found Lily's obsidian-like eyes staring directly at me, her expression unreadable. Her piercing gaze made me shift uncomfortably in my seat.

'What is her problem?'

Taking another bite, I tried to focus on my lunch and ignore her intense scrutiny.

"You are weird..."

Her voice broke the silence, almost making me choke on my sandwich.

"You think so?"

I coughed out, trying to regain my composure.

I have no clue about what she was referring to and I didn't want to converse with a protagonist in the first place.

'Must get out of here...'

Munching on the last bite of my sandwich, I was about to stand up and make my escape when Lily suddenly spoke again.

"You don't seem... a tad interested?"

I turned my head slightly to face her, a puzzled expression on my face.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

I replied, leaning back against the bench. Although I had failed to avoid the protagonists it didn't mean I couldn't be normal and engage in a casual conversation, right?

The situation is still salvageable...

I feel like I've said this sentence quite a lot recently...

"I don't want to sound arrogant but you are the only one who hasn't tried to interact or even glance at 'us'."

Lily spoke, making me snort inwardly. She really does sound arrogant, however, I get her point.

By 'us' she probably means her group of friends or the protagonists as I like to call them. It is not a secret that all of them are generational talents with incredible abilities and beautiful appearances.

It is almost impossible to avoid their presence in this Academy, especially since I am in their class.

However, I managed to do it well... too well in fact.

My complete ignorance or rather lack of interest in the group is something that probably a few people in the entire campus have.

It's just...

It seems quite funny how Lily framed her words, implying that I am the odd one out for not giving them attention.

"Pfff..."

Unknowingly, a chuckle escaped my lips, making Lily stiffen slightly in response.

Her obsidian-like colored eyes widened a fraction, making me laugh even more.

I don't know why but this situation feels oddly amusing to me. So much that I couldn't control my laughter at one point.

It might be due to continuous stress that had continued to build up with every day I lived in this Academy, but it took me a minute to regain my composure.

At first I felt embarrassment wash over me, but then dread took over.

Only then did I realize that I might've offended Lily or made myself look like a crazed lunatic.

Luckily, she didn't seem offended at all. The corner of her eye was slightly twitching from annoyance but that was the end of it.

"I'm sorry if I found it amusing..."

I finally managed to say, breaking the silence.

"But I am just a man who knows to mind his own business, I'm sorry if it offended you or anyone else."

Lie. I was most certainly not a person who could easily mind their own business. In fact, I would like to know everything you do and I'm most definitely not sorry for my lack of interest in your group.

Only if you know how much I actually know about your group and that it is a reason why I keep my distance.

'I hope this is enough...'

I turned my gaze toward Lily and seeing her nodding her head slightly, I smiled inwardly.

'Success...'

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AN: I have exams, so I can't write chapters :(