Lena’s Struggle

/General POV\

*Ringgg Ringgg* 

The bell rang for the second time today as everyone exited the class and headed for lunch.

Some students left the building to go get fast food, luckier ones went out to a restaurant in their downtime.

Others stayed and enjoyed the selections in the cafeteria. Since it was a relatively well off area, the food wasn't bad, so most people didn't really complain.

And in the middle of the cafeteria, at a table populated by many of the most popular in school sat many men and women.

Discussions ranged from parties they were having (or had), money they were spending, partners they were with, to whatever topic currently held their interests.

"This Friday? That sounds fun! Lena, are you coming?" A girl with brown hair wrapped in a ponytail asked excitedly as she glanced over at her friend.

Lena sat quietly, the conversations around her drowned out as her chin rested in the palm of her hand.

Seeing the lack of response, the girl shook Lena in an effort to get her attention.

"Hmm? What's happening again?" Seeing the dazed look on her friend's face, she couldn't help but laugh. 

"Are you okay? You've been staring into space constantly." Sya asked worriedly.

"Ah! Uhh…no reason, really. I've just been thinking about something that happened." Lena spoke as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Well—" Before Sya could speak, another member of their friend group ecalled out.

"No way! Has our little star finally found her match?!" After her outburst, the students who sat the closest stopped their conversations and listened in. After all, Lena was one of the most popular girls in the school.

Faced with the expectant gazes of her peers as their eyes burned with curiosity, the usually bold Lena froze up as she thought about the weekend she spent in Cloud City. 

Unfortunately, this only further reddened her cheeks and emboldened the small crowd more. 

Those who had a crush on her clenched their fists, while others widened their eyes in fear at the thought. 

Not for any reason other than one man; Keven.

Keven is well known throughout the school for two reasons. One, he's from a well off family. 

Two, he's Daniels right-hand man. 

So when someone of his status declared his love for Lena, no one dared to make any moves on her.

"I'm so happy for you! I can't believe you didn't tell me about him yet!!" Sya leaned over, hanging on Lena's shoulders as she pouted at her.

"No..it's not like that between us, we're just friends! Besides…I think he has a girlfriend already…" Lena's voice trailed off towards the end of her sentence as she looked down.

Silence prevailed before something broke it.

*Ting!*

It was just then that her phone buzzed and lit up as it showed that she received a text.

[Messages: Akashic]

Since she left her phone on the table, Sya had a perfect view of the contact name. 

"Aha! So Akashic is the one who stole my best friend's heart?" 

Lena quickly grabbed her phone and read the message, ignoring the questions flying at her.

["Hey, sorry. Something came up so I won't be coming to school today. I'll be there when your classes end to give you your clothes."]

A smile appeared on her face as she read the message, her thumbs quickly typing a reply as everyone stared on in disbelief.

*Ringgg Ringgg*

Before anyone could speak, the bells signaling the end of lunch rung and Lena made a quick exit.

Sya just shook her head and smiled at her friend's reaction. But soon her smile slowly faded. She glanced at Lena's departing figure with a complicated look. There was happiness, but also regret as she came to terms with what she had to do.

Standing up, she said her goodbyes as she walked away, pulling her phone out before navigating towards a contact.

[Keven] 

Letting out a sigh, she clicked the call button and waited with bated breath, every ring squeezing her heart until—

"You've finally decided to play along? I was starting to question how important your mother was to you." Keven could be heard laughing as he finished his sentence.

'Bastard…' Sya clenched her fists before taking a deep breath and responding.

"You wanted me to tell you if there was anything important, right? Well, she has someone she likes. Considering how she carried herself, it's more than a fleeting interest." Sya spoke.

Silence pervaded as Keven gave her no reply. In fact, if not for his heavy breathing she would've thought they got disconnected.

"Who?" Through gritted teeth, Keven finally responded.

"His…..name is Akashic—but I don't know much about him." As soon as she finished speaking, she was met with an unexpected reaction.

"Pffft!! Akashic? Hahaha! You really gave me a fright for a second! Besides looking a little handsome, that kid doesn't have much to offer her." Keven had tears in his eyes as he laughed, all of his anger and concerns dissipating in an instant.

He figured this was Lena's vain attempt to create a shield, thinking he would back off after all this time. 

'Silly, silly girl. Maybe I've been too lenient.' His mood brighter, Keven decided to collect what he felt he was owed.

"I have one final job for you, then you will be free. At the end of semester party this weekend, I'll tell you what to do." Keven ordered before hanging up, leaving no room for refusal.

Sya could only stand there in anger, feeling guilt at betraying her friend. Knowing what was on the line however, she sucked it up and went to class

Elsewhere, Keven sent Lena a friendly message.

["Come to the party this weekend."]

It took a little over half an hour before a response came.

["Sorry, I have important work to do."] 

Expecting this, he only sent one message.

["What a lovely sister you have. Glad I had my friend book a spot for tutoring. I wonder what expression the meek cutie would have once she realizes it's me?"] 

The smile on Keven's face got bigger as he sent the message, his heart pounding at the thought.

This time she didn't make him wait for a reply as she was lighting fast.

["Don't you dare!"] Lena's stomach dropped at the thought of his message.

["See you at the party then."] Were his final words to her before he put his phone back in his pocket.

He was a little direct, but was he afraid that she'd report him to the police? 

Not at all. She wouldn't be the first to do it, and she certainly wouldn't be the last.

Still, it would be a pity as the moment she took that step their little game would end. Just like her predecessors, she'd end up in some unmarked grave in the middle of nowhere.

'My overprotective uncle…wouldn't even let me get one last round in before dispatching them.' Keven shook his head before preparing the materials he'll need for the party.